Betrayal within love || JEONGCHEOL

CHAPTER 9

The Weight of Regret

The crisp evening air did little to cool the storm raging inside Seungcheol. He walked aimlessly through the streets, his mind replaying the scene he had just witnessed at the café. The sight of Mingyu and Jeonghan sharing such an intimate moment had struck him deeply. It was a stark reminder of how much he had lost and the happiness he could never regain.Seungcheol had left the café abruptly, his mind a swirl of regret and sorrow. He wandered to a nearby park, seeking solace among the shadows of the trees. He found a bench and sat down, his head in his hands as he struggled to make sense of his emotions. The realization of his mistakes weighed heavily on him, and he found himself questioning every decision that had led to this moment.As he sat in the darkness, Seungcheol’s thoughts drifted back to the days when things had been different. He remembered the warmth of Jeonghan’s smile, the comfort of his touch, and the dreams they had shared. It was a painful contrast to the reality of their fractured relationship.After what felt like hours, Seungcheol finally gathered the strength to stand up. He knew he couldn’t continue to wallow in regret forever. There was one person he needed to talk to, someone who could help him find some clarity—Jeonghan.Determined to make things right, Seungcheol headed towards Jeonghan’s apartment. He knew it was a long shot, but he had to try. As he approached the building, he felt a mix of anxiety and hope. He rang the doorbell, his heart pounding in his chest.Jeonghan opened the door, his expression shifting from surprise to concern upon seeing Seungcheol. “Seungcheol? What are you doing here?”Seungcheol took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. “Jeonghan, I need to talk to you. Can we please sit down?”Jeonghan hesitated for a moment before nodding. He led Seungcheol to the living room and gestured for him to take a seat. Jeonghan sat across from him, his gaze steady but wary.Seungcheol began, his voice filled with earnestness. “I saw you and Mingyu at the café earlier. I… I saw you kiss. And I realized just how much I’ve messed up. I’ve been thinking about everything that’s happened, and I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of regret.”Jeonghan’s expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion. “Seungcheol, what’s done is done. I’ve moved on, and I’m trying to build a life for myself with Mingyu.”Seungcheol nodded, his voice tinged with desperation. “I understand. I know I can’t change the past, but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am. I never meant to hurt you. I was selfish, and I took you for granted.”Jeonghan sighed, his gaze softening. “I appreciate your apology, but it doesn’t erase the pain you caused. It doesn’t change what happened between us.”Seungcheol’s eyes filled with tears. “I know. I’m not expecting you to forgive me or to take me back. I just needed you to know that I’m truly sorry for everything.”Jeonghan looked away, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve already moved on, Seungcheol. I’m with Mingyu now, and he’s been there for me in ways you never were. It’s not just about forgiveness; it’s about moving forward and finding happiness.”Seungcheol’s heart sank at Jeonghan’s words. He had hoped for some glimmer of reconciliation, but he understood the finality in Jeonghan’s tone. “I understand, Jeonghan. I’ll respect your decision. I just hope you find the happiness you deserve.”Jeonghan nodded, his expression a mix of sadness and resolution. “Thank you for understanding. I wish you the best, Seungcheol.”With a heavy heart, Seungcheol stood up to leave. As he walked out of the apartment, he felt a profound sense of loss. He knew that he had missed his chance to make things right, and the weight of his mistakes would be a burden he would carry for a long time.As he left the building, Seungcheol glanced back at Jeonghan’s door one last time. He took a deep breath and walked away, ready to face the consequences of his actions and to begin the long journey of seeking redemption.