《Let Me Heal Your Pain》


 Chapter 1 - Eighteen years later

    Kim Ji Ho sat in the classroom. Clutching a book in his hands and sporting glasses, he sat by himself as it was still early for the lesson to commence. With a headset on, he scribbled notes while listening to the song "everything will be fine". An introverted and hard-to-please individual, his entire life was predetermined by his parents who had already set a goal for him to achieve. As time passed, other students trickled into the classroom. When the bell finally rang, the teacher entered and proceeded to take attendance. Eventually, she called out his name.


    "Kim Ji Ho?" she inquired.


    "Yes," he responded, lowering his head.


    "Alright, let''s get started with the lesson."


    Kim Ji Ho was renowned as the brightest student in their class, earning the favouritism of the teachers and being one of the privileged sons of the school''s sponsor. His reputation preceded him wherever he went.


    Sitting in the row on the left, Jeon Do Yun commented, "He may be good at studies, but he has a handsome face with an annoying character."


    The student Kim Ha Joon, one of Do Yun''s friends, sitting in front of Do Yun turned back and whispered, "Hey Do Yun, don''t say it so loudly. The teacher might hear you¡±


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    Do Yun smirked and said, "Ha, I know. I was just saying. You don''t need to tell me."


    Unfortunately, their conversation caught the teacher''s attention and he stopped the class. "Hey Jeon Do Yun and Kim Ha Joon, get up," he commanded. Both of them stood up obediently. Ji Ho, upon hearing Do Yun''s name, raised his head and glanced at them.


    "What were you both talking about? Can''t you see that the class is still going on? Both of you, go outside," the teacher scolded.


    They both shut the book and head outside. They didn''t really care about spending the whole day outdoors. As they walked out, the teacher followed them.


    "You won''t learn anything this way. Hands on your head and kneel down. Stay like that until my class is over. If I catch you standing, it''ll be a full day. Got it?" he said.


    "Yes sir," they both said, nodding.


    The teacher returned to the classroom, and the two of them obediently assumed the position as instructed.


    "Hey Ha Joon, this is all your fault," Do Yun complained.


    "What did I do? I was just trying to help," Ha Joon defended himself.


    "If you hadn''t warned me, none of this would have happened."


    "Hey, don¡¯t blame me. I''m your best friend."


    "Anyway, it''s pointless to argue now. The class was boring anyway. It''s better to just stay in there."


    Jeon Do Yun glanced at the class through the window while chatting. He noticed Kim Ji Ho looking back at him. When Do Yun caught his gaze, Ji Ho quickly looked down at his book. A smile formed on Do Yun''s face.


    "I see you''ve been keeping an eye on me, Kim Ji Ho," he remarked with a grin.


    "What are you talking about?" Ha Joon questioned.


    "Nothing, just something interesting caught my attention," Do Yun said, looking back at Ji Ho with a smirk...

 Chapter 2- Anxiety

    During the break, Ji Ho decides to take a stroll outside for some fresh air. Do Yun quietly follows him at a safe distance. Ji Ho has a feeling that he''s being followed, so he stops and looks around, but sees no one. He continues walking, only to be suddenly pulled towards the wall by a hand from the side. Ji Ho instinctively raises his hands in defense, but Do Yun quickly blocks them with a smile on his face. Ji Ho recognizes him and asks, "Is that you, Jeon Do Yun?"


    "Yes, who were you expecting, Kim Ji Ho?" Do Yun replies.


    "Anyone but not you, I suppose," Ji Ho responds, motioning for Do Yun to release his hands. Do Yun complies and steps back, maintaining a slight distance between them.


    Shall we have a chat, Kim Ji Ho?" Do Yun inquires.


    "What''s the point of talking? I have nothing to discuss with you," he replies, glancing at Do Yun. "Just tell me why you''re bothering me," he questions.


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    "You claimed you had no questions. Now you have one, interesting" Do Yun remarks.


