How It Started, How It Ended || Haechan (NCT)

21

〖 Sinking Boats 〗

"Are you sure you're alright?"

For the third time, Haechan's voice brings back Saemi from her thoughts. She glances towards him and nods, blinking.

When Haechan stops at a red light, he takes this chance to look directly at Saemi.

He examines her face, looking for a clue as to why she's been spacing out for the last ten minutes.

"Did you cry?" Haechan asks worriedly, spotting her slightly weary eyes.

"What? No—no, I didn't." She immediately looks away, hiding her face from him.

"I know you did. Your nose is red." He reveals, ever so observant of her.

Saemi then sniffles, remembering what happened earlier at the ladies' restroom.

The stoplight turns green, prompting Haechan to drive again. But he stops at the side of the road on the next street and turns his full focus on his fiancée.

"What happened? Tell me." He asks gently, his voice soft.

Saemi finally looks at him, her eyes full of worry.

"You won't leave me," she starts with a small voice, "will you?"

"What? No." Haechan replies with furrowed eyebrows. "No, I won't leave you. Why would you ask that?"

Saemi examines his face, trying to find any hint of lies. But she couldn't find one.

"Nothing. I'm sorry. It's just—" she sighs, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Donghyuck. That was stupid."

"Hey, it's not stupid." Haechan reaches for her face, caressing it gently. "Whatever it is, it's not stupid if it's bothering you. What is it, sweet pea?"

Their close proximity and the way Haechan looks at her with concern make her tears fall once again, so she closes her eyes. Haechan wipes them away, cooing at her.

"I'm here, baby."

And with those words—with that term of endearment—Saemi easily melts into his touch.

"It's nothing, I promise." She assures him, her mind made up.

Haechan is a bit disappointed at how she's keeping her problems all to herself, but he doesn't press it. Instead, he kisses her forehead and says, "I'm here if you're ready to talk about it, okay?"

"Okay." She nods and stares at his face. "Donghyuck-ah?"

"Yes?"

"I trust you."

Haechan is slightly surprised at her words, but his lips curl into a soft smile. He's about to say something, but a sudden phone call interrupts their moment.

"Uh—just a second," he reaches for his phone and takes the call. "Hello?"

Saemi starts to relax in her seat, taking deep breaths while she waits for Haechan. After a short while, he then starts driving.

"Hey, uh, Appa wants me at the office right now, I'm not sure why. Do you mind taking a detour? It won't be long, I swear."

"I don't mind."

Haechan sighs in relief when Saemi agrees with a polite nod. He's supposed to take her home now, but his father suddenly wants him at their office immediately.

He drives towards the Lee company's office building in the city. It's a nice ride, quiet but comfortable.

He's bold to interlace his fingers between hers while he drives, and she doesn't resist it. He never lets go of her hand, not even when they're inside.