Lost In You

Chapter 17 - Melting Ice

Neung

The incessant pestering from Aneung was starting to wear me down. I couldn't deny the small flickers of concern that stirred within me each time she showed up at the gallery, pleading for a chance to talk or to make amends. 

At first, I was resolute, keeping my distance as a guard against the pain of our broken relationship. But every time she tried to get through to me, those flickers of old feelings flared up, conflicting with the resolve I had built.

Lux, ever the perceptive friend, took great amusement in my internal struggle. "You know, Khun Neung," she'd tease with a mischievous grin, "if you keep pushing Aneung away like this, you might just find yourself missing her more than you expected."

"Don't be ridiculous," I'd snap back, though my heart wasn't entirely in it. "I'm not giving her another chance. She had her shot."

Lux would just laugh, "We'll see how long you can keep up that facade. Deep down, you still care and love her. I know it."

Despite her relentless teasing, Lux wasn't wrong. As much as I wanted to believe that Aneung was no longer worthy of my time and affection, I could still feel the echoes of what we once had. I told myself it was for the best, that my decision was final, but it didn't make the lingering feelings any easier to manage.

One evening, as I was leaving the gallery, Aneung appeared again, her hopeful eyes meeting mine. She asked, as usual, where I was headed. "I'm meeting Freen and the rest." I replied curtly, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Can I tag along?" she asked boldly, her voice tinged with both hope and uncertainty.

I could see the hurt flash across her face as I shook my head. "No, it's just a casual hangout. You following me will only cause more misunderstanding to them."

Her shoulders slumped slightly, and she nodded, though her sadness was palpable. "Alright. I understand."

I watched her walk away, feeling a pang of guilt but resolute in my decision. My friends awaited me at our usual spot, and I forced myself to focus on the evening ahead.

As we settled in, Freen brought up Aneung, and I listened with growing concern. "Did you know Aneung's falling behind in her studies?" Freen asked. "I heard she's been neglecting her assignments."

"Was it because of trying to patch things up between us that she neglected her studies?" My heart clenched at the thought.

I'd been so focused on maintaining my distance and the hurt from our breakup that I hadn't considered the impact on her life beyond our relationship. Freen's words hit me harder than I expected.

The next day, I found myself unable to shake off the worry that had settled in my chest. I walked into the gallery with a new determination, driven by a sense of responsibility that I had been ignoring.

After work, I saw Aneung waiting outside as usual, so I approached her with a different mindset. "Aneung," I said, trying to sound as neutral as possible. "I've been hearing about your struggles with your studies. What's going on?"

Aneung looked up, surprised by my sudden warmth. "I'm just trying to make things right between us. It's been hard focusing on anything else."

I nodded, feeling a wave of sympathy mixed with frustration. "That's not a good excuse. Your education is important, and it shouldn't be neglected. I know you're trying to prove yourself to me, but I don't want you to lose sight of what truly matters."

Aneung's eyes were wide with a mix of gratitude and pain. "But you are the only one that matters in my sight."

"Nonsense." I said, feeling the icy barriers around my heart start to melt slightly. "I want you to get back on track. Your education is crucial, how are you going to get back on track?"