Chapter 23 – Love Isn’t the End, It’s the Beginning

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1. The First Day Back

Hana walked into school the next morning, her heart pounding.

It had only been a few days since the stabbing.

Since she almost died.

Since Ji-hoon told her he loved her.

And now, everything felt different.

Whispers followed her down the hallway.

"She's back?"

"Did you hear what happened?"

"She nearly died protecting Ji-hoon."

Hana swallowed hard, keeping her head up.

Then—warm fingers intertwined with hers.

She looked up.

Ji-hoon stood beside her, his grip firm, his presence steady.

"Ignore them," he murmured.

Hana squeezed his hand.

"With you here? I already am."

Ji-hoon's lips twitched into a smirk.

"Good."

But even as they walked toward class, Hana could feel eyes burning into her.

And she knew—

Someone wasn't happy she was still standing.

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2. The Jealous One

During lunch, Hana and Ji-hoon sat at their usual spot in the courtyard.

Ji-hoon leaned back against the tree, one arm casually draped around her waist.

For once, things felt… peaceful.

Until—

"I see you're still alive."

Hana tensed.

Min-ji.

Ji-hoon immediately sat up, his posture stiff. "What do you want?"

Min-ji crossed her arms, her gaze cold. "I just came to see if she's still as weak as before."

Hana clenched her fists. "I'm not weak."

Min-ji smirked. "Really? Then why did you have to throw yourself in front of Ji-hoon like some kind of tragic heroine?"

Ji-hoon's jaw clenched. "Watch your mouth."

Min-ji's eyes flickered between them, something dark behind her gaze.

Then—she leaned in.

"You think he loves you?"

Hana stiffened.

Ji-hoon immediately stood, blocking her from Min-ji's view.

"Leave." His voice was dangerously low.

Min-ji let out a cold laugh.

"Fine." She turned on her heel. "But you'll see soon enough."

Hana swallowed hard as Min-ji disappeared into the crowd.

Ji-hoon's fingers curled into fists.

"She's trying to mess with your head."

Hana nodded slowly.

But deep down, something told her—

Min-ji wasn't done yet.

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3. A Night Under the Stars

That evening, Ji-hoon showed up at Hana's house.

No warning. No text.

Just him, standing outside her window, looking up.

Hana laughed softly as she opened it. "What are you doing here?"

Ji-hoon smirked. "Taking you somewhere."

Hana raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

He held out his hand. "Trust me."

Hana hesitated—then placed her hand in his.

Minutes later, they stood on the rooftop of an old bookstore, the city lights twinkling below them.

Hana's breath caught. "Ji-hoon, this is beautiful."

Ji-hoon sat down, pulling her close. "I used to come here when I needed to think."

Hana turned to him. "And now?"

His eyes softened.

"Now, I just wanted to be here with you."

Her heart skipped a beat.

The night air was cool, the stars above them bright.

Ji-hoon shifted, his fingers brushing against hers.

"Do you ever wonder…" His voice was quiet. "What life would be like if we never met?"

Hana's lips curved into a smile.

"Empty."

Ji-hoon exhaled a soft chuckle. "Yeah. Me too."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

And in that moment—

She knew.

This was love.

And she wasn't letting go.

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Chapter 24 – The Trouble with Love