Always yours | Yoon Jeonghan

19. Bitter rivalries

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"You wouldn't attend today's dinner?" you asked the person on the other side of the phone call, your voice filled with anticipation and hope.

However, instead of a cheerful response, you heard a deep sigh escaping from his lips before he replied.

"Can't miss my rehab." Seungcheol answered, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. You could hear the shuffling sounds from his side, indicating that he was getting ready to leave.

"Get well soon." you hummed, trying to convey your support and understanding. Hanging up the phone, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness.

You had been looking forward to having dinner with all of your friends, especially since Eunhae was free and could join the crew.

Unfortunately, Seungcheol's absence meant that the gathering of you four wouldn't be complete.

Just as you turned your heels to get inside the reserved room, you were startled by Minji standing right in front of you.

Her sudden presence caught you off guard, and you couldn't help but feel a rush of unease. Her glare was so intense that it felt like she could bury you twelve feet down if given the chance.

"So, you're his ex?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and hostility.

You simply nodded, knowing that she must have stumbled upon the articles that were circulating on the internet.

There was no need to explain anything to her; she had probably already formed her own conclusions. After all, you didn't owe her any explanations.

"I love him." she stated, her words hanging in the air, leaving you uncertain of her intentions.

It was a bold declaration, and you couldn't help but wonder what she was getting at.

"I know, but there's nothing I can do." you sighed, your voice tinged with a mix of resignation and empathy.

Walking past her, you tried to convey that it was futile for her to confess her feelings to you. If she truly wanted to express her emotions, she should approach Jeonghan and have an honest conversation with him.

You weren't responsible for his feelings towards you, and you were still grappling with your own dilemma of whether to give Jeonghan a second chance or not.

As you were about to step inside she held your wrist, her intense gaze still burning into your back.

you couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension. It seemed like she had more to say, and you couldn't deny the intrigue that tugged at your curiosity.

Turning around to face her, you met her eyes with a calm yet questioning expression.

"What is it, minji?" you asked, genuinely wanting to understand her perspective.

Minji took a deep breath, her voice laced with determination.

"Look, I know you have a history with Jeonghan, but I love him too." she said, her words ringing with a mix of vulnerability and conviction.

"I've seen how he looks at you, and it's clear that there's still something between you. But I want you to step back and give him a chance to move on." Her words hit you like a tidal wave, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within you.

You knew that Jeonghan still held a special place in your heart, but you had been trying to navigate your own feelings and figure out what was best for both of you.

The thought of stepping back and giving him the freedom to explore a new relationship was both terrifying and heartbreaking.

"He confessed he loves me, always did. I can't make decisions for him, and I certainly can't step back just because someone else wants me to." You responded after taking a moment to gather your thoughts.

"Minji, it's not him. It's you who needs to move on." Her expression softened slightly, her eyes reflecting a mix of frustration.

There was a brief moment of silence as both of you let the weight of the conversation sink in. You could sense the complexity of the situation, the emotions swirling within both of you.

You break free your wrist from her grasp and walk inside, leaving her to realise the gravity of the situation she is in. Alone.

When you entered, Wonwoo waved you over to sit across from him, next to Eunhae and Dino.

Then, Minji walked in with a smile, acting like your previous conversation never happened. Jeonghan was too busy talking to the manager to notice either of you coming in.

But when Minji saw Jeonghan sitting with the crew and an empty seat beside him, she got all hopeful, thinking he wouldn't be sitting with you. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

As soon as she sat down, Jeonghan's attention shifted, and he started looking out for you. When he saw you sitting with the other members, he asked Minji to move a bit so he could leave.

At first, Minji thought he just wanted to use the restroom, but her hopes shattered when she noticed him urging Dino to move to the empty seat beside you, she couldn't help but feel jealous and angry towards you.

Her heart burned as she watched Jeonghan throughout the whole dinner, being all attentive and sweet to you.

He was putting food on your plate, opening cans for you, filling up your glass with water, and even passing you tissues.

And despite the teasing from the others, he didn't care and even tried to make cute pickup lines for you.

Minji's jealousy and anger grew stronger, she felt like a knife twisting in her heart.

Minji wished it was her in your place, experiencing those sweet moments with jeonghan. She wished you never showed up, so that she could have had Jeonghan all to herself.

It was supposed to be her moment, but then you came along, and Jeonghan's feelings for you sparked like an electric bulb, and that's when everything went downhill.

Minji's frustration and hurt led her to paint you as the villain in her mind. She wanted to believe that Jeonghan still had feelings for her and that you were just an obstacle in their relationship.

In her delusion, she couldn't accept that Jeonghan never had feelings for her and finds happiness with someone else.

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The car's engine purred to a stop as Jeonghan turned the key, bringing the vehicle to a halt right in front of your residence.

"So, what's the plan for tomorrow?" Jeonghan inquired, his voice filled with curiosity. You took a moment to ponder before deciding on your agenda for the day.

"I just want to take a break and relax." you replied, feeling the anticipation of reaching home and indulging in a long, soothing shower followed by a blissful slumber.

"Thanks for the ride, Jeonghan." You opened the car door and stepped out, and to your surprise, Jeonghan followed suit.

"Would you like to have a date at your place?" His voice was gentle and filled with a request. You felt a tug in your heart, but you remembered the promise you made to someone else.

"Actually, I have plans with my neighbour's kids. If you don't mind, you can join us." you suggested, hoping he would understand.

"I'll be there around 5." he quickly responded to your invitation. Drawing closer, he planted a tender peck on your cheek before hopping back into the car, his face beaming with joy.

As you stood there, your hand instinctively touching your cheek, you couldn't help but process the whirlwind of events that had just unfolded. It all happened so fast, and the lingering sensation of his kiss still fluttered on your skin.