Shadows of Obsession

Chapter 9: Determined to Fight

The hospital room was sterile and white, a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded just hours earlier. Jukyung sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes red from crying, still trembling from the confrontation with Seojun. The nurse had just left, and she was left alone with her thoughts, each one spiraling deeper into despair.

She had always admired Suho from afar, charmed by his intelligence and quiet demeanor. The way he carried himself, the small, subtle smiles he offered—each one felt like a secret just for her. When she finally summoned the courage to confess, she had hoped for a different outcome, a chance for something real. But instead, Seojun had bulldozed through her moment, his anger erupting like a volcano.

How could he be so possessive? Jukyung thought bitterly, her heart aching. How could he treat me like that?

Yet, the more she replayed the scene in her mind, the more a different thought took root. What if Suho didn't want this? What if he was being forced by Seojun?

The idea struck her like lightning. Suho was gentle and kind; he wouldn't choose a relationship built on fear and violence. Jukyung clenched her fists, determination igniting within her. If Seojun was using intimidation to keep Suho close, then she had to fight back. She had to show Suho that he could have a choice. That he could choose her.

The next day, Jukyung returned to school, her mind set on confronting Suho. She wore a new outfit—something vibrant that made her feel confident. As she walked through the hallways, she felt the stares of her classmates, whispers trailing in her wake. They all knew what had happened, and the shame from being beaten up by Seojun hung over her like a dark cloud.

But she pushed through it, her focus unwavering. She spotted Suho standing near his locker, laughing lightly with a group of friends, his dark hair tousled and his smile infectious. He looked so at ease, so unbothered, that it sent a pang of determination through her heart.

He deserves better, she thought, steeling herself as she approached.

"Suho!" she called out, her voice firm despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

He turned, his smile fading as he noticed her, the lightness in the air shifting. Seojun stood beside him, his expression darkening instantly, a protective energy radiating from him that made Jukyung's resolve strengthen.

"What do you want, Jukyung?" Suho asked, his tone polite but distant.

"I want to talk to you. Just the two of us," she insisted, her heart racing as she faced Seojun, who stepped slightly in front of Suho, narrowing his eyes at her.

"Why?" Seojun challenged, crossing his arms over his chest. "You think you can just walk up to him after what happened?"

"I'm not afraid of you, Seojun," Jukyung shot back, her voice steady. "I'm here for Suho."

Suho exchanged a glance with Seojun, his expression unreadable. "What do you want to say?" he finally asked, curiosity piquing his interest.

Jukyung took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Suho, I know you might think I'm just some girl with a crush, but I genuinely care about you. You don't have to let Seojun control your life. If he's forcing you into this relationship, you can walk away. You deserve to be happy with someone who truly makes you feel free."

Seojun's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening as he stepped forward, ready to unleash another wave of fury. But Suho raised a hand, stopping him.

"Jukyung, you don't understand," Suho said softly. "This isn't about being forced. I'm not a victim here."

"But that's what it looks like!" she exclaimed, desperation creeping into her voice. "I can see it in your eyes. You don't have to stay with him if you don't want to."

"Stay with him?" Seojun scoffed, stepping closer. "You think this is just about me? This is about what Suho wants. He's not some pawn in a game for you to win."

Suho looked between them, sensing the rising tension. "I'm not being forced, Jukyung," he reiterated firmly. "I chose to be with Seojun. I chose this."

"But why?!" Jukyung cried, her voice cracking. "Why would you choose someone who hurt me? Who treats you like a trophy?"

"Because he's not a trophy!" Suho shot back, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Seojun and I have something real. You don't know what we've been through together."

Jukyung's heart sank at his words, her conviction faltering for a brief moment. "But he hurt you too, didn't he? Isn't that why you're acting like this? Because you think you can't be free of him?"

Seojun moved to stand beside Suho, placing a hand on his shoulder in a protective gesture. "You're not listening. Suho and I have an understanding. You need to back off."

"Why are you so determined to fight for someone who clearly doesn't want you?" Seojun challenged, his voice low and dangerous. "He doesn't need your pity."

"No," Jukyung said, her voice regaining strength. "I'm fighting for what's right. Suho deserves to know that he can make his own choices, free of fear. I'm not going to let you intimidate him."

Suho could see the fire in Jukyung's eyes, and while part of him was grateful for her determination, another part felt a flicker of annoyance. She still doesn't understand.

"Jukyung, please," Suho said, his voice firm but gentle. "I appreciate your feelings, but I'm not interested. I chose Seojun because I want to be with him. You can't fight for something that isn't there."

Her face fell, the realization hitting her hard. "But—"

"Enough," Seojun interrupted, his tone sharp. "You need to leave Suho alone."

With a defeated sigh, Jukyung turned away, her heart heavy as she walked down the hallway, feeling the eyes of her classmates on her. She had fought bravely, but she hadn't won.

As she rounded a corner, she couldn't shake the feeling that she hadn't lost yet. If she was going to fight for her love, she needed a better strategy. She needed to show Suho that he didn't have to be bound by Seojun's possessive grip.

The battle wasn't over.

Back at Suho's locker, Seojun turned to him, his expression a mix of irritation and concern. "Are you okay?"

Suho shrugged, feeling the weight of the conversation still lingering in the air. "I am. I just wish she'd understand."

Seojun's eyes softened. "You really care about her, don't you?"

"I do, but not like that," Suho replied. "I don't want to hurt her feelings, but I also don't want her to think she can have me just because she declares her love. It's not that simple."

"I know," Seojun said, stepping closer. "But you don't have to explain yourself to anyone. You're mine, and that's all that matters."

Suho met Seojun's gaze, a small smile creeping onto his lips. "You're right."

"Just remember that," Seojun said, pulling Suho into his arms. "No one gets to come between us. No one."

And in that moment, with Seojun's warmth enveloping him, Suho felt a flicker of reassurance. No matter how hard Jukyung fought, he had already made his choice. He belonged to Seojun, and that was a truth that no one could take away.