MJ IMAGINES (World with Applehead)

I'm on my way

1984

You had a rough day at work. You were exhausted, mentally drained, and all you wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep until tomorrow. Instead, your boss handed your report back and told you to redo the entire thing.

Frustration bubbled inside you. You had spent an entire week researching and putting that report together, only for it to be rejected. The research had been difficult and time-consuming, but you couldn't afford to complain. A position you'd dreamed of for years had finally opened up, and you were determined to prove you were the most qualified candidate. If that meant working twice as hard, then so be it.

Still...Today was different. Today, you felt like crying. You wanted someone to hold you, to tell you everything would be okay.

But your boyfriend was halfway across the world on the Victory Tour with his brothers. He'd been gone for six months, and the loneliness was beginning to wear you down.

You missed everything about him.

His warm embrace. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your ear. The softness of his lips. The gentle touch that always managed to calm every anxious thought in your mind. You missed him more than words could ever describe.

He had promised to call you every day before leaving. He rarely managed to keep that promise. But you understood. Between nonstop rehearsals, performances, interviews, and traveling, he barely had time to breathe himself. You couldn't blame him.

You tossed your bag onto the floor as soon as you stepped into your apartment. Folders slipped out, papers scattering across the living room, but you didn't bother picking them up. Instead, you collapsed onto the couch. The moment you closed your eyes, the tears came. You let yourself cry. You let all the stress, exhaustion, and loneliness pour out.

Just then, your phone rang.

Sniffling, you reached into your bag and searched for it. Without even checking the caller ID, you answered.

Taking a shaky breath, you whispered, "Hello?"

Silence. Nearly ten seconds passed.

You frowned. Was this some kind of prank call?

You were about to hang up when a familiar voice finally spoke. "Hey, Y/N."

Your heart stopped. That voice...you had missed that voice so much. Fresh tears filled your eyes as warmth spread through your chest. You had finally found your comfort.

"Michael... baby?" you whispered.

A soft chuckle came from the other end. "Yeah, it's me, sweetheart. How are you?"

The simple question shattered the wall you'd been trying so hard to keep standing. Your tears fell all over again. Michael immediately noticed.

"Let it out, Y/N," he said softly. "I know you're tired. I'm here."

Those four words were enough. You cried without holding back. He didn't interrupt. He simply stayed on the line, quietly humming the gentle melodies he always sang whenever he comforted you.

Little by little, your breathing steadied. You wiped your cheeks with the sleeve of your blouse.

"Is my baby feeling a little better now?" he asked.

You smiled through your runny nose. "Yeah... I think I am."

You glanced at the mirror beside the couch. Your eyes were swollen and puffy from crying.

"Take a deep breath for me," Michael said gently. "Slowly."

You followed his instructions, inhaling deeply before letting it out. Again. And again. Until your shoulders finally relaxed.

"I'm glad you finally called," you admitted quietly. There was a pause.

"I'm sorry, Y/N," he said. "I know I promised I'd call every day. You have every right to be upset with me, but everything's been so hectic. My schedule's been—"

You giggled, cutting him off. "Michael, it's okay."

"But—"

"No." You smiled. "I'm not mad at you. I could never be. I know how busy you've been, and I'm proud of you. Just focus on the tour, okay? If you ever need me, you can call anytime."

A small smile spread across your face.

"I love you."

Silence.

"...Michael?"

You pulled the phone away for a second to make sure the call hadn't dropped. It was still connected.

"Michael?"

His voice came back, quieter this time. "I miss you." Your heart melted.

"I miss hearing your voice. I miss holding you. I miss coming home to you." He let out a quiet laugh. "I just... I really want to see you."

You smiled so hard your cheeks hurt. "I miss you too."

"So..." His playful tone returned. "Do you want to come over?"

You blinked. "Come over? Right now?" you laughed. "Do I need to book a flight or something?"

He laughed even harder. "I'm at Hayvenhurst, silly."

Your eyes widened. "What? I thought the tour wasn't over until next week!"

"We wrapped everything up earlier than expected."

You couldn't stop smiling.

"So..." he teased again. "Are you coming?"

"Yes!" you laughed excitedly. "Oh my gosh, I have so much to tell you."

You were already walking toward your bedroom. Michael chuckled. "I have a feeling we'd both rather catch up in person."

Heat rushed to your cheeks. You knew exactly what he meant. "It's been six months," you admitted with a shy laugh.

"I know."His voice softened. "I can't wait to hold you again."

Your heart fluttered. "Me neither."

"Then shamone, girl," he laughed. "I'll be waiting."

You laughed before ending the call. The exhaustion that had weighed you down all day had suddenly disappeared. You hurried into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the stress from work. After drying off, you changed into your favorite outfit, choosing the lace lingerie Michael had given you for your birthday as a quiet reminder of him.

A little lotion, his favorite perfume, a touch of light makeup. Nothing too elaborate; you wanted to look like yourself. Satisfied, you grabbed your car keys and headed out the door. As you drove toward Hayvenhurst, excitement slowly replaced every tear you'd cried only minutes before.

Finally... You were going home to him.

I'm on my way, love.