Know that I still love you

The Change in your Eyes: Chapter 3

   The rooftop was quiet, the distant hum of Seoul city life muffled by the height. Ji-Ho shivered as the breeze brushed against her, the remnants of egg and flour clinging to her clothes. Minghao gently guided her to a bench. "Here, let me clean you up," he said softly, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket. His touch was careful as he wiped away the grime from her face, his dark eyes reflecting the city lights like twin pools of moonlight. Ji-Ho couldn't help but admire the delicate lines of his face, the intensity in his gaze as he focused on his task.

For a brief moment, their eyes met. The air between them grew thick with unspoken words, but Minghao suddenly stepped back, breaking the connection. He folded the handkerchief and placed it in her hand. "You can finish the rest," he muttered, his voice cold as he turned away.

"Wait!" Ji-Ho's voice cracked, stopping him mid-step. "Why do you act like this? You pretend I don't exist, yet you stepped in to save me back there. Why? Why do you care at all?" Her words were heavy with frustration and longing, her fists clenched at her sides.

Minghao turned to face her, his expression icy. "Don't mistake my actions for caring," he said sharply. "I hate seeing Bam Bam torment people, even if he's my friend. But don't think for a second that you're special. You're not the first person I've helped." His words cut through her like a blade. Without another glance, he pushed open the glass door and disappeared down the staircase.

Ji-Ho stood there, her chest heaving as tears threatened to spill. She clutched the handkerchief tightly, her heart aching with regret and guilt. Slowly, she slid it into her pocket and made her way back to class.

Later that evening, Emi dragged Ji-Ho to a bustling barbecue restaurant, determined to cheer her up. The smell of grilled pork belly and fried kimchi rice filled the air as they sat at a small wooden table. For a while, laughter replaced the tension of the day, but Ji-Ho's mind kept drifting back to Minghao's cold stare and sharp words.

Days passed, and the routines of university life began to settle. Ji-Ho found solace under a cherry blossom tree on campus, a book in her hands. The pink petals drifted lazily in the breeze, offering a brief escape. That was until Bam Bam appeared, his mischievous grin disrupting her peace.

"Whatcha reading?" he teased, snatching the book from her hands.

"Give it back!" Ji-Ho snapped, standing to grab it.

Bam Bam smirked, holding it above her reach. "Come on, don't you find me charming? Every girl here does. Admit it, you've thought about me."

"Not even once," Ji-Ho shot back, narrowing her eyes. She snatched the book and turned away, only to notice Minghao passing by in the distance. Her heart sank as he avoided her gaze, his figure fading into the crowd.

Ji-Ho abandoned her book and sprinted after him, desperation fueling her steps. "Minghao! Please, let me explain!" she called, her voice trembling. He stopped but didn't turn around.

"Stop chasing me," he said coldly, his shoulders tense. "Just... let go and disappear." His words were final, each syllable cutting deeper than the last. Rain began to fall, soaking Ji-Ho as she stood frozen in place, watching him walk away.

The drizzle turned into a downpour. Ji-Ho collapsed to her knees, her tears mixing with the rain. She felt the weight of her past mistakes suffocating her. The world blurred until a shadow appeared before her.

"Hey, are you okay?" a familiar voice asked. Ji-Ho blinked up to see Bam Bam, holding an umbrella over her. Without waiting for a response, he scooped her up and carried her to a nearby car.

When Ji-Ho woke, she found herself in a luxurious room, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. Bam Bam sat by her side, grinning. "Morning, cupcake," he said, sliding a plate of toast and eggs toward her.

Ji-Ho's confusion quickly turned to anger. "Why am I here?!" she exclaimed, throwing the blankets off and scrambling to her feet. She bolted out the door, still in her borrowed pajamas, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

The streets were slick with rain, her bare feet splashing in puddles. She ran blindly until her legs gave out, tripping on the uneven pavement. Pain shot through her knee as she fell, scraping it badly.

"Ji-Ho!" a voice called out. She looked up to see Minghao rushing toward her on his motorcycle. He jumped off and crouched beside her, concern etched into his face. "You're hurt. Let me help," he said, gently lifting her into his arms.

Ji-Ho protested weakly, but the exhaustion and pain made her relent. She clung to him as he rode through the city, the cool night air stinging her wet skin. They arrived at a grand house perched on a hill, its lights glowing warmly against the dark sky.

Minghao helped her inside and sat her on a plush couch. "Stay still," he said, retrieving a first aid kit. He cleaned her wound with careful hands, his touch as gentle as his expression.

For the first time, Ji-Ho saw a flicker of the Minghao she once knew. Yet, as he wrapped her knee, the distance between them felt greater than ever.