LOVEPHOBIA

Secrets at the Cafe

Areum found herself in a state of turmoil, and her thoughts weighed heavily on her heart. The recent trip to Busan had left her feeling strangely out of sorts, and she couldn't quite put her finger on the cause. She knew she needed to confront her feelings and decipher the enigmatic emotions that had been swirling inside her.

After days of contemplation, the truth finally revealed itself, and Areum's heart sank. It was a realization she had never anticipated. She had fallen for Lee Yeon Woo. The strange sensations she had been experiencing were likely born of jealousy. A profound sadness enveloped her, stemming from her perceived betrayal of her friends, especially Ji Eun.

Areum recognized that love was a force beyond her control. She couldn't command her heart whom to care for, and she certainly couldn't interfere with the budding romance between Ji Eun and Lee. She felt conflicted and torn.

Seeking counsel and a confidant, Areum decided to share her burdens with someone she could trust. Her choice was Cha, the reliable friend who had always been there for her. She called him and arranged to meet at a nearby cafe, away from prying eyes.

Cha, on the way to the cafe, couldn't help but wonder about the urgency of this rendezvous. Areum, who rarely ventured beyond the confines of her home, had requested his presence for something she deemed of utmost importance. He was intrigued and concerned.

Once they were settled in the cafe with their chosen drinks, Cha couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "What's going on, Areum?", he asked.

Areum, a mixture of panic and vulnerability in her eyes, took a deep breath and confessed, "This is some top secret stuff I'm about to say so don't ever open your mouth about this in front of anyone else. Not even the Woo club. Understood?"

Cha nodded solemnly, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Of course, you have my word. Now, can you please tell me what's troubling you?"

Areum, in a rush of words, admitted, "I've realized something that I wish I hadn't. I've developed feelings for Lee. I know it's wrong, and I shouldn't feel this way, but I can't-"

Before she could continue any longer, Cha, maintaining his calm demeanor, responded, "So, you've finally acknowledged your feelings."

"Wait, you knew?" Areum exclaimed, a mix of surprise and embarrassment in her voice.

Cha chuckled, "It was pretty obvious, Areum. I've seen the way you look at him."

Relieved that her secret had not been as hidden as she thought, Areum still had a lingering fear. "Does Lee know about this, too?"

Cha leaned in and assured her, "Don't worry; Lee's oblivious when it comes to matters of the heart. He's got his own issues, most of the time."

Grateful for Cha's understanding, Areum sighed. "Thank goodness for that. But I need to get rid of these feelings. Lee is meant to be with Ji Eun. I shouldn't be a hindrance to their relationship when I'm the one trying to bring them together."

Cha, ever the voice of reason, offered another perspective. "Why do you think you need to rid yourself of these feelings? You can care about him and let him decide for himself. Why not give yourself a chance?"

Areum, however, remained resolute in her decision. "But everyone knows he likes Ji Eun. Do you think he'd ever choose me when he has her as an option?"

Cha challenged her, "Why not? You never know what might happen in the future."

Despite Cha's advice, Areum felt that her feelings were inherently wrong, and she needed to overcome them. "Still, it feels wrong. This isn't how it's supposed to be."

Cha respected her decision and offered a way to move forward. "If you're determined to let go of your feelings, you'll need to become more observant of your surroundings. Maybe you'll find someone better suited for you, even if it seems unlikely."

Areum sighed with a mix of resignation and determination. "You're right. I should try to let go."

"Remember, Areum, you deserve happiness, too," Cha reminded her.

After their heartfelt conversation, Areum rose from her seat. "Thanks a ton for listening, Cha. I need to go now. You should head back, too."

Cha nodded and bid her farewell. "Take care, Areum. Bye."

With her heart feeling somewhat lighter, Areum left the cafe, ready to face the challenges of her complex emotions. Cha stayed there for a little longer thinking of how dumb Areum was in choosing to get rid of her feelings rather than going after them. 

After a while, he went to the cashier to pay for the drinks when he saw Areum had already paid. He was also given a small piece of paper by the cashier which was left by Areum for him. 

It said, "I knew you would come here to pay for our drinks! Do you think I am this selfish that I would take advise from you and won't even pay for the drinks? This was my treat! Thanks again! (> ◡ <)". The note made Cha smile. 

As Cha left the cafe, his heart felt lighter and he wore the smile on his face for the rest of the day.

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