Ecstacy of Love (vsoo)

5. Is this punishment less for you.

Edited

Military Camp

Jisoo’s POV

The weight of the wooden log was unbearable, a constant reminder of the failure that gnawed at me. Each failed attempt to lift it left me feeling more drained and frustrated. Why is everything so heavy? I thought to myself, as I dropped down to sit near the log, staring at the sky, my thoughts a jumbled mess.

Master, please help me. I need to find a way to clear my father's name, I whispered into the wind, as if the heavens might hear my plea. The sky was painted with the soft hues of sunset, but I barely noticed. I felt trapped in my own doubts, uncertain of how to proceed or whom to trust in this complex web of betrayal.

I couldn't even remember where I had come from, the place I had called home for so many years. The memories of my father, once a respected and noble man, seemed faded. All I had were fragments, but I knew one thing for sure—my father would never betray his country. To see his name smeared, branded as a traitor, was something I couldn't bear.

How could they do this to him? I clenched my fists, my heart aching with anger. I had no clear path, no one to turn to for answers. Every time I tried to ask about him, people avoided me, their faces hardening with suspicion. They called him a rebel, a traitor, as if they had forgotten the man I had once known.

A memory of my father surfaced in my mind—his voice, calm yet strong, telling me how he had always put his country first. I could still hear his words in my ears, and it made my resolve even stronger.

"I will not stop," I murmured through clenched teeth, looking at the setting sun. "I will find a way. I’ll clear your name, Father. I promise."

A single tear slid down my cheek, the only visible sign of the turmoil inside me. I quickly wiped it away, but it lingered in my heart.

I missed my mother. I missed my father. And most of all, I missed my old friend, Taetae. I had no idea where he was or what had happened to him, but I was certain he must be missing me as much as I missed him.

The loneliness was overwhelming, but I couldn’t let that stop me. I couldn’t afford to lose focus now—not when I was this close to uncovering the truth.

I stood up, the heavy log still daunting in front of me. But now, it felt like a mere distraction. My mission was clear. I had to keep moving forward, no matter the weight of the world on my shoulders.

For my family. For my father's honor. For the truth.

And so, I grabbed the log once more, pushing through the physical pain with the determination that burned in my heart.

The sound of his voice cut through my thoughts like a knife. Gunju…

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly wiped away the tear that had fallen. I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me as I looked up to meet his intense hazel gaze. It was him—Gunju Taehyung, the man I had once known, now standing before me, looking at me with that same piercing stare.

I couldn’t think straight. What is he doing here? Does he know who I am? My body froze, and my mind raced as I desperately tried to maintain my composure.

I struggled to stand up, my legs shaky from both the weight of the log and the overwhelming sense of dread that filled me. Focus. Stay calm, I told myself, but my voice betrayed my nerves. “G-Gunju…” I stuttered, my eyes darting around, refusing to meet his.