Whispers of the heart

Chapter 18: WHAT WILL I DO WITH YOU ?

The next day, as I was tidying up the cafe, preparing to leave, the bell above the door chimed. I turned, ready to apologize for our closing hours, but my words caught in my throat. It was Seoyeon—the same Seoyeon who had once been a thorn in my side, the girl who had vied for Hyunjin's attention.

"Sorry, we're about to close," I began, but Seoyeon interrupted gently, "I'm here for you, Wendy."

Perplexed, I led her to a table, where we both sat down. "What brings you here?" I asked, curiosity mingling with apprehension.

Seoyeon took a moment before speaking, her tone surprisingly calm. "I want to talk to you about Hyunjin."

I frowned, my heart twisting at the mention of his name. "What about him?" I inquired, unable to conceal the tremor in my voice.

Seoyeon's gaze softened with empathy. "He's not doing well, Wendy. Since your breakup, he's lost himself. He's stopped playing basketball, spending time with friends... He's just not the same."

My chest tightened with guilt, the weight of her words sinking in. "I didn't mean to hurt him," I murmured, feeling the sting of tears behind my eyes.

Seoyeon reached across the table, taking my hands in hers. "I know, Wendy. But he needs you. More than you realize."

Tears threatened to spill over as I absorbed her plea. "I don't know if I can," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

"He lost his smile," Seoyeon whispered, her voice breaking. "Seeing him like that—it hurts me too."

Her confession was unexpected. Jealousy, she admitted, had fueled her past actions. She apologized, her vulnerability laying bare the complexities of our shared history. I thanked her, my heart heavy with the weight of our tangled emotions.

But when I told her it was too late, that Hyunjin and I weren't meant for each other, she shook her head. "Don't give up on him," she implored. "He needs you more than you realize."

As she left, she turned back, determination etched on her face. "If you're afraid of Mrs. Kim," she said, "I'll talk to her. But don't give up on Hyunjin."

Her words lingered as I watched her disappear into the night. Maybe, just maybe, love wasn't a lost cause. Perhaps it was time to reconsider—to find a way back to the boy who had once held my heart, even if the path was fraught with uncertainty.

The days that followed were a relentless loop of Seoyeon's words echoing in my mind. I served customers at the cafe, my movements mechanical, my thoughts elsewhere. And then, as if fate had a cruel sense of humor, I saw him—the man who had once stabbed Hyunjin. His face, etched with malice, sent shivers down my spine. Memories flooded back—the blood, the fear, the desperate struggle to survive.

Unaware of my surroundings, I collided into Eun Sang . and the plates she carried crashed to the floor, drawing everyone's attention. But my gaze remained fixed on the man's table. Turning to flee, I glanced back at the man's table, only to find his gaze fixed on me with chilling recognition. My heart pounded with fear as I hurried out of the café, urging Eun Sang to call the police.

Outside, the man appeared before me, blocking my escape route. Frozen with fear, I tried to feign ignorance, pretending I didn't recognize him. But he saw through my façade, his demeanor turning menacing as he advanced toward me.

"Well, well, if it isn't the little bird who flew away. You thought you could hide from me? You thought I wouldn't find you after you ratted us off and getting us on a wanted list?"

With terror gripping my heart, I tried to deny any recognition, but his menacing advance shattered my facade.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about!"

But he saw through my trembling façade, closing in with a predatory grin.
"You can't run from me, sweetheart. You're mine."

Fear paralyzed me. But then, like a beacon of salvation, Hyunjin's voice cut through the haze. He called my name, and I ran toward him, seeking refuge in his arms. His concern was palpable. "Are you okay?" he asked, and I nodded, tears blurring my vision.

Hyunjin turned to face the man who had made me cry, his anger simmering. "I warned you the last time," he said, his voice low. "I won't tolerate anyone hurting her."

The man laughed, taunting. But Hyunjin's memories were vivid—the pain, the near-death experience. Hyunjin launched into action, unleashing a fierce barrage of blows. I watched in awe and fear as he fought to defend me, his resolve unyielding.

In a desperate attempt to retaliate, the man brandished a pocket knife, triggering a chilling sense of déjà vu.

Hyunjin didn't flinch. He dodged the attack, disarmed the man, and held him in a vice grip. Just then, Eun Sang appeared with the police, sirens wailing. The man tried to flee, but justice caught up with him.

As they led him away, I clung to Hyunjin. His strength, his unwavering protection—it was both my salvation and my vulnerability. The past had resurfaced, but this time, we stood together. And as the rain began to fall, washing away the bloodstains, I knew that history wouldn't repeat itself. Not this time.

Hyunjin and I stood in the sterile confines of the police station, our statements unraveling the events that had led to this moment. The man who had once threatened my life was now behind bars, justice served. But my unease lingered, and Hyunjin's unwavering grip on my hand offered solace.

As we stepped out into the cool evening, I turned to him, curiosity and gratitude warring within me. "How did you know?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

His admission surprised me. "I've been secretly watching over you," he confessed. "I couldn't stay away."

I should have been angry, but instead, I stepped closer. "Once again, Hyunjin," I said, my heart swelling, "you put your life in harms way to save mine. What will I do with you?"

I led him to a nearby pharmacy, his bruised knuckles a testament to the fight he had waged. I tended to his wounds, disinfecting and bandaging them. His eyes held mine, gratitude and something deeper reflected there.

"Thank you," I whispered, my fingers lingering on his hand. "For always being there."

And then, unexpectedly, he pulled me into a hug. This time, I didn't push him away. Instead, I clung to him, feeling the warmth of his embrace—the familiarity of it—as if we hadn't been apart for a million years.

Back at the cafe, Eun Sang's worried expression greeted us. My boss hovered nearby, concern etched on his face. Both of them thanked Hyunjin, their gratitude genuine. He left, and as I watched him go, a smile tugged at my lips. Maybe, just maybe, our story wasn't over yet.