    "Fine, then don''t speak," Ji Ho says, attempting to walk away, but Do Yun blocks his path with his hands.


    "Okay, don''t leave. I was just teasing you a bit. You get angry quickly," he comments.


    "Then tell me. What do you want? Why did you follow me? Are you a stalker?" Ji Ho questions.


    "How many questions will you ask, Ji Ho? Now answer my question. Why were you staring at me?"


    "Me...when?" he asks.


    "When I was being punished and standing outside the classroom," Do Yun explains as he moves closer to Ji Ho, pushing him against the wall. "Were you checking me out, topper?" Ji Ho starts to feel nervous, his heart racing. Do Yun notices the fear in Ji Ho''s eyes, smiles, and takes a step back.


    "Did you enjoy watching me stand outside?" Do Yun questions.


    "Uhh!" Ji Ho grunts, anticipating another question.


    "Why are you so surprised? Were you hoping I''d ask something else?"


    Ji Ho rolls his eyes and steps to the side. "Forget it, mind your own business. I don''t appreciate someone interrupting my alone time."


    " In that case, I''ll mind my own business," Do Yun states, leaning in close. " Do you have a crush on me, top student Kim Ji Ho?"


    ...

 Chapter3 - Giving up the emotion

    Do you have a crush on me, Kim Ji Ho?" Do Yun inquires.


    "What on earth?" Ji Ho responds with a stutter.


    "Then why were you staring at me like that? My instincts are never wrong," Do Yun insists.


    "I was just checking if you were following our teacher''s instructions," Ji Ho explains.


    "Really! This isn''t the first time I''ve caught you staring at me," Do Yun points out.


    Ji Ho remains silent.


    "Kim Ji Ho, if anyone saw us like this, they would definitely get the wrong idea. So, give me an answer quickly," Do Yun urges.


    "What!! Are you trying to mess with me?" Ji Ho questions.


    "No, if you tell me the truth, then I can understand my own feelings," Do Yun clarifies.


    "What!" Ji Ho looks at Do Yun. "What feelings?"


    "My feelings for you," Do Yun confesses.


    "Ehh," Ji Ho panics, looks down, and pauses. "Do Yun, don''t play games with me," he finally speaks up.


    "Don''t you know, Ji Ho, how determined I am?" Do Yun asks. "Hey Ji Ho, how much longer are you going to keep me waiting?"


    "What the hell are you talking about, Do Yun?" Ji Ho asks in confusion.


    "You really don''t get it?" Do Yun questions.


    The sound of the bell reverberated through the air, signalling the end of the break. Do Yun and Ji Ho were caught off guard, their hearts racing. In a flurry of movement, Ji Ho gently guided Do Yun''s hands and hurriedly made their way back to class.


    As the class began, Ji Ho found it impossible to focus. Thoughts swirled in his mind, questioning the meaning behind Do Yun''s confession. ¡®Could it be possible that Do Yun felt the same way?¡¯ No,  Ji Ho thought, dismissing the idea. It couldn''t be true.


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    Ji Ho turned to look at Do Yun, only to find him staring intensely back. Quickly, Ji Ho looked away.


    The class finally came to an end, and Ji Ho hastily gathered his belongings, eager to escape the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume him. However, Do Yun appeared behind him, grabbing his bag and bringing him to rooftop.


    "Why have you brought me here?" Ji Ho inquires, his voice laced with confusion.


    "We need to talk, Ji Ho and I apologize for bringing you here without warning" Do Yun said, his voice filled with determination.


    "What is there to talk about?" Ji Ho replied, his voice laced with confusion.


    "I¡­I have liked you since the moment I first laid eyes on you, Ji Ho. I was hesitant to approach you, but when I noticed you looking at me the same way, I knew you felt the same. I didn''t want to waste any more time hiding my feelings. I have been wanting to tell you this for a while," Do Yun confessed.


