Blue Flower (Boys Over Flowers Fanfiction)

Chapter 14

The next day, the competition resumed, and tension filled the air. Everyone knew the odds were in Jun-Pyo's favor, and the anticipation was making them restless. I glanced at Ji-Hoo, searching for any sign of emotion, but his expression remained unreadable. On the other hand, Jun-Pyo wore a smug smile, as if he had already won.

I scoffed at the ridiculousness of it all. As much as I liked the curly-haired idiot, he could be incredibly ignorant sometimes.

"Do you really need to go this far?" I asked, hoping my words would make him reconsider.

Jun-Pyo smirked, eyes filled with confidence. "Sora, a man never backs down from his word. We have to settle this once and for all."

I exhaled sharply, frustrated. "Why? Wouldn't it be better to just focus on us?" I reminded him, hoping he'd recall the emotions behind our kiss.

But he shrugged. "Maybe after this is over, I will." His voice was distant, as if he was in his own world—completely detached from the fact that he was trying to expel one of his closest friends.

My hands clenched into fists. He wasn't going to back down.

"You're an idiot, Jun-Pyo. A complete fool," I snapped before walking away, leaving him stunned. His chest tightened at my words, and the realization pissed him off even more.

That evening, I went to see Ji-Hoo. If no one else was going to talk some sense into him, I would.

Jun-Hee gave me his address, and I found myself standing outside his house, knocking on the door. When Ji-Hoo opened it, his expression flickered with surprise.

"I'm sorry for showing up like this," I said softly. "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" he asked, studying me.

I hesitated. "The car race... You shouldn't do it. Forfeit, Ji-Hoo."

His gaze hardened slightly. I could tell he was silently questioning why I cared.

"It's not for you to decide," he muttered, trying to sound indifferent. But the tension in his jaw told me he wasn't as unaffected as he wanted to seem.

I met his gaze. "Your parents died in a car crash. You were in it, Ji-Hoo. Do you really think you're ready for this?" I said softly. "Because I know I wouldn't be."

Ji-Hoo stiffened, caught off guard.

No one—not even Jan-Di—had said this to him.

He turned on his heel. "Follow me," he instructed, leading me to his garage.

He got into one of his cars, settling into the driver's seat. I hesitated before climbing in beside him.

His fingers tightened around the steering wheel.

Then, like a flash of lightning, I saw it—the terror in his eyes.

A painful memory consumed him, dragging him back to that tragic moment. His hands trembled, knuckles turning white against the leather.

"Ji-Hoo," I whispered, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm here."

Tears welled in his eyes, spilling down his cheeks.

"Why do you care, Sora?" His voice wavered, raw with emotion.

The last time we had spoken, I had slapped him. He had left me alone after that, knowing he had deserved it. But now, here I was, confronting his deepest fears.

"Because you and I... We're more alike than you think."

His head snapped toward me, startled by my words.

For a long moment, he just stared at me. Then, before I could react—

He kissed me.

My mind went blank.

Ji-Hoo's lips were soft yet desperate, as if trying to drown out his pain. I closed my eyes, letting him pull me deeper. My fingers tangled in his blond hair, and he took the chance to deepen the kiss. Our lips moved in sync, and I felt it—his sorrow, his loneliness.

Ji-Hoo was haunted by his past.

And I was still trying to recover from mine.

We finally broke apart, breathless.

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

"Don't be," I whispered. "You needed a distraction."

But he shook his head. "No... You're not a distraction. You're something else."

I wasn't sure what he meant, but I let it go. We stepped out of the car, and I left, feeling the weight of what had just happened.

Not only had I kissed two members of F4, but now they were both giving me a headache.

And this was far from over.

The next day, everyone gathered, prepared for the race.

Jun-Pyo's usual confidence had dimmed. He was clearly affected by the strain in his friendship with Ji-Hoo. As I walked with Woo-Bin and Yi-Jung at my side, I glanced to my left. Ji-Hoo stood with Jan-Di and Ga-Eul, his usual blank expression in place.

Then, suddenly, his eyes flicked to me.

His stare lingered.

I shrieked, catching the attention of several students. Ji-Hoo smirked before casually walking into the arena, amused by my reaction.

I groaned. This is bad.

The race began, and my heart pounded.

Jun-Pyo took the lead, with Ji-Hoo trailing behind. Just when it seemed like Jun-Pyo had the upper hand, Ji-Hoo closed the gap.

The entire crowd was on the edge of their seats.

They crossed the finish line at almost the same time. A tie.

I let out a sigh of relief. At least no one got hurt.

But the competition wasn't over yet.

The last challenge?

Swimming.

This wasn't just a competition anymore.

This was about healing old wounds.

And Jun-Pyo? He was at a clear disadvantage.

"No way! I'm not doing it!" Jun-Pyo immediately refused.

"If you forfeit, Ji-Hoo wins," someone pointed out.

Jun-Pyo went silent. He hated admitting it, but this was going nowhere.

Then, a hand shot up.

"Let's make an exception," Yi-Jung suggested. "I'll compete on Jun-Pyo's behalf."

Jun-Pyo nodded in agreement.

"That wouldn't be fair to Ji-Hoo," Jan-Di suddenly spoke up. "I'll compete for him."

I clenched my jaw.

This entire mess started because of her. And yet, she had sided with Ji-Hoo over and over again. She hadn't once apologized to Jun-Pyo—or to the rest of F4—for the chaos she had caused.

Jun-Hee turned to Jan-Di. "Are you sure?"

Before she could answer, I stepped forward.

"Then I'll compete instead of Yi-Jung. Woman to woman. How about that?" I said, smirking.

Jan-Di blinked in surprise. "Why?"

Because I wanted her to understand.

Things would've been better if she hadn't hurt Jun-Pyo.

I saw it in her face—the way my words struck her heart.

She knew I had always defended her.

But now?

Now, I wasn't on her side.

And for the first time, she realized...

She was completely alone.

And she had no one to blame but herself.