Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

27. Traces to you

┍━☽【❖】☾━┑

Alone in her dressing room, she stood amidst a sea of tears. The once inviting sight of her sofa, now piled high with money, couldn't dispel the ache in her soul caused by the method she had employed to amass it.

She gazed out of the dressing room window, seeking solace in the moonlit night. The city beyond twinkled with the same allure that had drawn her into this world of uncertainty. The path she had walked had been paved with ambitions, but at what cost? Her reflection in the glass held the answer—a reflection not just of her physical self, but of the journey her heart and conscience had taken.

Her thoughts were abruptly shattered by the entrance of Keeho, his joy evident as he stepped into the dressing room, clearly pleased by Nabi's success. His demeanor, however, underwent a swift transformation the moment he caught sight of her hurriedly wiping away her tears, a veil of concern descending over his features.

As his gaze fixed upon her, his eyes caught the telltale signs of her struggle. The traces of dampness glistening in the corners of her eyes, the quiver in her lips—it all formed a silent narrative of a battle fought within.

His heart, always attuned to her emotions, picked up the subtle shifts in her demeanor. "Nabi," he said, his voice a gentle lullaby, "you don't have to hide how you feel."

She managed a fragile smile, attempting to mask the storm of emotions that had engulfed her just moments before. "It's nothing, Keeho."

A sigh escaped him as he closed the distance between them, his arms enveloping her in a tender embrace. It was a sensation Nabi hadn't experienced in years—the simple warmth and reassurance of a hug.

Nestled in the circle of his arms, she let herself be held, her head finding a resting place against his chest. The rhythmic thud of his heartbeat against her ear was a soothing rhythm, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this struggle.

"I'm okay, Keeho. I mean it," she murmurs softly from within the warmth of their embrace.

Her words, a whisper against his chest, carried a weight of sincerity that resonated deeply. It was a reassurance she wanted him to feel, to understand, even as they held each other close. In that moment, her voice held a mixture of vulnerability and determination, a reflection of the complex emotions swirling within her.

Keeho's hold on her doesn't waver, his arms a secure haven around her. He tilts his head slightly, his gaze meeting hers with an understanding that transcended words. "I believe you, Nabi," he replies, his voice gentle and unwavering. "But remember, you don't have to be okay all the time. It's alright to lean on others when you need to."

A small, appreciative smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she looks up at him. His understanding and acceptance were a balm to her soul, a reminder that she didn't have to bear her burdens alone. "Thank you, Keeho. For being here," she says, her gratitude evident in her eyes.

He returns her smile, his grip on her not loosening. "Now, let's go home. You must be tired," Keeho suggests with a warm smile.

The next day, Nabi's eyes flutter open as she stirs from sleep, the sound of Keeho's voice echoing through the apartment. She blinks away the remnants of slumber, her curiosity piqued by the intensity in his tone. It seems he's engaged in a heated discussion with someone on the phone, his words carrying a mix of frustration and determination.