jiseok’s brows furrowed as he took in your expression—serious, distant, as if you had already made up your mind. “why are you saying this?” his voice was quiet, but there was an edge of panic beneath it. you swallowed the lump in your throat, forcing yourself to stand firm. “because if i stay with you, you’ll get hurt.” the words felt heavy, but they were the truth. “i’m already involved in something dangerous, and if they find out about you, they won’t hesitate to use you against me.”

he stared at you, searching your face for any sign of hesitation. “so that’s it? you think breaking up will magically keep me safe?” his voice rose slightly, frustration seeping in. “you don’t get to make this choice alone.” but you did—because if you didn’t, he’d never walk away, and you couldn’t let him be caught in the crossfire. “i do, jiseok. if you stay with me, they’ll come for you, and i can’t let that happen.” your fists clenched at your sides. “i’d rather have you hate me than see you hurt.”

jiseok let out a sharp breath, shaking his head. “i don’t care about the risk. i love you.” his voice cracked, his hands reaching for you, desperate to hold on. you squeezed your eyes shut for a moment before stepping back, away from his warmth. “but i care.” your voice wavered, but you refused to let it break. “i can’t be selfish with you. you deserve a life without fear, without looking over your shoulder because of me.”

his shoulders dropped, defeated, but his eyes never left yours. “this isn’t fair,” he whispered. and it wasn’t. nothing about this was fair. but it was necessary. blinking back tears, you turned away before your resolve crumbled completely. “goodbye, jiseok.” you walked away, each step heavier than the last, knowing that breaking his heart was the only way to save him—even if it destroyed you in the process. but then, he gently took your hand to prevent you from walking away, pulling you close to him once again, not wanting you to leave him.