The practice room was still echoing with the last beat of music as you took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing heart. You loved dancing, but today's practice had been particularly grueling. The PROMISE's big showcase was just around the corner, and the pressure was mounting. You were about to grab your water bottle when your choreographer, Kim, pulled you aside.
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" she whispered, her tone laced with a hint of disappointment."Sure," you replied, following her to a quieter corner.
Kim glanced around to make sure no one was listening. "You kept making mistakes today. It's ruining the whole visual."
You were taken aback, but you kept your composure. "I'll try to be better."
She shook her head, a pitying smile on her lips. "It's not just today. Honestly, it was a mistake for the company to pick you. You should consider making up an excuse to leave."
Her words hit you like a punch in the gut. You nodded slightly, not trusting your voice. The criticism echoed in your mind as you rejoined your group. You pushed through the rest of the practice, but every step felt heavier than the last.
On your way home, Kim's words replayed over and over. You unlocked the front door of your apartment, and as soon as you turned to lock it, tears started falling uncontrollably. You quickly wiped them away when you heard footsteps approaching. It was Heeseung, just back from his own practice.
"Hey," he greeted with a smile that faded instantly when he saw your tear-stained cheeks. "Are you okay? What happened?"
"Allergies," you mumbled, avoiding his concerned gaze. Without another word, you headed to the bedroom to shower, the warm water mingling with your tears.
That night, you lay in bed, silently crying. The weight of Kim's words and the hate comments from fans crushed your spirit. Around midnight, unable to bear it any longer, you got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. Staring at your reflection in the mirror, you tried to convince yourself that Kim was wrong, that you were good enough. But each affirmation dissolved as quickly as the water running down the sink.
As you stepped back into the dimly lit bedroom, you were startled to see Heeseung sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes filled with concern.
"Why are you crying?" he asked softly, his voice cutting through the stillness.
You shook your head, forcing a weak smile. "It's just allergies."
Heeseung's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Allergies don't make you cry like that. What's really going on?"
Desperate to avoid the conversation, you turned to leave, intending to cry in solitude. But Heeseung was quicker. He grabbed your arm gently but firmly, pulling you back towards him. You stumbled, your back hitting the wall softly as he pinned you there, one hand resting beside your head, caging you in.
"Tell me," he insisted, his voice a mix of frustration and concern.
You struggled against his hold, trying to push him away. "Just leave me alone, Heeseung. Please."
He didn't budge. "No. Not until you tell me what's wrong."
Your resistance crumbled under his intense gaze. All the pain and frustration you'd been holding in burst forth in a torrent of tears. "Kim... she said it was a mistake that the company picked me. That I should leave the group. And maybe she's right! Everyone hates me, Heeseung. They think I'm ruining everything."
Heeseung's expression softened instantly. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a comforting embrace. "That's not true. None of it is true."
You pushed against his chest, anger and hurt fueling your words. "You're lying! Everyone's lying to make me feel better. But I know the truth. I'm not good enough."
Heeseung held you tighter, refusing to let go. "No, listen to me. They're wrong. You are good enough. You belong in PROMISE. You work so hard, and it shows. Those hate comments, they're just noise. They don't define you."
Your sobs gradually subsided as you absorbed his words, his unwavering support slowly breaking through the walls you'd built around yourself. "But... what if I really am a mistake?"
Heeseung cupped your face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away your tears. "You're not a mistake. You are talented, dedicated, and you have a heart of gold. The group wouldn't be the same without you. And I wouldn't be the same without you."
You looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity in his gaze. It was the first time in days you felt a glimmer of hope. "Thank you," you whispered, your voice cracking.
Heeseung smiled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead. "I'm here for you. Always. And tomorrow, we'll show everyone just how incredible you are."
With his arms still around you, he guided you back to bed. As you lay down, Heeseung stayed beside you, his presence a comforting anchor. Gradually, you drifted off to sleep, the warmth of his love and belief in you banishing the shadows of doubt that had plagued you.
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