Offstage Secrets – Jeongwoo

Jeongwoo Route

Echoes of the Past

Chapter 3

JL’s persistence starts breaking down Jeongwoo’s walls. Their friendship grows, filled with quiet companionship and unspoken understanding. However, JL senses an emotional barrier Jeongwoo refuses to cross.

During a rare day off, JL invites Jeongwoo to a peaceful park. They spend time in serene silence until JL bravely confesses, “I want to know you better, not just the Jeongwoo everyone sees, but the real you.” This triggers a shift.

Later that night, JL finds Jeongwoo alone, visibly shaken after receiving a phone call. JL offers silent support, sitting beside him without pressing for details. After a long pause, Jeongwoo whispers, “I was part of another group before AHOF. It… didn’t end well. I lost people I cared about because I wasn’t good enough. I don’t want to make the same mistake here.”

This revelation is the turning point. JL realizes Jeongwoo’s distance isn’t indifference but fear—fear of attachment, fear of failure. JL gently holds Jeongwoo’s hand, their thumb brushing over his knuckles. “You don’t have to go through this by yourself,” JL says softly. “I’m here. Whenever you need me.”

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