"Every heartbreak is a brand new chance to love and to be loved again."

— Anonymous

Her steps slowed to a halt as their voices grew louder and the conversation became clearer. They were talking about her. Fighting over her. Two close friends, who treated each other like brothers, confronting one another for her sake…arguing over who had more rights to be by her side…who had more rights to her heart.

Su Min's eyes watered as she stood there, listening to them…listening to their voices riddled with anger and frustration.

It wasn’t her intention to eavesdrop, and she wished she never heard any of it to begin with. This rift in their relationship…she caused all of it. Because of her secrets, her decisions, her foolishness, her—

Two hands covered her ears, muting their conversation and silencing her thoughts.

Surprised, Su Min turned around and found Sehun behind her, and D.O. beside him.

As she took in the sight of them, she was instantly hauled into a state of panic. Questions after questions littered her already bursting mind. How long have they been standing there? Did they hear anything? How do I explain? Where do I start? Should I lie? Confess? Run?

She opened to speak, but as expected, no words nor a single sound came out.

Seeing her flustered, Sehun let out a soft chuckle. "Relax," he instructed with a gentle smile, "We’re just here to make sure those two don’t kill each other."

And just with those words, all the anxiety she was feeling was immediately replaced by confusion.

Su Min stared at them questioningly. They already knew? Since when—

"Since the first day we met you," D.O. answered, giving her a friendly grin. "I’ve seen your picture in Kai’s hands more times than my fingers can count, especially during our trainee days," he explained.

"Well he did," Sehun corrected, "I found out that night we had the sleepover at your place."

So he did hear us…

Su Min kept her rounded gaze at the two, still lost for words. Do the others know as well?

As if reading her mind for the second time, D.O. shook his head and responded to the questions she hadn’t yet asked aloud. "Don't worry, it’s just us two. It wasn’t our business to tell, so we didn’t say anything. We’re on no one’s side, but we’re rooting for everyone’s happiness. And it’s okay. You don’t owe us an apology," he stated, "Did I get everything?"

Su Min quietly nodded in amazement. She never realized he could be this scary.

"You missed something," Sehun interrupted, disallowing D.O. to get all the silent praises. The maknae looked at Su Min and flashed another comforting smile as he placed a light hand on her shoulder. "It’s not your fault. So stop blaming yourself. You couldn’t have known it would lead to this. Those two aren’t only fighting for you, they’re also fighting for their feelings," he assured her.

Hearing those words, the tears that disappeared out of panic began to line her eyes once more.

Sehun stepped aside and nudged his head back, signaling to her leave, "Go. You look like you could use some time alone."

"We’ll take care of those two," D.O. added.

|| …………… ||

Taking their advice, Su Min followed her feet to wherever they would take her. She didn’t care where or how far. She just wanted to escape the pain—the pain she was feeling and the pain she had caused.

Some blocks down, her tired legs finally gave up and she found herself at a nearby park—one that was swamped with handholding, snuggling, heart-shaped-eyed couples. 

She couldn’t help but laugh internally.

It was a cruel punishment. Just perfect for this moment.

She took a seat at a nearby bench and stared blankly ahead, pondering about her recent decisions. If someone were to ask her why she decided to return, she'd say it was because she had no choice. If they asked her why she made a second promise, she'd answer with silence. If they asked why she let the events of Christmas happen, she'd tell them she was weak.

But if she were to ask herself the same questions, her honest answers would be different. She decided to return because she wanted to see him. Because she wanted to know how he was doing. She made that second promise because she was curious. She wanted to see if and why these feelings still existed. She let the events of Christmas happen because she missed him. She missed his scent. She missed his touch. She allowed that night happen because she realized she was still in lo—

A teardrop fell and landed on the crevice between her thumb and index finger, pulling her away from her thoughts. For however many minutes she had been sitting here, she remained unaware that a stream of tears had started running down her face.

Su Min quickly searched her pockets for tissues, but found none. With no other option, she brought the back of her hand to her damp cheeks, but just as she did so, an arm extended into view as its owner slid a handkerchief next to her.

She looked down at the white cloth then to the person sitting to her left. Had she been so consumed in