Beyond The Surface | SUNSUN

Fractured Reflections

The morning after their heated argument, the atmosphere in the dorm was unusually tense. Sunoo and Sunghoon moved through their routines with a palpable distance between them. Sunoo, trying to maintain his usual bright demeanor, prepared breakfast with a practiced smile. He hoped that normalcy would ease the underlying tension, but his heart wasn't in it. Every clatter of dishes and every forced laugh felt like a reminder of the rift that had grown.

Sunghoon, in contrast, was uncharacteristically quiet. He joined Sunoo for breakfast but spoke only when necessary, his gaze often fixed on the floor or his phone. The rest of the group noticed the change but avoided addressing it directly, instead focusing on their own preparations for the day.

As the morning progressed, Sunoo retreated to his room, seeking solitude from the strained interactions. He sat by his window, gazing out at the city, but his mind was far from peaceful. The argument from the previous night replayed in his head, each word echoing with a new layer of pain. His usual enthusiasm was replaced by a heavy sadness that clung to him.

Sunghoon, meanwhile, was in the gym, trying to channel his frustration into physical exertion. The rhythmic pounding of his fists against the punching bag was a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind. Despite the physical release, he felt no closer to resolving his feelings. He knew he needed to talk to Sunoo but struggled with how to approach the conversation.

Later that day, during practice, the tension was nearly unbearable. Sunoo and Sunghoon worked together, but their interactions were marked by a cold formality. Sunoo’s usual fluidity was now marred by his discomfort, while Sunghoon’s movements were sharp and deliberate, reflecting his internal conflict. Their bandmates noticed the strained atmosphere but remained silent, unsure of how to address the situation.

During a break, Sunoo sat alone in the corner of the practice room, his shoulders slumped. The room was filled with the murmurs of his bandmates discussing their next routine, but Sunoo was lost in his thoughts. He felt isolated despite being surrounded by people, the emotional distance from Sunghoon amplifying his sense of loneliness.

Sunghoon watched Sunoo from a distance, his frustration mixing with guilt. He wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap that had formed between them, but the right words eluded him. He was aware of how his reaction had pushed Sunoo away but felt paralyzed by the fear of making things worse.

As practice concluded, Sunoo left the studio without a word, retreating to his room. He hoped that some time alone would help him process his feelings. Sunghoon, meanwhile, stayed behind, staring at the empty practice space. The silence was deafening, filled with the unspoken words and unresolved tension that had built up between them.

That evening, the group gathered for dinner. The meal was quiet, the usual laughter and camaraderie replaced by an awkward silence. Sunoo and Sunghoon exchanged only the briefest of glances, each lost in their own thoughts. The rest of the members, sensing the charged atmosphere, ate in strained quietude.

After dinner, Sunoo retreated to his room, feeling emotionally drained. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, and tried to push away the mounting anxiety. The argument had left him feeling vulnerable and unsure, and he struggled to find a way to reach out without making things worse.

Sunghoon, still grappling with his emotions, found himself pacing the common area of the dorm. He wanted to mend things with Sunoo but was unsure how to start. Every time he considered approaching Sunoo, the fear of further conflict held him back. He knew that ignoring the problem wouldn’t solve anything, but taking the first step felt daunting.

As the night wore on, both Sunoo and Sunghoon lay awake in their separate rooms, the weight of their unresolved issues pressing heavily on their minds. The once-solid bond between them was now overshadowed by the unresolved conflict, and the path forward seemed obscured by uncertainty and fear.

The fractures in their relationship had deepened, and neither knew how to navigate the chasm that had formed. The night’s silence was a stark reminder of the emotional distance that now  separated them, leaving both men to wrestle with their thoughts and feelings as they faced the uncertainty of the days ahead.