Chapter 26 — The Conversation That Should've Happened
For a moment, no one spoke.
Soo-Min's eyes flicked toward Min-Ho, then back to Ji-Woo.
"You can stay," he told Min-Ho, his voice oddly steady. "It's your choice."
Min-Ho didn't move.
His gaze stayed on Ji-Woo, as if silently asking, Do you want me here?
Ji-Woo gave the smallest nod.
---
They sat on the bench by the stairwell.
It was the same place where Ji-Woo had once cried after the rumors spread — except back then, Soo-Min hadn't been there.
"I'm sorry," Soo-Min began.
The words were rushed, like if he said them fast enough, they might undo the months of silence.
"I didn't know what to do. Everyone was talking, and I thought—"
"You thought leaving was easier," Ji-Woo cut in.
He didn't raise his voice, but the hurt bled through.
---
Soo-Min swallowed. "I was scared. Not of you — of being dragged into it."
Ji-Woo laughed bitterly. "So you abandoned me to save yourself."
The air was sharp between them.
"I'm here now," Soo-Min said, quieter. "If you hate me, fine. But I want to make it right."
Min-Ho finally spoke, his tone calm but edged.
"You can't erase what happened. But maybe you can start by telling the truth — to everyone."
---
Soo-Min looked between them.
"I don't know if I'm brave enough for that."
Ji-Woo stood, his shadow stretching long in the dim hallway light.
"Then you're still the same."
He walked away, Min-Ho following without a word.
And Soo-Min was left alone — with the apology that had come too late.