Chapter 17: Chapter 17 – The Breaking Point
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1. A Game of Fear
Hana's hands shook as she backed away from the door.
The knocking continued—slow, deliberate, mocking.
Knock. Knock.
"Hana…"
Min-jae's voice was almost gentle.
Almost.
"I just want to talk."
Lies.
Hana pressed herself against the wall, gripping her phone like a lifeline.
Ji-hoon was coming.
She just had to hold on.
Knock. Knock.
A shadow moved beneath the door.
Then—
The handle twisted.
Hana's breath caught.
Min-jae wasn't waiting anymore.
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2. Ji-hoon's Arrival
The sound of a motorcycle engine tore through the night.
Loud. Fast.
Then—footsteps.
Heavy. Rushed. Angry.
Ji-hoon.
Min-jae must have heard it too.
The knocking stopped.
Hana's heart pounded as she rushed to the window.
Ji-hoon was already running.
Up the steps.
Straight for her door.
Then—a crash.
Ji-hoon kicked it open.
His eyes found hers instantly.
And then—they narrowed.
He turned sharply, scanning the hallway.
Min-jae was gone.
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3. "You're Mine, Hana."
Ji-hoon stood in the doorway, his breathing ragged.
His fists clenched. His jaw tight.
Hana didn't realize she was shaking until he stepped closer.
Then—his hands were on her.
Firm. Warm. Safe.
"Hana."
His voice was low. Rough.
She looked up.
And suddenly—it hit her.
What could have happened.
How close she had been.
Her knees buckled.
Ji-hoon caught her.
Held her.
"Hey, hey…" His voice softened. "I've got you."
She gripped his jacket, burying herself into his chest.
For the first time all night—she let herself cry.
Ji-hoon exhaled sharply.
Then, quietly—"You're mine, Hana."
Her breath hitched.
She looked up—and froze.
Because Ji-hoon's eyes weren't just protective.
They were possessive.
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4. The Edge of Control
Ji-hoon walked her to the couch, his hand never leaving hers.
She sat. He knelt in front of her.
Fingers brushing against her knee. Light. Careful.
"Hana."
His voice was low. Dangerous.
"Tell me exactly what happened."
She swallowed.
Told him everything.
Every word. Every sound. Every knock.
By the time she finished—Ji-hoon looked ready to kill.
His grip on her knee tightened.
"Min-jae is playing games."
Hana exhaled. "And you don't like games."
His jaw clenched.
"Not when you're the prize."
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5. The Kiss That Changed Everything
The tension between them shifted.
Hana saw it. Felt it.
The way Ji-hoon's fingers brushed higher.
The way his gaze dropped—to her lips.
The air thickened.
"Ji-hoon…"
He exhaled sharply.
Then—he kissed her.
And it wasn't like before.
It was rough. Desperate.
A promise. A warning.
Hana's fingers curled into his shirt, pulling him closer.
She didn't care that her heart was pounding.
She didn't care that this was dangerous.
She only cared that it was him.
Ji-hoon pulled away slightly, his forehead resting against hers.
His breath uneven.
"I'm done holding back."
Hana shivered.
Because she knew—
Neither of them could stop now.
Not anymore.
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End of Chapter 17