Love Him...Forever

The Breaking Point

Shine hurried toward the club's main entrance just as Allen's car pulled up. The moment she opened the door and settled into the passenger seat, she broke down—burying her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

Allen flinched at the sound of her crying.
"Why are you crying?" he asked, his voice thick with concern.

"I... I... think... I... I lost him..." Shine choked out, her words trembling as more tears spilled down.

Allen's eyes softened with worry. He cupped her face gently.
"Let's get you out of here, okay?"

Shine couldn't speak—she only nodded.

Allen started the engine and drove, keeping silent while Shine cried beside him. Minutes later, he pulled over along Lake Shore Boulevard.

He unbuckled himself and turned fully toward her.
"Tell me what happened between you and him," he demanded gently but firmly.

Shine looked up at him and began to recount everything.

"That's the problem—nothing will ever happen between us," she said, bitterness in her voice.

Allen listened quietly, concern deepening in his eyes as Shine continued.

"Yuzuru arrived at the club earlier... after lunch... with Kazumi—you know, the girl from the victory party."

Allen nodded slowly.

"Then—then—" Shine's voice faltered as the memory of Yuzuru's coldness hit her again.

Allen stepped out of the driver's seat, walked around the car, opened Shine's door, and helped unbuckle her. Then he wrapped her in a tight, warm hug.

"Shhh... Hana, everything will be okay," he murmured, running his hand soothingly up and down her back.

"Allen... Yuzuru is so cold to me. It's like my Yuzuru is gone," she cried harder, her voice cracking.

Allen held her shoulders and looked straight into her eyes—his expression soft and tender, the way it always became when she cried.

"Tell me exactly what happened," he said, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

Shine stepped out and walked to the front of the car, leaning against the bumper. Allen followed and leaned beside her. Between sobs, Shine told him everything.

"I asked him to meet me... to confront him. But my emotions took over and I ended up releasing all my anger. He's being cold to me while flirting with other girls. I told him we're not friends... and that he should never tell anyone what happened between us."

Her voice broke.

"But I didn't expect he would agree so easily. When we separated... I wanted to run back and tell him everything. Because I think he finally believes I'm not Shine. And he made it clear he will never love me..." Shine finished, now crying almost hysterically.

Allen stepped forward and hugged her tightly again.

"Shhh... it's okay," he whispered.

"I really love him, Allen..." Shine sobbed loudly into his chest.

By the time Allen and Shine arrived at her house, it was nearly 9 PM. Allen, ever the gentleman, opened her door and guided her to the grand double-leaf entrance.

"Thanks for tonight," Shine said, forcing a small smile.

"Anything for you. I hate seeing you cry—especially because of another guy." Allen gently stroked her cheek. Shine lowered her gaze, shy. Allen lifted her chin, soft eyes meeting hers.