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"So, are you doing okay?" Joshua's fingers pinned against each other as he leaned forward, worry casted all over his features.

Seungcheol let out a dry, sarcastic laugh, turning to the side, a fed up smile on his face. "Am I doing okay? Do I look like I'm doing okay Joshua? You know what... forget it."

He attempted to stand up but Seokmin raised his finger, as if to say something and the strange action managed to stop Seungcheol in his tracks.

"I don't know how you feel and I probably never will but I just want you to know that if you need anyone to vent to, I'm here. I've lost my sister, my mum basically and I almost lost Joshua too, you can talk to me, to us."

Seokmim's words were exactly what Seungcheol needed to hear, like they were preplanned to leave a lasting effect and impact on his heart.

Seungcheol's eyes welled up as he fell back into the chair, his head hung over so they wouldn't see his glossy eyes. He didn't even know how to explain how he felt to others, he just felt and he felt hard.

He knew what they would say if he told them how he was feeling and he knew that their words, their praises and their encouragement would never work because that wasn't what he needed.

He didn't need a pick-me-up. He needed a stay-with-me. People who would let him be sad, let him feel guilty because right now, that was all he was.

"I... I heard about your plan with Seungkwan for Jeonghan and I'm assuming the person who spoilt it was the guy you were choking?" Joshua spoke up, but his voice remained cautious, navigating Seungcheol's mood. Seungcheol looked up, cleaning his tears before nodding.

Joshua sighed as he saw Seungcheol's face. They had not been on good terms lately but that didn't mean their friendship for years would simply be thrown away, that they still wouldn't care about each other.

"Have you seen him since then?... Jeonghan?"

Hearing his name was enough to make Jeonghan's eyes tear up again but he fought to stop himself from crying because in the midst of his sadness, there was anger and rage. Except he wasn't sure who it was directed to.

Seungcheol shook his head in response to Joshua, however the response shocked him. "You haven't?! But you gave that speech!"

"Beautiful speech, by the way." Seokmin butted in and Seungcheol smiled lightly before the smile vanished and his stoic expression returned.

"I didn't tell him I was going to do the speech, I just did it, for him... I can't see him until I know that he has gotten justice, until my guilt is gone." Seungcheol was serious and both Seokmin and Joshua could see it.

Joshua's head swung back and forth, baffled by Seungcheol's reasoning, "But you didn't-"

Seokmin's finger pressed Joshua's lips together, shutting him up. He knew what Joshua wanted to say and he also how unhelpful it would be in this situation.

Joshua gently took off Seokmin's fingers and as he did, everyone in the café began to cheer. Their heads snapped towards whatever was causing the commotion and their eyes signalled out the TV which had a news headline prancing around it.

YOON JEONGHAN'S SENTENCE IN TALKS TO BE REDUCED TO 10-15 YEARS AMIDST ACTIVE PROTEST BY CITIZENS FOLLOWING DETECTIVE CHOI SEUNGCHEOL'S SPEECH

Seungcheol's eyes glitched as he saw the headline, sure that his eyes were just playing nasty tricks on him. He scratched his face along with his eyes before squinting and rereading the headline.

"Does that say what I think it does?" Joshua's eyes naturally became smaller as he tried to read the headline again but before anyone could respond, the costumers erupted into cheer.

"Yoon Jeonghan! Yoon Jeonghan!" They cheered and the three men looked around, their jaws dropped in utter astonishment.

Korea wasn't the type of country to do this. The Justice system didn't give a damn about rape, it was barely even taken up as a serious crime but with Jeonghan's actions and Seungcheol's speech, they had managed to change the unwavering minds of the citizens of the country.

The next stepping stone was the Court of Law.

Seungcheol didn't even realize a huge smile had broken out on his face until he felt Joshua's hand in is, pulling him out of the cheer.

His eyes turned to Joshua who had a radiant grin on his face, a genuine one. He wondered if it was the same Joshua who had called Jeonghan a monster not too long ago.

"Come on, let's cheer!" He exclaimed as they joined the crowd, yelling out Jeonghan's name. Seungcheol's grin didn't leave his face, the corners of his lips stayed upright as his eyes scanned the room and as he glanced around, he saw a glimmer of hope.

There was hope.

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1 Month Later

"Yoon Jeonghan sentenced to 10 years with parole in final trial!" Seungkwan read the headline, jumping up from the couch, his tone laced with joy.

