Chapter 22 – When Love Stands Tall
1. The Morning After
Hana woke to the soft beeping of hospital machines.
Her body ached, but the warmth beside her was undeniable.
Ji-hoon.
His hand was wrapped around hers, head resting on the edge of her bed. His dark hair was messy, his face exhausted.
He had been here all night.
Her heart ached.
She reached out, fingers brushing his cheek. "Ji-hoon."
His eyes snapped open.
For a moment, he just stared at her—like he couldn't believe she was real.
Then, without warning, he pulled her into his arms.
Hana gasped. "Ji-hoon—"
"You scared me," he whispered against her hair.
His voice was raw. Unsteady.
Hana swallowed hard.
She wrapped her arms around him. "I'm here."
Ji-hoon pulled back just enough to press his forehead to hers.
"Don't do that again."
Hana smiled weakly. "Can't promise that."
His jaw clenched. "Hana."
She lifted a hand, cupping his cheek.
"I love you, Ji-hoon."
His breath caught.
For a long moment, he didn't move. Didn't blink.
Then—his lips crashed against hers.
Soft. Deep. Full of everything he had been holding back.
When he finally pulled away, his gaze was fierce.
"I love you too."
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2. The Final Warning
Later that afternoon, Hana sat up in bed while Ji-hoon paced the hospital room.
He hadn't stopped moving since the doctor left.
"I need to make sure Min-jae won't come near you again." Ji-hoon's voice was sharp, his fists clenched.
Hana frowned. "Ji-hoon—"
"I mean it." His gaze burned. "I almost lost you."
Hana reached for him. "Come here."
He hesitated.
"Hana—"
"Ji-hoon."
Reluctantly, he stepped closer.
She took his hand, squeezing gently. "You don't have to do this alone."
Ji-hoon exhaled.
His free hand came up, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
"I can't lose you," he admitted softly.
Hana smiled. "Then don't."
Ji-hoon stared at her—then sighed.
"I swear, you're impossible."
She grinned. "And you love me for it."
His lips twitched.
"Yeah. I do."
But despite his words, the storm in his eyes hadn't faded.
And Hana knew—
This wasn't over yet.
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3. A Visit from the Past
The next evening, Hana was discharged from the hospital.
Ji-hoon refused to leave her side.
They walked home together, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist.
"I can walk on my own, you know."
Ji-hoon shot her a look. "You were stabbed."
Hana sighed. "You're never letting this go, are you?"
"Nope."
She rolled her eyes but leaned into him anyway.
As they turned the corner, a familiar figure stepped into their path.
Hana's breath caught.
Min-ji.
Her former best friend.
The one who had betrayed her.
Min-ji's eyes flickered to Ji-hoon, then back to Hana.
"I heard what happened."
Hana tensed. "What do you want?"
Min-ji hesitated.
Then—she looked away.
"I just… I'm glad you're okay."
Hana's heart twisted.
Ji-hoon, however, wasn't impressed.
"We don't need your fake concern." His voice was cold.
Min-ji flinched.
Then, without another word, she turned and walked away.
Hana watched her go, a strange feeling settling in her chest.
She didn't know why—
But something told her that wouldn't be the last time she saw Min-ji.
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4. The Kiss That Seals It All
That night, Ji-hoon walked Hana to her front door.
She turned to face him, heart pounding.
"Are you sure you don't want to come in?" she asked softly.
Ji-hoon hesitated.
But then—he stepped forward, cupping her face in his hands.
"I want to." His voice was low.
Hana's breath caught.
His thumb traced her cheek. "But if I do… I won't be able to leave."
Her pulse raced.
Maybe she didn't want him to.
Ji-hoon leaned in.
His lips brushed against hers—slow, teasing.
Hana's fingers curled into his jacket, pulling him closer.
The kiss deepened.
A promise.
A confession.
A beginning.
When they finally pulled apart, Ji-hoon's forehead rested against hers.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he murmured.
Hana smiled.
"Tomorrow."
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