Chapter 8

That evening, I invited Ga-Min to my place. Living alone wasn't something I minded, but lately, the empty space felt even bigger than usual. Maybe I just wanted someone to talk to—someone who wasn't tangled in my past or expectations.

When he arrived, he looked around, surprised at how spacious and well-kept my apartment was. "You live here alone?" he asked, setting his bag down.

"Yeah," I said, moving to the kitchen to grab drinks for us. "My parents are in America for work, and after I finish my studies, I'm going there too."

Ga-Min sat down, watching me carefully before speaking again. "And Han-Wool?"

I froze for just a second before sighing. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything."

I sat across from him, staring at my drink. Eventually, the words spilled out. "We are childhood friends and engaged once. It was arranged—two powerful families joining forces to make their companies even bigger. It wasn't romantic, but it wasn't terrible either. Han-Wool was different back then... or at least I thought he was." I paused before adding bitterly, "But then an incident happened. Something unforgivable. I called it off. My parents were furious at first, but they eventually understood."

Ga-Min didn't press for details, but his expression darkened. "And Han-Wool?"

"He never let it go. He's always been bitter about it." My fingers clenched around my cup. "There are things from the past... things he did. Things that still haunt me."

Ga-Min stayed silent, letting my words settle. Then, quietly, he spoke about his past.

"People always compare me to my dad," he admitted. "He was successful, powerful. But me? I was never a great student. No matter how hard I worked, my grades never matched their expectations." He scoffed, shaking his head. "It was just my mom and me after he left. She works hard for me, so I have to work hard too. That's why I push myself—to prove I can be better."

We sat in silence for a while, both absorbing the weight of each other's pasts. Trauma came in different forms, but in the end, it was all the same.

"You're stronger than you think, Ga-Min," I said.

He looked at me, surprised, before a small, grateful smile formed. "You too."

The next day, Se-Hyun seemed off. At first, I thought he was just tired, but as the day went on, his expression sullen. When we gathered in the study room, he finally spoke up.

"I'm weak," he said bluntly.

Everyone turned to look at him.

"When Hee-Won was in trouble, I tried to protect her, but I couldn't. Ga-Min had to step in." His fists clenched. "I hate that feeling. Being useless."

His frustration was evident. He wasn't the loudest or strongest in the group, but he always tried his best. Seeing him so upset was rare, and it unsettled me.

After a moment of silence, he sighed. "I'll see you guys later." And with that, he left the study room.

I turned to Ga-Min. "Do something about it."

Ga-Min raised an eyebrow. "Me?"

"He looks up to you," I pointed out. "Find a way to help him. Cheer him up."

Ga-Min sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You really like giving me work, huh?" But he didn't refuse.

Later that evening, I went to my karate training. My instructor praised my progress, saying I was improving fast.

"You've got real talent," he said. "If you keep this up, you'll surpass even the best."

After training, I stepped outside, and noticed Geon-Yeob.

"Spying on me?" I teased.

He scoffed. "Coincidence you mean but I heard a rumor."

"Let me guess," I said, crossing my arms. "That I used to date Han-Wool?"

"So, it's true?" He seemed skeptical.

"Unfortunately." I exhaled. "It's my biggest regret. He wasn't always like this, but... people change."

Geon-Yeob studied me for a moment before nodding. "I get it."

Before we continue talking, a group of thuggish-looking guys approached. One of them sneered at Geon-Yeob. "Hey, we've been looking for you."

"Great," he muttered.

I glanced at him. "Friends of yours?"

"Not exactly."

It didn't take long for things to escalate. They wanted a fight, and we weren't about to back down. The moment the first punch was thrown, instincts took over. It was tough—three against the two of us—but we held our ground.

Geon-Yeob fought well, but I could tell he wasn't expecting me to be as strong as I was. When I knocked down one of the guys effortlessly, he looked at me in shock.

"You're not just a study group member, huh?" he muttered.

I smirked. "Never said I was."

Eventually, after a tough fight, we managed to fend them off. Bruised but victorious, we leaned against the wall, catching our breath.

Geon-Yeob chuckled. "Alright. You've earned my trust."

I grinned. "Took you long enough."