The day felt normal—
Until it wasn't.
Jisoo was working.
Focused.
Or trying to be.
But something felt different today.
Like the air was waiting.
"…Jisoo."
She looked up.
Minji stood there.
Not her usual expression.
Not confident.
Not teasing.
Something else.
Something… uncertain.
"Can we talk?"
Jisoo paused.
Then nodded.
"…Okay."
They stepped outside.
Away from the noise.
Away from everyone.
For a moment—
Neither spoke.
Then—
Minji exhaled.
"…I need to tell you something."
Jisoo stayed quiet.
Listening.
"…And I think I should've told you a long time ago."
A pause.
Minji looked down.
Her hands slightly clenched.
"…About Shen Yan."
Jisoo's eyes shifted.
Just slightly.
"…What about him?"
Minji swallowed.
"…He wasn't at fault."
Silence.
"…What?"
"…Before… everything that happened…"
Minji's voice lowered.
"…It wasn't what you thought."
Jisoo's heartbeat slowed.
Then picked up again.
"…Say it clearly."
Minji looked at her.
Guilt in her eyes.
"…It was planned."
The words stayed in the air.
Heavy.
Sharp.
"…Planned?"
Minji nodded slowly.
"…There were people involved."
"…People who didn't want you two together."
"…They created misunderstandings."
"…Forced situations."
"…And I—"
Her voice broke slightly.
"…I didn't stop it."
Jisoo stared at her.
Trying to process.
"…You knew?"
"…Not everything," Minji said quickly.
"…But enough."
"…Enough to say something."
"…And I didn't."
Silence.
Deep.
Uncomfortable.
"…Why?"
Minji closed her eyes briefly.
"…Because I was selfish."
"…Because I thought it was better if you stayed away from him."
"…Because I didn't trust him."
A pause.
"…And I was wrong."
Jisoo didn't speak.
"…I'm sorry," Minji said softly.
"…Not just for then…"
"…But for letting you believe something that wasn't true."
Jisoo looked away.
Her thoughts—
messy.
Unclear.
"…He never explained," she said quietly.
Minji shook her head.
"…Because he couldn't."
"…Every time he tried—something stopped him."
"…Or someone did."
A long silence.
"…And now?"
Minji looked at her.
"…Now it doesn't matter anymore."
"…Because he still stayed."
"…Even after everything."
Jisoo's chest tightened.
"…You should hear it from him too," Minji added softly.
"…But I didn't want you to keep misunderstanding him."
Jisoo didn't respond immediately.
Because something inside her—
Was breaking.
Not in pain.
In realization.
Later that evening—
Minji stood on the terrace.
Alone.
Or so she thought.
"…You look like someone who finally said the truth."
She turned.
Mr. Kim stood there.
Hands in his pockets.
Watching her.
"…I guess I did," she replied.
He stepped closer.
Not too close.
Just enough.
"…That must feel lighter."
Minji gave a small smile.
"…It does."
A pause.
"…You've been different lately," he said.
She looked at him.
"…So have you."
He exhaled softly.
Then—
"…Minji."
Something in his tone changed.
Serious.
Certain.
She straightened slightly.
"…Hmm?"
He didn't hesitate this time.
"…I like you."
Silence.
Minji blinked.
"…You always say things so directly."
He almost smiled.
"…Because I mean them."
A pause.
Then—
"…Stay with me."
Not dramatic.
Not loud.
But real.
Minji looked at him.
For a long moment.
Then—
She smiled.
Small.
But genuine.
"…Okay."
That was it.
Simple.
But enough.
From a distance—
A figure stood.
Watching everything.
The conversation.
The emotions.
The connections.
Still.
Silent.
Unseen.
And this time—
Closer than before.