The midnight I met him

the midnight I met him part 4

       Previous episode story continues
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   As Haru made her way to Sophia's mansion, a sense of unease crept over her. The trees lining the driveway seemed to cast ominous shadows, and the sound of crickets seemed to hum a eerie melody.

When she arrived at the entrance, Joonoh was already there, looking dashing in his black attire. But as they stepped inside, Haru's instincts screamed warning signs.

The party was in full swing, but something felt off. The laughter seemed forced, the music too loud, and the guests too...fake.

Suddenly, Sophia appeared, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Welcome, Haru! I'm so glad you could make it."

Haru's heart raced as Sophia handed her a mysterious mask. "What's this for?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

Sophia's smile grew wider. "Just a little game we're playing tonight. Put it on, and you'll see."

Haru's instincts screamed no, but her curiosity got the better of her. She put on the mask, and everything went black...
  
              Sophia's face turned red with rage, her eyes blazing with fury. "How dare you, Joonoh!" she spat. "You're just a foolish boy, blinded by your infatuation with this...this...nobody!"

She turned her attention back to Haru, her voice dripping with venom. "You're a disgrace, Haru! A complete embarrassment! You'll never be worthy of our circle, no matter how hard you try!"

Haru's eyes welled up with tears, her heart heavy with shame and humiliation. She turned and ran, pushing through the crowds of mocking faces, desperate to escape the nightmare.

Joonoh followed close behind, his long strides easily keeping pace with Haru's frantic dash. "Haru, wait!" he called out, his voice soft and urgent. "Don't let her get to you! You're better than this!"

But Haru didn't stop, couldn't stop. She burst through the front doors, out into the cool night air, and kept running, tears streaming down her face.

Joonoh chased after her, finally catching up as she stumbled on the sidewalk. He grasped her arm, gentle but firm, and turned her to face him.

"Hey, Haru, it's okay," he said, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "Sophia's just a bully, and her words don't define you. You're amazing, and I'm here for you."

Haru's tears slowed, her breathing ragged, as she looked up at Joonoh. For the first time, she felt like someone truly saw her, truly understood her...

         As Joonoh's words washed over her, Haru's tears burst forth, streaming down her face like a river. She felt a dam break inside her, releasing all the pent-up emotions she'd been holding back.

Without thinking, she flung her arms around Joonoh's waist, burying her face in his chest. Joonoh's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, his arms wrapping around her in a gentle embrace.

At first, he patted her back awkwardly, unsure how to respond to her sudden display of emotion. But as Haru's sobs deepened, he relaxed into the hug, his touch becoming more confident and comforting.

"It's okay, Haru," he whispered, his voice soft and soothing. "I've got you. You're safe."

As they stood there on the sidewalk, Joonoh's warmth and kindness enveloped Haru like a blanket. She felt a sense of security and acceptance she'd never experienced before, and her tears slowly began to subside.

As she pulled back, Joonoh's eyes met hers, filled with a deep understanding and compassion. Haru's heart swelled with gratitude, and she smiled weakly, her lips still trembling.

"Thanks, Joonoh," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Joonoh smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, Haru. We're in this together, okay?"

And in that moment, Haru knew she'd found a true friend in Joonoh, one who would stand by her through thick and thin time..

    As they stroll together, the soft glow of streetlights casts a warm ambiance, and the night air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Haru and Joonoh walk in comfortable silence, their footsteps harmonizing like a soft melody.

After a while, Joonoh breaks the silence, his voice gentle and thoughtful. "Hey, Haru? Can I ask what triggered those tears back there? You don't have to share if you're not ready, but I'm here to listen."

Haru takes a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just...life, Joonoh. Sometimes it feels like everything is piling up, and I'm lost in this storm with no escape."

Joonoh nods understandingly, his eyes filled with empathy. "I know that feeling, Haru. But I want you to know you're not alone in this storm. I'm here, and together, we can weather it."
                ~To be continued ~