Chapter 16 –A Letter from Min-Soo

Days passed since Min-Soo's sentencing, and life slowly returned to normal. Ha-Joon found himself smiling more, especially with Seo-Won by his side. College life felt lighter, and for the first time in years, he could breathe without fear.

Then, one evening, as he arrived home, his grandfather handed him an envelope. "This came for you today," he said, not thinking much of it.

Ha-Joon's heart sank when he saw the sharp, familiar handwriting.

Min-Soo.

His fingers trembled as he took it. Without a word, he left for his room and immediately called Seo-Won.

"What's wrong?" Seo-Won's voice was warm, but the concern was clear.

"I… got a letter. From him."

A long pause. Then, "I'm coming over."

Fifteen minutes later, Seo-Won arrived at Ha-Joon's house, his blue eyes dark with worry. Without hesitation, he took the letter from Ha-Joon's hands and read it:

*"Ha-Joon,

Did you think locking me away would end this? I will always be in your mind, your nightmares, your fears. You can't escape me. You never could.

Min-Soo"*

Ha-Joon swallowed hard, his hands tightening into fists. Seo-Won exhaled sharply, crumpling the letter. "He's just trying to mess with your head."

Ha-Joon nodded, but a small part of him still felt unsettled.

Seo-Won reached out, gently cupping Ha-Joon's cheek. "Listen to me. You're safe. He's gone, and he's never coming back. Don't let him take another second of your life."

Ha-Joon looked into Seo-Won's steady gaze, warmth spreading in his chest. For the first time, he realized—he wasn't alone anymore.

"...Yeah," he whispered.

Seo-Won smiled and ruffled his hair. "Good. Now, let's forget that bastard. Want to go out for dinner?"

Ha-Joon hesitated, then nodded with a small smile. "Only if you're paying."

Seo-Won chuckled. "Fine. Anything for you."

As they left the house together, Ha-Joon felt a strange sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, Min-Soo really couldn't hurt him anymore.

And with Seo-Won by his side, he wasn't afraid to move forward.