    Ji Ho attempts to interject, but Do Yun gently places a finger upon his lips, silencing him. "Please, allow me to speak... Kim Ji Ho, would you consider dating me?" Do Yun''s words hang in the air, awaiting a response.


    "What?" Ji Ho is taken aback. Shock washes over Ji Ho''s face, rendering him momentarily speechless.


    "Didn''t you pick up on the hints, Mr. Topper? Isn''t my actions clear enough for you? Or do you want me to spell it out for you? I like you," Do Yun declared, his words hanging in the air.


    Ji Ho''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Stop, Do Yun. What game are you playing? Is this some kind of prank? Are there hidden cameras or other students waiting outside?"


    Do Yun shook his head, his expression sincere. "I mean every word, Ji Ho. I truly do."


    Ji Ho''s mind raced, trying to process the unexpected confession. The walls he had built around his heart began to crumble, allowing a glimmer of hope to seep in. But fear and doubt still lingered, preventing him from fully accepting Do Yun''s words.


    "Please, Ji Ho," Do Yun pleaded, his voice filled with vulnerability. "Give me a chance to prove my feelings to you."


    "Wait, Do Yun, I..." Ji Ho begins to speak, but Do Yun quickly covers his mouth.


    "Don''t say anything. Let me say it... Kim Ji Ho, will you go out with me?" Do Yun asks, gazing into Ji Ho''s eyes.


    Ji Ho is taken aback. Shock washes over Ji Ho''s face, rendering him momentarily speechless.


    "You don''t need to answer now. Take your time and give me a reply. I will be waiting for you," Do Yun says with a smile. "Now, I shall take my leave. See you tomorrow," he adds before disappearing from sight.


    Ji Ho sits on the ground, his heart racing. Tears stream down his face as he struggles to comprehend what has just transpired. A sense of relief washes over Ji Ho''s features as he tries to calm his racing heart with his trembling hands. He couldn''t believe that Do Yun had been harbouring feelings for him all this time. Ji Ho had always admired Do Yun from afar, but he never thought that their feelings could be mutual. The realization that Do Yun had been watching him, longing for him, filled Ji Ho with a mix of emotions - surprise, joy, and a hint of fear.


    "I always wanted to say those words, but unexpectedly, he was the one who took the lead," Ji Ho thinks to himself.

 Chapter 4: The untold truth

    Do Yun and his friends (Min Hyunwoo, Lee Jin Woo, Kim Ha Joon, Yu Jun) were sitting at the nearby park.


    "Hey Jeon Do Yun, why do you look down?" Kim Ha Joon asked.


    "Nothing," Do Yun replied with a sigh.


    "He must be scared of failing the bet," another friend, Yu Jun, chimed in.


    "No way, I won''t fail. You guys know me well," Do Yun said confidently.


    "We know you, but we also know Kim Ji Ho. He is so anti-social," Lee Jin Woo added.


    "So what?" Do Yun frowned.


    "Anyway, don''t forget the bet, Do Yun. Otherwise, you''ll be treating us to food for the whole year," Lee Jin reminded him.


    "I won''t forget. My name is Jeon Do Yun, and I will make Ji Ho confess his love to me tomorrow," Do Yun declared.


    "Not only that, but you have to date him for two weeks," Lee Jin added.


    "Haha, I know that. Just wait and watch. And if I win, you guys will have a hard time," Do Yun said confidently.


    "We hope he won''t beat you," Min Hyunwoo said.


    "But he''s such a good person. Is it right to deceive him? What if he gets hurt?" Ha Joon expressed his concern.


    "Ohh... here comes the teacher, Kim Ha Joon. Why are you always so negative? It''s just a game. He''ll take it in that spirit," Yu Jun reassured.


    "When did playing with someone''s emotions become a part of a game?" Ha Joon questioned, clearly disapproving of such behaviour.


    "Indeed, Ha Joon. I agree with you," Lee Jin chimed in, showing support for Ha Joon''s stance.


