You'd overheard too many whispers, seen too many glances, and felt too many silent judgments. Your family and friends had been talking about how chubby you'd gotten, even though you barely ate. It started to consume your thoughts, driving you to an unhealthy obsession with getting thinner. You decided to cut back on food drastically, telling yourself it was for the best.
Heeseung walked in one evening after practice, a bag of your favorite takeout in hand. You plastered on a smile and ate with him, but waited until he was asleep to sneak to the bathroom and throw up everything. It became a routine: eat just enough to keep him from suspecting, then get rid of it as soon as he wasn't looking. Your diet dwindled to water and cucumbers.
Days turned into weeks. Heeseung didn't seem to notice, or so you thought. One afternoon, he was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone. You wandered into the living room, a little lightheaded, and asked, "Where did you put my charger?"
He mumbled an answer without looking up, then his gaze lifted and lingered on you. "Have you lost weight?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
You shrugged, trying to keep your voice nonchalant. "A little."
Heeseung set his phone down and walked over to you. Panic surged through you, and you instinctively backed away, right into the wall. "What are you doing?" you asked, trying to sound irritated but failing miserably.
He shushed you gently, his eyes filled with concern, and lifted your hoodie slightly. Your ribs and hip bones were painfully visible, even more so under the harsh light. His eyes widened in shock and worry.
"What have you done to yourself?" he whispered, his voice breaking.
You tried to pull your hoodie back down, but his grip was firm. "It's nothing, Heeseung. I'm fine."
"No, you're not fine," he said, his tone more assertive. "You've lost so much weight. This isn't healthy."
Tears welled up in your eyes. "You don't understand. Everyone keeps saying how chubby I've gotten. I just... I just wanted to be thin."
Heeseung's expression softened, but his eyes remained stern. "You're perfect just the way you are. You don't need to change for anyone. What you're doing to yourself is dangerous."
You looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "I didn't know what else to do."
Heeseung pulled you into a tight hug, his voice gentle yet firm. "You should have talked to me. We'll get through this together, okay? But you need to stop. You're hurting yourself, and it's killing me to see you like this."
You clung to him, sobbing into his chest. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
He held you tighter, stroking your hair. "It's okay. We'll fix this. But you have to promise me you'll stop starving yourself. We'll find a healthier way together."
You nodded against his chest, feeling a mix of relief and fear. Relief that Heeseung knew now, and you didn't have to hide anymore. Fear of the journey ahead, and the battle to change your mindset.
Heeseung pulled back slightly, wiping your tears with his thumbs. "I love you, and I want you to be healthy and happy. We'll get through this, one step at a time."
You managed a small, shaky smile. "I love you too."
He kissed your forehead, then led you to the kitchen. He made you a small, balanced meal, and sat with you while you ate, reassuring you with every bite that you were doing the right thing.
From that day forward, Heeseung supported you every step of the way. There were tough days, but with his love and encouragement, you slowly started to heal. You learned to ignore the whispers and focus on what truly mattered: your health and well-being, and the love you and Heeseung shared.
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