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# Chapter 73: Tae-oh’s Choice
The story of Kang Min-jun—or rather, Kang Tae-oh—still occupied a corner of Eun-seo’s heart. The conflict that had torn at him between past and present seemed to have lightened, if only slightly. By listening to his words, she had drawn closer to understanding the depths of his soul. Tae-oh had laid bare the emotions swimming in his eyes, and Eun-seo had received them. When her hand brushed gently across his back, she felt his heart begin to stir back to life.
Eun-seo took his hand and met his gaze. She could read what lay in his heart. Tae-oh continued speaking of his past, his voice penetrating deep into her being. His eyes held a gravity that pulled at her very core.
“I think about my past,” he said quietly. “But I think about my future too. I have to live for my future. I have to fight for it.” His words sent a tremor through her chest. She held his hand tighter, feeling the warmth of his skin transfer to hers, her palm closing around his like a promise.
Eun-seo listened and looked into his eyes. She understood what lived in his heart. The weight he’d carried between yesterday and tomorrow seemed to ease as she drew nearer to his truth, nearer to knowing him.
Sunlight streamed through the pottery studio. Beyond the windows, the distant hum of Seoul’s streets drifted in, mingling with the faint smoke of the kilns. Eun-seo held his hand and searched his face. Her heart beat as quickly as his own, and his gaze held her with an undeniable pull.
“I’m ready for whatever you choose to do,” she said softly. “I believe in everything you do for us.” Her voice wrapped around his heart like an embrace. Tae-oh held her hand and looked into her eyes, feeling the weight of her faith in him. His grip tightened, anchoring himself to her.
“Thank you, Eun-seo,” he whispered. “I’m truly grateful.” His words carried the depth of everything he felt. They sat facing each other in the quiet studio, where only the sound of their hearts beating seemed to exist. In that silence, Eun-seo felt the pulse of his gratitude, and his eyes never wavered from hers.
Later, they left the studio together, hand in hand. The streets of Seoul hummed faintly beyond them, and the scent of clay smoke lingered in the air. They walked side by side, their fingers intertwined, moving toward whatever tomorrow would bring.
They walked together along the river path, where the world seemed to hold its breath. Only the sound of their footsteps and the gentle flow of water accompanied them. Eun-seo could feel the warmth of his presence beside her, could smell the familiar scent that had become her anchor.
The river bend stretched before them—quiet, peaceful, bathed in the soft light of a new beginning. Eun-seo squeezed his hand, and Tae-oh squeezed back, a silent affirmation passing between them.
“I’m ready for whatever comes,” she said again, and this time, he believed her completely.
“Then let’s walk forward together,” Tae-oh replied, his voice steady and certain at last.
And so they did, hand in hand, toward a future that no longer seemed impossible—a future they would build together, one step at a time, where the river bends toward home.