"When Loves Started"..

part-27

Eun Ae's mind raced as she tried to process Beom Seok's request. Meet up? After she had promised Joon Woo she would cut ties with him? It was impossible.

"I...I don't think that's a good idea," she stammered, trying to come up with an excuse.

"Why not?" Beom Seok asked, his voice laced with curiosity. "We can just catch up as friends. I promise I won't bother you."

Eun Ae hesitated, torn between her loyalty to Joon Woo and her lingering feelings for Beom Seok. She knew she shouldn't meet up with him, but a part of her wanted to see him again.

"I...I'll think about it," she said finally, trying to stall for time.

Beom Seok chuckled. "Okay, I'll wait to hear from you then. Take care, Eun Ae."

Eun Ae nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "You too, Beom Seok."

As she hung up the phone, Eun Ae felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She knew she had to tell Joon Woo about the call, but she was scared of how he would react.

Just then, Joon Woo walked into the bedroom, a concerned look on his face. "Hey, is everything okay? You were gone for a while."

Eun Ae took a deep breath, trying to decide what to say. Should she tell him the truth, or keep it a secret?

Eun Ae hesitated, unsure of how to reveal the truth. But she didn't want to worry Joon Woo, so she made up an excuse.

"Oh, it was just some college friends calling to catch up," she said, trying to sound casual. "They wanted to meet up with everyone, so I said I'd think about it."

Joon Woo's expression softened, looking relieved. "Oh, okay. That sounds like fun. You should go if you want to."

Eun Ae smiled, feeling a pang of guilt for lying to him. But she didn't want to hurt him, and she didn't know how to tell him the truth.

"Yeah, maybe I will," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Joon Woo nodded, smiling back at her. "I'm sure you'll have a great time. Just let me know if you need anything."

Eun Ae nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. She was relieved that Joon Woo didn't suspect anything, but she also felt bad for lying to him. And she couldn't shake off the feeling that Beom Seok's call had stirred up inside her.

Eun Ae smiled and nodded, trying to appear nonchalant. "Thanks, Joon Woo. I'll be fine."

But as she walked out the door, her heart was racing with anticipation and a hint of guilt. She was meeting Beom Seok behind Joon Woo's back, and she knew it wasn't right.

She made her way to the agreed meeting spot, her mind filled with conflicting emotions. Why was she doing this? Why was she risking her relationship with Joon Woo?

As she saw Beom Seok waiting for her, her heart skipped a beat. He looked as handsome as ever, and for a moment, she forgot about Joon Woo and the guilt she felt.

"Hey," Beom Seok said, smiling at her. "Thanks for meeting me."

Eun Ae nodded, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, no problem."

They walked together in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable.

"So, how have you been?" Beom Seok asked, breaking the silence.

Eun Ae shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I've been good. Just busy with work and stuff."

Beom Seok nodded, his eyes locked on hers. "I've missed you, Eun Ae."