Secret Love

12 | grudge

Minho returned home under the cover of darkness, his mind consumed by the shocking revelation of Jisung's sudden departure. The evening hours ticked by, with Minho sitting in his car, lost in thought, as he struggled to come to terms with the unexpected news.

A maelstrom of emotions swirled within him - upset, anger, and a deep sense of betrayal. Minho couldn't fathom why Jisung had chosen to leave without a word, without even a hint of goodbye. The pain of being left behind, without any explanation, cut deep.

His thoughts drifted back to their last encounter, a lunch gathering at his mom's house. Even then, Jisung's responses had been lukewarm, his demeanor cold. Minho's attempts at kindness had been met with indifference, leaving him feeling frustrated and perplexed.

The memory of that painful encounter now stung even more, as Minho grappled with the reality of Jisung's absence.

As Minho sat in his car, parked on the bridge overlooking the vast river below, a torrent of emotions ravaged his mind. The pain of Jisung's departure had ignited a fire of resentment within him. He felt betrayed, hurt, and angry all at once.

"Why did you leave without telling me?" Minho's thoughts seethed with bitterness. "Why did you abandon me without a word?" The wound of Jisung's silence cut deep, and Minho couldn't help but feel a sense of loathing towards his former friend.

But beneath the surface of his anger, a more complex web of emotions churned. Minho couldn't shake off the feeling that Jisung's absence had left a gaping hole in his life. Everywhere he went, every thought he had seemed to be tainted by the memory of Jisung.

"What have you done to me, Jisung?" Minho's mind screamed in anguish. "Your absence is killing me!" The pain was suffocating, making it hard for him to breathe.

As he sat there, his hands clenched tightly around the steering wheel, Minho felt the sting of tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. He tried to fight them back, but it was no use. The dam broke, and Minho let out a sob, his body shaking with the force of his emotions.

In that moment, Minho hated himself. He blamed himself for Jisung's departure, knowing deep down that he was the reason for his friend's pain. It was his rejection, his inability to return Jisung's feelings, that had driven him away.

But what could he have done differently? He hadn't chosen to marry his wife; it was an arrangement made by others. Yet, the weight of his guilt remained, crushing him beneath its oppressive weight.

As the tears streamed down his face, Minho's thoughts were a jumbled mess of anger, sadness, and regret. He was lost, adrift in a sea of emotions, with no anchor to hold onto.

Jisung woke up to the gentle glow of morning light peeking through the white curtains. He stretched his arms above his head, letting out a languid yawn. After checking the time on his phone - 8:28 - he got out of bed and began his morning routine.

He remade his bed with meticulous care, then headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face. The cool water invigorated him, and he felt a sense of renewal as he stepped out of the bathroom, ready to take on the day.

With his shoes on and wallet in hand, Jisung headed out into the morning light. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. He walked to a nearby café, where he ordered a rich, bold coffee and a flaky pastry. As he sipped his coffee, he felt a sense of peace wash over him.

After finishing his breakfast, Jisung strolled along the riverbank, taking in the tranquil views of the water. He spotted a beach in the distance and decided to take a walk along the shore. The warm sand felt soft beneath his feet as he walked, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore a soothing melody.