IF LOVE HAD A NAME

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1. A Night of No Regrets

Hana lay on the couch, breathless.

Ji-hoon's body hovered over hers, his arms caging her in.

The warmth of his breath ghosted over her lips.

Slow. Teasing.

But he didn't move closer.

Didn't kiss her again.

Not yet.

Hana's fingers curled into his jacket, pulling him down.

"You said you were done holding back," she whispered.

Ji-hoon's lips curled into a smirk.

"I am."

Then—he kissed her again.

This time, there was no hesitation.

No fear.

Only heat.

Hana melted into him, her heart racing as his hands slid to her waist, holding her like she was his.

Because in this moment—she was.

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2. The Aftermath

Minutes passed. Maybe hours.

Hana wasn't sure.

She only knew that when they finally pulled apart, Ji-hoon's eyes were darker.

More intense.

Like he was fighting something.

Like he wasn't ready to let go.

"Hana…"

Her name left his lips in a way that made her shiver.

Made her want more.

But reality crashed back in.

Min-jae. The warning. The danger surrounding them.

Ji-hoon sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I should take you home."

Hana hesitated.

She didn't want to be alone.

And maybe… he didn't either.

"Stay with me."

The words were out before she could stop them.

Ji-hoon's gaze snapped to hers.

Something flickered in his eyes.

Then—he nodded.

---

3. A Moment of Peace

Ji-hoon sat at the edge of her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Hana curled beside him, watching his profile in the dim light.

"You never told me," she murmured.

Ji-hoon glanced at her. "Told you what?"

She hesitated.

"Why you fight."

His jaw clenched.

For a long time, he didn't answer.

Then—quietly.

"Because it's the only way I know how to survive."

Hana's heart twisted.

She reached for his hand.

Ji-hoon let her.

And for the first time, he didn't try to pull away.

Didn't pretend he wasn't broken.

Because with Hana, he didn't have to pretend at all.

---

4. The Breaking News

Morning came too soon.

Hana blinked awake, only to find Ji-hoon already sitting up.

His phone in his hand.

His expression dark.

"What is it?" she asked, sitting up beside him.

Ji-hoon turned the screen toward her.

Hana's stomach dropped.

A headline stared back at her.

"Gang War in the City – Police Investigate New Leader in Underground Circuit."

Her fingers clenched the sheets.

Ji-hoon's voice was calm. Too calm.

"It's him."

She swallowed. "Min-jae?"

Ji-hoon nodded.

And Hana knew—this wasn't over.

It was only the beginning.

---

5. A Love Worth Fighting For

Ji-hoon stood, grabbing his jacket.

Hana's chest tightened.

"You're going after him, aren't you?"

Ji-hoon didn't lie.

"Yeah."

Hana stood too, blocking his way.

"No."

Ji-hoon's brows furrowed. "Hana—"

"I won't let you go alone."

His jaw clenched. "This isn't your fight."

"Maybe not."

She stepped closer.

"But it's your fight. And you're—"

She hesitated.

Then—she said it.

"You're mine."

Ji-hoon froze.

His eyes widened, just a little.

Then—he smiled.

A small, real smile.

And Hana knew.

Whatever happened next—

They would face it together.

---

End of Chapter 18