HAYOON P.O.V

Walking down the bustling corridors of my high school, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. My name is Hayoon, Park Hayoon, and I'm seventeen years old. 

I come from a wealthy background, thanks to my amazing mom, a powerful CEO who has always inspired me with her kindness and humility. Despite our riches, she taught me the importance of being humble and treating everyone with respect.

As I navigated through the crowded hallways, lost in my thoughts, I suddenly collided with someone, sending my books and notebook tumbling to the floor. Flustered, I quickly bent down to gather my scattered belongings, only to find myself staring into the eyes of Sunghoon, my classmate and the boy who had silently captured my heart.

Sunghoon was known for his cold demeanor, rarely speaking to anyone and always keeping to himself. Despite this, there was something about him that drew me in, something mysterious and intriguing. I had tried to strike up a conversation with him before, but he always responded with indifference, leaving me feeling invisible.

As I reached for my books, I was taken aback to see Sunghoon kneeling down to help me. Our hands brushed against each other, and my heart skipped a beat. His touch sent a shiver down my spine, but he remained expressionless, as if our brief connection meant nothing to him.

"Thanks," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sunghoon didn't respond. He simply stood up and walked away, leaving me to gather the rest of my books. Despite his lack of reaction, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of happiness. 

After school, I walked home, the warm sun casting a gentle glow on the quiet streets. As I opened the door, I was greeted by my mom's cheerful voice.

"Hi!!"

"Hello!!" I replied, feeling the warmth of home envelop me.

"Hayoon, quickly get changed. I need your help with something."

Curiosity piqued, I nodded and hurried to my room. After changing into more comfortable clothes, I made my way downstairs.

"What do you want my help with?" I asked, intrigued.

"Today is my employee's daughter's birthday. Can you go and gift these to her?" she said, handing me a beautifully wrapped package.

"Of course," I replied with a smile, taking the gifts from her.

"I'll send you the address," she added, typing quickly on her phone.

Nodding, I left the house, the address now in my phone. I followed the directions, excitement and curiosity bubbling within me. As I reached the house, I knocked on the door, anticipation building.

To my surprise, the door was opened by none other than Sunghoon. We both stood there, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Sunghoon?" I managed to say, quickly checking the address on my phone again. It was correct.

"The address is correct..." I mumbled, still trying to process the coincidence.

Just then, a warm voice interrupted my thoughts.

"You must be Hayoon. Come in!" A woman, presumably Sunghoon's mother, appeared at the door, her smile welcoming.

Inside, Sunghoon and I kept glancing at each other, confusion evident in our eyes.

"Do you guys know each other?" Sunghoon's mom asked, her curiosity mirroring my own.

"W-we are classmates," I stammered, feeling a bit flustered.

"Oh! Well, I am Sunghoon's mother. I am glad to see my son's friend," she said with a kind smile.

Sunghoon quickly corrected her, "We are not friends. Just classmates." His tone was firm, and even though it was the truth, it stung a little.

Sensing my discomfort, his mother lightly hit him. "Anyways. Go call Yeji," she instructed.

Sunghoon left the room, leaving me feeling a bit awkward. His mom turned to me, her expression apologetic.

"I am sorry for his behavior."

I was taken aback by her apology. "N-no. It's alright. No need to apologize. He is always like this. I am used to it," I said, trying to lighten the mood with a smile.

"He wasn't like that always," she said, her tone somber.

I looked at her, puzzled.

"It's just something that changes some people," she added, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Before I could ask more, a cute little girl came running into the room, her presence lighting up the space. As soon as I saw her, I couldn't help but smile.

Bending to her level, I greeted her, "Hello!! Happy birthday!" I handed her the gifts, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Thank you!" she exclaimed, her voice sweet.

"What's your name?" I asked, curious.

"Park Yeji," she replied with a shy smile.

Sunghoon's mom invited me to stay for the cake cutting, and I decided to stay, enjoying the warmth and joy of the little celebration. After the cake was cut and everyone had a piece, I said goodbye to Yeji and her mom.

I was about to leave when Sunghoon stopped me, a rare softness in his eyes.

"Here you go," he said, handing me a bag.

"What is it?" I asked, surprised.

"Dinner and some cake for you and your mom," he replied, his voice gentle.

"Oh, there was no need for it but thanks," I said, my heart warming at his unexpected kindness.

"Also," he began, and I looked at him, sensing he had more to say.

"I am sorry about earlier," he said, his sincerity evident.

I understood what he meant. "It's ok. But it is the truth. We are not friends. Just classmates," I said, feeling a pang of disappointment.

"Anyways. I'll see you at school. Bye," I added, trying to keep my tone light.

