Know that I still love you

Don't Wanna Cry: Chapter 5

The afternoon unfolded with excitement as Ji-Ho and her friends prepared for the evening gala. They dressed in elegant outfits, hair and makeup perfectly done, before heading to the grand mansion where the celebration was in full swing. Among the crowd of a thousand guests stood Minghao, dashing in a sharp suit. Ji-Ho's heart fluttered, but before she could reach him, the spotlight shifted to Hyeji, the glamorous birthday girl. As Minghao danced gracefully with Hyeji, Ji-Ho observed from a distance, her emotions a mix of admiration and sorrow. The dance was beautiful, a reminder of late-night waltzes shared with him long ago. When Hyeji delivered a heartfelt speech about chasing her dreams in the U.S., the crowd was stunned by Minghao's bold kiss. Ji-Ho's tears welled up, but Bam Bam intervened, gently escorting her away.

In a private moment, Minghao confessed his feelings to Hyeji, only to face rejection. Broken-hearted, he watched her leave for good. Meanwhile, Bam Bam comforted Ji-Ho, taking her to a serene overlook of the city lights. In the quiet of the night, he professed his love, leaving Ji-Ho conflicted.

The next day at school, news spread about Minghao's departure. Overwhelmed, Ji-Ho, with Bam Bam's help, raced to the airport to bid him farewell. Despite the heartbreak, Ji-Ho encouraged Minghao to follow his dreams, even if it meant letting go of their past. He hugged her one last time, leaving her with bittersweet memories.

Days turned into weeks, and Ji-Ho grappled with her emotions, often visiting the rooftop where their shared moments lingered. At school, she faced cruel bullying, only for Bam Bam to step in, announcing her as his girlfriend. The declaration left Ji-Ho torn when Minghao reappeared, rekindling old feelings.

A spring break trip with friends brought adventure but also complications. Ji-Ho found herself lost, injured in the woods, only to be rescued by Minghao. His unwavering care reignited her feelings, but Bam Bam's possessiveness and Minghao's return stirred deeper turmoil. Ji-Ho found herself caught between two loves, unsure of her heart's true desire.

As time passed, Ji-Ho's relationship with Bam Bam became strained. His behavior changed, and jealousy took its toll. Seeking solace, Ji-Ho turned to Minghao, whose gentle support and patience stood in stark contrast to Bam Bam's volatility. Their bond deepened, yet Ji-Ho struggled to reconcile her feelings.

The love triangle grew more complicated with each encounter, their emotions weaving a tangled web of passion, heartbreak, and longing. Through moments of laughter, tears, and self-discovery, Ji-Ho faced the ultimate question: could she follow her heart and find the happiness she deserved, or would the pull of the past forever shape her future?

They spent the day at the amusement park, the sounds of laughter and chatter surrounding them. Ji-Ho found herself genuinely smiling for the first time in weeks. Minghao's carefree attitude and sweet gestures melted away the pain she had been carrying. As they rode the Ferris wheel at sunset, the golden light framed his gentle expression.

"Ji-Ho," Minghao began, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "I know your heart has been torn between Bam Bam and me, but I don't want you to feel pressured. I just want to see you happy, even if it's not with me."

Ji-Ho turned to him, her chest tightening. "Minghao... why are you always so good to me? Even after everything?"

He chuckled softly, looking out at the horizon. "Because you were my first love, Ji-Ho. And some part of me will always love you, even if I have to let you go."

Her eyes welled up with tears. She wanted to respond but found herself speechless. Minghao's ability to care so deeply without expecting anything in return broke down her walls.

As they walked back home, Minghao pulled her into a photo booth. "Come on, let's make memories. Something to look back on," he said with a teasing grin. The photos were filled with silly faces and one unexpected moment when Ji-Ho leaned in and kissed his cheek, catching him completely off guard. The last frame captured his stunned but glowing smile.

Back at school, things with Bam Bam grew even more complicated. Ji-Ho struggled to address his increasingly reckless behavior. He was frequently surrounded by girls, and while she tried to trust him, the rumors and his dismissive attitude toward her concerns left her feeling isolated.

One evening, she confronted him in the cafeteria. "Bam Bam, I can't keep pretending this doesn't bother me. If you care about me, you need to set boundaries with these other girls."

He scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Why are you so jealous, Ji-Ho? You know I chose you."

"But it doesn't feel like it anymore," she said, her voice breaking. "I don't want to feel like just another option."

Bam Bam sighed and got up, walking away without a word. Ji-Ho sat there, tears threatening to spill, until Minghao appeared, setting his tray down next to her.

"You don't have to explain," he said gently, offering her a napkin. "But you don't deserve to feel like this, Ji-Ho."

That night, Ji-Ho reflected on her relationships with both Minghao and Bam Bam. She realized that while Bam Bam's love was thrilling and chaotic, Minghao's was steady and safe, like an anchor in a storm. But could she let go of Bam Bam when her heart still longed for him?

Spring break arrived, and the group decided to take another trip—this time to a cabin in the mountains. Ji-Ho hesitated to go, fearing the unresolved tension, but Minghao convinced her. "It'll be good for you to get away, to clear your mind."

The cabin was breathtaking, nestled in a valley surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms. The group spent their days hiking, playing games, and sitting around the fire at night. Minghao and Ji-Ho's bond grew stronger, while Bam Bam remained distant, lost in his own world.

One evening, as the others slept, Ji-Ho stepped outside to stargaze. Minghao joined her, draping a blanket over her shoulders. "You've been quiet all day," he noted.

"I've just been thinking... about everything," she admitted. "I don't know if I'm making the right choices."

Minghao turned to her, his eyes searching hers. "Sometimes, the right choice isn't clear. But you deserve someone who chooses you completely, without hesitation."

His words lingered in her mind as the days passed. On the last night of the trip, Bam Bam finally approached her. "Ji-Ho, can we talk?"

She nodded, following him to a secluded spot by the lake. "I've been an idiot," he confessed. "I don't want to lose you, but I don't know how to be the person you need."

"Bam Bam, I've been trying so hard to hold on to what we had," she said, her voice trembling. "But I can't keep hurting myself for something that doesn't feel right anymore."

His face fell, but he nodded in understanding. "I get it. I'm sorry I wasn't enough for you."

They parted ways, both feeling the weight of finality.

Back at school, Ji-Ho focused on herself, diving into her passions and finding strength in her independence. Minghao remained by her side as a constant support, their relationship growing in a way that felt effortless and natural.

One day, while they were practicing for an upcoming dance competition, Ji-Ho tripped and fell into Minghao's arms. They both laughed, but as their eyes met, the laughter faded. He leaned in slowly, and this time, Ji-Ho didn't pull away. The kiss was soft and full of unspoken promises.

"Minghao," she whispered, tears in her eyes. "I think I've been in love with you all along."

His smile was brighter than the sun. "I've been waiting to hear that."

Their love story wasn't perfect, but it was theirs, built on friendship, forgiveness, and a deeper understanding of each other. As they danced together under the stars, Ji-Ho knew she had finally found her home—in Minghao's arms.