The morning after their peaceful walk, the weight of the rumors that had plagued their lives for weeks felt even more suffocating. Despite their quiet moments of intimacy, the storm outside their little bubble raged on. Headlines flashed across the news, social media was filled with opinions — many harsh, many unforgiving. And at the center of it all was Sherri, the girl who had been caught in the crossfire of accusations that were out of her control.
The trio was gathered in their living room, the atmosphere tense but resolute. YoungBok sat on the couch, his hands clenched tightly in his lap, a faraway look in his eyes. He had been scrolling through the latest articles on his phone, but the more he read, the more his heart sank. The words were cruel, and the implications were heavier than he could bear.
Sherri, sitting next to him, noticed the dark cloud hanging over him. Without a word, she reached out and gently placed her hand on his. The warmth of her touch was enough to pull YoungBok back from the edge of his thoughts. He met her eyes, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to disappear.
"Don't let it get to you," Sherri said softly, her voice steady despite the heaviness in the air. "We've faced worse. And we're stronger now."
YoungBok took a deep breath, looking at her with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. "I hate this, Sherri. I hate that you're being dragged into this. That people are making you the villain."
"You know that's not true," she replied, her hand still resting gently on his. "We know the truth. And that's all that matters."
Her words were simple, but they struck a chord deep inside YoungBok. He nodded, the tension in his chest slowly easing. "I don't want this to tear us apart."
"It won't," Sherri whispered. "Because we're a team. All three of us. And nothing can break that bond."
Hyunjin entered the room just then, his footsteps quiet but sure. His face was filled with determination as he walked over to where YoungBok and Sherri sat. He had been reading the same articles, feeling the same anger and frustration. But as always, he knew that reacting in anger wouldn't change anything. What mattered now was staying calm, staying united.
"I know it's hard," Hyunjin said, his voice steady but full of emotion. "But we can't let them win. We can't let them tear us apart."
YoungBok lifted his head, meeting Hyunjin's gaze. "I'm trying, Hyun. I really am. But it feels like the whole world is against us. Against you, against Sherri. I don't know how much longer we can take it."
Hyunjin walked over and sat next to YoungBok, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We've been through so much already. And every time, we've come out stronger. This time will be no different."
He turned to Sherri, his eyes softening as he gazed at her. "You're not alone in this. We're with you. And I'm proud of you for standing by us, even when it's hard."
Sherri smiled, her heart swelling with love for both of them. She reached for Hyunjin's hand, squeezing it tightly. "I love you both. And I'll always stand by you. We're in this together, no matter what."
Hyunjin's heart warmed at her words, and he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "I don't deserve you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"You do," she replied softly.
The day went on, but the weight of the rumors still loomed over them. The phone calls, the messages from friends and colleagues — they were all reminders of the outside world, one that was too quick to judge, too ready to tear them apart. But in the quiet moments, in the safety of their home, they found strength in each other.
That evening, they decided to take some time for themselves, away from the noise. Hyunjin had prepared a surprise for YoungBok and Sherri — a special dinner, just the three of them, a reminder of their bond.
The table was set with candles and their favorite dishes, the soft glow of the light creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. Hyunjin had gone all out, determined to make the night about love, about them, and nothing else.
As they sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. They talked about their day, about their plans for the future, about the small things that brought them joy. The world outside could wait — tonight, they were focused on each other.
YoungBok reached over and took Sherri's hand, his eyes filled with warmth. "Thank you for everything," he said quietly. "I don't know how I'd get through this without you."
Sherri smiled, her eyes soft and understanding. "You don't have to do it alone," she whispered, her voice full of love. "We'll get through it, together."
Hyunjin watched them, a contented smile spreading across his face. He had always known that love wasn't easy — that it required effort, sacrifice, and patience. But he also knew that the love they shared was worth it. And tonight, as they sat together, he could see the strength they had built over the years — a strength that nothing, not even the harshest rumors, could break.
Later that evening, after dinner, the three of them curled up on the couch, sharing a movie that none of them were really watching. It was one of those nights when words weren't necessary — when the quiet moments, the soft touches, and the shared warmth were enough.
Hyunjin leaned against YoungBok, his head resting on his shoulder, while Sherri nestled into his side. They were a perfect unit — imperfect, yes, but united in a way that made everything else fade into the background.
YoungBok kissed the top of Hyunjin's head, his hand gently tracing circles on his back. "I love you, Hyun," he whispered.
"I love you too," Hyunjin replied softly, his eyes fluttering closed. "I always will."
Sherri kissed Hyunjin's cheek, her heart full. "And I love you. Forever, both of you."
The night stretched on, filled with the quiet sounds of love and the certainty that no matter what the world threw their way, they would always rise above it — together.