Blue Flower (Boys Over Flowers Fanfiction)

Chapter 31

Clutching the snack in my hand, I hoped it would cheer Jan-Di up. But the rain was relentless, pouring down so hard it made it difficult to walk. I should've taken a taxi. But knowing her place was close, I took my chances. With a sigh, I felt the mud clinging to the back of my shoes.

Then I saw him.

"Huh?"

A familiar figure stood motionless in the downpour, his shoulders trembling as he sobbed. My heart clenched at the sight.

"Ji-Hoo?!" I called, rushing toward him. Without hesitation, I held my umbrella over his head, shielding him from the rain. His tear-streaked face made my chest ache.

"Come on, let's get you out of the rain," I urged gently.

The snack I had bought for Jan-Di was long forgotten. Ji-Hoo lifted his gaze to meet mine, his eyes hollow with pain, before suddenly pulling me into a hug. He was completely soaked, his body trembling against mine.

I felt helpless.

When his eyes fluttered shut, I panicked. This wasn't good.

Waving down a taxi, I helped him inside and directed the driver to my place. Ji-Hoo wasn't in any state to be left alone tonight.

I swore I kept my eyes shut as I changed him into Jae-Won's clothes. I wasn't about to take advantage of the situation.

Once I was done, I placed a damp towel on his forehead, frowning at how warm he was. He was burning up, his body still shivering beneath the blankets.

I sighed, brushing a strand of damp blonde hair away from his face.

Ever since Seo-Hyun left, Ji-Hoo had been drowning in loneliness. And yet, he still put Jan-Di's happiness before his own, breaking himself piece by piece just to protect her heart.

It wasn't fair.

My hand lingered on his cheek, my chest tightening.

Ji-Hoo's fingers reached up, gently holding my hand in place. His grip was weak, but the way he clung to the touch made my heart ache. I watched as he drifted into a peaceful sleep—maybe the first real rest he'd had in a long time.

The next morning, I woke up early to prepare breakfast. I checked on Ji-Hoo first, relieved to see that his fever had gone down.

As I stirred the chicken broth, slow footsteps descended the stairs. A groggy Ji-Hoo appeared in the kitchen, rubbing his eyes.

"Good morning! You fainted yesterday, so I brought you here," I explained, untying my apron. "Come eat."

He hesitated, looking uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry you had to do all this for me," he murmured. "You could've just left me in the rain."

I frowned. "Don't say that. You're my friend, Ji-Hoo. I wasn't about to leave you when you needed someone."

My words seemed to hit him harder than I expected. His expression shifted, a flicker of something vulnerable passing through his eyes.

"How do you do it?" he asked after a moment.

"Do what?" I asked, scooping some rice onto his plate.

"Move on."

I sucked in a breath. I understood exactly what he meant.

Ji-Hoo and I were the same—both orphans, both carrying the weight of memories we couldn't let go of. It was a cycle of grief, a loop that felt endless.

But I had found my answer.

"I realized I can still find my happiness," I said simply, taking a bite of my food.

Ji-Hoo didn't reply, but I knew he was thinking about my words. He ate in silence, probably embarrassed about letting me see him at his weakest. But I didn't mind. I just wanted him to be happy.

That afternoon, Woo-Bin suggested throwing a housewarming party for Jan-Di's new apartment. It was a simple idea, but everyone immediately agreed.

We picked up wallpaper, paint, and cleaning supplies, determined to make the place feel like home. Yi-Jung arrived with Ga-Eul just before the others.

Gripping a cloth in my hand, I focused on scrubbing the windows. The dust was stubborn, but after some effort, the glass sparkled like new.

Just as I moved to another spot, something wet hit my cheek.

I froze.

Touching my face, I realized it was—pink paint?

Whipping around, I caught sight of the culprit quickly averting his gaze, feigning innocence.

"Song Woo-Bin!" I stomped toward him, fuming.

"How dare you!" I jabbed a finger at his chest, thoroughly pissed off.

Woo-Bin chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "Sorry?" He wasn't sorry at all.

With a smirk, I dipped my fingers into the paint and flicked it onto his shirt.

Woo-Bin burst into laughter. Soon, we were both covered in paint, and for once, I felt completely carefree. I wanted to keep going, but since this was Jan-Di's apartment, making a bigger mess wouldn't be fair. Shooting him one last glare, I returned to cleaning.

This time, no one disturbed my peace.

That night, we gathered for dinner to celebrate. Jan-Di thanked us repeatedly, her smile making all our efforts worth it.

"Why don't we play a truth game?" Ga-Eul suggested excitedly.

Everyone agreed.

The game was simple: answer truthfully, or kiss the person who asked the question.

When Woo-Bin asked if I liked someone in F4, I didn't expect the room to go so quiet.

I admitted I did. But I also said I was sure that person didn't like me back.

No one laughed or teased me about it, which only made me feel more self-conscious.

Later, as the party ended and everyone was heading home, Woo-Bin and I walked together down the quiet street. The night air was cool, a light breeze brushing against my skin.

"You never answered my question properly," he said suddenly.

I glanced at him. "Huh?"

"Back at the game," he clarified. "Is it true? Do you really like someone in F4?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. "I... I do."

Woo-Bin nodded slowly, as if digesting my words. Then he smirked. "Must be a lucky guy."

I let out a nervous laugh, wrapping my scarf tighter around me. "I don't know about that."

Woo-Bin stopped walking, making me halt as well. He turned toward me, his eyes darker than usual. "I hope it's me."

My breath caught in my throat.

"I can't bear to see you in another man's arms," he murmured.

His fingers tilted my chin up, his gaze locking with mine. My knees felt weak, my heart pounding in my chest.

What just happened?