"When Loves Started"..

part-8

I looked away, trying to process my thoughts. Joon Woo's gaze was intense, and I couldn't meet his eyes without feeling like he could see right through me. "Thanks, Joon Woo," I said finally, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil inside me. "But next time, don't skip your match for me, okay?"

Joon Woo nodded, but his expression told me he wouldn't make any promises. We stood there for a moment, the silence between us growing more awkward by the second. I knew I needed to say something, to break the tension, but my mind was a blank.

Just as I was about to give up, Joon Woo spoke up. "Eun Ae, I think we need to go home?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to be alone with him right now. But something about his tone put me at ease, and I nodded.
"Okay."

As we walked, the silence between us was no longer awkward. It felt comfortable, like we were both lost in our own thoughts but still connected somehow. I couldn't help but steal glances at Joon Woo, wondering what he was thinking. Was he thinking about me? About us?

As we reached my doorstep, I turned to Joon Woo and asked, "Do you want to come in?"

Joon Woo hesitated, looking around cautiously. "What about your parents? They're not home, are they?"

I smiled sadly and nodded for him to enter. "Come inside."

We stepped into my small, cozy home, and Joon Woo looked around in surprise. "Your house is really cute," he said, taking in the tiny living room and kitchen.

I gestured for him to sit on the couch, and he did, still looking around curiously. "So, where are your parents?" he asked again.

I took a deep breath, feeling a familiar pang of sadness. "They're not here," I said quietly. "They passed away when I was 5 years old. Car accident."

Joon Woo's eyes widened in shock, and he looked at me with newfound understanding. "I'm so sorry, Eun Ae," he said softly.

I nodded, used to people's reactions. "I've been living in an orphanage since then. But I met Boem Seok when I was 6. He came with his father to attend some function at the orphanage, and...we just clicked."

Joon Woo nodded, his eyes still filled with compassion. "I'm glad you had someone like Boem Seok in your life," he said.

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Yeah, me too."

As we sat there in silence, I realized that Joon Woo was still holding my hand. I didn't know when he had taken it, but it felt natural, like we were meant to be connected.

Joon Woo seemed to realize he was still holding my hand and quickly let go, looking away with a faint blush. I felt a flutter in my chest, surprised by the spark of electricity that had passed between us.

We sat in awkward silence for a moment before Joon Woo spoke up again. "Eun Ae, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," I replied, curious.

"Why did you transfer to our school?" he asked, his eyes locked onto mine.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about Joon Woo's gentle gaze put me at ease. "I wanted a fresh start," I said finally. "A chance to leave my past behind and start anew."

Joon Woo nodded thoughtfully. "I think I understand," he said. "Sometimes, we need to move forward to truly move on."

"Exactly," I said, smiling.

But then I added, "To be honest, Beom Seok kind of forced me to transfer to this school. He wants to keep an eye on me, I think."

As we talked, the room grew darker, the sun setting outside. But I didn't want the moment to end, didn't want Joon Woo to leave.

Joon Woo's expression changed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ah, I see," he said. "I knew it. You two aren't exactly friends, are you?"

I shook my head. "No, we're not. I mean, he's always supported me, but...I don't know, it feels like he's trying to buy my loyalty or something."

Joon Woo snorted. "That sounds like Beom Seok, all right."

I leaned in, curious. "Why aren't you two getting along? You're both popular, smart...what's the problem?"

Joon Woo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated. We used to be friends, believe it or not. But then...something happened. Beom Seok changed. He became more arrogant, more entitled. And I...I couldn't stand it anymore."

I nodded, sensing a deeper story. "What happened?"

Joon Woo hesitated, looking away. "His father and my father...they were business partners. But then Beom Seok's father betrayed mine, sabotaged his company. My father lost everything."

I gasped, shocked. "Oh no, Joon Woo, I'm so sorry."

Joon Woo's eyes flashed with anger. "Beom Seok never apologized, never even acknowledged what his father did. That's when I realized he was just like his father - ruthless, cunning, and willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead."

I felt a pang of sympathy for Joon Woo, but I also wanted to defend Beom Seok. "I don't think Beom Seok is like that," I said, trying to sound convincing. "He's always been kind to me, supported me when I needed it."

Joon Woo raised an eyebrow. "Kind to you, maybe. But trust me, Eun Ae, you don't know the real Beom Seok. He's got a mask on, always pretending to be something he's not."

I shook my head. "I don't believe that. Beom Seok has his flaws, but he's not cruel or heartless."

Joon Woo sighed, his expression softening. "I hope you're right, Eun Ae. For your sake, I hope you're right."

I felt a surge of frustration. Why was Joon Woo so determined to hate Beom Seok? Couldn't he see the good in him?

"Look, Joon Woo, I understand why you're upset," I said, trying to reason with him. "But maybe Beom Seok's changed since then. People can grow, you know?"

Joon Woo's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. "I hope so, Eun Ae. For your sake, I really do."

The air between us seemed to vibrate with tension, and I felt like I was caught in the middle of a longstanding feud. But I was determined to stay neutral, to see the good in both Joon Woo and Beom Seok.

Joon Woo's expression changed, and he looked away, his jaw clenched. "I think we should stop talking about Beom Seok," he said finally. "I don't want to fight about him. He's not important to me anymore."

I nodded in agreement, relieved. "Yeah, let's just forget about it."

Joon Woo's eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just looked at each other. I felt like he wanted to say something, but couldn't quite get the words out.

Just then, my doorbell rang, breaking the silence. I got up to answer it, wondering who it could be.

"Wait," Joon Woo said, standing up. "I'll go with you."

I raised an eyebrow but nodded, and we walked to the door together. When I opened it, I was surprised to see a delivery person holding a large bag of food.

"Hi, I have a delivery for Eun Ae," the person said with a smile.

I took the bag, feeling the warmth of the food inside. "Thank you!"

As I closed the door, Joon Woo spoke up. "I ordered your favorite food. I thought you might be hungry."

My heart skipped a beat at the thoughtful gesture. "Thank you, Joon Woo. That's so sweet of you."

Joon Woo smiled, looking relieved. "I just wanted to make sure you're taken care of."

I smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "You're really kind, Joon Woo."