Moonstruck ✧･ﾟLee Heeseung

XVII. Doubts and Fears

Author POV

Heeseung's art exhibition was a resounding success. The city buzzed with excitement over his unique style, and he quickly became the talk of the town. Galleries wanted to feature his work, and art critics sang his praises. Heeseung was thrilled, but amidst his growing success, a shadow of doubt began to creep into Ari's heart.

Back in her small town, Ari watched from a distance as Heeseung's career skyrocketed. She was proud of him, but the distance and their increasingly different worlds began to weigh on her. She wondered if their love could withstand the strain of being apart.

Ari POV

Sitting in my cozy apartment, I scrolled through social media, seeing pictures of Heeseung's art gallery openings and the vibrant city life he was now part of. The more I saw, the more I felt a pang of insecurity. I couldn't help but feel that I was holding him back.

One evening, I decided to call Heeseung to share my feelings. As the phone rang, I rehearsed what I would say, but the moment his face appeared on the screen, my resolve wavered.

"Hi, love," he greeted me with a warm smile. "How's my favorite girl doing?"

"Hey, Heeseung," I replied, forcing a smile. "I'm okay. How about you? How was the gallery opening?"

"It was amazing, Ari. I wish you could have been there. Everyone loved the new pieces."

"I saw the pictures. You looked so happy," I said, my voice tinged with an unspoken sadness.

"I was, but it wasn't the same without you," he admitted. "I miss you so much, Ari."

"I miss you too," I whispered, trying to hold back tears. "Heeseung, can I be honest with you?"

"Of course, love. What's on your mind?"

"I've been feeling...inadequate," I confessed. "You're doing so well in the city, and I'm still here, in this small town. I'm afraid I'm holding you back."

Heeseung POV

Hearing Ari's confession broke my heart. I could see the pain in her eyes, and it hurt to know she was struggling with these feelings.

"Ari, you're not holding me back. You're the reason I'm able to do all of this. Your support and love mean everything to me," I said, my voice filled with sincerity.

"But Heeseung, you're surrounded by all these amazing opportunities and people. I'm just...here."

"Don't say that," I pleaded. "You're incredible, Ari. You're talented, beautiful, and so supportive. I wouldn't be where I am without you."

"I just feel so far away from you," she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.

"I know it's hard, love. I feel the same way. But we'll get through this. We're stronger together, even when we're apart," I assured her.

Author POV

Despite Heeseung's comforting words, Ari couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy. She decided to take some time for herself and visit her favorite spot by the lake. The peaceful surroundings often helped her clear her mind and find some perspective.

As she sat by the water, she thought about the journey she and Heeseung had been on. Their love had blossomed so beautifully, but now it felt like it was being tested by the distance and their separate lives.

Ari POV

The lake was as serene as ever, the gentle lapping of the water against the shore soothing my troubled thoughts. I closed my eyes, letting the cool breeze calm me. I knew Heeseung loved me, but the doubts still lingered.

I decided to call my best friend, Yuna, for some advice. Yuna had always been my rock, and I needed her perspective.

"Hey, Yuna. Can we talk?" I asked when she answered the phone.

"Of course, Ari. What's going on?"

"I'm struggling with my relationship with Heeseung. He's doing so well in the city, and I feel like I'm holding him back. The distance is hard, and I'm scared we're growing apart."

"Ari, you're not holding him back. You're his anchor. Heeseung loves you, and he's pursuing his dreams because he knows you believe in him," Yuna said, her voice comforting.

"But what if it's not enough? What if he finds someone else in the city, someone who fits into his new life better than I do?"

"You can't think like that. Heeseung chose you for a reason. He loves you for who you are. You need to trust in that love and have faith in your relationship."

Heeseung POV

Back in the city, I couldn't stop thinking about Ari's words. I knew the distance was hard on both of us, but I was determined to make it work. I decided to surprise her with a visit. I needed to show her how much she meant to me.

I arranged for a weekend off and booked a flight back to our small town. I wanted to be there for her, to reassure her that our love was stronger than any distance.

When I arrived, I headed straight to the cafe where we first met. Seeing Sophie behind the counter brought back a flood of memories.

"Heeseung! It's so good to see you," Sophie greeted me with a warm smile.

"It's good to be back, Sophie. Is Ari around?"

"She's been a bit down lately, but I think she's at the lake. She loves spending time there."

I thanked Sophie and made my way to the lake, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I approached, I saw Ari sitting by the water, lost in thought.

"Ari," I called softly.

She turned, surprise and joy lighting up her face. "Heeseung! What are you doing here?"

"I missed you," I said simply, pulling her into my arms.

Ari POV

Seeing Heeseung standing there, my heart swelled with love and relief. I hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go.

"I missed you so much," I whispered against his chest.

"I missed you too, love. I couldn't stand being away from you," he said, holding me close.

We sat by the lake, our fingers intertwined. The worries that had plagued me began to fade away. Heeseung's presence was a balm to my troubled heart.

Author POV

Heeseung and Ari spent the rest of the day together, talking and reconnecting. The love they shared was evident in every touch, every look. They knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were committed to facing it together.

Heeseung POV

As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the lake, I looked at Ari and felt a surge of determination. I wasn't going to let anything come between us.

"Ari, I know the distance is hard, but we'll find a way to make it work. You mean everything to me," I said, my voice firm with conviction.

"I love you, Heeseung," she said, tears in her eyes. "I just need to know that we can get through this."

"We will, love. I promise you, we will," I said, pulling her into a deep, reassuring kiss.

Ari POV

Heeseung's words filled me with hope. I knew our love was strong enough to withstand any challenge. As we kissed under the setting sun, I felt a renewed sense of faith in our future.

The doubts and fears that had plagued me began to dissipate, replaced by the certainty of our love. We were in this together, and nothing was going to tear us apart.

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