The morning sun shone brightly, golden rays pierced the closed curtains and fell upon Hanseol's face, waking him from his restless slumber. It was snowing outside, the pristine frost a stark contrast to the dark, stormy clouds in his mind. Everything has changed, including his feelings toward you. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love you.

He still has feelings for you. But soon, he'll forget about you... right?

He had decided today would be the day he broke up with you. He sent you a message last night to meet up—a farewell disguised as a walk in the park. He just hoped you could understand.

This wasn't an easy decision. But it's for the best.

Hanseol arrived at Han River Park, the place he had taken you on your first date before. He had gotten his feelings under control, had prepared everything for this moment, even written seven pages worth of a script in case he got tongue-tied.

He saw you near a willow tree with your back facing him. The sky was wide open. He's here, and you're right there in front of him, but it felt like you're too far away to reach, felt like he was always standing behind your shadow.

Why am I always a step behind?

He knows you know he's exhausted. The urge to equalize himself with you has surely taken its toll, and it's not like you were demanding him to do it. But he can't give up now, he wants to see the day when he can stand proudly next to you and have your families' approval.

As he stepped toward you, he realized that he was standing under the same sky, breathing the same air as you. Maybe the two of you aren't so different after all, just an ordinary lovers who really adore each other.

Then you turned around, your lips curved upward so sweetly. He'd seen you smile countless times before and liked each one, and this time it felt particularly gratifying.

세상에 (Oh my gosh)...

Instead of the perfectly memorized speech he had prepared, what came out from his mouth was...

"I love you." Hanseol said, he reached out to cup the side of your face, his thumb gently stroked your cheekbone as he looked at you admiringly. He had completely forgotten the words he had prepared, not like it mattered anyway.

Screw this breakup. I'm staying by your side, always.

He wrapped his arms around you and held you tight in his tender embrace, protecting you from the wintry temperature. "I love you. I love you so much." He told you again and again, his voice growing into soft, almost reverent whispers in your ear.

You'll never be alone. I promise you.

Hanseol allowed himself to smile and let out a content sigh, your warmth had slowly eased the tension that had previously occupied him.