The Rules of Love

The Confession

Hanjin's apartment, early morning. The sun filters through the window, casting a soft glow over the room. Hanjin stands in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting his clothes nervously. His hands tremble slightly as he smooths down his shirt.

Hanjin's Internal Monologue: "Today's the day. I've been dreading this moment, but I know I have to face it. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin everything? No, I have to do this. I need to be honest about how I feel."

Hanjin takes a deep breath and looks at himself in the mirror. His reflection shows a mix of determination and apprehension.

Hanjin: (muttering to himself) "Just be honest. No matter what happens, at least you'll know you tried."

He grabs his jacket and heads out the door, trying to steady his nerves. The city outside is bustling, but Hanjin feels a sense of isolation as he makes his way to the café.

The same café from previous episodes, with its cozy, intimate atmosphere. Hanjin arrives early and waits at the table where he and Dohoon agreed to meet. His heart races as he sees the clock ticking away the minutes.

Dohoon arrives a few minutes later, looking a bit flustered but composed. He takes a seat across from Hanjin, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

Dohoon: (smiling faintly) "Hey, Hanjin. Sorry I'm late. I got caught in traffic."

Hanjin: (nervously) "It's okay. I'm just glad you're here."

There's a brief, awkward silence as both of them try to find the right words. Hanjin takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what he's about to say.

Hanjin: (looking down at his hands) "Dohoon, there's something I need to tell you. It's been on my mind for a long time, and I can't keep it to myself anymore."

Dohoon: (concerned) "What's wrong? You're making me worried."

Hanjin: (voice trembling) "I... I've been in love with you for a long time. I didn't want to say anything because I was afraid it would ruin our friendship. But I can't keep pretending that everything is okay when it's not."

Dohoon's eyes widen in surprise. He is taken aback by Hanjin's confession, and the shock is evident on his face.

Hanjin: (quickly) "I understand if you don't feel the same way. I just needed to be honest with you. I'm sorry if this makes things awkward between us."

Hanjin looks away, feeling a mix of fear and relief. He waits for Dohoon's response, his heart pounding in his chest.

 The same café, the atmosphere now heavy with emotion. Dohoon takes a moment to process what he has just heard. He looks at Hanjin, his expression a mix of surprise and vulnerability.

Dohoon: (softly) "Hanjin, I... I didn't expect this. I've been feeling the same way for a long time, but I didn't know how to tell you. I was afraid that if I acted on my feelings, I might lose you."

Hanjin: (stunned) "You've felt the same way? But why didn't you say anything? We could have talked about this sooner."

Dohoon: (sighing) "I thought if I kept my feelings hidden, we could maintain our friendship without any complications. I didn't want to risk ruining what we already had. But now, hearing you say this... I realize I should have been more honest."

Hanjin: (emotionally) "I didn't want to lose you either. I was just so afraid of what might happen. I thought that by keeping my feelings to myself, I was protecting our friendship."

The two of them sit in silence for a moment, the weight of their feelings hanging in the air. There's a sense of relief mixed with uncertainty as they process the confession.

Dohoon: (reaching across the table) "Hanjin, I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. I should have been more open with you. Can we try to work through this together?"

Hanjin: (nodding, tears in his eyes) "I'd like that. I want us to be able to talk about everything, not just the easy stuff. We owe it to ourselves to see where this can go."

They both smile at each other, the emotional weight lifting slightly as they begin to understand each other's feelings. The café's cozy atmosphere seems to embrace their newfound honesty.

Hanjin: (smiling) "So, what now? Do we... try to figure this out together?"

Dohoon: (smiling back) "Yes. Let's take it one step at a time and see where it leads us. I want to be with you, Hanjin. I always have."

As they continue their conversation, the café's warm ambiance seems to symbolize the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. Hanjin and Dohoon's emotional journey has reached a turning point, and they are now ready to face the future together.

End of Episode 7***