Chapter 46

That confession hurt more than any other could.

“You knew I was crazy about you, right?”

His casually thrown words hit her like a blunt object, heavy and sharp, making her chest tighten.

The feelings he had kept hidden for so long were like a sharpened spear, now piercing through her heart.

If we go any further here, it’s irreversible. My intuition was clear.

She struggled to open her lips.

“Let’s take some time, Seonghun.”

“You mean not see each other? For how long? A year? Two years? Or maybe five?”

Gam Jeongyeon, my feelings for you have lasted over ten years.

Maybe even since we were kids, when I used to talk about marrying you.

You want me to ruthlessly cut off my feelings, don’t you?

Your sweet lips are cruelly pushing me away.

“I don’t know how long it will take. It might be shorter or longer… but if we don’t see each other, that feeling will fade. Out of sight, out of mind—that’s 100% true.”

“You… can you live without seeing me?”

“I’ll have to try. Maybe this is the only way… we can remain friends until the end.”

The waves crashed on the shore, swallowing the sand, and bubbled violently.

Swoosh—crash. The overwhelming pain seemed to hold Seonghun’s gaze.

Far ahead, beyond the clouds, the sun gleamed. The dawn was coming to an end, and the morning air clung to the foamy waves.

You responded, taking in the cool air.

“I understand.”

Seonghun didn’t add anything further. And maybe that’s why it felt like her heart was sinking into the deep abyss with the waves.

If he’d just given her some explanation, she might have felt better. But his answer was so resolute, so clean, that it scared her selfishly.

She wouldn’t be able to see his face or hear his voice anymore.

And yet, she couldn’t accept his feelings right now. The vision of the future after meeting him felt so bleak and terrifying.

“I’ll go to Seoul.”

Was he really leaving like that? Seonghun turned without a hint of hesitation, leaving no room for regret.

His long build, broad shoulders, and the coldness in his retreating figure struck her hard.

She stared at his back for a while, feeling like the waves were pouring over her eyes.

Am I never going to see you again? The foreboding feeling seemed to crawl up her chest.

No, I can see you again. If we just stay apart for a while, we’ll grow closer later. Once the project starts, we’ll have no choice but to meet.

She tried to calm her emotions, forcing herself to see the situation optimistically.

Time Passed

Two months passed without her realizing it. Her days were packed with work, preparing for the project.

She and Seonghun stopped their frequent calls, which used to check in on each other’s well-being.

What was he doing now? What was he thinking? She used to know through constant contact.

Now, she only learned about his updates through articles or rumors.

After a meeting, as she was leaving the conference room, Goh Dohun stopped her.

“Jeongyeon.”

Since that day, she had strictly avoided personal conversations with Goh Dohun. She never brought up the conflict between them.

So, his calling her by name without a title felt uncomfortable. She responded with precision.

“Yes, Director Goh.”

“Let’s not be so stiff. The people don’t care anymore. It’s awkward, right?”

“I’m uncomfortable being comfortable with you. I just want to keep things steady—stiff and awkward. I’ll forget the disgrace you caused that day.”

“I’m thankful for that. And I’m sorry. Truly. I’ve wanted to apologize.”

Goh Dohun’s eyes weren’t as shameless as usual. He spoke in a measured tone, attempting to convey his sincere remorse.

Over the course of two months, it seemed like he had become more self-aware.

After all, Goh Dohun had cried that day. Whether it was regret or remorse, there must have been something he learned in the meantime.

“I spent some time thinking, through a lot of painful moments. The words Seonghun said to me that day… they shocked me, but I’ve been thinking about them ever since.”

“How did you prepare for the wedding? You told me it was a bother, that I should take care of it. The day Jeongyeon went to see the dress, you suddenly didn’t show up because something came up. When Jeongyeon was hurt by the bike, where were you? Drunk and unconscious, ignoring her calls. How can you claim to be a boyfriend?”

Goh Dohun reflected on that day, adding more regret to his words.

“I wasn’t there when you needed me most. At that time, my own situation came first… I had to look back on that.”

She listened quietly to his confession, letting him process his own regrets.

“So here’s what I’m saying… even if you didn’t feel anything for Seonghun, he might have feelings for you. I just wanted to step in and say something, but it’s up to you to decide. I still wish you two could keep your close friendship forever.”

He ended with a joke, but he had pointed out the truth.

She couldn’t confirm if his words were right. His jokes had become too serious for her to ignore.

If she looked deeper into Seonghun’s heart, there would be no turning back.

It was a relief that Goh Dohun had changed his perspective, letting go of his anger toward Seonghun.

But that relief was fleeting. Just because Goh Dohun stayed out of their way didn’t mean her relationship with Seonghun would be safe.

There were too many variables, and in the volatile world of the entertainment industry, danger lurked everywhere.

In Seonghun’s bright future, she would eventually become a burden.

“I understand. Our friendship will last forever. As you said, no more meddling.”

She answered stiffly and abruptly stood up.

At least with Goh Dohun, her feelings had been completely severed.

But the conversation left her more confused and conflicted.

She had cut off contact with Seonghun to prevent any blossoming of romantic feelings between them, but now, two months had passed.

Every day, she missed him. Not being able to call him or see his face left her feeling like a part of her had been cut off.

Sometimes, as she worked, she would find herself wanting to call him after washing up and lying down. So she poured through all the articles about him.

She read that he had flown abroad for a photo shoot, and it made her feel the distance between them growing.

Ah, you’re a superstar, and I’m just an ordinary person.

Once the thread of friendship was gone, they would be like strangers from faraway lands.