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    Kim Ha Joon turned his attention to Do Yun. "Please, don''t break his heart," he pleaded.


    "I understand your concern. I''ll come up with a reason to end things with him without revealing it was all a game. You don''t have to worry," Do Yun assured.


    "First, make him fall for you," Lee Jin Woo suggested.


    "Hmm, I can''t stop you from doing anything else. Do as you please," Ha Joon responded, a hint of resignation in his voice.


    "Oh, Ha Joon, my dear friend. Don''t be sad. I won''t let your beloved Ji Ho suffer," Do Yun promised, trying to offer some comfort.


    [Kim Ji Ho¡¯s House]


    Ji Ho sat in his room, attempting to read a book. However, his mind kept wandering, unable to focus on the words in front of him.


    "Does he really mean what he said? How could he possibly like me?" Ji Ho muttered to himself as he absentmindedly wrote Do Yun''s name on his worksheet. "Has he noticed how often I look at him?"


    Ji Ho''s eyes fixated on his worksheet. "Oh no, what have I written? If anyone sees this, it will be the end of me." he mutters, rubbing out the name and leaning on the paper.


    Lost in his thoughts, Ji Ho debated whether or not to take a chance and confess his feelings. "Should I risk it? What if he''s just playing a joke on me? But... who would joke about something like this? Especially towards another boy."


    Just then, Ji Ho''s father called out to him from the hall. "Ji Ho, come here, son."


    Putting his worksheet aside, Ji Ho got up and made his way to the hall, wondering what his father needed.


    Ji Ho...Come here son." his father called out from the hall.


    "Yes, father," he replied, setting aside his worksheet and making his way to the hall.


    His father was seated on the sofa, holding some sheets. Ji Ho approached and took a seat.


    "Why did you call me, father?" he inquired, bowing his head.


    "I wanted to ask you something. Were you studying?" his father questioned.


    "Yes, pa, I was finishing my task," Ji Ho nodded.


    "Good. Ji Ho, I called you because your performance in science has been declining. I think it''s time to get you a tutor," his father explained.


    "Uh, tutor, pa? I think I can manage on my own," Ji Ho hesitated.


    "Listen to me, son. Your future in the medical field depends on your grades. You need to improve," his father insisted.


    "But I..." Ji Ho paused for a moment, not wanting to disappoint his parents. "Alright, as you say, dad," he said, forcing a smile.


    "Alright, I''ll arrange for extra classes during the holidays. Don''t worry, we won''t disrupt your regular classes. And if you show improvement, we''ll stop the extra sessions," his father assured.


    "Can I go to my room now? I have some questions to finish," Ji Ho asked.


    "Of course, son. And here," his father handed him the sheets. "These are some notes from your tuition teacher. Make sure to study them before the holidays," he said.


    "Got it, pa," Ji Ho said, heading to his room.


    As he sat down and looked at the notes, he couldn''t help but think,


    ''It''s so hard to be with someone like me. Do Yun is so different. I don''t deserve him. I don''t deserve a normal life. I can''t.'' With tears welling up, he put on his earphones and played "Coward" by Buzz. As the song played, tears started streaming down his face.


    ...

 Chapter 5 - The feel of safe.

    Ji Ho gently shut his eyes, allowing his mind to drift back to a distant memory.


    It was a day that had left an indelible mark on my heart, the annual sports day from two years ago. I was strolling through the hallway when a group approached me and accidentally spilled their coffee on me. They made fun of me and claimed they didn''t see me. Then they ordered me to clean the floor and walked away. Some students always picked on me, and I never understood why. I sat there, picking up the cup from the ground. Suddenly, a boy came up to me. I glanced at him. He took the trash from my hand. It was Jeon Do Yun


    "You don''t have to do this," Ji Ho murmured softly, his voice laced with gratitude and disbelief.


