Secret Love

The Second Attempt

(Will Haru able to defend herself tonight?

TRIGGER WARNING : NSFW BECAUSE AT THIS POINT, WE KNOW WHAT HAN-SEOK WANTS FROM HARU AND HE KNOWS IT WILL KILL HIS BROTHER)

Han-seo had been silenced the whole day. He held his beloved as they went to his brother's house. He felt guilty and cowardice for letting her doing this.

Haru made Min-jun, Vincenzo and Cha-young swore to not say a word to her parents. She didn't want them to know and be ashamed of what she's about to do.

"Han-seo, I'm sorry...", Haru sniffled.

Han-seo didn't say a word at first, but pulled her close for a kiss. "I should be the one to apologize. I'm not even doing anything to defend your honour".

"Why can't we run, Han-seo? I want to run away..., far away from him", Haru wiped her tears.

"I want to, but then, my brother won't stop. He'll find us like he always does".

"Would you still love me if...?", she can't even fathom of the outcome.

"I have loved you and I will continue to love you even if it means my life would be the sacrifice so you can live and be happy", he gently caressed her cheek.

"What's to live if I can't have you?", she kissed his hand.

"I don't want to let you go, but...".

"...But I have to...".

Han-seo reluctantly let her go. He didn't know why he can't fight back and this day would be day he would remind himself why he was such a coward.

GEUMGA PLAZA

An knocked on Mi-ri's piano school. He gave her a courteous bow before entering her classroom.

"It's Min-jun. Can you help me?".

Mi-ri followed An to the rooftop. Min-jun was slumped in the corner with beer cans and cigarette stubs all around him, looking miserable.

"He blames himself. I don't know what else I can do. He's never like this..., until lately that is", said An.

Mi-ri pushed some of the cans aside and sat next to Min-jun. She could hear his sniffles and sobbings, which was in contrast of the cheerful and happy Min-jun she had come to know.

"It's my fault. I can't protect my family", Min-jun mumbled.

"It's not your fault. Sometimes, we have to do what we must..., even when we hate it".

Min-jun finished the can in his hand and slowly crushed it. He imagined it was Han-seok's neck that he was choking.

Mi-ri took the can from Min-jun, who suddenly broke down in tears. She gently pulled him towards her, setting his head on her lap and letting him cry as much as he wanted. It was the only thing she could do to help.

HAN-SEOK'S PLACE

Haru took deep breath, her heart was racing and her head felt spinning. When the elevator door opened and she stepped into Han-seok's place, she said a short prayer, hoping to calm herself.

Han-seok was in the kitchen, setting the table and pouring the wine. He looked up and smiled when he saw Haru, wearing a sleeveless A-line black coloured dress with thin straps and a cardigan with Japanese floral designed.

Han-seok took her hand and kissed it, which Haru reacted by tugging her hand away after his kiss. Han-seok chuckled and towered over her.

He pushed her hair off of her shoulders and pushed her cardigan off. He smiled, seeing the marks he had left on her.