HIGHSCHOOL FRENEMY (after the incident)

Facing Regret

Saint stared through the small window, his heart pounding against his ribs. His eyes locked on Shin, the person who had always been by his side, unwavering, until now. But now, Saint had shattered it all. The guilt was crushing, suffocating. He felt as though the walls were closing in, darkening his world.

'How can I face him? I didn't mean for this to happen... but I ruined everything. He'll hate me. I'm scared.'

The weight of regret and fear coiled around Saint's chest like a serpent, squeezing tighter with every breath. He wanted to run, to escape from the mess he'd made. But even from here, he could see Shin's face—worn and fragile, aching for something, for someone.

For him.

'No.' Saint told himself, clenching his trembling hands. 'You can't run. Not now. You have to face this. You have to make it right.'

Summoning every ounce of courage, Saint inhaled deeply and stepped into the room. The air was heavy, thick with unspoken words and emotions that pressed against him like a tide. He lowered himself onto the small chair beside Shin, his gaze fixed firmly on the floor. He couldn't bear to look Shin in the eyes, not yet.

"Saint..."

That cracked voice sent a tremor through him. He felt Shin's desperation, and it only deepened his guilt.

Saint, look at me," Shin pleaded again, his voice breaking further.

Saint's shoulders stiffened as he felt Shin's hands grip him, shaking him gently but insistently. He finally lifted his head, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears as they met Shin's.

"How can I look at you?" Saint's voice trembled, and the tears he held back began to spill freely. "I did this to you. I ruined everything. I destroyed your future... everything you worked for. I'm a terrible friend."

The words poured out of him like a dam breaking, and he couldn't stop. His voice cracked with anguish as he stood, his hands balling into fists. "I shouldn't have come here. I just make things worse by being around you. I'm so sorry for... for everything."

He turned, his heart tearing as he prepared to leave, but Shin's hand shot out, grabbing his wrist with surprising strength.

"Don't go," Shin whispered, his voice raw and pleading. "You idiot... I don't want you to leave. I need you here. Please, Saint. Don't leave me alone."

The words struck Saint like a hammer, rooting him to the spot. Slowly, he turned back to Shin, his eyes wide with a mixture of guilt and disbelief.

"But I—"

"No," Shin interrupted, his voice thick with tears. His grip tightened, anchoring Saint in place. "I don't care about what happened. What's done is done. But I can't face this alone. I need you, Saint... please."

Shin's words broke the last of Saint's defenses. He sank back into the chair, his head bowed, his tears dripping onto his lap. For the first time since it all happened, he allowed himself to let go of the fear and self-loathing.

"I'm so sorry, Shin..." Saint whispered, his voice barely audible.

The silence between them was thick and heavy, stretching like a chasm neither knew how to cross. Saint's chest rose and fell with uneven breaths, his gaze still fixed on the floor. Shin, his hand still clutching Saint's wrist, held him firmly in place as though letting go would shatter what little remained between them.

Finally, Shin spoke, his voice soft and strained, breaking the oppressive silence.

"Saint... I know you didn't mean it. Don't blame yourself for this."