    "I know, but I want to. What if someone gets hurt from slipping?" I said


    "Then I''ll help you," he replied.


    And together, we cleaned the floor.


    "Thank you for your help," I expressed my gratitude to him.


    "It''s alright. I am delighted to be of help," Do Yun responded, his gaze shifting towards my shirt. "Oh¡­your shirt has gotten dirty."


    "Oh, that. It''s fine," I replied, attempting to clean it with a tissue.


    "You truly have a kind heart. Clean it now, or else the stain won''t come off. Come with me," Do Yun suggested, leading me towards a nearby tap.


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    "Give me your shirt," he insisted.


    "No, I can wash it myself."


    "I know you don''t know how to wash it. I always do laundry at my house. Give it to me."


    Reluctantly, I handed him my shirt. He proceeded to wash it for me.


    "Will you go out wearing this coat?" he inquired.


    I shook my head. He smiled and took off his shirt, handing it to me. "Here, wear this."


    "No, it''s alright. I can wear mine."


    "No, it''s fine. Yours is wet. Just take mine, Ji Ho."


    "Do you know my name?" I asked, taken aback.


    "Of course. We''re in the same class," Do Yun replied.


    "Are we?" I questioned.


    "Oh... I feel offended," he said.


    "I apologize for that," I said, looking down.


    He leaned forward. "It''s okay." He held my hand and handed me his shirt. "I can just wear the coat. Don''t worry, and give it back tomorrow."


    "Is that alright?"


    "Yes, don''t overthink it. Just hide my name so you won''t feel bad."


    "What''s your name?"


    "I''m Jeon Do Yun. Call me Do Yun."


    "Do Yun," I repeated.


    "Hmm. And if someone bothers you, let me know. I can help you."


    "Seriously?"


    "Yes. That''s what friends are for. Enjoy the rest of the game. I''ll go now. I have a race. Bye then."


    "Hmm."


    He started walking away. "Do Yun," I called out to him.


    He looked back at me. "Yes?"


    "Thank you, Do Yun," I said.


    He smiled and tilted his head. "Okay, if you''re interested, come and watch my match."


    "Okay," I replied.


    It was the first time I regretted not noticing my classmate''s face. He was such a good person, and he was in my class all along. But I was too focused on my studies to pay attention. As I rushed towards the ground, I saw Do Yun at the starting line. He looked incredibly cool. When he saw me, he smiled. I was unsure if he was looking at me, but then he gestured that his shirt looked good on me. I realized he was talking to me, and for some reason, it made me really happy. I smiled back, gave him a thumbs up, and wished him good luck. He winked at me. That was the first time I felt my heart racing.


    ...

 Chapter 6 - The inner feelings

    The next day, Ji Ho arrived a little later than usual to class. Normally, he''s the first one there. Even though the bell hadn''t rung yet, he was slower than his usual time. As he walked towards the classroom, he noticed Do Yun standing outside near the door. Ji Ho looked down and entered through the opposite door. Do Yun was taken aback by his behaviour. "He just turned his face away from me," he muttered to himself before entering the class and approaching Ji Ho.


    "Hey, Kim Ji Ho, you''re late today," he asked.


    "So what," Ji Ho replied, grabbing his book and starting to read.


    "Well, are you..."


    "Listen," Ji Ho interrupted Do Yun''s words. "If you don''t have anything else to say, please go back to your seat. I need to read."


    Do Yun took his seat and waited for the class to begin. Throughout the lesson, he couldn''t help but keep his eyes on Ji Ho, who didn''t even glance back at him once. This made Do Yun feel uneasy.


    "Why is he acting like this? He doesn''t seem to be in a good mood. And for some reason, it''s bothering me," he muttered to himself.


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    During the break, Do Yun approached Ji Ho, looking visibly frustrated.


    "Ji Ho, come outside. I need to talk to you."


    "I can''t, I have things to do," Ji Ho replied.


