"When Loves Started"..

part-17

As Joon Woo tried to hold Eun Ae's hand, Beom Seok instinctively reached out and took it instead. "You're coming with me," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "You don't need to live with someone else when your best friend is here."

Eun Ae looked up at Beom Seok, surprised by his insistence. But she saw the sincerity in his eyes and nodded. "Okay, Beom Seok. I'll go with you."

Joon Woo's face fell, his eyes flashing with disappointment. He had been hoping to take care of Eun Ae himself, to be the one she turned to in times of need. But Beom Seok had beaten him to it, and now he felt left out.

"Fine," Joon Woo said, trying to hide his hurt. "I'll just go home then."

Beom Seok nodded, his grip on Eun Ae's hand tightening. "No, Joon Woo. You're coming too. We'll figure this out together."

Eun Ae smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew she could count on her two best friends to take care of her, no matter what. And as they walked off together, she knew that everything was going to be okay.

Beom Seok hailed a taxi and opened the door for Eun Ae. "Let's go," he said, his eyes locked on hers.

Eun Ae nodded and got in, looking back at Joon Woo who was still standing there, watching them. Beom Seok followed her into the taxi and closed the door behind him.

As the taxi drove away, Joon Woo was left standing alone, his eyes fixed on the receding vehicle. He felt a pang of jealousy and frustration, wondering why Beom Seok got to be the one to take care of Eun Ae.

The taxi ride was silent, with only the sound of the engine and the soft hum of the radio breaking the silence. Eun Ae looked out the window, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. Beom Seok sat beside her, his eyes fixed on her profile, his hand reaching out to hold hers.

Joon Woo was nowhere to be seen, but Eun Ae couldn't shake off the feeling that he was still watching them, his eyes burning with a mixture of emotions.

As they drove away from Joon Woo's place, Beom Seok couldn't shake off the feeling that Tae Ho was still a threat to Eun Ae's safety. He decided to take her to his house, knowing that he couldn't trust Tae Ho not to harm her.

As they sat in the taxi, Eun Ae's eyelids began to droop, her head nodding forward. Beom Seok noticed and gently took her head, placing it on his shoulder. "Sleep, Eun Ae," he whispered. "You're safe now."

Eun Ae's eyes fluttered closed, her breathing slowing as she drifted off. Beom Seok held her close, his arm around her shoulders, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside.

After a while, the taxi pulled up to Beom Seok's house. He paid the driver and helped Eun Ae out, carrying her inside when she stumbled with sleepiness.

"Let's get you comfortable," he said, settling her onto the couch. "You can rest here for a while."

Eun Ae murmured something incoherent, snuggling into the blanket Beom Seok provided. He smiled, feeling a surge of protectiveness towards her.

As she slept, Beom Seok sat beside her, his eyes fixed on her peaceful face. He knew that he had to keep her safe from Tae Ho, no matter what it took. He would be her shield, her protector, until she was free from Tae Ho's obsession.

Beom Seok's gaze lingered on Eun Ae's face, taking in the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, knowing that she was safe with him.

As he sat there, he thought about Tae Ho and his unpredictable behavior. He knew that Tae Ho was capable of doing something reckless, something that could put Eun Ae in harm's way.