Know that I still love you

One Second Love: Chapter 4

Ji-Ho stepped inside Minghao's house, memories flooding her mind as she recalled the times she had been here before. It felt surreal after so many years. Minghao motioned her toward the couch. "Sit here. Wait for me—I'll grab the first aid kit," he said, darting off.

Ji-Ho looked around, taking in the framed photos of Minghao as a child. One picture caught her attention—a young girl hugging Minghao as they held a puppy. The sight left her feeling unsettled.

Minghao returned, kneeling to disinfect Ji-Ho's wound. "Ah, it hurts!" she exclaimed, wincing.
"Stay still; I'm almost done," he said gently. Ji-Ho watched him work, feeling a rush of emotions. She realized how deeply she cared for him. His kind eyes, sharp jawline, and calm demeanor—everything about him seemed perfect.

As Minghao stood, his legs buckled from squatting too long, and he nearly fell. He caught himself on the sofa, their faces suddenly inches apart. The air between them felt charged, their eyes locked in silence. Ji-Ho's heartbeat quickened.
"Uh, I think my legs are asleep," Minghao mumbled awkwardly. Ji-Ho quickly slipped under his arm, helping him sit.
"Are you okay now? Well, I should go—I need to get home," she said hastily, grabbing her bag and rushing out.

As she walked home, Ji-Ho's mind raced. Her heart still pounded from the close encounter. Throwing herself on her bed, she stared at the ceiling, trying to calm her thoughts. At the same time, Minghao lay in his room, equally restless, wondering about the feelings stirring within him.

Days passed, but the tension between them grew. Ji-Ho tried to focus on her dance class.
"Morning, cupcake," Bam Bam greeted, handing her a piece of cake.
"What do you want?" Ji-Ho said coldly, brushing him off.
"Wow, I try to be nice, but you're impossible," Bam Bam muttered, walking away in frustration.

From a distance, Minghao's familiar voice interrupted. "Are you okay?" Ji-Ho turned to see him standing near the tall grass, his warm smile easing her mood. She nodded silently, and he walked away.

In class, the teacher announced solo practices, leaving everyone to train on their own.
"Need any help?" Minghao offered.
"I'll let you know, thanks," Ji-Ho replied with a soft smile.

But outside the classroom, rumors began swirling. "She's dating Bam Bam. Didn't you see them holding hands?" someone whispered loudly.
Bam Bam suddenly appeared, wrapping an arm around Ji-Ho's waist. "Hello, my love," he said mockingly.
"Get off me!" Ji-Ho yelled, pushing him away. "What's your problem? Stop spreading lies about me!" She stormed out of the cafeteria, colliding with Minghao on her way out. He looked puzzled but concerned.

Inside the cafeteria, Minghao confronted Bam Bam.
"What did you do to her?" Minghao demanded.
"Why do you care?" Bam Bam sneered before ordering his men to scare Ji-Ho in the dance changing room.

Ji-Ho was alone in the changing room, trying to dance away her anger when the door swung open. Three men entered, smirking.
"Who are you?" she asked, backing up in fear.

Before she could react, they shoved her to the ground, rummaging through her belongings.
"Dancers need their legs, right? Let's see what happens when we mess them up," one of the men taunted, raising his foot to kick her.

Just then, the door burst open. Minghao charged in, swiftly taking down the attackers. "Leave!" he commanded. The men scrambled away in terror.

Minghao knelt beside Ji-Ho, who was trembling. "Come on," he said softly, helping her onto his back. He carried her to the dance room, where she finally calmed down.
"Were those Bam Bam's men?" she asked.
Minghao nodded. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, I'll protect you," he assured her. Ji-Ho hugged him tightly, surprising him with the warmth of her embrace.

The next day, Minghao received a call.
"Hey, handsome! Guess what? I'm coming back tomorrow!" a cheerful voice exclaimed.
"Hyeji?" Minghao said, stunned.
"Yep, dummy. Be ready!" she replied before hanging up.

Excited, Minghao began preparing to welcome her. At school, everyone was abuzz about Hyeji's arrival. Ji-Ho and her friend Emi noticed a massive welcome sign with Hyeji's face on it.
"She's that model we love! She's coming here?" Emi squealed.

Later, Minghao invited Ji-Ho to meet Hyeji, but Ji-Ho avoided him, overwhelmed by her emotions. She felt a pang of jealousy every time she saw Minghao and Hyeji laughing together.

That evening, Ji-Ho received an unexpected package—a beautiful dress she had admired in a store. The note read, "A gift – Minghao." Her heart swelled with happiness as she danced around her room, excited to thank him at Hyeji's party.

At the party, Ji-Ho arrived in the stunning dress Minghao had bought for her. But as she watched him interact with Hyeji, doubts crept in. Could he truly care for her the way she cared for him?