criminal love; jungwon

3

The sun blazed high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the school field. It was P.E. class—Jungwon’s least favorite part of the day. The students were gathered in a loose circle for volleyball, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Jungwon kept to the back, hoping to stay unnoticed.

But Chahyeon had other plans.

“Hey, Jungwon,” Chahyeon called, a grin spreading across his face as he tossed the ball into the air. Jungwon didn’t respond, focusing on tying his shoelaces.

Smack.

The ball slammed into Jungwon’s side, knocking him off balance. Pain shot through his ribs as he crumpled to the ground. A few gasps echoed, followed by stifled laughter.

“Oops,” Chahyeon said, feigning innocence. “Didn’t see you there.”

Jungwon clenched his jaw, refusing to meet anyone’s gaze. He stayed on the ground, the sting in his ribs making it hard to move. The teacher hadn’t noticed—or maybe just didn’t care.

No one stepped forward to help.

Until she did.

“Jungwon,” Nanhee’s voice broke through the haze of pain. She crouched beside him, her brows knitted in concern. “Are you okay?”

He nodded weakly, though it was far from the truth. Nanhee didn’t believe him.

“Come on, let’s get you up.” She slipped her arm under his, helping him to his feet. Jungwon winced but let her guide him to the sidelines.

Chahyeon watched, a smirk playing on his lips. “Looks like you found a babysitter,” he jeered.

Nanhee shot him a glare. “At least I have the decency to care,” she retorted, her voice cold and sharp.

Chahyeon’s smirk faltered, but he didn’t reply.

Once they were a safe distance away, Nanhee eased Jungwon onto a bench. She knelt in front of him, examining his side. “You need to go to the nurse.”

“It’s fine,” Jungwon muttered. “I’ve had worse.”

Nanhee’s eyes softened, but there was a hint of frustration. “That doesn’t mean you should just take it.”

Jungwon looked away, embarrassed by the attention. He wasn’t used to someone caring—especially not like this.

Nanhee sighed, pulling a small bottle of water from her bag. “At least drink this,” she said, pressing it into his hand.

“Thanks,” he whispered, taking a small sip. The cool liquid soothed his dry throat.

They sat in silence for a while, the sounds of the game continuing in the background. Nanhee didn’t leave his side, her presence comforting in a way Jungwon couldn’t explain.

“You didn’t have to help,” he said finally, breaking the silence.

“I wanted to,” Nanhee replied simply. “No one deserves to be treated like that.”

Jungwon’s throat tightened. He didn’t know what to say. For years, he had endured this alone. But now, someone was here. Someone who saw him, who cared.

“Thank you,” he said, the words heavy with emotion.

Nanhee smiled, a small, genuine smile that made his chest ache in a way that had nothing to do with the injury.

“Anytime, Jungwon,” she said softly.

˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡˚

I feel like I want to publish all the chapters rn now that the book is completely finished in my draft but Ill be trying to keep you gaiz in suspense 😋 and if anyone of you want to talk to me you can find me on my ig acc its @/4evr.hee!

bye-bye pls look forward go next chapter too <333