Don't go," Mi-Ho repeated, standing in her doorway like a man who had finally run out of excuses.
Hana blinked. "Why now?"
He stepped closer. "Because I was a coward. I thought pushing you away would protect you. But all I did was hurt you—and me."
Her breath caught. "You think words can undo everything?"
"No," he whispered. "But I needed you to know. I love you, Hana. I've loved you since the moment you looked at me like I was worth something."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"Then why did you wait?" she asked, voice cracking.
He shook his head. "Because I didn't think I deserved you."
Silence.
Then Hana stepped back, closing the suitcase. "I'm going to Paris, Mi-Ho."
His heart dropped.
"But if you still love me when I come back… maybe I'll be ready to believe it then."