    Do Yun closed Ji Ho''s book abruptly. "Forget about your book," he said firmly as he took Ji Ho''s hand. "Just come with me when I ask nicely," he insisted, pulling him along.


    Ji Ho and Do Yun headed up to the rooftop. As they reached the top, Do Yun''s expression turned angry. However, when he noticed Ji Ho''s worried face, he calmed down.


    "What''s wrong, Ji Ho? You look worried. Is everything okay?" Do Yun asked softly.


    "I''m fine," Ji Ho replied, avoiding eye contact.


    "I asked nicely. It''s bothering me, Ji Ho. Please tell me."


    "Why do you care? Don''t do this. It won''t end well."


    "What are you saying?"


    Ji Ho lowered his gaze and confessed, "Do Yun, I''ve spent my whole life hiding the fact that I''m gay. I''m not ready to come out yet. And now that you''ve noticed, I''m scared that if we become lovers, it will cause you trouble," Ji Ho confessed, looking at him. "Do Yun... just forget about me. I''m a coward and I''m not a good choice for you. I don''t even have friends and I can''t do anything good for you." Ji Ho''s voice trembled as he spoke, tears streaming down his face.


    "What!" Do Yun exclaimed, shocked by Ji Ho''s words. He moved closer to him.


    "I am nobody. I don''t..."


    Do Yun rushed forward and embraced Ji Ho tightly. "Just stop it, Ji Ho. Just stop it. I''m sorry, I didn''t realize it would affect you this much. I¡¯m really sorry"


    Up until that day, he was all about winning the bet, but once he sees Ji Ho''s genuine feelings, Do Yun starts to understand what love really means.


    ...

 Chapter 7 - The Hidden Feelings

    Ji Ho sobbed uncontrollably and said, "Even though I love you deeply, I can''t bring myself to say it. Our future won''t be a good one."


    Do Yun felt a pang of guilt upon hearing Ji Ho''s words. "Ji Ho..." He held onto Ji Ho''s hands tightly and looked into his eyes. "Do you love me?"


    Ji Ho glanced around nervously, but Do Yun gently cupped his face. "Don''t look anywhere else, just tell me Ji Ho. It''s just the two of us here. Please, I beg you, just this once."


    Ji Ho removed Do Yun''s hands from his face. "Hmm... I have feelings for you, Do Yun," he admitted. Lowering his gaze, he continued, "I love you so much, but I don''t know what to do. I can''t bear any more pain. I... I''ve never had a normal life. I was..."


    Do Yun embraced Ji Ho tightly and wept alongside him. "I''m sorry, Ji Ho. I''m truly sorry," he said. Ji Ho cried for a while, and they both sat on the rooftop floor. Ji Ho rested his head on Do Yun''s shoulder.


    "Do Yun inquired, ''Ji Ho, are you feeling better now?''


    Ji Ho pondered for a moment, ¡°Hmm..." he replied, leaning back to sit up straight. "I apologize for causing you trouble."


    ¡°Oh no, not at all...I mean, it was fine,¡± Do Yun reassured him.


    Ji Ho let out a small smile. ¡°Hmm, I suppose we did miss a class¡±


    ¡°Yes, and it was my fault that you missed it. So, I do feel sorry now¡±.


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    ¡°No...it''s alright,¡± Ji Ho replied. ¡°just promise me you won''t tell anyone that I cried¡±.


    ¡°How can I, when you saw me crying too?¡± Do Yun reminded him.


    Ji Ho glanced at Do Yun and noticed that he was staring at him.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me? Is there something wrong with my face?¡± Ji Ho asked curiously.


    ¡°Nothing at all. I just find it cute,¡± Do Yun confessed.


    "Cute? Really? Look at my eyes, they can''t fully open, and my face is red. And you call this cute?" Ji Ho questioned.


    "Hmm. I don''t know why, but it looks cute to me. It reminds me of the first time we talked near the stairs," Do Yun reminisced.


