You had always been a bright, spirited girl. But lately, the sparkle in your eyes has dimmed. Your laughter, once a clear bell, now held a brittle edge. It was evident to everyone, but no one dared to question the storm behind your smile. Until Seungmin did.
Seungmin had been in love with you since you were kids. He'd watch you transform from a carefree tomboy to a stunning young woman, but your recent changes had worried him. He saw the bruises, the excuses, the constant apologies for your boyfriend, Adrian. He saw the fear in your eyes when Adrian was around.
It started with small things. A missed call, a late-night text, a sudden change in plans. Then came the excuses; a car accident, a sick parent, a flat tire. Seungmin knew better. He saw the fear flicker in your eyes when Adrian called. He saw the way you flinch when Adrian raised his voice.
Seungmin won't lie to you. He knows Adrian's just not right for you. He can see it on your face when you say that Adrian's the one that you want. He knows you're spending all your time in this wrong situation and anytime you want it to stop.
He knows he can treat you better. Then Adrian can. And knows that any girl like you deserves a gentleman. He wonders why you are wasting time on all your wasting crying when you should be with him instead.
One rainy evening, you showed up at Seungmin's doorstep, drenched and trembling. Adrian had been particularly cruel and you had enough. Seungmin wrapped you in a warm blanket, made you a hot cup of tea, and listened without judgment. He didn't offer solutions or preach. He just listened, his heart aching as he heard the pain in your voice.
As the night wore on, your tears subsided. In the quiet moments, Seungmin found his courage.
"You deserve better, Y/n. You deserve someone who treats you better. And not like a prisoner." He said softly.
You looked at him, surprise and hope flickering in your eyes. You'd never heard anyone say those words to you. You'd always believed that you were trapped, that there was no escape. But Seungmin's words were like a lifeline, pulling you out of the darkness.
Seungmin would do anything for you. He'd stop time for you the second you say you'd like him to. He just wants to give you the loving that you're missing. Just to wake up with you would be everything he needs. This could be so different. You just need to tell him what you want to do.
You just need to give him a sign. Take his hand and you'll be fine. He would never let you down. It was a promise. He just wanted you to know you don't have to do this alone.
"But I love him." You whispered, your voice trembling.
Seungmin reached out and took your hand. "Love isn't supposed to hurt. You're worth so much more than this, Y/n. I know I can treat you better than he can."
His words hung in the air, heavy with sincerity. You felt a warmth spreading through you. You didn't love Adrian. You were afraid of him, but you made it seem like love.
Suddenly there was a loud banging from his front door. Adrian. He had come looking for you. Seungmin saw the way your eyes held fear in them.
He gets up and walks to the front door. Adrian, as soon as the door opened, went to grab Seungmin. But instead, Seungmin landed a punch straight in his face. Then another and another, until Adrian was down on the ground.
You came to the front door, gasping. You were afraid Adrian had gotten to Seungmin first, but saw Seungmin was completely fine. Besides his fist, which were now red and bruised. You pulled Seungmin back into the house, locking the door so Adrian wouldn't barge in once he got up from the floor. You cupped Seungmin's face gently, afraid you'd lose him if you did something harmful.
Seungmin held your hands, gently in his. He then kissed them, softly.
It wasn't easy. There were days when the storm would rage within you, tempting you to retreat to the familiar, even if it was painful. But Seungmin was always there, a steady anchor in your life. He showed you the strength you possessed, the resilience you had unknowingly cultivated.
As for Adrian, he was a fading memory, a chapter closed. For you, a new dawn was breaking, filled with promise and hope. A dawn that shone brighter because of the love and support of Seungmin who knew how to treat you better.
