Entangled in Rivalry

Chapter 46

Seulgi POV

The final boarding call echoed through the terminal like a countdown I'd been dreading.

I stood there, stiff, my hands balled inside my sleeves. If I didn't clench them, I knew they'd shake. If I dared to blink too long, the tears might fall again. So I stared forward. Not at her. Just... anywhere but at her.

Jaeyi was hugging her parents-tight, lingering. Yoon Tae looked like he was holding himself together just for her sake. Even he didn't try to hide the sorrow in his eyes.

Then it was Kyunghee.

Then her grandma, of course-clinging on like it was her own daughter leaving, fussing about snacks and schedules and sweaters.

And finally... me.

I felt her eyes before I looked up. And when I did, it hit me-how much emotion we were holding back just to not fall apart.

I didn't say anything.

I couldn't.

"I'll call you back," Jaeyi said with a forced smile. "Take care, and study hard."

I gave a small nod.

That was it.

She turned slowly, and my breath caught. It felt too quiet. Too fast. I wasn't ready. I didn't want this to be it.

And just when I thought she'd disappear behind the boarding gate-

She stopped.

Then turned.

Then ran.

Straight past her grandma's open arms.

Straight toward me.

And before I could process anything, her arms wrapped around me tightly-pressing me into her chest, pulling me close like she was trying to shield me from the rest of the world.

I broke.

My tears spilled instantly, silently. My arms went around her just as tightly, burying my face in her shoulder, my chest rising and falling in uneven breaths.

"Just wait for me," she whispered, breath warm against my ear. "I'm only going for a while... for our future. Take care, my love. I love you."

I gripped her harder.

"I love you too," I finally whispered, voice trembling.

Then the voice over the speaker called her name again.

And again.

She pulled away slowly, her hands brushing over my cheeks, wiping away the tears that wouldn't stop.

Her eyes flicked down to my lips for the briefest second-then up again.

She wouldn't kiss me. Not here. Not with her grandma watching.

But I knew she wanted to.

So I nodded gently, giving her the permission she couldn't ask for.

And then... she was gone.

Just like that.

The crowd swallowed her up, and I stood there frozen-heart aching, chest hollow, arms still warm from where she held me.

I stayed there long after she disappeared.

Because letting go wasn't as easy as turning away.

Not when the person you love was walking away from you.