"Bye," Sunghoon replied, his gaze lingering on me as I walked away.

As I headed home, my heart felt a strange mix of emotions.

A few months had slipped by like sand through my fingers. Nothing had really changed between us. Sunghoon remained as distant as ever, his cold demeanor a wall I could never seem to breach. Yet, in this chilly expanse, I found warmth in his sister, Yeji. She and I had become close, a small miracle amidst the silence between Sunghoon and me.

Yeji often visited the company with Mrs. Park, and we started hanging out more. It was a comfort, a bright spot in my otherwise lonely days. Today, my mother mentioned that Mrs. Park and she had a meeting to attend, and with Sunghoon not at home, she asked if I could take care of Yeji. I agreed without hesitation.

When I arrived at their house, I immediately noticed the stress etched on Mrs. Park's face. Her usually bright eyes seemed clouded with worry.

"Are you okay?" I asked gently.

Mrs. Park sighed, "Huh? Oh, well. Not really. We're having trouble paying our rent. Sunghoon and I argued about it, which is why he's not home."

I nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy. I wanted to help them so badly. After Mrs. Park left, suggesting I help myself to anything in the kitchen, I couldn't stop thinking about her words. I called my mom and shared my thoughts. She agreed and promised to help.

Hours passed, and as the rain began to pour, Yeji and I played together, the sound of our laughter mingling with the patter of raindrops. Suddenly, I heard raised voices outside. Mrs. Park and Sunghoon were arguing.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, stepping out into the rain.

Sunghoon's eyes met mine, filled with anger. "What are you doing here?"

"I called her," Mrs. Park interjected.

He turned his fury on me. "You asked your mother to pay our rent, didn't you?"

"What?" I replied, confused.

"Sunghoon, she helped us!" Mrs. Park explained.

"But we didn't ask for her help!" he snapped, then turned to me. "Leave. Now."

He grabbed my wrist, dragging me out into the pouring rain. "Sunghoon, stop! It's raining, can't we just talk?"

He didn't listen. I yanked my hand back, my frustration boiling over. "What is wrong with you? I don't even know what you're talking about!"

"Why did you ask your mother to pay for our rent?" he demanded.

"Because I wanted to help," I replied softly.

"But did I ask for your help? No!" he shot back.

I stood there, silent, the rain soaking us both.

"Rich people like you, you all pity us, don't you?" he continued, his voice dripping with bitterness. "You think throwing money at us solves everything."

"Sunghoon, are you out of your mind? I'm helping you because I care," I argued.

"Why?! I didn't ask for any care."

"But Sunghoon, I—"

"What? What is it?" he provoked me further, his eyes challenging me.

"Because I love you!" I blurted out, my voice breaking. He froze, shock written across his face.

"I love you," I repeated, tears mingling with the rain. "I care about you, even though you've always been cold to me. You've never spoken to me, but still, I love you. I didn't choose to fall for you; it just happened. Love just happens, regardless of wealth or status. I love you."

My tears flowed freely as I moved closer, clutching his shirt. "All I've ever done was because I love you, not because I pity you."

I rested my head on his chest, feeling his heart race. He seemed to want to hug me, to comfort me, but he hesitated. I pulled back, wiping my tears.

"Affection doesn't seem to matter to you," I said, my voice trembling. "It would be better if you left."

"Hayoon, I—"

"Please, just go."

He sighed, saying nothing more, and walked away. I stood there, drenched and heartbroken, the rain masking my tears. The world spun around me, and I fainted, succumbing to the overwhelming emotions and the cold rain.

SUNGHOON P.O.V

After I reached home, I quickly went to my room. The weight of the day hung heavy on my shoulders, and I needed the solitude to gather my thoughts. I got changed into something more comfortable and sat down on my bed, my mind swirling with Hayoon's words.

I couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at me. The way I had reacted, the harshness in my tone—it all replayed in my mind. I was genuinely feeling bad, my heart aching with regret.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the gentle footsteps approaching until I felt a soft kiss on my cheek. I turned around, startled, and saw Yeji standing there with her usual mischievous grin.

I couldn't help but smile, and I lifted her onto my lap. "What happened?" I asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Yeji looked at me with concern. "I should ask you that. What happened?"

"Nothing," I replied, trying to sound convincing, but her knowing eyes told me she wasn't buying it.

"You're lying," she said, crossing her arms. "I saw you getting angry at Hayoon unnie."

I was silent, the shame washing over me again. "I'm sorry," I finally admitted.

"Did you say this to unnie?" Yeji's eyes were wide with expectation.

I shook my head, feeling more ashamed than ever.

