Heart In Seoul
When Hana visits her older brother Jay in Korea, she expects to explore a new city and reconnect with him. What she doesn't expect is to live with Jay and his six roommates-Jungwon, Sunghoon, Jake, Sunoo, Niki, and Heeseung. Navigatin...
The following week, the vibrant energy of the apartment felt like a constant whirlwind of laughter and camaraderie. Yet amid the playful chaos, Hana found herself craving a moment of stillness, a breath of calm away from the crowd.
It was a late evening when she finally found her opportunity. The others had decided to head out for karaoke, leaving her behind, caught up in the allure of a cozy night at home. As she settled into the living room, the soft glow of the lamp casting gentle shadows on the walls, she heard the familiar sound of Jungwon's footsteps.
"Hey," he said, appearing in the doorway, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "I thought everyone was going out."
Hana looked up from her spot on the couch, a smile forming on her lips. "I needed a night in. Want to join me?"
Jungwon hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his options. Then, with a soft nod, he stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind him. "Sure. It's nice to have some quiet."
As he settled into the chair across from her, an easy silence enveloped them. The world outside was filled with the sounds of laughter and music, but inside the apartment, it felt like they were in their own bubble. Hana felt her heart race just a little faster, a familiar tension between them that seemed to spark in the air.
"Do you want to watch something?" she asked, breaking the silence as she picked up the remote.
"Actually," Jungwon replied, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees, "I'd rather talk. It feels like we haven't had the chance to really connect lately."
Hana's heart swelled at his words. "I'd like that," she said softly.
⇢ ˗ˏˋ — ࿐
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They talked for hours, sharing stories and laughter, their conversation weaving between lighthearted topics and deeper reflections. Jungwon opened up about his dreams and the pressures he felt, his voice laced with a vulnerability that made Hana's chest tighten.
"I sometimes feel like I'm always trying to keep everything together," he admitted, his gaze shifting to the floor. "It's exhausting."
Hana leaned forward, her heart aching for him. "You don't always have to be the one holding everything up, you know. It's okay to let others help you."
His eyes met hers, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "It's just hard for me to ask for help. I've always been the one others rely on."
In that moment, Hana saw the weight he carried, the burden of expectation he had placed on himself. She reached out, placing her hand over his on the table, the warmth of their connection sending a thrill through her.
"I'm here for you, Jungwon. You don't have to be strong all the time. We're friends, and that means we support each other," she said, her voice steady yet tender.
His breath hitched slightly, and the air between them thickened with unspoken emotions. Jungwon turned his hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "You make it so easy to let my guard down," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
