IF LOVE HAD A NAME

Chapter 11: Chapter 11 – A Love That Burns



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1. A World Without Him

Hana didn't stop running.

Not until the sirens were nothing but a distant hum in the night.

Not until her lungs burned and her legs threatened to give out.

But even then—

She didn't stop feeling it.

The ache.

The emptiness.

Ji-hoon was gone.

She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to breathe.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

He was supposed to be free.

Supposed to walk away from this world.

But now—

He was trapped.

Because of her.

Her fingers curled into fists.

I won't let it end like this.

She wiped her tears.

Then, without hesitation—

She turned back.

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2. Behind Cold Iron Bars

Ji-hoon sat on the hard bench inside the holding cell, arms resting on his knees.

The air was thick with sweat, cheap cologne, and regret.

He had been here before.

Too many times.

But this time—it was different.

Because she was out there.

And he wasn't.

His jaw clenched.

The deal with Seok-jin had always been a trap.

Ji-hoon had known it the moment he got involved.

And yet—he had played right into it.

His greatest mistake?

Letting Hana into his world.

His fingers tightened around the chain on his wrist.

She should've run far away from him.

But deep down—

He didn't want her to.

A low chuckle came from the other side of the bars.

"Look at you," Seok-jin mused, leaning against the cell door. "The great Ji-hoon, finally tamed."

Ji-hoon didn't look up.

Seok-jin smirked.

"Bet she's crying right now. Poor thing."

That made Ji-hoon's blood boil.

His head snapped up, eyes burning.

"Shut your mouth."

Seok-jin only grinned.

"But it's true, isn't it? You can't protect her from in here. And once you're locked up for good…"

He leaned closer.

"I might just keep her company."

Ji-hoon moved before he could think.

In a blink, his hands were around Seok-jin's collar, slamming him against the bars.

A guard rushed over, yelling.

Seok-jin laughed—breathless, amused.

"There he is," he whispered. "The beast."

Ji-hoon wanted to break him.

Wanted to rip him apart.

But then—

A voice cut through the tension.

"Let him go."

Ji-hoon's heart stopped.

Hana.

She stood at the entrance of the holding area, eyes locked onto him.

He slowly released Seok-jin, breathing hard.

Hana's gaze never wavered.

Then, softly—

"I'm getting you out of here."

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3. A Risk Worth Taking

Hana's hands trembled as she set the money on the desk.

The officer raised a brow.

"This is his bail?"

She nodded.

He sighed, rubbing his temple.

"You know what he's done, right?"

"I know."

"And you still want him out?"

Hana's heart pounded.

"Yes."

The officer studied her for a long moment.

Then, with a tired sigh—he reached for the keys.

The cold iron door creaked open.

Ji-hoon stepped out, rubbing his wrists.

Their eyes met.

Hana exhaled, relief flooding her.

But before she could say anything—

Ji-hoon grabbed her wrist.

Pulled her close.

His lips crashed onto hers.

Hana's breath hitched.

The world disappeared.

All the fear, the pain, the chaos—gone.

There was only this.

His warmth. His touch.

His desperation.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.

"You shouldn't have done that," he murmured.

Hana's fingers curled around his shirt.

"I wasn't leaving you here."

Ji-hoon closed his eyes.

She was too damn stubborn.

And he loved her for it.

---

4. The Long Road Ahead

They didn't go home.

They couldn't.

Ji-hoon led Hana through the empty streets, his grip firm but gentle.

"Where are we going?" she asked softly.

"Somewhere safe."

She hesitated.

"Ji-hoon…"

He stopped.

Turned to her.

Eyes dark, unreadable.

"This isn't over, Hana."

Her throat tightened.

"I know."

But she wouldn't leave him.

Not now. Not ever.

Ji-hoon let out a slow breath.

Then—

He cupped her face.

Thumb brushing against her cheek.

Soft. Uncertain.

"I'll keep you safe," he whispered.

Hana's heart ached.

"Then let me do the same for you."

For the first time in his life—

Ji-hoon didn't know what to say.

Because no one had ever said that to him before.

And maybe—

Just maybe—

She was the only one who ever would.

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5. The Flames That Won't Die

The hideout was small. Dimly lit.

But it was safe.

Hana sat on the couch, watching as Ji-hoon paced.

"You're overthinking," she said.

Ji-hoon shot her a look.

"I don't think you understand how serious this is."

"Of course, I do."

Her voice was calm.

Sure.

Ji-hoon stopped.

Then—he sighed.

Hana stood, stepping closer.

He watched her—wary, guarded.

But then, gently—

She took his hand.

"Ji-hoon."

His name had never sounded so soft.

So safe.

Her fingers laced through his.

Ji-hoon exhaled.

And for the first time in a long time—

He let himself lean into her warmth.

Because even if the world was against them—

This moment was theirs.

And nothing could take it away.

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End of Chapter 11


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