LAVENDER || PARK SUNGHOON ff

CHAPTER 29

Winter paused in front of the door adorned with sunflower stickers. Taking a deep breath, she slowly turned the knob and pushed the door open. She stepped inside, closing it quietly behind her, and scanned the room. It was empty, and she wondered where he might be. She ventured further in, searching for any sign of him.

Then she saw him—Haechan, standing alone on the balcony. Her heart raced as she called out softly, "Haechan-nahh..." and approached him cautiously.

Haechan stood still, his breath catching in his throat. He couldn't bring himself to turn around, feeling immobilized by the weight of his own emotions.

Winter's hand touched his shoulder gently. "Are you okay?" Her voice trembled, and her eyes began to fill with tears. "Aren't you going to greet me? I've missed you so much..." Her voice broke, and she sniffled.

At the sound of her sniffles, Haechan's resolve crumbled. He turned around, his heart aching at the sight of her teary eyes. "Why are you crying?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He could see the traces of her tears and the pain she had been holding in.

"I'm hurt that you've been avoiding me," Winter said, her voice quivering. "I'm sorry for what happened, but—"

"It's okay, Haechan-nah," she interrupted, squeezing his hand softly. "It's not your fault. I'll never blame you for what happened. It's okay."

His eyes softened, and he frowned deeply. "I'm sorry for not protecting you. It's my fault for not walking you home. I should have been there, and I shouldn't have hidden from you. I'm so sorry for hurting you. I've felt terrible."

Winter shook her head, her tears falling freely now. "I heard everything from my brother and your members. At first, I felt betrayed, but as I listened to them, I began to understand. I believe you had your reasons. I'm sorry for putting you in this situation. You shouldn't feel guilty anymore. I'm okay. Please come back to me...I miss you so much. I miss hanging out with you."

Her tears fell more heavily, wetting her face.

"Oh no, Winnie! Don't cry!" Haechan pulled her into a tight embrace, his own tears starting to fall. "I'm so sorry. I miss you so much too." He clung to her, his heart aching with regret and longing. Winter gently stroked his back, comforting him.

"I'm sorry for not meeting you and the other members. I was scared because I knew you'd be hurt again. I didn't know what to do, so I avoided you instead. It hurt so much because I missed you, but I thought it was the best way. I didn't expect to see you here, but thank you for approaching me first," Haechan said, breaking the hug and looking at her sincerely.

Winter wiped the tears from his face and led him back into the room. They sat down on the bed, and she spoke softly, "I already told you it doesn't matter anymore. I just felt sad that you guys didn't let me know about it. I'm hurt that you hid this from me for so long. I didn't expect to live in a world like this, but I'm grateful for what you all did for me. It was for my safety and happiness. I should be thankful."

"Hey, don't say that! You deserve so much more, babe. I know what you've been through, and that's why I didn't want to hurt your feelings again. But I promise you, from now on, there will be no more secrets. I feel relieved now," Haechan said, giving her a side hug and a warm smile. Winter released a deep sigh, and a smile formed on her face as well.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" Haechan yelped as Winter playfully slapped his arm.

Winter smirked and side-eyed him. "That's my revenge for leaving me alone, disappearing, and not hanging out with me since I came back. You're my soulmate; how dare you not contact me at all? Don't think I'll let you go after what you did to me. I was so worried!"