flutedrum | woosan ✓

15

Wooyoung and San had decided to spend the afternoon together, just the two of them, away from the hustle of their respective groups. They were sitting on a park bench, the sun casting a warm glow over the scene. But despite the serene setting, Wooyoung seemed unusually distant. His normally animated demeanor was subdued, and he kept fidgeting with his phone, his gaze drifting aimlessly.

San, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Wooyoung's behavior. He watched as Wooyoung's usually bright eyes appeared clouded with a mixture of concern and frustration. The playful banter they had shared before had waned, replaced by an awkward silence that San couldn't ignore.

"Hey," San said gently, breaking the silence. "You've been really off lately. What's going on? You can tell me."

Wooyoung hesitated, his fingers nervously tapping on the phone screen. He looked up at San, trying to find the right words but struggling to articulate what was bothering him. After a moment of silence, he took a deep breath.

"It's... it's about us," Wooyoung began, his voice faltering. "About me and the rest of my group. We...we can't be friends with you guys anymore."

San's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Huh, wha-wait-Wooyoung, where is all this coming from?"

Wooyoung looked away, unable to meet San's gaze. He felt the weight of his manager's words pressing down on him, the pressure to uphold their professional image and maintain their position. "It's because...we should be better than you. We should prove that we're more capable, that we're different. We...we shouldn't be together at all."

San's reaction was one of surprise mixed with a hint of amusement. He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Wow, that's a bit childish, don't you think? I thought we were beyond comparing ourselves now."

Wooyoung's face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. The chuckle in San's voice felt like a blow, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. Unable to bear the weight of the conversation and the sting of San's reaction, Wooyoung abruptly stood up.

"I... I need to go," he said quickly, his voice trembling. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, his steps hurried and unsteady.

San watched him go, a mix of confusion and concern written across his face. He remained seated on the bench, trying to process what had just happened. The sudden departure left him with a myriad of questions and an uneasy feeling. It wasn't just the abruptness of Wooyoung's exit that puzzled him, but also the sense of betrayal that lingered in the air.

As San sat alone in the park, he found himself grappling with the complexities of the situation. What had seemed like a simple friendship was now tangled in layers of professional rivalry and personal insecurities. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story, and he was left wondering if there was any way to bridge the gap that had suddenly opened between them.

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Wooyoung sprinted away from the park, not stopping until he was far enough from the area that the sounds of the city began to fade. He collapsed against a tree in a secluded spot, the tears spilling uncontrollably down his cheeks. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he tried to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that had overtaken him. The weight of what he had just done felt unbearable. His heart ached with the realization that he didn't want to let go of San. It was a feeling he hadn't expected and couldn't quite understand. He had already sacrificed so many friendships for the sake of his career, but this one felt different. The idea of losing San gnawed at him in a way he couldn't ignore. Wooyoung's thoughts raced, struggling to reconcile his actions with the deep, troubling feelings within him. He had tried so hard to maintain a professional distance, to follow the directives given to him. Yet, in his heart, he found himself wanting more—wanting San to be a constant presence in his life, to be closer than ever before. Was it possible that he was developing feelings for San? The realization struck him like a lightning bolt, sending a shiver through his body. The thought of admitting that he might be falling for San made him shudder with a mix of fear and longing. He had always been so guarded, so careful about keeping his emotions in check, but this was different. The desire to have San by his side all the time was overwhelming, and it conflicted sharply with the professional constraints he was bound by.

The sobs that wracked his body were a mixture of frustration and sorrow. He felt trapped between his own desires and the expectations placed upon him. He wanted to be closer to San, but the reality of his situation made that impossible. The pressure to prove himself, to be better and separate from the other group, seemed to be at odds with his own growing feelings.

When Wooyoung was finally picked up by AURORA's manager, the sight awaiting him was one of weary solidarity. Seonghwa's eyes were bloodshot from tears, clearly reflecting his concern and frustration. Jongho was curled up, sleeping on Mingi's shoulder, seeking comfort in his friend's presence. Mingi, on the other hand, wore a stern expression, his arms crossed tightly as if trying to contain his own turmoil. Wooyoung could see the strain on each of their faces, understanding that they were all grappling with similar feelings of confusion and helplessness. He knew they didn't need to question him to know what was going on. They had been through enough together to recognize the weight of unspoken burdens. As Wooyoung joined them, he realized that they were all navigating the same rough waters, their shared struggle becoming a silent bond between them. Despite the manager's expectations and the professional pressures, the emotional connection and support among the group were evident. They were all struggling with their own challenges, but their unity and understanding provided a small measure of solace in their shared predicament.

The entire car ride was awkward. Nobody dared break the silence by saying a word. Nobody wanted to, anyway. They weren't in the mood to.