Love is better than pain
17. The end of the season that only I know
The next morning.
Siyeon became more cautious on her way to work. Her body ached.
Even sitting still, the pain surged, and my shortness of breath became more frequent.
강시연
"Is it just my heart that's doing this... or is it really... my body breaking down?"
I took out the painkiller and swallowed it quietly. With the pills gently sinking into my empty stomach, I prepared to get through the day.
***
강주아
"Siyeon, the members have just left the country. After this tour ends, we'll start filming in Korea right away.
강주아
"You have to follow along. I'll be working a lot outside the office next week, so please hurry and get ready."
강시연
“Ah… yes, yes… I understand.”
At Manager Kang Joo-ah's words, Siyeon forced herself to nod and opened her laptop.
My fingertips started to tremble slightly, and the letters in front of my eyes kept blurring.
강시연
‘I need to write a resignation letter…’
But not today. Work was piling up, and there were too many responsibilities to let up now.
강시연
"Okay... I'll hold out for today. For now, a little longer..."
***
Meanwhile, at the same time. Overseas concert venue – waiting room
One hour before the show starts.
While the members busily prepared for rehearsal, Myungho, who had finished first, sat in a quiet corner, looking at his phone.
A screen that stops while flipping through a photo album.
Last night, against the backdrop of fireworks, Siyeon smiled at herself.
That moment when I remember her gaze, her expression, even her breath.
I keep looking at that picture over and over again.
승관
“Hyung Myungho~ Are you dating?”
Seung-kwan asked playfully.
Instead of answering, Myungho simply raised the corners of his mouth.
승관
“What the~ You’re suddenly laughing and making a fuss~”
호시(권순영)
"Okay. Don't smile like that on stage later. I almost burst out laughing yesterday."
The prank continued, but Myungho simply laughed, recalling the demonstration.
I stopped by the L store a little while ago. I picked out a bag that I thought would suit Siyeon.
디에잇(명호)
“I want to give you the mask right away.”
After all my schedules were over and I got back, I wanted to go see her right away.
Her smile, her warm hands,
And… I naturally believed that moment would last longer.
***
The week after returning from the concert, the members took a short break.
Just one day, two days at most. In that precious time, Myeongho called Siyeon without hesitation.
Siyeon opened the door and entered at Myeongho's call, and the moment she saw the living room, she was speechless.
A tablecloth laid out under warm lighting, the aroma of a well-cooked steak,
A red wine glass and a candle placed by the window.
강시연
"What...what is all this...?"
Siyeon asked with a bewildered expression. Myungho smiled quietly and led her toward the sofa.
디에잇(명호)
"gift."
At the same time, Myeongho came out holding the shopping bag he had hidden behind the sofa.
The demonstration took a deep breath at the sight of that familiar logo.
강시연
“This, this is…”
디에잇(명호)
"I just bought it because I thought of you. I wanted to give it to you."
Siyeon was flustered, waving both hands and shaking her head.
강시연
"T-But this is… too expensive. I can't… If I accept something like this—"
As they spoke, Siyeon suddenly looked at him.
Myeong-ho's eyes stared at her silently. Warm, yet slightly anxious.
디에잇(명호)
“…You’re not going to accept it… Siyeon…?”
At those words, Siyeon's heart sank.
강시연
"This person is just... I want to give him my heart."
Measuring it by price and keeping a distance felt like rejecting that feeling. Siyeon nodded subtly.
강시연
“Thank you… Myeongho.”
She carefully opened the shopping bag.
Opening the carefully packaged bag box, a small, elegant handbag in deep beige with a delicate gold chain was revealed.
It was so beautiful. But even more beautiful than that— was the heart contained within.
강시연
"...Thank you, really...."
At that moment, Siyeon's eyes slowly became moist. Myungho looked at her in surprise.
디에잇(명호)
“Huh…? Siyeon… Why… are you crying…?”
Siyeon shook her head. She pursed her lips and wiped her eyes with both hands.
강시연
"It's okay... I'm just so grateful..."
The crying wasn't just a simple emotion.
Six months. Tears only those who know the end can shed.
I wanted to receive it, but I felt compelled to return it—it hurt even more. Myungho silently embraced Siyeon.
디에잇(명호)
"It's okay... I'll give you more."
But Siyeon quietly repeated a sentence in her mind.
"From now on... I'll remember every single thing. Everything you gave me."