Lotus on the Other Shore

At some point, she became a constant presence in his life. Every one of his emotions changed with hers: when she was happy, he rejoiced; when she was sad, he hurt. That night, he summoned the courage to say what he had always wanted to say, like a real man. But that same night, his world collapsed. Darkness closed in from every side, and he could see no light. All he could do was run, fleeing to somewhere no one knew him. He left in despair; she waited, consumed by longing. Eight years later, he came back. He had become reckless and unruly; she had grown quiet and melancholy. He had fallen in love with someone else. That should have been a relief, but what he thought was a blessing turned out to be an even greater misfortune! Can this feeling in their hearts really go on? Can they truly let go? They have no choice but to let go; they have no choice but to give up! It was too late. When love spiraled out of control and the secrets came to light, could they still never be together!? It was too late. Facing the faint bite mark on the ring finger, like a lotus that had yet to bloom, and the pain etched deep in their hearts, where could they go from here? Too late... If love is like this, better not to love at all.