You startle awake from the clashing sound of thunder. Your heart races as the noise reverberates through the room, echoing in your ears. You glance over at Heeseung, who remains undisturbed, his back turned to you, peacefully asleep despite the storm's fury. A flash of bright purple lightning seeps through the curtains, illuminating his serene face for a moment. You gasp silently, clutching the blanket closer to your chest.
Thunder has always scared you. The loud, unexpected crashes make your heart jump and your skin prickle with fear. You contemplate waking Heeseung but stop yourself, recalling how late he practiced last night. The last thing you want is for him to be annoyed with you for disturbing his much-needed rest over something you feel should be insignificant.
Instead, you decide to leave the bedroom. Carefully, you gather your blanket, plush toy, and pillow, trying not to make any noise as you tiptoe to the door. Each creak of the floorboards feels deafening in the quiet night. Gently, you close the door behind you, ensuring it doesn't make a sound.
In the dimly lit living room, you wrap yourself tightly in the blanket and sit on the couch, attempting to muffle the thunder by covering your ears. Yet, each clap of thunder seems louder than the last, resonating in your bones. Tears of fear begin to flow down your cheeks. You flinch with every sudden lightning strike, feeling increasingly vulnerable and alone.
As the storm rages on, Heeseung stirs in his sleep. His hand instinctively reaches out, searching for your familiar presence beside him. When he finds the space empty, a sense of unease washes over him. He turns on the nightstand lamp, its soft light casting gentle shadows around the room. Noticing your pillow, plush toy, and blanket are missing, his worry grows. He gets up, quietly padding out of the bedroom.
He pauses when he sees a lump on the sofa, recognizing the outline of your form beneath the blanket. The sight tugs at his heart. He walks over and gently sits beside you, careful not to startle you. The unexpected contact makes you jump, and you almost scream, but Heeseung's calming presence stops you.
"Hey," he whispers softly, his voice a soothing balm to your frazzled nerves. "Why are you out here and not sleeping?" His eyes search yours, filled with concern and tenderness.
Before you can answer, another loud thunderclap echoes through the room, and you instinctively hide under the blanket. Heeseung's hand finds your back through the fabric, rubbing soothing circles. "Come here," he says, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Sit on my lap."
Hesitantly, you emerge from your blanket cocoon and move to his lap, feeling a sense of safety as you hug him. His warmth and steady heartbeat help calm your frayed nerves. He wraps his arms around you, holding you close. "Are you scared of the thunder?" he asks, his breath warm against your ear.
You nod slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I didn't want to wake you," you mumble, your voice muffled against his chest. "You had practice until late..."
Heeseung hugs you tighter, his hand continuing to rub your back in slow, comforting circles. "It's okay," he whispers. "You can always wake me. I'd rather be up with you than know you're scared and alone."
His words bring a sense of relief, and you relax a little more in his embrace. The two of you sit like that for a while, Heeseung's steady presence providing a comforting barrier against the storm. The thunder continues to rumble outside, but with Heeseung holding you, it feels a little less daunting.
After a while, Heeseung gently lifts your chin to look into your eyes. "Do you want to go back to the bedroom?" he asks softly.
You shake your head, the fear evident in your eyes. "It's louder and scarier in there," you admit.
Heeseung smiles reassuringly. "As long as I'm with you, nothing will happen to you." With that, he stands up, effortlessly lifting you in his arms. You cling to him, feeling safe in his embrace as he carries you back to the bedroom.
He lays you gently on the bed and climbs in beside you, wrapping his arms around you from behind. He switches off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness, but his presence is a comforting light against the storm. He caresses your back, his touch soothing and rhythmic, lulling you into a sense of security.
When another thunderclap strikes, you flinch, but Heeseung tightens his embrace, whispering comforting words into your ear. "I'm here," he murmurs. "I've got you."
His words and touch work like magic, slowly easing your fear. The storm continues outside, but with Heeseung's arms around you, you begin to feel braver. Gradually, your eyes grow heavy, and sleep starts to claim you once more.
Heeseung stays awake, ensuring you're truly settled before he allows himself to drift back to sleep. The storm may rage outside, but in his arms, you find your peace. As the night wears on, the thunder fades, but Heeseung's protective embrace never wavers, keeping you safe and sound until the dawn.
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