Love is better than pain

18. I'm so happy, it hurts more

Late at night. After dinner and a shower, the two naturally found themselves sitting on the sofa.

The two sat snugly together under a blanket, staring at a small movie screen.

Myeongho rested his chin on Siyeon's shoulder and exhaled slowly.

And then he opened his mouth quietly but clearly.

디에잇(명호)

“Siyeon, shall we… live together?”

강시연

"yes...?"

For a moment, Siyeon's breath almost stopped.

In the quiet screen and small background noise, only his voice was heard loudly.

Myeongho said, blinking slowly.

디에잇(명호)

“If we live together… we can see each other anytime.

디에잇(명호)

“Every morning we wake up together, eat together, and sleep together…”

Siyeon swallowed her breath. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest.

강시연

“…That… That… I think it’s a bit too hasty. Haha… Are you kidding?”

Siyeon forced a smile.

I really didn't want to laugh, but it was the only way to keep my emotions from showing.

But Myeongho looked straight into her eyes and continued speaking.

디에잇(명호)

"I'm serious. I'm being completely serious. Please... Please think about it. I'll do it well. I'll really... do it well."

Each and every word pierced Siyeon's heart.

강시연

‘If this is how it is… How can you tell me to leave…’

My heart was aching like crazy. He didn't know anything.

6 months. That short remaining time.

Only Siyeon knows. Tears almost welled up in her eyes—but Siyeon swallowed it all back and spoke in a small voice.

강시연

"…wait a minute."

Then she turned around and hugged him tightly.

Instead of words, it's like pushing emotions into your arms.

디에잇(명호)

“Huh…? What is it… I’m excited…

디에잇(명호)

“Holding it like this… means you agree, right~?”

Myeongho playfully patted Siyeon on the back. He leaned his head back and spoke quietly.

디에잇(명호)

“Siyeon… Is it okay for me to be this happy…?”

At those words, Siyeon couldn't raise her head.

강시연

"No. Actually, I... might not be able to belong to that happiness..."

But instead of speaking, she hugged Myungho a little tighter.

At that moment, with an honest heart

Time has passed and we are now at the domestic concept photo shoot site.

Her hair was tied up loosely, and there was a hint of fatigue under her eyes— but she smiled faintly as she looked at the person standing in front of the monitor.

Myungho.

His appearance in front of the camera was familiar yet still strangely cool.

At that moment, Myungho secretly turned his head and winked at Siyeon.

Siyeon was startled, smiled, and gave a small thumbs-up.

강시연

"it's awesome.."

Although his expression remained calm, his heart was already racing.

***

After finishing filming, Myungho was monitoring the footage with the members during a brief break.

도겸(석민)

“Hey Myeongho, this cut is awesome.”

승관

“Hyung, this angle is really good.”

While answering the members' compliments, Myungho's gaze kept turning to Siyeon at the end of the staff seats.

She nodded, sorting something out, and I wondered why I wanted to see her so much…

A few minutes later, Myeongho took out his phone and quietly sent a message.

디에잇(명호)

Behind the set. Come in 5 minutes.

Siyeon looked at her phone, hesitated for a moment, then slowly got up from her seat.

***

Behind the set. A dark alleyway, unlit by the lights. The bustle outside was palpably quiet.

There, Myeongho was standing.

As soon as he saw the demonstration, he walked towards her in one step.

And—without a word, he kissed her.

강시연

"ah..."

Myeongho, swallowing his breath, parted his lips and gently rested his forehead against hers.

디에잇(명호)

“…I’ve been holding back for too long, Siyeon.”

Those words, filled with a heartfelt sincerity, pressed firmly into Siyeon's heart.

Myeongho hugged her. Quietly, without anyone knowing.

At his words, Siyeon nodded silently.

디에잇(명호)

"It's great working together... We're just a few steps away..."

At his words, Siyeon nodded silently.

But— a quiet sob welled up from deep within my chest.

강시연

‘That’s why… it’s even scarier. Because this… is so good.’

She endured, suppressed, and pretended nothing happened.

Just quietly— I hugged Myeongho deeper into his arms.

A brief moment.

Their secret love, like their own, briefly forgot the world and breathed in the dark.