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°˖➴ #𝟭𝟲 - ice cream
———
After she CALMED DOWN, Heeseung suggested they go for ice cream to cheer her up. They walked to a nearby ice cream parlour, the cool night air helping to clear Haneul's mind. The bright, welcoming lights of the parlour contrasted with the darkness of their earlier conversation, offering a glimmer of normalcy.
Sitting on a bench outside, they each held a cone, the sweetness a small comfort after such a heavy conversation. Haneul stared at her mint chocolate chip cone, her thoughts swirling.
Heeseung took a bite of his rainbow sherbet and glanced at her. "You know, when we were kids, this place was our favourite. Remember?"
Haneul managed a small smile. "Yeah, we used to come here every Friday after school."
Heeseung nodded, a nostalgic look in his eyes. "Good times. I wish things were that simple now."
Haneul sighed, her smile fading. "Me too," She took a deep breath and decided it was time to tell him everything. "Hee, there's more I need to say about Minho."
Heeseung turned his full attention to her, concern etched on his face. "I'm listening, Haneul. Whatever it is, you can tell me."
Haneul hesitated for a moment before the words started spilling out. She told him how Minho had changed, becoming increasingly controlling and judgemental. She recounted the arguments, how he criticised her choices, and how he made her feel small and powerless.
"He wasn't always like this," Haneul said, her voice trembling. "But now, it's like he wants to control every part of my life. I feel trapped, Hee. I don't even know who I am anymore when I'm with him."
Heeseung's expression grew darker with every word. "Haneul, I'm so sorry you're going through this. You don't deserve any of it. Minho has no right to treat you that way."
Haneul nodded, tears welling up in her eyes again. "I know. But it's so hard to leave. I keep hoping he'll change back to the person he used to be. Remember the day we met at the cafe?"
"Yeah," Heeseung replied, "it was great to talk to you again after so long."
"Well," Haneul began, her voice faltering. "I was actually supposed to meet Minho that day. But he stood me up. And it wasn't the first time."
Heeseung's eyes widened in shock. "He stood you up? Haneul, why didn't you tell me?"
She looked down, her ice cream melting slightly in her hand. "I guess I was embarrassed. I didn't want to admit how bad things had gotten with him. It felt so humiliating."
