Between Love and Friendship [BL]

Part 2

As the wedding day approaches, my emotions spiral out of control. Flashbacks haunt me—Ji-won comforting me when I failed a test, laughing with me on our trips, holding me close during my darkest moments.

I try to act normal, but it's getting harder to hide the pain. Every interaction with Ji-won is torture. He's oblivious to my struggle, wrapped up in wedding plans and his love for Hye-jin.

One evening, as we sit by the lake, Ji-won starts talking about the future. He's excited about married life, about starting a family. I can't take it anymore. I mumble an excuse and leave, fighting back tears.

"Hey, In-su," Ji-won calls out, stopping me in my tracks. "Are you okay? You've been acting weird lately."

I take a deep breath, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just stressed about finals. You know how it is."

He frowns, not entirely convinced. "If you need to talk, I'm here for you."

The irony stings. He's offering me a lifeline while unknowingly drowning me. "Thanks, Ji-won. I appreciate it."

The days blur together in a haze of pain and longing. I throw myself into my studies, hoping the distraction will help. But nothing can erase the image of Ji-won's smiling face, the sound of his laughter, the feel of his touch.

A week before the wedding, Ji-won invites me over to his apartment. "Just a small get-together," he says. "A chance to relax before the big day."

I should have said no. I should have stayed away. But I couldn't resist the chance to be close to him, even if it meant tearing my heart apart piece by piece.

The party is in full swing when I arrive. Ji-won greets me with a hug, and for a moment, I allow myself to imagine that this is enough. That his friendship, his touch, his presence, can fill the void in my heart.

But it's not enough. It never will be.

As the night wears on, the pain becomes unbearable. I slip out onto the balcony, seeking solace in the cool night air. Tears prick at my eyes, but I blink them away. I can't break down here. Not now.

The sound of footsteps startles me, and I turn to see Ji-won standing there, concern etched on his face. "In-su, what's wrong?"

For a moment, I consider telling him the truth. I consider laying my heart bare, letting him see the raw, aching wound that his love has left. But I can't do it. I can't risk losing him completely.

"Nothing," I say, forcing a smile. "Just needed some fresh air."

Ji-won steps closer, his eyes searching mine. "You know you can talk to me, right? About anything."

The words hang between us, heavy with unspoken truths. "I know," I whisper, looking away. "I know."