Chapter Seventeen: Silent Turmoil.

Soo Jeon sat quietly in the corner of her living room, her phone resting on her lap. The soft hum of the city outside filled the silence, but her mind was far from quiet. Ji-Eun's message had arrived unexpectedly, shattering the calm she'd felt just moments before.

 The picture attached was simple, but it spoke volumes. There was Ji-Eun, smiling brightly, standing close to Min Jun. The familiarity between them was undeniable, and Soo Jeon couldn't ignore the sharp sting of jealousy that followed.

 Her chest tightened as she stared at the photo, her thoughts racing. Why would Ji-Eun send this to me? What is she trying to do? Soo Jeon's pulse quickened, her emotions a storm just beneath the surface.

 Min Jun entered the room, his usual confident stride faltering when he saw her face. There was something different about her expression—calm, yet distant. He could sense the tension, even before she spoke.

 Soo Jeon, is everything okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

 She didn't respond immediately, her gaze still fixed on the picture. Finally, she looked up, her eyes meeting his. The hurt she felt was masked by a facade of composure.

 "Min Jun, I received something today," Soo Jeon said, her tone even, almost too controlled. She handed him her phone, the picture on full display.

 Min Jun's face paled as he saw the image. His heart sank. What is Ji-Eun thinking? he wondered, knowing this would only complicate things between him and Soo Jeon. He looked up, meeting Soo Jeon's unreadable gaze.

 "Soo Jeon, I didn't know she was going to send that to you," Min Jun began, his voice soft yet urgent. "I was at a meeting, and she just showed up. I didn't ask for this."

Soo Jeon listened, her heart aching with every word. She wanted to believe him, but the pain of seeing him with Ji-Eun was still too fresh. Despite the turmoil raging inside her, she remained outwardly calm, not wanting to let her emotions take control.

 "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked quietly, her eyes searching his for the truth.

 Min Jun hesitated, struggling to find the right words. He could see the hurt in her eyes, even if she was trying to hide it. He took a step closer, his voice filled with sincerity.

 "I didn't want to worry you," he admitted, guilt weighing heavily on his conscience. "I thought it was nothing, just a moment from the past that wouldn't affect us. I didn't want you to think there was anything between us."

 Soo Jeon's resolve wavered as she looked into his eyes. She could sense his honesty, but the sting of betrayal still lingered. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

 "I don't know what to think, Min Jun," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to trust you, but this… it hurts."

 Min Jun reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "I understand, Soo Jeon. I never wanted to hurt you. Please, let me explain everything."

 She hesitated, then nodded, allowing him to continue. Despite the turmoil in her heart, she needed to hear his side, to understand what really happened.