- ….sorry.
These were the first words Yoon-gi spoke to Seung-ah after they had been taken to the hospital and all the necessary measures had been taken. Without any excuses, Yoon-gi simply bowed his head like a criminal, staring at the IV needle in Seung-ah's hand. Seung-ah felt her heart break. Even today, she had experienced the horrifying and terrifying nature of stalking herself, but she couldn't even imagine how habitually Yoon-gi had been subjected to it. As a female stalker, Yoon-gi's suffering likely went unnoticed. And yet, Yoon-gi bowed his head in front of Seung-ah like a criminal, apologizing on her behalf. Even though he was a victim himself.
- Don't do that. It's not your fault, Yoongi…
- No. It's my fault. That stalker is a terrible curse that's been attached to me, and now it's spreading to Seung-ah. Someone like me shouldn't be seeing anyone in the first place...
- How... how can you say something like that...?
- …! Seung-ah… What I mean is… That’s not what I mean…
- Me…! I’m changing every day because of Yoongi, the person who used to be so timid that even his boss would ask if he had any friends is now the first to say hello in the morning… ..!! It might not seem like much to Yoongi, but Yoongi makes me a better person… ! So… !! So don’t say things like that! Curses and all that, it’s not your fault, it’s that stalker’s fault, so don’t keep burying yourself, Yoongi… !! Just… ..! Just keep seeing me, if you like me!
Seung-ah's face flushed bright red, her bloodshot face rising, and she paused, staring at Yoon-ki with wide-eyed surprise. But unlike her body, which was turning so red it seemed she might bleed, her straight gaze and her hands clinging tightly to the blankets showed her determination.
- Seung-ah… ..
Yoon-ki felt a pang in his nose as he watched the timid Seung-ah summon up the courage to say the things he'd never heard before, the things he'd actually wanted to hear. Yoon-ki smiled warmly and stroked Seung-ah's cheek.
"I will. Seung-ah, you're right. It's not anyone's fault, and it's true that we've influenced each other positively since we met. So, just like you said, Seung-ah, I'll only look at you and only like you. I'll put my worries aside and, from now on, I'll try to make this lovely person in front of me a little more excited."
- … ! You keep making me anxious… ..!!
- Well... I know that, but I'm not satisfied.
- Mr. Woo…! Is that something you say to a sick person?
- Oh... I'm sorry. You don't like it?
- ! You're really mean, Yoongi…
- sorry.
Yoon-ki lightly kissed Seung-ah's forehead and gently stroked her hand.
- Forgive me. Okay?
- Ugh, really...
- Aren't you going to do it?
- Why are people so skilled? Seriously… It’s annoying… .
"Am I skilled? I've never felt safe for a moment, worried you'd run away from me. You're just pretending to be relaxed, Seung-ah."
- You seem skilled at saying things so openly…
- How can I make you believe me?
- I believe it, I believe it… It’s good… .
- If you like it, leave it to me. Can't you just hug me? I'm impatient right now, so I want to hug Seung-ah and act like a spoiled brat.
- Seriously… I can’t win against Yoongi… .
Seung-ah buried her face in her hands and gave permission. Yoon-ki took Seung-ah in his arms, caressing the back of her head and stroking her back.