Chapter 19.
As Ji-hyun stepped inside Min-soo's luxurious house, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She was determined to have a heart-to-heart talk with Min-soo, but she was also nervous about how he would react.
Min-soo, still looking a bit taken aback by Ji-hyun's sudden visit, gestured for her to follow him. They walked into the living room, where Min-soo offered Ji-hyun a seat.
For a moment, they just sat there, looking at each other. Ji-hyun could sense Min-soo's wariness, but she was determined to break through his defenses.
"Min-soo, I need to talk to you about something," Ji-hyun said, her voice firm but gentle.
Min-soo raised an eyebrow, his expression guarded. "What is it?"
Ji-hyun took a deep breath before launching into her speech. "I know you've been pushing me away, Min-soo. But I want you to know that I care about you deeply. I want to understand you, to know what's going on inside your head."
Min-soo's expression didn't change, but Ji-hyun could sense a flicker of emotion behind his eyes.
Min-soo's expression remained impassive, but Ji-hyun could sense a crack in his armor. She decided to press on, her words flowing from her heart.
"I know you're trying to push me away, Min-soo," Ji-hyun said, her voice soft but firm. "But I'm not going anywhere. I want to be here for you, to support you through thick and thin."
Min-soo's eyes flashed with emotion, but he quickly suppressed it. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into, Ji-hyun," he warned, his voice low and gravelly.
But Ji-hyun just smiled and got up from her seat. She walked over to Min-soo and sat down beside him, her presence warm and comforting.
"Tell me, Min-soo," Ji-hyun said, her eyes locked on his. "Tell me about yourself. What makes you tick? What are you afraid of?"
Min-soo's defenses began to crumble, his vulnerability seeping through the cracks. He looked away, trying to compose himself, but Ji-hyun's gentle touch on his arm brought him back.
"Min-soo, I'm here for you," Ji-hyun whispered, her voice full of conviction. "I want to understand you, to help you through your struggles."
Min-soo's eyes met Ji-hyun's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, in a low, husky voice, Min-soo began to speak.
"I'm afraid of losing control," Min-soo said, his words barely above a whisper. "I'm afraid of being vulnerable, of being hurt."
Ji-hyun's eyes filled with compassion as she listened to Min-soo's words. She could sense the depth of his pain, the weight of his fears.
But she also sensed something else - a glimmer of hope, a spark of connection that neither of them could ignore.