…━━━★*:・ﾟ

His brows are twisted with anger, the faint luminance from the street lights casting shadows across his face.

It's 39 minutes past 10 in the night, when his knuckles meet her apartment door with a faint knock. He stands there, waiting for her to open it for him, to let him in, to let him have a chance at apologizing. He stands there, letting the regret consume him whole.

Half a minute passes by without a sound, with him still standing there, outside her door, contemplating his choices.

She must be asleep— he thinks.

And just as he's about to turn around to leave, the door finally cracks a bit with a low creak, two hazel eyes peeping from behind. They meet his with surprise, and the door flies open.

"Jungguk..."

Her eyes are wide with stupor and confusion, while silently questioning his presence at her door this late in the night.

All he can do is to drink in her state. Her messy bed hair, her bare face, her pajama clad body, and above all, her swollen and tear stained eyes.

And whose fault is that? Of course him. He blames himself for her condition, he hurt her.

Was it all worth it? Avoiding her in the school, the hallways, the classroom?
No.

All of that, because of what?
Because she had feelings for their childhood friend?
Of course it's her choice to like someone or not. He can't punish her for something like that.

Yet he did.

And what did it bring him?

"Jungguk, what—what are you doing here?"

Her voice is still laced with her everlasting softness.

When was the last time they had met?

Oh yeah, when they'd argued. And over what? Something— rather someone as insignificant as RaeYu. Just because his jealousy and gotten the best of him.

Regret.

And guilt.

"HaeJin-ah, can I—may I come in?"