Love is better than pain
21. Cruel Lies
강시연
“…That’s…I’m really sorry..
강시연
Separately...whatever you want...or even a small fee..."
디에잇(명호)
“……Siyeon, look at me.”
Myeongho looked at her with trembling eyes and said.
디에잇(명호)
“…What do you want? You. I want you.”
강시연
“…That kind of thing…”
디에잇(명호)
"I don't need money. I've never wanted anything like that. I just need you... you alone... to be mine..."
The demonstration could not be endured any longer.
강시연
"…sorry…"
A small, flowing word, like a breath.
And—she gave Myungho strength and slowly let go.
At that moment, the connection between the two people was cut off in mid-air.
Myungho's hand wavered in the air without any place to reach, and then fell down helplessly.
While he stared blankly at her without saying a word, Siyeon quietly left the place without even raising her head.
I felt like my soul was being sucked out of my body.
***
After a while, Siyeon returned to the office and started working again.
On the desk are numerous filming materials and photos that need to be organized.
As if nothing had happened, she typed on the keyboard in silence.
But… my heart was broken.
It was then that the office door swung open with a loud bang.
디에잇(명호)
“Where are you… Are you kidding me?”
That breathtaking voice. Everyone turned their heads at the same time.
Inside, the Seventeen members who had come for a meeting were also sitting and looked at the source of the sound in surprise.
The8, Seo Myeong-ho
He strode up to the demonstration area and looked down at her.
디에잇(명호)
“Where are you going? We’re not done talking!”
The voice was firm, and the eyes wavered. All eyes were focused on the two.
Siyeon was so surprised that she jumped up from her seat.
디에잇(명호)
“…And that’s it? What am I supposed to do… like this—”
Before Myungho could finish speaking, Siyeon looked around and hastily cut him off.
강시연
“…Oh, sorry! I was just organizing some of the D8C concept photos…
강시연
"I made a mistake. We had a bit of an argument because of it, and it was my fault. I'm working on it. I'm sorry…"
Myeongho looked at her blankly, as if he was dumbfounded.
디에잇(명호)
"That's not it..."
에스쿱스(승철)
"Hey, Myeongho, what's wrong? Why are you so upset about an employee's mistake?"
에스쿱스(승철)
"I didn't actually go out."
Seungcheol came and stopped Myeongho,
Shua also spoke quietly.
조슈아(지수)
“Yeah… It really looks weird. It’s embarrassing for Siyeon.”
디에잇(명호)
“Let go… a little…”
디노(찬)
“Brother, calm down…!”
Dino also came and stopped her. Then Siyeon smiled awkwardly and said,
강시연
“…I’ll… talk to you. I’ll apologize and sort things out.”
With that said, she walked out into the hallway with Myeongho.
***
An empty hallway. A quiet, empty space.
As soon as Siyeon brought Myeongho, she quietly released the hand she had been holding. Then she turned and spoke.
강시연
“…What if you do that in front of everyone…?”
But Myeongho hugged her without saying a word. And he did so very strongly.
디에잇(명호)
“…What do people care about? You’re leaving.”
That one word. It was so heavy it felt like her heart was going to burst. Siyeon listened to his breathing and exhaled slowly, deeply.
강시연
"This won't do. This is... too cruel to this person..."
And—she also hugged Myeongho.
He spoke in a small, trembling voice.
강시연
“…Okay. I’ll stay with you. I… I’m sorry.”
디에잇(명호)
“……!”
Myungho's eyes widened for a moment at those words.
디에잇(명호)
“…Really…? Siyeon… Is it real?”
He hugged Siyeon tightly, as if he would never let her go again.
And Siyeon quietly closed her eyes in his arms.
강시연
"I'm truly sorry I couldn't be there for you..."