"Bad oppa," she scolded, her tiny finger pointing at me. "Oppa, did you know that unnie likes you?"

I nodded, my heart beating faster. "I know now. She said she loves me."

Yeji's face lit up with a smile. "You are so lucky."

I laughed a little, the tension easing. "Am I?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "Hayoon unnie is amazing!" She continued to tell me how much she enjoyed being with Hayoon, her words filling the room with warmth and joy.

I couldn't help but smile at her innocence. "Oppa, you both should get married so that unnie stays with me forever," she suggested, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I laughed, the idea both amusing and heartwarming. "But if I marry Hayoon, she will be mine, not yours."

"No. Unnie is mine," Yeji insisted, pouting.

"No, mine," I countered playfully.

"Mine," she said again, more determined this time.

"Hayoon is mine," I teased, before starting to tickle her. She burst into laughter, her giggles echoing through the room just as Mom walked in.

"Sunghoon, I have something to show you," Mom said, her voice gentle but firm.

I nodded, setting Yeji down gently before following Mom. "What happened?" I asked.

Mom handed me a sketchbook, her eyes holding a secretive glint. Curious, I opened it, and my breath caught in my throat. Page after page, the sketchbook was filled with drawings—of me.

I was genuinely surprised to see the sketches. They were incredibly detailed, capturing moments and expressions I didn't even know I had. I flipped through more pages, my heart swelling with an unnameable emotion.

Then Yeji came in, peeking over my shoulder. "Oh, this is Hayoon unnie's drawings," she exclaimed.

Mom looked at Yeji, surprised. "You know about it?"

Yeji nodded. "Unnie showed them to me. Unnie is good at drawing."

Mom's gaze turned to me, her eyes filled with understanding. "Did she say something?" she asked Yeji.

Yeji nodded again. "She said oppa is handsome. She likes oppa a lot, but he never talks to her, which makes her sad."

Mom just looked at me, her expression a mix of sympathy and encouragement. I closed the sketchbook, my mind racing.

"Sunghoon," Mom said softly, "she truly loves you. You need to get over the past. Not everyone is the same. She is different. Give her a chance."

I nodded, knowing she was right. "You are right, Mom."

Mom smiled, a look of relief crossing her face. "You are not going to find someone better than her."

Yeji tugged at my sleeve. "Oppa, are you going to date unnie?"

I looked at her, her innocent eyes filled with hope. "Do you want me to?" I asked gently.

She nodded eagerly.

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "As you say," I replied, my heart lighter than it had been all day.

Suddenly my phone buzzed with an incoming call. My heart skipped a beat as I saw Hayoon's name flash across the screen. I eagerly picked up the call, ready to hear her sweet voice.

"Hello, Hayoon—" I started, but my words were cut short by an unfamiliar voice.

"Hello. I found the owner of this phone fainted," the man said, his voice steady but urgent.

"What?!" My heart pounded in my chest, a rush of panic flooding over me.

"Her name is Hayoon, right?" the man continued.

"Yes," I confirmed, my voice shaking.

"I've called an ambulance. They're taking her to ***** hospital. I'll give the phone to the reception."

"Okay, thank you so much," I managed to say, my mind racing with worry.

He hung up the call, and I stood there in shock for a moment.

"Mom, what happened?" she asked, noticing my distress.

"Hayoon is at the hospital. I need to go meet her," I said quickly.

She nodded, her face mirroring my concern. I grabbed my keys and rushed out the door, my heart pounding with every step.

When I arrived at the hospital, I went straight to the reception, my mind consumed with thoughts of Hayoon.

"Do you know where patient Hayoon is staying?" I asked the receptionist, trying to keep my voice steady.

"In room 302. But before you go, please meet Dr. Son. She has the patient's phone as well," the receptionist replied.

I nodded and hurried to find Dr. Son, my anxiety growing with each passing second. When I found her, she explained what had happened to Hayoon and assured me that she just needed rest. She handed me a form to fill out, and as I was doing so, she said something that caught me off guard.

"You should take care of your girlfriend," she said with a gentle smile.

"Huh?" I looked up, surprised.

"The person who gave me the phone mentioned that the number in her phone was saved as 'my love,' so he guessed you were her boyfriend. You are her boyfriend, right?"

"O-oh... yes," I stammered, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

"Well, you should take care of her. She is a very sensitive person. She needs a lot of love and care," Dr. Son advised kindly.

I nodded, her words sinking deep into my heart. After filling out the form, I made my way to room 302.

I made my way to Hayoon's room, my heart pounding with a mix of worry and anticipation. As I opened the door, there she was, standing by the window, lost in her thoughts. The soft moonlight bathed her in a glow, making her look like an ethereal being.