criminal love; jungwon

25

Nanhee had spent the entire night worrying, unable to shake off the unease settling in her chest. She had trusted Jungwon to go to the principal, to report what Chahyeon had done. It was the logical, safe thing to do.

But something about the way he had promised, the fierce determination in his eyes, made her doubt it.

She tried calling him, but there was no response. Her texts went unanswered.

Jungwon leaned against the cold metal lockers, hands in his pockets, waiting. The hallways were eerily silent, the fluorescent lights flickering above. He knew Chahyeon's routine by heart. After soccer practice, he always hung around, tormenting whoever was unfortunate enough to cross his path.

Tonight, though, there was no one else. Just him and Chahyeon.

When the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, Jungwon straightened. He watched as Chahyeon rounded the corner, a towel slung over his shoulder, his hair damp from a post-practice shower.

Chahyeon's eyes landed on Jungwon, and for a brief moment, they widened in surprise. Then, a flicker of something else-guilt.

"Jungwon," Chahyeon mumbled, his voice low. "Look, I know what you're here for."

Jungwon's gaze hardened. "Do you?"

Chahyeon sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I messed up. I know that. I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have-"

"Sorry isn't enough," Jungwon interrupted, his voice cold. "Do you have any idea what you put her through?"

Chahyeon's shoulders slumped. "I know. I feel terrible."

"Feeling terrible doesn't change what happened," Jungwon snapped, stepping closer. "You broke into her house. You scared her. You crossed a line."

"I know," Chahyeon repeated, his voice cracking. "I'll make it right. I swear."

Jungwon shook his head. "You don't get to make it right."

There was a moment of tense silence. Then, Chahyeon took a step back, sensing the shift in Jungwon's demeanor. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying," Jungwon whispered, "that you don't get to hurt her again."

Before Chahyeon could react, Jungwon moved.

Everything happened in a blur. The sharp crack of metal against bone. The gasping breath that echoed through the empty hall. The weight of Chahyeon's body hitting the ground.

Jungwon stood over him, breathing hard, his hands trembling. Blood pooled on the tiled floor, staining the white grout.

For a long moment, Jungwon just stared. The reality of what he had done settled over him like a heavy fog.

But there was no regret. Only a cold, calculated calm.

He knelt down, wiping his hands on Chahyeon's jacket. He wasn't going to get caught. He had planned this too well. No cameras. No witnesses.

This was for Nanhee.

Jungwon stood, glancing around one last time. Then, without a second thought, he walked away, leaving the scene behind..

He wasn't a hero. He wasn't even sure if he was a monster.

But he had kept his promise.

And that was enough.