The midnight I met him

the midnight I met him part 23

      Haru's eyes narrow slightly as she listens to the footsteps. They're light, cautious, as if someone is trying not to be heard. She wonders who it could be, her mind racing with possibilities.

The footsteps stop outside the door, and Haru's gaze flicks to Joonoh. He's still relaxed, oblivious to the potential interruption.

Haru: (whispering) Joonoh, I think someone's here.

Joonoh's eyes flutter open, his gaze foggy with sleep. He looks up at Haru, confusion etched on his face.

Joonoh: (softly) Who is it?

Haru: (shrugging) I don't know. But I'll find out.

Haru gently extricates herself from Joonoh's side and makes her way to the door. She hesitates for a moment, wondering if she should open it, before finally turning the handle and pulling it open.

To her surprise, it's Haneul, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Joonoh.

Haneul: (softly) I didn't mean to interrupt. I just wanted to check on Joonoh.

Haru: (smiling) It's okay. He's just resting.

Haneul's gaze lingers on Joonoh before shifting back to Haru.

Haneul: (hesitantly) Can I talk to you for a moment?

       Haru: (curious) Of course, Haneul. What's on your mind?

Haneul: (hesitantly) I just wanted to ask...are you and Joonoh...together now?

Haru: (smiling softly) We're taking things slow, but yes, we're together.

Haneul's expression changes, a mix of surprise and concern crossing his face.

Haneul: (cautiously) I just want to make sure Joonoh's okay. He's been through a lot.

Haru: (reassuringly) I know, Haneul. And I'm here for him. I care about him deeply.

Haneul nods, seeming to accept Haru's words.

Haneul: (smiling slightly) I'm glad. Joonoh deserves happiness.

As they talk, Joonoh starts to stir, his eyes opening to find Haru and Haneul standing by the door.

Joonoh: (groggily) What's going on?

Haru: (smiling) Just talking to Haneul, Joonoh. Go back to sleep.

Joonoh nods, his eyes drifting shut again. Haru and Haneul exchange a look, both thinking about the complexities of their relationships.

     Haneul: (curious) Haru, can I ask you something?

Haru: (openly) Of course, Haneul. What's on your mind?

Haneul: (hesitantly) Have you forgiven Joonoh for what he did?

Haru: (smiling softly) I had forgiven him, Haneul. But I will confess something to him soon.

Haneul's eyes narrow slightly, intrigued by Haru's response.

Haneul: (curious) What do you mean? What will you confess?

Haru: (smiling mysteriously) Just something that's been on my heart for a while now. I want to be honest with Joonoh, and I think it's time he knows.

Haneul nods, seeming to understand Haru's perspective.

Haneul: (supportively) I'm sure Joonoh will appreciate your honesty, Haru. He cares about you deeply.

Haru's smile falters for a moment, her eyes clouding with emotion.

Haru: (softly) I hope so, Haneul. I really do.