Know that I still love you

Love On The Line: Chapter 8

      As the days passed, Ji-Ho and Minghao spent time together, navigating their emotions and growing closer despite Ji-Ho's confusion over her feelings for Bam Bam. During the music camp, Ji-Ho and Minghao bonded over various activities like water fights and campfire songs, with Minghao revealing his deep feelings for Ji-Ho. One night, Minghao shared his doubts about love, prompting Ji-Ho to nervously describe the kind of person he deserved, unknowingly describing herself. Minghao, sensing the connection, gently teased her, and Ji-Ho ran away embarrassed. When they returned to school, Ji-Ho tried to make amends with Bam Bam but faced rejection. Minghao, who had always been there for her, advised her to move on. Ji-Ho, feeling torn, struggled with her feelings for Bam Bam, who had distanced himself due to family pressures. Meanwhile, Minghao's feelings for Ji-Ho grew stronger, and he started making his intentions clear.

In a heartfelt moment, Minghao took Ji-Ho on a hike to watch the sunset, where he silently expressed his love for her, though he still kept his emotions hidden. As graduation approached, Ji-Ho received an unexpected offer from the dance academy where Minghao would attend, providing her with a scholarship and teaching position. However, she hesitated, torn between her growing feelings for Minghao and her unresolved relationship with Bam Bam. As graduation approached, Ji-Ho's emotions were a whirlwind. The offer from the prestigious dance academy weighed heavily on her heart. She was thrilled at the opportunity but felt conflicted. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Bam Bam, even though he had pushed her away so many times. She couldn't help but wonder if there was still a chance to make things right, but the love she once had for him seemed to fade with each passing day. The more Minghao supported her, the more she realized how much he truly cared for her. But was she ready to let go of Bam Bam completely?

One day, after receiving a letter from Bam Bam's mother—threatening to ruin her career if Bam Bam didn't let go of her—Ji-Ho felt crushed. She couldn't fathom that Bam Bam had truly chosen his family's pressure over her. She needed answers. She went to find him, determined to get clarity once and for all.

"Minghao, can you come with me?" Ji-Ho asked as she walked into the dance studio, her eyes puffy from the tears she had held back all day. Minghao, who had been waiting for her, immediately sensed her distress.

"Of course," he said, his tone filled with quiet resolve. They made their way to the old café where Ji-Ho had spent so many afternoons with Bam Bam. It felt strange to be here now, as though everything had changed.

When they arrived, Ji-Ho didn't see Bam Bam. Instead, she found a letter on the table with his handwriting.

"I'm sorry, Ji-Ho. I have to do this for my family. I hope you find someone who can love you like you deserve."

The words hit Ji-Ho like a ton of bricks. She couldn't believe it. She had been holding onto a dream of reconciliation, but Bam Bam had already moved on.

Tears welled up in her eyes as Minghao stepped forward, gently wiping them away. "You don't have to carry this burden alone, Ji-Ho. I'm here. I always will be."

Ji-Ho, overwhelmed with emotions, finally let herself lean into Minghao's arms. His embrace felt like the comfort she had been searching for. "I don't know what to do. I thought I had more time to fix things, to make it right with him."

"You don't need to fix anything for him," Minghao said softly. "You deserve to be loved for who you are. You deserve someone who's not afraid to stand by you, someone who will fight for you. And Ji-Ho, I'm ready to fight for you."

Ji-Ho looked up at him, the weight of her past relationship slowly lifting as she allowed herself to focus on the present—on Minghao. For the first time in a long while, she felt at peace with her emotions. She realized that maybe, just maybe, Minghao had been the one all along—the one who truly saw her, who loved her not for her perfection, but for everything she was.

After that day, things between Ji-Ho and Minghao shifted. She no longer hesitated to explore the growing feelings between them. They went on more walks, shared late-night talks, and even danced together in the quiet of their classrooms, letting the rhythm of the music bind them closer.

As the summer progressed, Ji-Ho finally made her decision. She accepted the scholarship offer from the dance academy, choosing to follow her dreams with Minghao by her side. Together, they faced the future, and Ji-Ho couldn't help but feel hopeful for what lay ahead. Minghao was more than just her friend now—he was her love, the one she'd been waiting for all along.

On the day of her departure for the academy, Minghao met her at the station, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"Ready to start this new chapter?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.

Ji-Ho smiled, her heart full. "With you by my side, I'm ready for anything."

They boarded the train together, hand in hand, ready to face the world. Though they didn't know exactly what the future held, they knew one thing for sure—they would face it together, stronger and more in love than ever before.