Echoes in the forest | Minsung

Heartbreak and Revelation

Seungmin stepped out into the cool night air, the streets bathed in the dim light of street lamps. His heart raced with a mix of anxiety and determination. He had decided to find Changbin and finally confess his feelings, a decision that felt like a monumental leap into the unknown.

As he walked through the quiet streets, Seungmin replayed the words he planned to say in his head, trying to steady his nerves. His thoughts were a tangled mess of hope and fear, but he was resolved to be honest about his emotions. It was a chance he had to take, no matter how terrifying it seemed.

Finally, he reached Changbin's usual hangout spot—a small park where they often spent time together. Seungmin spotted Changbin sitting alone on a bench, his posture hunched, looking lost in thought. Taking a deep breath, Seungmin approached him, each step feeling heavier than the last.

"Changbin," Seungmin called out softly, trying to keep his voice steady.

Changbin looked up, his expression shifting from surprise to something unreadable. "Seungmin? What are you doing here?"

Seungmin swallowed hard, his throat dry. "I needed to talk to you. I— I need to tell you something."

Changbin nodded, his face a mask of curiosity and apprehension. "Alright. What's on your mind?"

Seungmin took another deep breath, gathering his courage. "I've been holding onto something for a long time. I... I have feelings for you, Changbin. I really like you. And I've been too scared to tell you because I didn't want to ruin our friendship."

Changbin's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He remained silent for a moment, clearly processing Seungmin's confession. The pause stretched into uncomfortable silence, and Seungmin's heart sank as the seconds ticked by.

Finally, Changbin spoke, his voice heavy with regret. "Seungmin, I... I appreciate you telling me. But I don't feel the same way. I see you as a friend, but that's all."

The words hit Seungmin like a punch to the gut. His heart shattered, and he struggled to hold back the tears. "I—I understand," he stammered, his voice breaking. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

Before Changbin could respond, Seungmin turned and ran, his emotions overwhelming him. He fled down the street, the sting of rejection burning in his chest. His tears blurred his vision, and he found himself running aimlessly, desperate to escape the pain.

Back at the apartment, Changbin returned, his expression dark and troubled. The others had gathered in the living room, waiting anxiously for his return. As he walked in, their eyes fell on him, and the tension in the room was palpable.

"Where's Seungmin?" Chan asked, his voice laced with concern.

Changbin sighed heavily, his face etched with guilt. "I told him I didn't feel the same way. He ran off. I... I didn't know what else to say."

The room fell silent, the weight of Changbin's words sinking in. Chan's eyes flashed with anger and frustration, and he took a deep breath to steady himself.

"Changbin, you're lying to yourself," Chan said, his voice sharp. "You're not being honest about your feelings. You can't just brush this aside. Seungmin's hurting, and you need to confront what's really going on."

Changbin looked down, his shoulders slumping. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I just— I don't know what to do."

Lee Know, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward. "Changbin, you have to be honest with yourself. It's not fair to Seungmin or to you. Sometimes, facing your true feelings is the only way to move forward."