Times Fault [Yang Jungwon-Enhypen] (ONC 2024)

"I wish I could hate you. I wish I could let go of you. I wish I regretted meeting you."

He paused, tears blurring his vision. His thumb hovered over the send button. With a shaky exhale, Jungwon's hands trembled as he typed out the text in his group chat.

"Called in sick, can't make it to practice today."

The lie burned as he hit send. Jungwon blinked rapidly, catching a glimpse of his bloodshot eyes in the mirror.

"Jungwon, are you done? We should get going now!"

Tears welled in Jungwon's eyes as he stared at his own reflection. Though his heart ached, he couldn't bring himself to hate her - not when he loved her so deeply. With a shaky breath, he wiped his cheeks and forced a smile.

"Just a second, babe!" he called, slipping his phone back into his pocket after sending the text to his teammates.

As he exited his room, Mijoo greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. Her touch was gentle, loving - yet it only deepened the hollow feeling in his chest.

"I love you, babe," she beamed.

"...I love you too, Mijoo," he managed, hoping she didn't notice the hesitation in his voice.

As they left hand-in-hand, Jungwon's mind raced. He had sacrificed so much for her, compromising himself time and again. And now he wondered - did she even truly love him? The thought haunted him:

"Look what you've made me do. Look what you're making me do. I'm afraid of what you'll make me do next."