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It was three in the morning when Meilin finally got home. She sat on the sofa, staring blankly at the photos of her and Owen, unable to stop the tears from streaming down her face. How many times had she cried like this? She couldn't remember anymore.
They had known each other since they were ten, and now they were seventeen. Time flew by. Meilin's feelings for Onew seemed to mean nothing over the past seven years.
She knew Owen liked Shelly a lot, but she couldn't let go of her own feelings. She had thought that if she tried hard enough, Owen might develop feelings for her, even if just a little.
When Shelly decided to return to Korea, Meilin saw how devastated Owen was. It sounded selfish, but she thought this might be her chance to get closer to him, not just as a best friend and team manager, but more than that.
Meilin had always been there to comfort Owen. Then one day, when she couldn't stand seeing him torture himself any longer, she decided to ask him out once more. It might not have been the right time, but it was the moment to determine what she meant to him.
Seeing Owen lying on the bed, Meilin approached him and said,
"How long are you going to be like this?"
Owen didn't respond, his eyes still fixed on the ceiling. Meilin took a deep breath; she knew it was time to be straightforward.
"You can't go on like this, Onew. Shelly is gone, and you have to learn to accept that. Life goes on, and you can't let this sadness control you forever."
Owen turned to look at Meilin, his eyes clouded and weary.
"I know, but I can't forget her, Linn. I just can't."
Meilin felt a sharp pain in her heart, but she tried to remain calm.
"I understand, Owen. I know it's hard. But you have me, and everyone else here. I want you to be happy, and I'll always be here for you. I think it's time I tell you something."
Owen looked at her with curiosity. Meilin continued,
"I like you, Owen. I have for a long time. I know you like Shelly, but I can't let go of my feelings. I thought if I tried hard enough, you might feel something for me. But now I understand I can't force you."
Meilin stood up, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I'll keep this memory deep in my heart. I don't want to see you in pain anymore. Even if you can't return my feelings, I'll still be here for you, as a friend."
Owen sat up, looking at Meilin with emotion-filled eyes. "Linn, I... I don't know what to say."
She smiled, despite the tumult of emotions inside her. "You don't have to say anything, Owen. Just know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what happens."
She walked out of the room, leaving Onew with his swirling thoughts. She knew she had done the right thing, even if it broke her heart. She would keep that memory deep inside and continue to love Owen in the way she could.