Seungcheol buried his head into his hands, his lips pursed and his eyes shut as he fell to his knees, his gratefulness consuming him.

He had done it. Or he had done a bit of it. He had tried his best to save Jeonghan, to give him the justice he needed, the liberation he required and deserved.

Now, some of the guilt and burdens which still weighed down on his heart like heavy anchors,  had been removed. He could breathe better now.

Today was going to mark so many new events in his life. He was going to visit Jeonghan with Joshua today, officially resign and start packing his things to leave for Daegu.

He knew he couldn't spend the next 10 years still living in Seoul while the memories of the tragic romance he once had slowly but surely succumbed him to a suffocating death.

He had to leave. He would come back for Jeonghan. He always would but this was for everyone's good. He needed to do this to remain sane and to remain healthy.

He was going to visit Jeonghan. It was Jeonghan after all, so why was he getting nervous? Why were his palms starting to sweat and his heart beat randomly without a pattern?

He hadn't seen Jeonghan in over a month and he still didn't think he was worthy enough to see him either but it was now or never because this was going to be one of his last days in Seoul.

He wanted to leave everything behind and wait for Jeonghan, no matter how long it took for them to rekindle their old flame.

Seungcheol got up, patting down his face as he sat back down on the couch, facing Seungkwan. "You went to visit him a few weeks ago right?"

Seungkwan lowered the volume of the TV, turning to Seungcheol with a smile as he nodded. "Yeah, why?" He asked, wondering why Seungcheol was asking.

"Do you think he wants to see me?" Seungcheol's voice was timid and low as he questioned Seungkwan, his gaze on his fingers as he anxiously played with them.

Seungkwan blinked, the question taking him by surprise. Why wouldn't Jeonghan want to see Seungcheol? When Seungcheol was his first love, his first everything? When Jeonghan cried last time, begging Seungkwan to bring Seungcheol to him?

Seungkwan titled his head, his arms crossed as he replied, "No, he doesn't."

Seungcheol's gaze shot up, focusing on Seungkwan's face, his eyes enlarging in surprise and a pout forming. "What?!" He exclaimed, extremely hurt and offended.

Seungkwan rolled his eyes, chuckling, "Of course he wants you there, Seungcheol, why wouldn't he?"

Seungkwan's tone was serious and sincere and it made Seungcheol feel a little bit of happiness. Jeonghan still cared about him, still wanted to see him even though he was being a coward by not visiting.

A knock on the door caught the two men's attention and Seungkwan walked over to open it. As he did, Joshua entered into the house, a smile on his face as he waved to the two.

"Hey guys. Seungcheol, let's go. He's been put in his cell and visiting hours are open." Joshua informed Seungcheol who was still nervous, shaking in his own skin. He had never been this scared for anything in his life but it was Yoon Jeonghan so he wasn't surprised.

His Angel made him feel all different types of emotions.

Seungcheol got into the backseat as the passengers seat was already occupied by Seokmin. They came as a packaged pair now so Seungcheol couldn't do anything about it even if he wanted to.

However, he did have some questions. He hadn't wanted to bring it up to not ruin the mood a few times, but he was curious and his curiosity always got the best of him.

"So do you still think Jeonghan is a monster? A ruthless killer and whatever you told him straight to his face that made him cry for days?" Seungcheol folded his arms and leaned back, appearing nonchalant but his voice laced with venom and ire.

Joshua sighed as he closed the car door while Seokmin went quiet, pretending not to hear the conversation.

"I still think he's a killer because he is but I understand everything a lot better now... I never thought he was a monster, I just... I was going through a lot of stupid shit that made me say a lot of stupid shit." Joshua explained, simultaneously putting on his seatbealt.

Seungcheol nodded, not necessarily angry at Joshua, just bewildered by his sudden change. Someone who hated Jeonghan after finding out the truth was now his biggest fan.

He scoffed, his head moving to the side to look out the window. He hoped Joshua wasn't visiting Jeonghan to traumatise him even more because if that was his plan, Seungcheol was ready to fight back, but not with words.

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"Inmate 912, you have two visitors." The prison officer announced as he opened the cell door. Jeonghan's eyes opened, taking a few seconds to take out the blurriness of his view before he stood up.

He hoped it was Seungcheol so he could explain why he had done everything he did and so he could thank him for his amazing speech.

He followed the officer who uncuffed him before checking him and leading him into the room. With his first step, Jeonghan spotted two men sitting in chairs across his with a table in the middle.

