criminal love; jungwon

16

The absence was like a shadow hanging over him, growing heavier with each passing day. Nanhee hadn't shown up to school in three days. Jungwon tried not to panic at first. Maybe she was sick, or maybe she just needed a break. But by the third day, he couldn't ignore the gnawing worry in his gut.

He found himself staring at her empty desk during class, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. After school, instead of heading home, he made a decision.

He was going to find her.

The walk to Nanhee's house felt longer than usual. Snow crunched beneath Jungwon's boots as he navigated the familiar streets, his breath visible in the cold air. His mind replayed everything she'd told him-about the whispers, the stares, the cruel words that followed her everywhere.

She always acted like she could handle it, brushing off the comments with a smile. But Jungwon knew better. He saw the way her eyes dimmed when she thought no one was looking.

When he reached her house, he hesitated for a moment before ringing the bell.

The door swung open, revealing Seojun, who beamed up at him. "Hyung!"

Jungwon forced a smile, crouching to Seojun's level. "Hey, buddy. How are you?"

"I'm good!" Seojun chirped. "Are you here to see Noona?"

Jungwon nodded. "Is she home?"

Seojun nodded eagerly and stepped aside to let him in. The house was warm, the scent of something sweet lingering in the air. Seojun grabbed Jungwon's hand, tugging him toward the living room.

"Noona's in her room. She's been really quiet," Seojun whispered, his brow furrowing. "Can you make her feel better?"

Jungwon's heart clenched. "I'll try."

Nanhee's room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn tight. She was curled up on her bed, a blanket pulled over her head. For a moment, Jungwon just stood there, unsure of what to say or do.

Then, he took a deep breath and stepped inside, gently closing the door behind him.

"Nanhee," he called softly.

The blanket shifted slightly, and a pair of red-rimmed eyes peeked out. When she saw him, a fresh wave of tears welled up.

"What are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice hoarse.

"I was worried," Jungwon said simply, pulling a chair close to the bed and sitting down. "You disappeared."

Nanhee let out a bitter laugh. "Maybe it's better that way."

"Don't say that." His voice was firm, but gentle. "What happened?"

She wiped at her eyes, but the tears kept coming. "It's them again. They don't stop, Jungwon. They hate me."

Jungwon clenched his fists. "Who?"

"It doesn't matter," she mumbled, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. "They say it to my face now. Smiling. Mocking me. Like it's a game."

Jungwon's jaw tightened. He wanted to find every single person who had hurt her and make them regret it. But right now, Nanhee needed comfort, not anger.

He reached out, gently pulling the blanket down. "Nanhee, look at me."

She hesitated but eventually met his gaze.

"You're not alone," he said softly. "You have me."

Her lip quivered, and before she could stop herself, she broke down completely. The sobs came in waves, shaking her small frame. Jungwon didn't say anything. He just slid onto the bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her.

"It's okay," he whispered, running a hand through her hair. "Let it out."

And she did.

She cried until there were no more tears left, until the exhaustion took over, and she slumped against him, her breathing ragged. Jungwon held her the entire time, his heart aching for her.

When the silence finally settled, Nanhee pulled back slightly, wiping at her swollen eyes. "Sorry," she mumbled.

"Don't be," Jungwon said gently. "You needed that."

Nanhee managed a weak smile. "Thanks for coming."

"I'll always come," he promised, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "No matter what."

For the first time in days, Nanhee felt a sliver of peace. She wasn't sure what the future held, but with Jungwon by her side, she felt a little less alone.

And that was enough for now.