Dear. My Darling | Gongfourz / Taehan

Chapter 6

The days that followed were a blur of uncertainty for Leehan. Nica's revelation about Taesan's father's wishes had cast a long, ominous shadow over their friendship.

The once carefree camaraderie had been replaced by a tense undercurrent, a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

In particular, Taesan wasn't giving any signs of existence either. He's still not around.

Nica was relentless. Every meeting, every phone call, was an attempt to chip away at Leehan's resolve.

She painted a picture of a future where Taesan was a powerful CEO, living a life of luxury and success. A future that Leehan could be a part of if only he would step aside.

"Think about it, Leehan," Nica pleaded, her voice laced with desperation.

"You deserve happiness too. You can have anything you want. A good job, a nice car, a beautiful house. All you have to do is let go of Taesan."

Leehan listened, his heart heavy. He wanted nothing more than to see Taesan succeed. He had always believed in his friend's potential, and the thought of Taesan's dreams being shattered was unbearable.

But the idea of sacrificing their friendship for Taesan's ambition was equally painful.

Leehan refused to back down. "Our friendship is built on trust and loyalty, Nica. Not on business deals or career advancements. Taesan and I have been through everything together. This isn't about me; it's about him. He deserves to make his own choices."

Nica's voice grew firmer. "But what if his choices ruin everything? His father has worked tirelessly to build this empire. It's a legacy that Taesan is supposed to inherit. Your presence is a threat to that legacy."

Leehan felt a surge of anger. "So you're saying that Taesan's happiness, his dreams, are less important than some stupid company?"

Nica looked away, her voice softening. "It's not that simple, Leehan. It's about sacrifice. Sometimes, we have to give up things we love for the greater good."

Leehan scoffed. "Is that what you're telling yourself? That sacrificing our friendship is for the greater good?"

Nica's eyes filled with determination. "I didn't say that. But it's a difficult situation. One that requires sacrifices from everyone involved."

"This is Taesan's chance to take over, Leehan," Nica insisted. "It's his destiny. And you're standing in his way."

Leehan felt a surge of anger. He was not an obstacle. He was Taesan's best friend. They had been through thick and thin together. How could Nica, of all people, betray their friendship like this?

He tried to distance himself from Nica, to avoid her calls and messages. But she was persistent, and he found himself drawn back into her orbit, like a moth to a flame.

-----

"Are you alright, Leehan?" Jaehyun asked while sitting beside him.

"Huh?" Leehan looked at him before forcing a smile." O-oh..Yeah.. I'm fine, just thinking."

"Is it Taesan? I'm sure he'll be back. We tried contacting him but don't worry, I'm sure he won't leave without a reason."

Leehan looked down and played with his fingers.

"I'm here if you need someone to talk to, okay?" Jaehyun said.

Leehan nodded and tried to listen to his friend's conversation.

"Afterwards, she said yes." Sungho spoke proudly with a wide grin.

"But it took you 2 weeks, hyung." Woonhak replied.

"At least I have a date to the ball. Unlike you."

"Bold of you to assume!" Woonhak exclaimed, standing up. "I made her say yes within a day!"

"Can you guys keep it down?" Riwoo pleaded. "How about you Leehan? Are you going to attend the ball?"

Leehan looked at him before nodding slowly. See, he never knew why they had this ball the next month. The school director believed that they need to have change or somewhere along the line.

"Who's your date?"

"I don't know.." Leehan whispered.