IF LOVE HAD A NAME

---

1. Whispers in the Hallway

Hana felt the shift the moment she stepped into school.

The air was thick with tension.

Students huddled in small groups, whispering. Staring.

She caught snippets of conversation as she walked past.

"Did you hear? He's back…"

"I thought he disappeared."

"I heard he's looking for someone."

Hana's stomach twisted.

She didn't need to ask who he was.

Min-jae.

And by the way people spoke—he wasn't alone.

She reached her locker and quickly dialed in the combination.

Then—

A shadow fell over her.

She stiffened.

Slowly, she turned—

And found Min-jae leaning against the locker next to hers.

Smirking.

"Good morning, sunshine."

Hana's fingers tightened around her books.

"What do you want?"

Min-jae chuckled, tilting his head.

"You're bold. I like that."

Hana stayed silent.

Min-jae leaned in slightly.

"I just wanted to meet the girl who has Ji-hoon so… distracted."

Her heart pounded.

She forced herself to keep her voice steady.

"I'm not distracted. And neither is he."

Min-jae's smirk widened.

"Oh? Then why is he already looking for me?"

Hana's breath caught.

Ji-hoon was looking for him?

Min-jae straightened, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Well, I'll be seeing you around, sweetheart."

And just like that, he walked away.

Leaving Hana standing there—heart racing.

---

2. An Unexpected Warning

By the time Hana found Ji-hoon, he was already waiting for her.

Behind the school. Arms crossed. Eyes stormy.

"You talked to him."

It wasn't a question.

Hana sighed. "He found me first."

Ji-hoon's jaw clenched.

"What did he say?"

She hesitated.

Then, softly—"He said you were looking for him."

Ji-hoon didn't reply right away.

Then—

"I am."

Hana frowned.

"Why?"

Ji-hoon's fingers curled into fists.

"Because Min-jae isn't just back for me. He's after you now."

Hana's breath hitched.

"What?"

Ji-hoon ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.

"I knew he'd try something. But I didn't think he'd move this fast."

Hana swallowed.

"But why? What does he want?"

Ji-hoon hesitated.

Then, quietly—"Revenge."

---

3. The Truth About Min-jae

Hana and Ji-hoon sat on the rooftop.

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city.

Ji-hoon exhaled.

"Min-jae and I… We used to be close."

Hana watched him carefully.

Used to be.

He ran a hand over his face.

"But then, he got caught up in something dangerous. I tried to pull him out. But I failed."

Hana stayed silent.

Ji-hoon's voice was low.

"Someone got hurt. And Min-jae blamed me."

A beat of silence.

Then—

"I blamed myself too."

Hana's chest tightened.

She reached out, taking his hand.

He flinched—but didn't pull away.

After a long pause, he squeezed her fingers.

"He's not done, Hana."

Her throat felt dry.

Ji-hoon turned, looking at her.

His expression was serious.

"You need to stay away from him."

Hana exhaled.

"Ji-hoon… I'm already in this. Whether we like it or not."

His grip tightened.

And this time, he didn't argue.

Because they both knew—

There was no turning back.

---

4. A Kiss That Meant Everything

Ji-hoon walked Hana home.

Again.

It was becoming a habit.

Not that either of them minded.

They stopped at her door.

A breeze blew between them.

Ji-hoon shoved his hands in his pockets.

Hana smiled. "You look nervous."

He scoffed.

"I don't do nervous."

She raised an eyebrow.

He sighed.

Then, softly—

"Hana… Be careful."

Something about the way he said it made her chest ache.

She stepped closer.

"You too."

Ji-hoon swallowed.

Then—he leaned down.

And kissed her.

Slow. Deep. Like he was afraid this might be their last.

Hana melted into him.

For a moment—there was no Min-jae.

No threats. No danger.

Just them.

When they pulled away, Ji-hoon rested his forehead against hers.

"I'm not letting you go."

Hana smiled.

"Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."

His lips twitched.

"Stubborn."

"Always."

He chuckled.

And for the first time in a while—

They both felt safe.

Even if it was only for a moment.

---

5. The Night That Changed Everything

Hana couldn't sleep.

Something felt wrong.

She sat up in bed, rubbing her arms.

Then—a loud bang.

Her heart stopped.

It came from outside.

Slowly, she walked to the window—

And froze.

A figure stood under the streetlight.

Watching her.

Min-jae.

Her blood turned cold.

She reached for her phone—her fingers trembling.

Ji-hoon.

The moment he answered, she whispered—

"He's here."

Ji-hoon's voice was sharp.

"Lock your doors. I'm coming."

The call ended.

Hana swallowed hard.

She backed away from the window—

But before she could reach the door—

A knock.

Her breath caught.

Slow. Deliberate.

Knock. Knock.

Hana's pulse pounded.

And then—

A voice.

Low. Amused. Deadly.

"Come on, sweetheart. Don't make me wait."

Hana's stomach dropped.

Her fingers tightened around her phone.

Ji-hoon. Hurry.

Because something told her—

Tonight was going to change everything.

---

End of Chapter 16