Rivalry Rewritten: Enmity to Intimacy ( Volume: 2)

Thirty Nine

Meet me at the bottom of the ocean
Where the time is frozen
Where all the universe is open
Love isn't random, we are chosen
And we could wear the same crown
Keep slowing your heart down
We are gods now...
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Time passed, and slowly, Wooyoung began to adapt to life without San around. His friends—Mingi, Minji, Yeosang, and Yunho—were his lifeline, helping him navigate through the days and nights. They were relentless in their efforts to keep Wooyoung and Jiwoo entertained, taking them out for movies, dinners, arcade games, and more.

The group frequently gathered to play dress-up with Jiwoo, who took on the role of the judge with a seriousness that belied her young age. Tonight was no different. They were at Minji's place, and laughter filled the air as they paraded in their costumes.

Mingi strutted around in a flamboyant cape, earning giggles from Jiwoo. "I am the king of all things silly!" he declared, bowing dramatically to Jiwoo, who clapped her hands in delight.

Yeosang followed, dressed in a mismatched ensemble that included a feather boa and oversized sunglasses. "And I, dear princess," he said to Jiwoo, "am your loyal court jester."

Minji emerged wearing a princess gown, complete with a plastic tiara. "Princess Jiwoo," she said, curtsying, "your royal subjects are at your service."

Yunho, ever the golden retriever, donned a superhero costume and struck a heroic pose. "Fear not, Princess Jiwoo! Super Yunho is here to save the day!"

Wooyoung, who had been watching with a soft smile, finally joined in, wearing a simple but elegant outfit. "And I," he said, lifting Jiwoo into his arms, "am your humble knight, here to protect you always."

As they played, Wooyoung's mother and Mr. Choi stayed at the hospital, keeping vigil by San's side. Their absence tonight allowed the younger ones to rest and enjoy themselves without worry.

Despite the fun and laughter, a silent prayer lingered in everyone's hearts for San to wake up. Wooyoung, however, was grappling with a bitter truth. He hated that he was starting to lose hope. Each day felt like a betrayal to the love he had for San, and the thought gnawed at him incessantly.

After a particularly fierce costume battle, they all collapsed on the couch, Jiwoo nestled between them, giggling uncontrollably. Yunho ruffled her hair. "You're the best judge ever, Jiwoo."

Minji leaned back, her eyes meeting Wooyoung's. "We're making it, Woo. Little by little."

Wooyoung nodded, his heart heavy but grateful. "Thanks to you all, I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jiwoo yawned, her tiny arms reaching out for Wooyoung. He scooped her up, holding her close. "We'll keep going," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. "For her. For San."

They all shared a moment of quiet understanding, the weight of their unspoken hopes and fears pressing down on them. But for now, they had each other, and they had Jiwoo. That was enough to keep them moving forward, one day at a time.

As the evening wore on, the group decided to play a game of truth and dare. It had started with Yunho and Mingi bickering playfully, their banter reminiscent of old friends who shared a special bond.

"Truth and dare? Seriously, Yunho?" Mingi rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "You know I always win."

"Oh, please," Yunho retorted, crossing his arms. "You only win because you cheat."

"Cheat? Me? Never!" Mingi gasped dramatically, earning a laugh from everyone else.

"Alright, alright," Minji said, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "Let's settle this. Truth and dare it is."