    "On sports day?" Ji Ho clarified.


    "Yup. It was the first and longest conversation we had," Do Yun said, gazing at the sky. "Back then, you had the same expression you have now."


    "You remember that day?" Ji Ho asked with a smile, hoping he remembered.


    "I didn''t forget about that day either. It just randomly popped into my head. I remember giving you my dress that day," Do Yun replied.


    "Yes, and I returned it to you the very next day."


    "Hmm, I remember. That shirt smelled amazing. I didn''t want to wash it and lose that scent."


    "You''re exaggerating," Ji Ho said, blushing and smiling.


    "No, I''m not," Do Yun insisted, looking at Ji Ho''s happy expression.


    "Ji Ho."


    "Yes?"


    "Should we give dating a shot for a while? If it doesn''t work out, we can go back to how things were before. What do you think?"


    "Are you sure about this?"


    "Yes, I am. How about we try dating for two weeks, and if it doesn''t work, we''ll call it off."


    "I''m not sure."


    "Don''t overthink it, Ji Ho. Just be yourself, that''s all I ask."


    "Alright, let''s give it a try."


    "So, you agreed to date me, right?"


    "Yeah, I guess I don''t have much of a choice."


    Do Yun smiled. " You can be yourself when you''re with me." He extended his hand for a handshake. "Starting tomorrow, our dates will begin."


    Ji Ho glanced at Do Yun, feeling uncertain about going on a date. However, deep down, he also wanted to date Do Yun. Summoning all his courage, he raised his hand and extended it for a handshake, accompanied by a relaxed smile and a nod.


    ...

 Chapter 9 – The Lies

    In the afternoon, Do Yun sat in his chair, watching as his classmates left for lunch. A smile played on his lips as he gazed out the window, lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly, his friends approached him, breaking his reverie.


    "Hey Do Yun, let''s go grab some lunch," Ha Joon suggested cheerfully.


    Do Yun glanced at them, his smile fading slightly. "I''m not hungry, guys. You can go ahead without me," he replied.


    Lee Jin Woo furrowed his brow in confusion. "What''s wrong with you, Do Yun?" he asked.


    Do Yun shook his head, trying to dismiss their concerns. "Nothing," he assured them.


    Yu Jun couldn''t help but probe further. "Wait, don''t tell me Ji Ho rejected you," he speculated.


    A hint of discomfort flickered across Do Yun''s face. "Ha, no. You both were absent during the previous hour," Lee Jin Woo chimed in.


    Curiosity piqued, Yu Jun inquired, "Where were you?"


    Do Yun wanted to confide in his friends, to tell them the truth, but something held him back. "Well, Ji Ho wasn''t feeling well, so I stayed with him. That''s all," he lied, hoping they would believe him.


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    "So, that means you lost the bet. This is getting interesting," Yu Jun remarked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    Do Yun was taken aback. "What? The day isn''t over yet, guys," he insisted.


    Lee Jin Woo shrugged nonchalantly. "So what? I don''t think you can succeed anymore," he stated matter-of-factly.


    "Looks like you lost, Do Yun. You''ll have to take care of us and do whatever we say this year," Yu Jun declared, a triumphant smirk on his face.


    "Wait...we also said that the food is on me. We didn''t say anything else." Do Yun responded, unsure of what to do next.


    "So, it''s up to us to decide," Yu Jun continued.


    Do Yun was unsure of what to do.


    "Okay. I''ll do whatever you guys tell me. I accept my defeat," he finally spoke.


    Ha Joon looked at him, sensing that something was wrong with Do Yun.


    Lee Jin Woo patted Do Yun''s shoulder. "It''s good that you told us. We''ll go and have lunch now. See you," he said.


    Do Yun rested his head on the table. Ha Joon wanted to ask him something, but his friends dragged him outside.


