The rain hadn't stopped, but Hana didn't notice. Mi-Ho's words echoed louder than the thunder—I want to love you.
She froze, every wall she had built trembling. "Do you know what you're saying?" her voice shook.
"Yes," he said firmly, stepping closer. "I don't want to watch you suffer in silence anymore. I want a life with you, Hana. Not because of your past, not because of duty… but because it's you."
Tears welled in her eyes, hot against her cold skin. For years she had been denied choices, denied the right to dream. Now, standing before him, she realized she was being offered both.
Her hand trembled as she reached for his. "If I say yes… promise me this won't be another cage."
His grip tightened, steady and sure. "I promise. With me, you'll never be trapped again."
And for the first time, Hana believed it.