Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 117

~miss mee???~

~read an imp bit at the bottom in author's notes plsss~

-Start of Chapter 117-

The evening breeze is cool against my skin as I flip another page of my book, completely lost in the story. The balcony is peaceful—just the way I like it. The distant rustling of leaves and faint chirping of crickets blend into the background, making it easy to sink deeper into the world on these pages.

A knock sounds at the door.

I barely register it, too engrossed to look up. "Come in" I murmur absently.

The door creaks open. Slow. Hesitant.

Then, silence.

I frown, feeling a presence behind me. It's heavy—unnaturally so. A shift of weight. A sharp inhale.

I blink.

Something is off.

Finally, I turn around, and there he is—Jungwon, standing in the doorway his gaze flickering, unsteady. His hands are shoved deep into his pockets, his jaw locked tight. His posture screams indifference, but his eyes—dark and restless—betray him.

I raise an eyebrow. "Jungwon?"

He hesitates. His Adam's apple bobs. "I—" He clears his throat, staring at a random spot on the floor as if it personally offended him.

"Spit it out."

Jungwon exhales sharply through his nose. Then, in a voice so stiff it sounds unnatural, he mutters, 

"I think I... have feelings for Isla."

...

I blink once. Then twice.

And then, without missing a beat, I turn back to my book, flipping another page.

"I told you so." I say, completely unbothered.

Jungwon tenses like I just slapped him. "What?"

I hum in response, still reading.

A few seconds of silence pass. I can feel his stare burning holes into me.

"So—so that's it?" His voice sounds almost offended.

"What do you want me to do, throw a party?" I mumble, eyes skimming over the words on the page.

Jungwon shifts again, clearing his throat. "I just... What do I do now?"

That makes me pause.

Sighing dramatically, I finally close my book and set it aside, leaning back against the chair. I look at him, taking in the way his arms are still crossed tightly, his face set in a firm scowl—except for the tips of his ears, which are burning red.

I smile teasingly.

"Well" I say, tilting my head, "you could simply acknowledge the fact that you like her and never tell anyone. Bury it deep inside, let it haunt you forever, become one of those cold, brooding types who push love away—"

"What?" Jungwon scowls deeper, shifting uncomfortably.

"Or" I continue, ignoring him, "you could pursue her."

Silence.

Jungwon's jaw clenches. His lips press into a thin line, and he turns his head slightly, as if avoiding my gaze will make this less real.