Chapter 77: Between Two Worlds
The afternoon sun cast a golden hue over Eternity Academy as Yun-ho sat beneath the ancient oak tree, his fingers absently tossing pebbles into the tranquil pond. The gentle ripple of water mirrored the turmoil inside him. Just days before, Nova had expressed her feelings, but now that confession felt like a bittersweet curse. He couldn't shake the burden of his secret, knowing that his time here was limited.
"Hey," Nova's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to reality. She approached with a mix of determination and hesitation.
"Hey," he managed, trying to keep his tone light as he fought to hide the storm inside him. "What's up?"
Nova settled next to him, her staff leaning against the tree. "I wanted to talk about… us."
His heart raced at the implications of her words. "Sure. What's on your mind?"
"I meant what I said the other day. I care about you, Yun-ho. More than I probably should." Her eyes searched his, vulnerability dancing in their depths.
"I care about you too," he replied, fighting the urge to pull her closer. "But…"
"But you've got something to hide," she finished, her voice tinged with frustration. "You act like there's a wall between us, and it's driving me crazy."
Yun-ho felt a knot tighten in his stomach. How could he explain that the barrier was not just a mere secret, but an entire world he belonged to? "I'm not trying to push you away. It's just complicated."
"Complicated?" Nova's brows furrowed in disbelief. "You mean to tell me it's all just about secrets? I can handle that. I thought we were past that."
"It's more than just secrets, Nova. There are things… things I can't explain." The words hung heavy between them, filled with unspoken truths.
"Then stop acting like I'm some fragile flower that needs protecting! I'm not afraid of a little complexity!" Nova shot back, frustration bubbling beneath her cool facade. "What if I want to know what's really going on with you?"
Yun-ho looked away, his heart racing. "If you knew the truth, it might change everything."
"Good or bad?" she pressed, leaning closer. "I'm not afraid of change. I'm not afraid of you."
"You should be," he said softly, his voice strained. "I'm not who you think I am."
Her expression softened, yet determination burned in her gaze. "Then show me. Don't shut me out because of whatever burden you think you carry. I can help you."
"I don't want to hurt you," he admitted, the weight of his decision heavy on his shoulders. "I care too much to drag you into my problems."
"You care, but you're not letting me in," she countered, her voice firm yet tender. "I want to be there for you, but you have to let me. Don't shut me out."
Yun-ho felt the boundaries of their worlds blurring as he searched her eyes. In that moment, the pain of potentially losing her clawed at his insides. "I wish I could tell you everything," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Then let's make the most of what we have," she replied, stepping closer. "No regrets, remember?"
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the academy, Yun-ho knew he had to make a choice. Between his secret and the connection blossoming between them, the stakes had never been higher. Perhaps, in the fleeting moments they had left, he could allow himself to feel just a bit more.