Devotion (Oh Sion)

Soojin sat outside a small convenience store, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared at the pavement. The fluorescent lights above cast a dim glow, flickering slightly, as the cool night air brushed against her skin.

Sion stepped out of the store, holding two bottles of chocolate milk. Without a word, he placed one in front of her before sitting down beside her.

Soojin glanced at the drink before grabbing it with a quiet "Thanks." She took a small sip, letting the familiar taste linger on her tongue, before leaning back against the cool metal railing behind her.

Sion watched her for a moment, then asked, "Feeling better now?"

She turned to him with a small, tired smile, but the redness in her eyes betrayed her earlier tears. "Yeah, I'm okay now. Sorry for crying on you like that."

Sion shook his head. "It's not your fault. You needed someone to lean on."

Soojin stared at the drink in her hands, rolling the bottle between her fingers. The night was quiet, save for the occasional hum of passing cars and the faint chatter of late-night customers inside the store.

After a moment, she spoke again. "You're not telling me to break up with him."

Sion glanced at her, his expression composed. "That's not something I can tell you to do. It's your decision. But…" He paused. "I do hope you'll choose to leave him—for your own sake."

Soojin let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "That's new."

Sion raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Most people tell me outright to break up with him," she admitted, a bitter smile on her lips. "I know they say it because they care, but… maybe what I really needed was for someone to just listen."

Sion exhaled, resting his arm on his knee. "Sometimes, that's what matters the most. Having someone who just… listens."

Soojin turned to him, her gaze softening. "Thank you."

Sion grinned, taking a sip of his own drink. "It's my pleasure."

She let out a small laugh before sighing, leaning her head back against the railing. "I don't know, Sion. I don't know if I can actually leave him."

Sion didn't press her. Instead, he simply said, "It's your choice."

She looked at him, searching his face for judgment, but found none. Only patience.

She smiled, even if it was a little sad. "Yeah… I guess it is."

______♡°

The second year of university had begun, and Sion found himself sitting in Mirang's office, discussing Soojin. The room was warm, slightly dim, and filled with the subtle scent of coffee and old books. A sleek, dark wooden desk sat at the front, where Mirang leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, a look of disapproval on her face. On the couch across from her, Riku and Jaehee sat lazily, both absorbed in their phones—one scrolling aimlessly, the other typing away furiously.

Mirang exhaled sharply. "So why hasn't she broken up with that guy yet?"

Sion sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "She was going to, but then he pulled the classic 'I made a mistake, I'll never do it again' card. He begged, apologized—said he couldn't live without her."

Riku didn't even glance up from his phone before scoffing. "I wonder when she'll grow a backbone."

Jaehee immediately snapped, not looking up either. "Shut up, I'm working."

Mirang shot Riku a glare. "Stay quiet and let Sion speak."

Riku smirked, raising one hand in surrender. "Oops. My bad. Sorry." He went right back to scrolling.