♮Idol au
♮"I don't think I can do it."
"Of course you can, I believe in you.
Don't worry, okay?
I'll be right here backstage for you."
Book 3 in the Dreaming series
Book cover: @ chaaxou on instagram
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Hayun was sitting alone in the cafeteria.
She'd been waiting for their next practice, hoping to eat something to stave off the lightheadedness that had been creeping up on her. But the small meal in front of her remained mostly untouched.
She wasn't as weak as she once was, she reminded herself. Ever since she met Jisung, she'd noticed small changes in herself- like how she ate more regularly without overthinking it, how she didn't feel the same pressure to deny herself the basic things her body needed. Yet today, her appetite was nowhere to be found.
A tray suddenly appeared on the table in front of her, startling her from her thoughts. Someone slid into the seat across from her with the ease of familiarity.
It surprised her at first, but when she looked up, she saw Haechan grinning at her, his usual mischievous spark in his eyes.
She narrowed her eyes at him slightly, unsure of what he wanted. He just raised an eyebrow in response, the picture of innocence.
"What?" he asked, feigning ignorance. "Do you own this seat or something?" "I'm fine, you know," she said, her tone a bit more defensive than she intended. "Glad to hear it." he replied casually, not missing a beat as he dug into his food.
Hayun watched him for a moment, his nonchalant attitude somewhat calming the storm in her mind. There was something about the way Haechan carried himself, always so carefree, so unconcerned with the burdens everyone else seemed to carry. It made her wonder if he ever got weighed down by anything at all.
"Shouldn't you be with Haeri?" she asked, trying to deflect the attention away from herself. "She said you two were hanging out with no schedules."
Haechan shrugged, taking a bite of his food before answering. "She's busy with Yeonhee, clothing brand stuff. Thought I'd keep you company since you looked like you could use some."
Hayun huffed, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I didn't ask for company." "No, but you got it anyway." He shot her a look that was both teasing and sincere. "How do you feel coming up to comeback season?"
"Tired." She replied, sighing with her head leaning back against the cushioned booth. Haechan nodded, his usual playfulness giving way to a rare moment of seriousness.
"I get that. We all get pretty burned out, I think during this time." He paused, studying her. "But you've got people who care about you. Don't forget that. Rely on them when you need to, it will help."
She glanced up at him, a bit surprised by the genuine concern in his tone. It wasn't often that Haechan showed this side of himself, the side that was more than just jokes and laughter.
"I know." she murmured, though the weight on her chest didn't seem to lift. She appreciated his word.
Haechan seemed to sense her hesitation, his expression softening. "You two...you'll get through it. And with the comeback, just truly enjoy it. Just have fun with it, don't pressure yourself so much m. You'll do well regardless."
