criminal love; jungwon

24

Nanhee felt a suffocating heaviness settle over her as she walked into school the next day. The familiar hallways, usually buzzing with life, now felt cold and overwhelming. Her footsteps echoed in her ears, each step dragging her deeper into the dread she couldn't shake.

She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact, hoping to make it through the day unnoticed. But the moment she stepped into her classroom, her heart stopped.

Chahyeon was there.

He sat in his usual seat, casually chatting with friends as if nothing had happened. But Nanhee could feel his eyes on her, a silent reminder of the nightmare from the night before. Her hands trembled as she gripped the strap of her bag. Her vision blurred, her breathing quickened.

Without thinking, she turned on her heel and bolted from the room. She didn't stop until she reached the nurse's office. Pushing the door open, she collapsed onto the nearest cot, trying to steady her frantic heartbeat.

The nurse, concerned but not prying, gave her space to breathe. "Take your time," she said gently.

Nanhee nodded, barely hearing her. She lay there, staring at the ceiling, the events of the previous night playing on a loop in her mind. The fear, the desperation, Chahyeon's twisted words-it was all too much.

The day passed in a blur. Nanhee avoided Chahyeon at all costs, slipping in and out of classes without drawing attention. She just needed to get through it.

When the final bell rang, relief washed over her. She quickly gathered her things and waited at the school gates for Jungwon.

He appeared a few minutes later, his camera slung over his shoulder, his usual calm expression softening when he saw her.

"Hey," he greeted. "You okay?"

Nanhee hesitated but then shook her head. "Can we walk?"

He nodded, falling into step beside her. They walked in silence for a while, the crisp winter air biting at their cheeks.

Finally, Nanhee spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Something happened last night."

Jungwon's brows furrowed, concern etched on his face. "What do you mean?"

She took a deep breath, the words sticking in her throat. "Chahyeon... he came to my house. He was drunk."

Jungwon stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. "What?"

"He-he forced his way in," Nanhee continued, her voice shaking. "He said... things. Scary things. I managed to get him to leave, but..."

She trailed off, hugging herself as if trying to shield herself from the memory.

Jungwon's jaw clenched, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a simmering anger. "Did he hurt you?"

"No," she said quickly. "But it felt like he could've."

Jungwon exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "Nanhee, this isn't okay. He can't just do that."

"I know," she whispered. "But what can I do? He's everywhere. At school, in class..."

A tense silence stretched between them. Jungwon's eyes darkened, a rare intensity in them. "I'll do something about it."

Nanhee looked up at him, startled. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Jungwon said firmly, "I won't let him get away with this. He needs to know he can't hurt you."

Fear and gratitude warred within her. "Jungwon, you can't-"

"I can," he interrupted. "And I will. You're not alone in this, Nanhee."

She felt a lump form in her throat, tears threatening to spill. "Thank you," she whispered.

Jungwon reached out, gently squeezing her hand. "You're safe with me. I promise."

As they continued walking, Nanhee felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things would get better.