The Rules of Love

Struggle and Doubts

 Dohoon's apartment, late afternoon. The living room is neatly arranged, with soft lighting creating a calm atmosphere. Hanjin and Dohoon are sitting on opposite ends of the couch, an uneasy silence hanging in the air.

Hanjin's Internal Monologue: "Why does it feel like every time we talk now, it ends up being a confrontation? I thought confessing would bring us closer, but it's only made things more complicated. I'm not sure how to handle Dohoon's sudden need for strict boundaries."

Dohoon looks troubled, his expression serious as he speaks.

Dohoon: (firmly) "Hanjin, we need to talk about something. I know we've been trying to adjust, but lately, it feels like things are slipping back into old patterns. I don't want to make things awkward, but we need to set some boundaries."

Hanjin: (surprised) "Boundaries? I thought we were trying to figure things out together. It feels like you're shutting me out again."

Dohoon: (sighing) "I'm not trying to shut you out. I just think we need to be careful about how we navigate this new phase. I don't want us to lose what we had before."

Hanjin: (hurt) "So, you're saying that you don't want to take a chance on us? That you'd rather keep things the way they were?"

Dohoon: (looking pained) "It's not that I don't want to try. I just think we need to be mindful. It's hard for me to balance everything, and I don't want to risk ruining our friendship."

The tension between them is palpable, and Hanjin's frustration is evident. He stands up, feeling a mix of anger and sadness.

Hanjin: "Maybe we need some time apart to figure things out. I need to think about what I want too."

Hanjin exits the apartment, leaving Dohoon alone with his thoughts, feeling the weight of the conversation and the strain on their relationship.

 A quiet park, early evening. The park is peaceful, with a few people strolling and benches scattered throughout. Hanjin sits on a bench, staring out at the pond, lost in thought.

Hanjin's Internal Monologue: "Did I make a mistake confessing? Everything feels so strained now, and I don't know if it was worth it. Maybe I should have kept my feelings to myself. What if this is all too much for both of us?"

Hanjin's phone buzzes with a message from Min-seo, checking in on him. He reads it with a sigh.

Min-seo's Message: "Hey, just wanted to see how you're doing. I'm here if you need to talk."

Hanjin: (typing a reply) "Thanks, Min-seo. I'm just having a rough day. Things with Dohoon are more complicated than I expected."

As he sends the message, he feels a pang of loneliness and uncertainty. The weight of the situation makes him question whether confessing was the right decision.

Hanjin's Internal Monologue: "I want to be with Dohoon, but I'm not sure how to handle all these emotions and complications. Maybe I need to talk to someone who can help me see things more clearly."

Hanjin decides to reach out to Mr. Kim for guidance, hoping to find some clarity and advice.

Mr. Kim's office, early morning. The room is cozy, with bookshelves lining the walls and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Hanjin and Dohoon are seated across from Mr. Kim, who looks at them with a compassionate expression.

Mr. Kim: "I'm glad you both came. It seems like there's a lot on your minds. Let's talk about what's been going on."

Dohoon: (hesitantly) "We've been struggling with how to move forward after Hanjin's confession. It feels like every attempt to adjust brings up more issues, and I'm worried about losing what we had."

Hanjin: (nodding) "I feel the same way. I thought confessing would bring us closer, but it's only made things more difficult. I'm not sure if I did the right thing."

Mr. Kim: "Confessing your feelings is a brave step, but it's also a complicated one. It's natural to face challenges when transitioning from friendship to a romantic relationship. The key is to communicate openly and honestly with each other."

Dohoon: (looking down) "I just don't want to risk our friendship. It's been so important to me, and I don't want to mess things up."

Mr. Kim: "It's important to address those fears, but it's also crucial to understand that relationships require effort and understanding. Take the time to talk about your fears and expectations. Being open about your feelings can help you both find a way forward."

Hanjin: (thoughtfully) "So, you're saying we need to be more open with each other about what we want and how we feel?"

Mr. Kim: "Exactly. It's about finding a balance that works for both of you. Don't let fear hold you back from expressing yourselves and working through these challenges together."

Hanjin and Dohoon exchange glances, feeling a sense of relief and resolve as they absorb Mr. Kim's advice.

Dohoon: "Thank you, Mr. Kim. We'll try to be more open and work through this together."

Hanjin: "Yes, thank you. We need to find a way to make this work, no matter how challenging it might be."

As they leave Mr. Kim's office, Hanjin and Dohoon feel a renewed sense of determination to address their struggles and communicate more openly. The path ahead may be uncertain, but they are ready to face it together.

End of Episode 10***