You took a deep breath as you stepped into the crowded living room, your hand gripping Heeseung's tightly. His friend had thrown a party, and although you were used to these gatherings, you weren't used to the way Heeseung acted at them. Heeseung greeted his friends with his usual charming smile, his eyes lighting up as they called out to him.
But when he turned to you, the warmth vanished.
"Hey," you said softly, trying to initiate a conversation.
"Hey," he replied, barely glancing at you before turning back to his friends.
You sighed inwardly. This wasn't new. Heeseung always acted distant when you were around other people. It hurt, but you tried to understand. Maybe he was just trying to protect your relationship from prying eyes or rumors. Yet, every one-word answer and cold shoulder chipped away at your patience.
Throughout the night, you tried to stay engaged, talking to some of his friends and pretending everything was fine. But every time you looked at Heeseung, he was either ignoring you or giving you curt responses.
"Do you want a drink?" you asked, hoping to find a moment alone with him.
"Already got one," he said, lifting his glass without looking at you.
"Okay," you mumbled, feeling the sting of his indifference.
Hours passed, and your frustration grew. You watched as he laughed and chatted with everyone else, the contrast to how he treated you in private almost unbearable. Finally, you saw him walk toward the kitchen for a glass of water. Taking a deep breath, you decided you couldn't take it anymore.
You followed him into the kitchen. "Heeseung, can we talk?"
He glanced at you, his expression unreadable. "What is it?"
"I'm going home," you said, your voice trembling slightly.
He blinked, looking momentarily surprised. "What? Why?"
"Because I've had enough," you replied, your frustration boiling over. "I can't keep pretending that it's okay for you to treat me like this in front of people. It hurts, Heeseung."
Heeseung's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of panic crossing his features. "Wait, don't go. Let's talk about this."
"I've been trying to talk to you all night," you snapped, the hurt evident in your voice. "But you keep shutting me out. I can't do this anymore."
You turned to leave, your heart heavy, and made your way to the door. Just as you stepped outside, you felt a hand grab your wrist. You spun around to see Heeseung, his face a mixture of worry and desperation.
"Please don't go," he pleaded, his grip on your wrist firm but gentle. "I didn't realize how much I was hurting you."
You pulled your wrist free, crossing your arms. "Heeseung, why do you always act like this in front of people? Do you not care about me?"
Heeseung ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "Of course I care about you. I care about you more than anything. It's just... complicated."
"Complicated?" you echoed, your voice laced with disbelief. "What's so complicated about treating me with respect?"
Heeseung took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping. "I don't want people to gossip or start rumors. I'm just trying to protect you."
"By hurting me?" you asked, tears welling up in your eyes. "Heeseung, I'd rather face rumors than be treated like I don't matter."
He stepped closer, his eyes searching yours. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much I was hurting you. I thought I was doing the right thing."
"Well, you weren't," you said, wiping away a tear. "I can't keep feeling like this, Heeseung. I need to know that you care, even in front of other people."
Heeseung's face softened, and he reached out to gently cup your cheek. "I do care. I love you, and I'm so sorry. I promise I'll do better. I don't want to lose you."
You looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and regret. "You really mean that?"
He nodded, his thumb brushing away your tears. "Yes, I mean it. Please, give me another chance to show you that I can be better."
You hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Okay. But this is your last chance, Heeseung. I can't keep going through this."
He pulled you into a tight embrace, his warmth and sincerity finally breaking through the cold facade. "Thank you"
You clung to him, feeling a mixture of relief and hope. Maybe this time, things would be different. Maybe this time, Heeseung would truly show you the love and respect you deserved, no matter who was watching.
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