Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin

Chapter 40: Confessions and Connections

Chapter 40: Confessions and Connections

Juhee strolled through the bustling streets of the city, the weight of her encounter with Wonbin still heavy in her chest. She made her way to her favorite café, where she knew Karina and Hanbin would be waiting for her. As she pushed open the door, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries wrapped around her, offering a comforting embrace.

"Juhee!" Karina called, waving excitedly from their usual table by the window. Hanbin smiled and nodded, gesturing for her to join them.

As she settled into the chair, Juhee felt a rush of relief. Her friends were a welcome distraction from the emotional turmoil she had been grappling with since she had seen Wonbin at the lake.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Hanbin remarked, his brow furrowing with concern. "What happened?"

Juhee hesitated, her thoughts swirling. She hadn't shared much about her feelings for Wonbin since their last tumultuous interactions, but she knew she couldn't keep this to herself any longer. "I ran into Wonbin," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Karina's eyes widened, and she leaned forward, her interest piqued. "What?! When? Where?"

"Last week, on his birthday. I didn't plan it; I just happened to be walking by the lake," Juhee explained, the memories flooding back to her. "He looked... different. Mature. But it was so painful to see him, yet we barely talked."

"What do you mean?" Hanbin probed, sensing the tension in her tone. "Did you two argue again?"

"No, nothing like that. It was just... cold. Like we were strangers." Juhee sighed, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words. "I told him it was late and I should go, but before I left, I wished him a happy birthday. It felt so hollow, like we were just going through the motions."

Karina exchanged a knowing glance with Hanbin. "That must have been so hard for you," she said softly. "But it sounds like you both still care for each other. Maybe this distance is what you needed to realize that."

Juhee shook her head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I thought I was over him, but seeing him again brought everything rushing back. It's like I can't move on, no matter how hard I try. And I know he's been with someone else... Seunghan."

"Wait, what about Seunghan?" Karina asked, tilting her head.

Juhee hesitated, contemplating whether to share her doubts about her relationship with Seunghan. "I don't know if I'm really over Wonbin, but Seunghan has been so sweet. He's there for me, but sometimes I feel like I'm just pretending to be happy."

"Have you talked to Seunghan about this?" Hanbin asked. "It's not fair to him if you're not all in."

"No, I haven't. I don't want to hurt him. He's been great," Juhee replied, frustration lacing her words. "But I can't help thinking about Wonbin. It's exhausting."

"Maybe it's time to have an honest conversation with yourself about what you really want," Karina suggested gently. "You deserve to be happy, Juhee. No matter who that is with."

Juhee nodded, her friends' support providing a glimmer of clarity amidst her confusion. "Thanks, guys. I just need some time to figure it out."

As they continued chatting and laughing, Juhee felt a sense of relief wash over her. Although the future remained uncertain, the bond with her friends reminded her that she wasn't alone in this journey. She knew that whatever happened next, she would face it head-on, even if that meant confronting her feelings for Wonbin once and for all.