His eyes immediately descried the man on the left who he identified as Seungcheol without wasting any time. A weak grin built on his face as he moved over to his seat, sitting down.

He turned to Joshua, who was on the right, the grin slowly exiting his face as he did. Why was Joshua here? To degrade and berate him again? As if being in prison wasn't enough already.

"I'll make it quick so you two can have time to yourselves. I'm sorry Jeonghan, I came to say that I'm extremely sorry. When everything went down, I was still battling with my unrequited feelings and I just wanted to make you a bad person to make myself feel better, to make me lose feelings... for you." Joshua confessed and the whole room went silent as they processed his words.

Jeonghan patted himself, his head tilted, "For me?" He queried, just to clarify. Joshua nodded, his eyes narrowing away.

"I didn't mean any of those insults, I... I would take them back if I could but I can't but I'm seriously sorry and you don't have to forgive me if you don't want to but I'm going to do all I can to make it up to you but Seungcheol will explain that."

He got up from his seat, about to leave when Jeonghan also got up, the officer still beside him as he put his hand out, "Wait!"

Joshua turned and Jeonghan smiled at him. He was still hurt by Joshua, truly hurt with scars he didn't know would ever heal but Joshua was still his best friend, someone he relied on for years without end, he wasn't going to let him leave like that.

"I forgive you," He said as Joshua faced him, "I don't know if we'll ever be as close as before or if we'll ever meet when I get out of prison but I just want you to know that I forgive you."

Joshua's eyes began to gleam under the sun and so did Jeonghan's as he opened his arms wide. "I don't like you anymore though, I have a boyfriend." Joshua clarified as he walked towards Jeonghan, making Jeonghan chuckle.

"I know, Seungkwan told me." Jeonghan replied and Joshua nodded with a smile before hugging Jeonghan, the two melting into their own farewell hug.

The memories of their friendship flickered in their minds, times where they supported and loved each other with no doubts, no hatred and no pain. "I'll miss you Jeonghan." Joshua admitted, a tear falling down his cheek.

Jeonghan smiled, his eyes closing as he nuzzled into Joshua's neck. "I'll miss you too Joshua." He hugged tighter just before the hug ended and their bodies parted.

The two looked at each other, their eyes filled and their faces covered in tears as they smiled widely at each other. Joshua's hand slowly raised, his hand waving and Jeonghan waved back.

"Goodbye Hannie." Joshua's voice cracked, the truth of the moment and the situation opening itself to him. He was really losing his best friend and while it hurt him, destroyed him as well, he knew it was the right decision to make.

Jeonghan lips folded into a weak smile, his nose sniffling as his hand went down, "Goodbye Joshuji." He managed to say without bursting into tears just before Joshua turned and walked away.

"I'll see you in the car, Seungcheol." He informed Seungcheol who nodded before he left. He didn't know that Joshua had feelings for Jeonghan in the past and the news was still making headlines in his head, his brain unsure how to process it.

The sound of the seat scraping the floor made Seungcheol stop thinking and look at Jeonghan. Even in the prison uniform, he looked ethereal with his long, black hair that still looked shiny, his skin that seemed even paler, his plump, pink lips and his tiny stature that made Seungcheol run wild.

Unfortunately, he had to contain himself.

"Hey." He said, his arms positioned in the table. Jeonghan smiled, blinking away his leftover tears as he replied, "Hi."

Seungcheol swallowed the lump which had been building up in his throat, the question lingering on his tongue as he opened his mouth to speak.

"Why did you turn yourself in that day?" The question came out timidly, almost like he was scared to ask, scared to know the truth incase he had a part in it, incase he was the reason why.

Jeonghan breathed out, his hands flat on the table as he attempted to answer, "I... I didn't want to hurt you guys anymore than I already have." He started off but Seungcheol's face scrunched in both confusion and disagreement.

"Hurt? How? You-"

"If I had gone to Daegu? What next? You think that person wouldn't have found me again? You think he wouldn't still have reported me and I'd have to run away again? I'd have to continue to let you guys cover for me and make plans for me and protect me, I'd be putting you guys in danger."

Jeonghan remained calm but his words had a fire to them, and inexplicable hatred for himself in between the words.

He ran his hands through his hair, his head hanging back as he faced the ceiling, sighing. "You guys are made for better and greater things, I can't keep being an obstacle to you, to Seungkwan, to Joshua, to anyone else."

Jeonghan's eyes started to well up as he looked down at his hands. "I can't do that just because I don't belong anywhere."