    ¡®This is the first time in my life that I''ve been so concerned about someone,¡¯ Do Yun thought. ¡®Kim Ji Ho, why did I lie to my friends just to make you feel safe? I''ve dated many girls in my life, but, why does this guy make me worry so much? Why¡­did someone like Ji Ho fall in love with me? His eyes when he cried...¡¯ Do Yun sighed. Do Yun couldn''t get that image out of his mind.


    ¡®I can''t stop thinking about how cute he looked, even when he was crying. Why do I find him cute no matter what he does? What is this feeling? I just don''t know.¡¯ Do Yun let out a heavy sigh, completely unaware of the emotions he was developing for Ji Ho.

 Chapter 8: The wrong decision

    Jeon Do Yun lay on his bed. His mind was filled with regret and self-doubt, causing him to toss his pillow onto the floor in frustration. "I''ve really messed up...why did I say those things to him when I don''t even have feelings for him?" he muttered to himself, his voice filled with remorse.


    Grabbing his phone, he scrolled through his messages, contemplating whether or not to confess his true intentions. "No, it''s not right. I started this mess, so I should be the one to end it," he reasoned, setting his phone aside. Memories of that fateful day when he had unintentionally misled the other person flooded his mind. "I shouldn''t have done that to him...the pain in his eyes, it was unbearable," he whispered, sinking to the floor and resting his head on the edge of the bed.


    The weight of the situation weighed heavily on Jeon Do Yun''s shoulders as he pondered how to approach the truth. "How can I tell him that I don''t have romantic feelings for him, but I also don''t want him to suffer because of me? His frightened expression today spoke volumes, and something is clearly troubling him," he mused, his voice filled with self-reflection. "I initiated this, and I am undoubtedly a scumbag for doing so. I never wanted to hurt him, but seeing him cry like that...it''s something I can''t bear."


    Contemplating his next move, Jeon Do Yun wondered if it was the right time to reveal the truth. "Should I call him and explain everything? Is it the right thing to do?" he questioned, his voice tinged with uncertainty. The weight of his actions and the desire to protect the other person''s feelings battled within him, leaving him torn and unsure of the best course of action.


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    Just as he pondered his next move, a text notification appeared on his phone. He grabbed it eagerly, his heart racing as he opened the chat. It was from Ji Ho, and Do Yun''s anticipation grew.


    Just as he contemplated his next move, a text notification appeared on his phone. Do Yun sat up straight, his heart racing, and opened the chat.


    Hey Do Yun, I don''t really know what to say. But I''m feeling happy in some way. I can''t even explain why. I know I acted a bit awkward today, but I need to tell you this. I promise I''ll make you feel comfortable during our trial week. And you know, I can be a bit boring and anti-social. If you have anything to say, just be open with me. It might make me a little upset, but I''ll still be glad to hear it. Remember, we can''t tell anyone until we decide to make it official. And please, let''s not act too close in class either. Sorry if I went too far. It''s okay to talk sometimes, but let''s be cautious. Looking forward to tomorrow, Kim Do Yun. Have a good night.


    Do Yun ponders to himself, "He''s taking this more seriously than I expected. And here I am, trying to make him even sadder. I''ve always liked girls in my entire life, but maybe I''ll give it a shot for a few days. Besides, that task my friends asked me to do was same. I''ll finish the job and then break up with him, telling him I''m not feeling well with him."


    See you tomorrow! I''m also excited for the day. Goodnight, Ji Ho.   He sends a text back to Ji Ho.


    After clicking the send button, he places his phone on the bed. "I hope everything goes smoothly," Do Yun mutters, suddenly getting up. "But wait... how do I date a guy? I''ve never been with a guy before." He stares at his phone, contemplating, "Should I search for tips or just follow what I did with my ex-girlfriend?" Scratching his head, Do Yun exclaims, "Oh, my head is spinning. Don''t overthink it, let''s just do some research." He then proceeds to browse through his phone, in search of answers.


    To be continued¡­