Over the following weeks, Wonwoo's presence became a constant in Joshua's life. He didn't overwhelm him with grand gestures or words instead, Wonwoo offered Joshua something he hadn't felt in months of stability. With every quiet conversation, every knowing glance, and every small act of kindness, Wonwoo showed Joshua that he mattered.
At first, Joshua resisted. He hesitated to lean on Wonwoo too much, afraid that his fragile heart couldn't take another disappointment. But Wonwoo's patience was infinite. He never pushed Joshua, simply waited for him to take small steps forward. Slowly, Joshua began to let his guard down.
One day, during a rare moment of vulnerability, Joshua shared his deepest fears. "Sometimes I feel like I'm not enough for anyone. Like I'll never be enough."
Wonwoo listened intently, his gaze steady. "That's not true, Shua. You're enough just as you are. You always have been."
It was the first time in months that Joshua felt seen not for the cracks in his heart but for the person he was beyond the pain. Wonwoo's words began to chip away at the insecurities that had taken root in Joshua's mind, and slowly, he started to trust in Wonwoo's unwavering support.
As the weeks turned into months, Joshua found himself laughing more often, his smiles no longer forced but genuine. The light in his eyes, dimmed by heartbreak, started to return. He began to realize that he was worth it not just as someone to care for, but as someone who could be loved completely.
With every step Joshua took toward healing, Jeonghan watched from the sidelines. He noticed how Joshua's smiles were now directed at Wonwoo, how the tension in his shoulders disappeared when Wonwoo was near. It was a sight that filled Jeonghan with bittersweet regret. He had been the one to break Joshua, yet it was Wonwoo who was piecing him back together.
Jeonghan couldn't help but remember the way Joshua used to smile for him, how his laughter once lit up their shared moments. But now, that smile belonged to someone else. And while it stung, Jeonghan knew deep down that Joshua deserved every bit of happiness he had found with Wonwoo. It was a happiness Jeonghan couldn't give him, and that realization hit him harder than he expected.
Months later, as the group gathered for a casual evening at the dorms, Wonwoo found himself alone with Joshua on the balcony. The city lights twinkled in the distance, mirroring the newfound brightness in Joshua's eyes.
"Shua," Wonwoo began, his voice steady yet soft, "there's something I've been wanting to tell you."
Joshua turned to him, curiosity and warmth in his gaze. "What is it?"
Wonwoo took a deep breath, his hands slightly trembling. "I've been by your side because I care about you. But it's more than that. I... I've fallen for you, Joshua. I've fallen for your kindness, your strength, and the way you never give up, even when it's hard. You mean so much to me."
Joshua's eyes widened, his breath catching. For a moment, he was silent, his heart racing as he processed Wonwoo's confession. And then, a small smile spread across his face soft, shy, but filled with a quiet joy.
"I don't know if I'm ready for anything yet," Joshua admitted, his voice trembling with honesty. "But I want to try. Because... you make me feel like I'm worth it."
Wonwoo's chest swelled with relief and happiness. "That's all I could ever ask for."
As the weeks went by, their relationship blossomed. Wonwoo's steady love and patience helped Joshua find his footing again, and in turn, Joshua brought a new light into Wonwoo's life. They fit together in a way that felt effortless, like two puzzle pieces finally finding their place.
Jeonghan, meanwhile, watched from the background. He saw the way Joshua's laughter filled the room once more, the way he leaned into Wonwoo's touch with trust and ease. And though it hurt to see Joshua happy without him, Jeonghan knew this was the love Joshua deserved the love he couldn't provide.
One evening, Jeonghan approached Joshua quietly after practice. Joshua looked up, his expression calm yet distant. Jeonghan hesitated before speaking, his voice trembling slightly. "Shua... I just wanted to say I'm sorry. For everything. For hurting you. I-I can't take it back, but I hope you know I regret it."
Joshua studied him for a moment before offering a small, gentle smile. "Thank you, Jeonghan."
Jeonghan nodded, his throat tight. "You seem happy now... with Wonwoo. I'm glad. You deserve it."
Joshua's smile grew, soft and genuine. "I am happy. He makes me feel... like I'm enough."
Jeonghan swallowed hard, forcing himself to smile back. "That's all I ever wanted for you."
As he walked away, Jeonghan felt the weight of his regret settle deeper in his chest. He couldn't turn back time. He couldn't undo what he'd done. But if Joshua was happy, if he had found someone who loved him the way he deserved, then maybe that was enough.
Jeonghan stood alone in the quiet hallway, staring at the empty space in front of him. Deep down, he would always carry the ache of losing Joshua, the knowledge that his own choices had cost him something irreplaceable. But he couldn't take it back.
All he could do was wish Joshua happiness, even if it wasn't with him.
-----------------THE END-----------------
