Moonstruck ✧･ﾟLee Heeseung

IX. The Misunderstanding

Author POV

Ari and Heeseung's relationship was progressing beautifully. However, as with any budding romance, it was bound to face challenges. Unbeknownst to them, a storm was brewing on the horizon, ready to test the strength of their bond.

One afternoon, as Ari was editing her latest set of photographs at the cafe, Heeseung walked in with a look of excitement on his face.

Heeseung POV

"Ari, guess what? My old friend Somi is in town! We used to be really close, and she's invited me to dinner tonight," I said, unable to hide my enthusiasm.

Ari looked up from her laptop, a small smile on her face. "That's great, Heeseung. It'll be nice for you to catch up with an old friend."

"Yeah, I was thinking you could come with me," I suggested, hoping she'd agree. "It would be nice for you to meet her."

Ari POV

I appreciated Heeseung's invitation, but I was feeling a bit tired from my work. "I'd love to meet her, but I have a lot of editing to finish. Maybe another time?"

Before Heeseung could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and his expression changed slightly. "It's Somi. I'll be right back, Ari."

As he stepped outside to take the call, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. The way his face lit up when he mentioned Somi had stirred something within me, a hint of jealousy that I tried to push aside.

Author POV

Heeseung returned a few minutes later, looking a bit conflicted. "Somi insisted that it just be the two of us tonight," he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "I think she wants to catch up on old times."

Ari nodded, trying to hide her discomfort. "That's okay, Heeseung. You should enjoy your evening. I'll see you tomorrow."

Heeseung leaned in and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Thanks for understanding, my little star. I'll text you later."

Author POV

That evening, as Heeseung headed out to meet Somi, Ari couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept wandering to Heeseung and his dinner with Somi. She trusted him, but the thought of him spending time with another woman, especially one who seemed so important to him, gnawed at her.

Meanwhile, Heeseung met Somi at a quaint restaurant in town. They embraced warmly, exchanging stories about their lives since they last saw each other. As they laughed and reminisced, Heeseung couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for not bringing Ari along.

"Somi, I really wish you could meet Ari," he said during a lull in the conversation. "She's amazing and has been such a huge part of my life lately."

Somi smiled, but there was a hint of something in her eyes. "Maybe another time, Heeseung. Tonight, I just wanted to spend time with you. It's been so long."

Heeseung POV

As the evening went on, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ari might be upset about this. I excused myself to the restroom and quickly sent her a text.

"Hey love, hope you're having a good evening. Miss you already. See you tomorrow?"

I waited a few minutes but didn't receive a response. With a sigh, I returned to the table, determined to finish the dinner quickly and head home.

Ari POV

I saw Heeseung's text but didn't know how to respond. My emotions were all over the place, and I felt a pang of jealousy and insecurity. What if Somi was trying to rekindle something with Heeseung? The thought made my heart ache.

The next day, Heeseung and I met at the cafe as usual, but there was a palpable tension in the air. I tried to act normal, but I could feel the distance growing between us.

"Heeseung, how was dinner with Somi?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

Heeseung hesitated, sensing the underlying tension in my question. "It was fine. We just caught up on old times. I told her about you, but she still insisted on it being just the two of us."

His words didn't sit well with me, and the jealousy I had been trying to suppress bubbled up to the surface. "Why didn't you insist on bringing me along? Do you have something to hide?"

Author POV

Heeseung looked taken aback by Ari's sudden outburst. "Ari, it's not like that at all. I wanted you to come, but Somi was adamant. I didn't want to make it awkward."

Ari's eyes flashed with hurt and anger. "So, you chose her feelings over mine? Do you know how that makes me feel, Heeseung?"

Heeseung's frustration began to show. "Ari, you're blowing this out of proportion. Somi is just a friend. There's nothing going on between us."

The tension between them was thick, and they both felt the weight of unspoken fears and insecurities. Without another word, Ari grabbed her things and left the cafe, leaving Heeseung sitting there, feeling helpless and frustrated.

Over the next few days, they avoided each other. Ari couldn't shake off the feeling that Heeseung was hiding something, and Heeseung felt hurt by Ari's lack of trust. The once warm and easygoing relationship had turned cold and distant.

Ari POV

I missed Heeseung terribly, but the fear of being hurt again kept me from reaching out. Every time I saw his name on my phone, my heart ached. I wanted to believe him, but the jealousy and insecurity were overwhelming.

I spent my days buried in work, trying to distract myself from the pain. I knew I needed to talk to Heeseung, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. What if he chose Somi over me?

Heeseung POV

The silence between Ari and me was unbearable. I missed her more than words could express, but I didn't know how to fix things. I wanted to explain, to make her understand that Somi meant nothing compared to her, but every time I tried to reach out, Ari pushed me away.

Somi, noticing the tension, tried to help. "Heeseung, maybe you should give Ari some space. She'll come around."

But giving Ari space was the last thing I wanted. I wanted to hold her, to reassure her that my feelings for her hadn't changed. Yet, the distance between us only seemed to grow.

Author POV

The misunderstanding and lack of communication left both Ari and Heeseung feeling lost and alone. The love they had shared so openly now felt strained and uncertain. Each day without talking to each other felt like an eternity, and both struggled with their emotions.

Their friends noticed the change but didn't know how to help. Ari's best friend, Mia, tried to get her to open up, but Ari remained tight-lipped about her feelings.

"Heeseung really cares about you, Ari," Mia said gently. "Maybe you should give him a chance to explain."

But Ari's fear and jealousy were too strong. She shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't know if I can, Mia. What if he's hiding something?"

Meanwhile, Heeseung's friend, Daniel, tried to be supportive. "Just give her time, man. She'll come around."

Heeseung nodded, though his heart felt heavy. "I hope so, Daniel. I really do."

As days turned into weeks, the rift between them remained, both afraid to make the first move. The misunderstanding had created a barrier that neither knew how to break. Yet, deep down, both Ari and Heeseung yearned for the connection they once had, hoping that somehow, they could find their way back to each other.

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Another one bcz yall deserve it <33