Dear. My Darling | Gongfourz / Taehan

Chapter 14

As Leehan drove, he couldn't help but remember how Taesan hugged him tightly days ago when he came back.

If he could just turn back time, he would return it and cry over his shoulder, complaining how Taesan didn't even give him any explanations.

But, he's just doing this because he wants Taesan to reach his dream. He's scared that if he didn't do this, Taesan's father might not give his son the position.

Leehan did try not to follow. He rejected Nica and told her that no matter what she does, he'll never go on any kind of date with her.

Although he lost his position as a swimmer athlete, it's much more tolerable than seeing his best friend lose his dream.

He also knew how his pictures after prom leaked. Leehan couldn't do anything about it, he was drunk. He decided to drink his sadness and longing that night in hopes of forgetting them but it just got worse.

And the girl he's with? That's his cousin, Kim Soohi, she kept him close because he's afraid that her younger cousin might do stupid things that he might regret in the future.

With no choice left and after deciding to not put his other friend's name in the mess that he made, he became addicted to alcohol. It was his only way to numb himself from the pain he's been carrying.

Leehan adjusted his tailored suit, a smirk playing on his lips as he approached the sleek, modern building. The VIP club, a haven for the city's elite, was known for its exclusivity and lavish atmosphere. He was a regular here, his charm and wealth granting him easy access.

As he reached the velvet ropes, a bouncer stepped forward, his expression hardening. "I'm sorry, sir, but you're not allowed in."

Leehan's smirk faltered. "What do you mean? I'm a regular here."

The bouncer shook his head. "You're banned from every club in Seoul."

"That's a joke, right? Some kind of prank?" Leehan demanded, his tone laced with disbelief. "You have to be mistaken."

The bouncer pulled out a tablet, scrolling through a list of names. "Your name is right here. It's a citywide ban."

Leehan's anger began to boil. "Who did this? Who dared to ban me?" He demanded, his voice rising.

Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Taesan, his eyes cold and calculating, stepped forward. "Me."

Leehan's jaw dropped. "You? Why?"

Taesan's voice was low and menacing. "Because it's the only way I can protect you."

Leehan's anger flared. "Protect me? From what? I don't need your protection."

Without another word, Leehan stormed out of the club, Taesan close behind.

"Hannie!"

"Don't call me that!" Leehan yelled, not looking back and quickly opening the door of his car.

"Let me talk to you, Leehan. Please. Let me explain." Taesan is pleading, holding the door as Leehan starts the engine.

"I don't need an explanation, Dongmin. Maybe if you were talking to me three months ago, I would've gladly listened." Leehan replied.

"Just let me explain." Taesan intertwined his fingers.

"Save your explanation. Don't waste my time." Leehan closed the door and started to drive away.

Taesan watched Leehan's car but he wouldn't give up that easily and followed him to his place.

After minutes of catching up to Leehan, he ran following him and reached the door, stopping him from closing it.

"What do you want, Taesan?" Leehan shouted.

"I want you to listen to my explanation."

"I already said I don't want to! Especially not after you banned me from all of the clubs." Leehan was fuming with anger.

"You're ruining your career! Can't you see how people are making fun of you?"

"Then laugh with them, Han Dongmin. Because I couldn't care less!"

"Was this all a joke to you?" Taesan's voice, usually a soothing balm, now grated like sandpaper on Leehan's raw nerves.

His face, typically relaxed, was contorted into a mask of fury. "I told you to stop this, Leehan! You're digging your own grave!"

Leehan, his face flushed crimson with a mixture of anger and shame, glared back. His hands, normally calm, were clenched into tight fists, the knuckles white as bone. His eyes darted around, avoiding Taesan's intense gaze.

He couldn't bear to witness Taesan's anguish. The pain etched on his friend's face was a torment he couldn't endure.

The urge to flee grew overwhelming. He began to turn away, the slow, deliberate movement a physical manifestation of his emotional turmoil.