✓ UNLIKELY MATCH | HEESEUNG

48 - The Mercedes Man

SENA'S POV

"Please tell about about how you felt during the race?" Reporters surround Heeseung and me as he holds my hand, intertwining our fingers as if he doesn't want to let go for even a single second. The cameras flash incessantly, blinding me momentarily. One of the reporters with a microphone practically shoves it in Heeseung's face before he leans in and bites the foam cover, taking if off with a smooth twist of his fingers.

His voice drops to a husky murmur just for me. "The only thing I felt was the need to win. To get back to her." At his words, the cameras turn towards me and I smile, pretending my heart is not about to burst out of my chest. I pose, grateful that Steph has reminded me to dress in clothes from the brand I'm collaborating with, channeling my inner supermodel. "She's the one responsible for the sunshine radiating from this very podium."

My cheeks flush a traitorous red, but I quickly regain my composure and smile at the cameras. This display of affection is a must for his racing image and my reputation, and yet, I find myself genuinely lost in the warmth of his touch. His thumb continues its comforting circle on my palm, a silent reassurance amidst the questions and the flashing lights. 

"Excuse me, but where's your fiancée's ring?" The reporter's question makes me freeze and I look down at my hand, my finger bare. The space where the ring used to be feels like a gaping hole, a constant reminder of the fight, the harsh words exchanged, and the pain that had etched itself into my heart. Panic claws at my throat. I didn't even realize I'd taken it off. I swallow hard, searching for the right words, but before I can respond, Heeseung reaches for the necklace he's wearing, pulling it out only to show the reporters my ring dangling from his chain. My breath hitches and my heart does the most unexpected flip in my chest.

"I borrowed it for today's race," He says, turning to look at me with those dark, beautiful eyes of his, a soft smile playing on his lips. "It was my good luck charm." Did he keep it with him all this time? My heart melts a little further. The reporters fade into the background as his eyes lock with mine and a million questions dance behind my eyes as I watch him take off the necklace and grab my hand, slowly sliding my ring back to where it was. "There you go. All safe and sound." His voice dips low, a husky murmur meant only for me. The warmth of his touch as he repositions the ring sends a shiver down my spine. There's a tenderness in his gaze that throws me off guard, a vulnerability that cracks the carefully constructed wall I've built around my heart.

Finally, after what feels like a lifetime, the media frenzy subsides and the space around us empties. Heeseung comes back from a quick meeting with his team and I'm leaning against the wall, toying with the ring on my finger. It feels heavy with both unspoken emotions and the weight of a choice. Heeseung approaches slowly, his steps hesitant, and when our gazes meet, my breath catches. "Thank you," I blurt out, pointing at the ring on my finger. "For the, uh, safekeeping."

But Heeseung doesn't respond. He doesn't say a word, he simply wraps his arms around me and pulls me closer, resting his head against my shoulder like a tired child seeking comfort. It makes me instinctively wrap my arms around him, feeling his hot breath against my skin. "I missed you," He breathes. "I messed up, Sena. Royally messed up." The raw vulnerability in his words catches me off guard, chipping away at the wall of resentment I've built around my heart. 

Heeseung had won the race he's been so obsessed with, and yet, the victory seems hollow in this quiet corner of the paddock. My arms tighten around him subconsciously. "I didn't come here to make you feel bad when you just won the race. I'm only—"

"This win means nothing compared to you," Heeseung finishes for me, his voice muffled against my shoulder. "I've missed you so much, Sena. I couldn't think straight. I couldn't do anything without thinking of you, hoping that I can somehow undo what I've done." His hold on me tightens for a moment and I can't help but melt a little into his embrace. "Darling, I'm sorry, I screwed up. I'm sorry I made you doubt my love when my heart beats only for you." Heeseung's voice dips low, a desperate plea laced with a vulnerability that throws me off balance. My traitorous heart hammers against my ribs and I find myself unable to tear myself off from him.