EPISODE 16

Chapter 16: Torn Between Two Hearts

The days following Nabi's revelation to Jung Hwan felt like walking a tightrope. She tried to keep herself busy, meeting Minji and Jisoo for coffee, visiting the local market, and even taking up a sketching class that Minji recommended. But no matter how much she tried to distract herself, the weight of her emotions lingered.

Jung Hwan and Taeyang, the two men who had become such integral parts of her life, were both avoiding her in their own ways. Jung Hwan had thrown himself into his work, his texts becoming shorter and more formal. Taeyang, meanwhile, seemed unsure of how to act around her, oscillating between his usual playful self and a more subdued, cautious demeanor.

One evening, Nabi found herself sitting on the rooftop of their building, her sketchbook resting on her lap. The view of Seoul’s glittering skyline usually brought her a sense of peace, but tonight, it only reminded her of the chaos in her heart.

She was startled out of her thoughts by the sound of footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Taeyang approaching, his hands shoved into his pockets.

“Hey,” he said softly, his usual confidence tempered by uncertainty.

“Hey,” she replied, setting her sketchbook aside.

He sat down beside her, the silence between them stretching uncomfortably. Finally, he spoke.

“I’ve been thinking about what I said,” he began, his voice hesitant. “I didn’t mean to make things harder for you.”

“You didn’t,” Nabi said quickly. “This isn’t your fault, Taeyang. I just… I wasn’t prepared for any of this.”

He nodded, looking out at the city lights. “I get that. But I meant what I said, Nabi. I care about you. And I’m not going to pretend I don’t just because it’s complicated.”

She looked at him, her heart aching at the vulnerability in his expression. “Taeyang…”

“I’m not asking you to choose,” he said, cutting her off. “I know how much Jung Hwan means to you. I just want you to know that I’ll be here, no matter what.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Nabi didn’t know how to respond, so she simply nodded.

Later that week, Jung Hwan finally reached out, asking to meet at a quiet park they had visited together once before. Nabi agreed, her heart heavy with anticipation.

When she arrived, she found him sitting on a bench beneath a large cherry blossom tree. He looked up as she approached, a small, strained smile on his lips.

“Thanks for coming,” he said as she sat down beside him.

“Of course,” she replied, her voice soft.

For a while, they sat in silence, the rustling of leaves and distant sounds of children playing filling the space between them. Finally, Jung Hwan spoke.

“I’ve been thinking a lot,” he began, his tone careful. “About us. About Taeyang.”

Nabi held her breath, unsure of what he would say next.

“I won’t lie—it hurts, knowing that you’re torn between us,” he admitted. “But I also know that I can’t force you to feel a certain way. I don’t want to be someone who pressures you or makes you feel guilty.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Nabi’s eyes. “Jung Hwan, I never wanted to hurt you.”

“I know,” he said, his gaze steady. “And that’s why I need to give you space to figure things out. I love you, Nabi. But I need to know that when you choose me, it’s because you truly want to—not because you feel obligated.”

His words broke her heart, but she knew he was right. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you for understanding.”

As the days turned into weeks, Nabi found herself spending more time alone, reflecting on her feelings. She replayed moments with both Jung Hwan and Taeyang in her mind, trying to make sense of the emotions swirling within her.

Jisoo and Minji tried their best to offer advice, but even they couldn’t provide the clarity she so desperately needed.

“It’s not about who’s better or who’s more deserving,” Minji told her one afternoon. “It’s about what your heart truly wants. You have to be honest with yourself, Nabi.”

One evening, as she walked through a quiet park near her apartment, Nabi stumbled upon a small group of children playing with sparklers. Their laughter and joy reminded her of simpler times, of the carefree days she had spent with her childhood friends.

She realized then that she had been so caught up in her fears and doubts that she had forgotten what it felt like to truly follow her heart.

With a newfound sense of determination, she made her decision.

The next morning, Nabi called Taeyang and Jung Hwan, asking to meet them both separately. She knew that no matter what, she owed them honesty.

As she prepared for the conversations ahead, her heart felt lighter than it had in weeks. She didn’t know how they would react, but for the first time, she felt certain about what she wanted.

And she was ready to face the consequences.

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