Seungcheol slammed the table with his fist, the sound commanding Jeonghan's eyes to look at him. "You belong to me, you belong with me Jeonghan!"

A corner of Jeonghan's lips rose as a tear fell unto the table. He wasn't smiling, he was simply seeing the irony of the situation.

"Look around Seungcheol, this is where I belong." He opened his arms, stretching them out as he gestured to the prison.

Seungcheol shook his head, still disagreeing. "Jeonghan, falling in love with you was my only crime and yet it seems to be the greatest one of all." He reached out, holding Jeonghan's hands as the angel cried, his tears glistening under the light like diamonds.

"But if I had the opportunity to go back in time, I would do it all over again. Please don't give up on us because I'm waiting for you, okay? I'm waiting for you."

Jeonghan blinked to keep his tears in, snatching his hands away. "You're not waiting for me, you're moving away." He spat out, the words sounding harsher than he wanted them to.

Seungcheol's mouth closed, Jeonghan's knowledge leaving him speechless. "I'm moving away because I can't live here without you." He explained, unable to look Jeonghan in the eyes.

"And what about your promise to me, to catch all the rapists? Are you going to break that?" Jeonghan folded his arms, seeming tough but his heart had been broken into pieces, shattered into nothing but memories of what they once had.

Was this truly the end of them?

Seungcheol shook his head. "No, Seungkwan and Joshua are going to take over that. I talked to them about-"

"Stop dragging them in! They didn't promise me this! You did!" Jeonghan pointed at Seungcheol, yelling as his eyes welled up even more, tears falling with no direction.

Seungcheol nodded, "I know, I know Jeonghan but I can't-"

"Please leave." Jeonghan pleaded, his eyes not even taking a glance at Seungcheol. He wanted them to have a better meeting, he wanted Seungcheol to have better answers but if they continued like this, all they would do was fight and he didn't want to fight with Seungcheol.

Not when this was the last time they would see each other until who knows when.

"Jeonghan..." Seungcheol called out, his voice raspy and needy as he also started to sniffle and cry. Jeonghan's eyes slowly darted to Seungcheol, the sight of him in tears not letting him maintain his cold shoulder.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for any of this to happen, I just... I just wanted us to be together, please forgive me, my Angel." Seungcheol begged on his knees as Jeonghan stood up, going closer to him.

Jeonghan shook his head as he helped him up, "Don't cry Cherry, fuck, don't cry because of me." He said as Seungcheol stood up but once they looked into each other's eyes, they could say nothing and do nothing but hug each other tightly.

Their whole relationship had been nothing but a roller coaster with so many issues, so many diverse moments and experiences. It was impossible for them to just let go of each other. It was impossible for them to just forget each other. They were together, forever, no matter what.

Seungcheol pulled his head away slightly, dragging Jeonghan closer as he went in for a kiss. The kiss was as gentle as it was passionate, their tears symbolised the pain they both felt for the situations the other was in and the kiss itself was a promise.

As Jeonghan deepened the kiss, rising on his tippy toes while he kissed Seungcheol. He grabbed his collar, crashing their lips together and bringing them closer and closer. Seungcheol carried Jeonghan unto the table, the kiss still remaining sincere and full of love and genuineness.

Their tongues maintained a simple, poetic rhythm as they danced around each other and one the kiss ended, the two smiled with tears still around their eyes before going in for another hug.

Another promise. A promise to never leave each other and promise that they would see each other in the next 10 years.

"I love you, Angel." Seungcheol planted a soft kiss on Jeonghan's forehead, a smile spreading across his face as Jeonghan returned a kiss on Seungcheol's cheek, beaming as he replied, "I love you too Cherry."

As they stood there, drowning in each other's presence and captivated by the love that rotatrd around them, their hands intertwined while they maintained eye contact.

Not wanting the moment to ever end.

𝕬/𝕹 - The final chapter guys! I know, the ending is kind of an open ending but the Epilogue will be the proper ending for the book (spoiler alert: it will also have an open ending but a happy one), it will come out tomorrow and so will the prologue for the next book in my svt series pt.1, The Master Plan. Thank you guys for supporting this book and honestly this has been one of the hardest books for me to write personally but finishing it gives me such a sense of happiness and once again, thank you to everyone who read, voted anf commented. I love you all so much.
xoxo, iris ❤️

Ⓒ︎OHWAYOHWAYOH
𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖉 - 11/11/2024
𝕰𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖉 - 10/01/2025

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