Me After You

Fluttered Heart

It was almost 2 AM when Hyeyoon's manager dropped her off in front of her apartment. The day had gone surprisingly well; the shooting wrapped up earlier than expected, giving her some precious free time. Yet as she sauntered toward her apartment, the familiar ache of missing Wooseok settled in her chest. They had both been so busy lately, and it felt like ages since they last saw each other. Since he returned from Japan, their schedules had barely aligned.

She considered calling him, but hesitated, not wanting to disturb his sleep. He needed the rest after long days on set. The loneliness crept in as she unlocked her door, wrapping her in a blanket of melancholy that felt heavier with each step. But as she stepped inside, her heart skipped a beat at the unexpected sight before her.

There he was, sprawled out on her couch, a peaceful smile gracing his lips as he slept. Hongsi, her fluffy cat, was curled up on his chest, creating a picture that melted her sadness away. A warm smile crept onto her face, filling her heart with a tenderness she couldn't quite describe.

Her eyes wandered to the television, still flickering with scenes from their drama. He must have started watching it again. It was his go-to escape during tough times. She couldn't help but wonder how many times he had replayed their show, clinging to those moments, still unable to move on from the character of Sunjae. It pained her to think he was bound to that past, which also explained why he had chosen to take advertisement gigs over another drama. He wanted to give his all to any project he took on, and right now, he felt he couldn't do that.

Hyeyoon's heart ached for him. She knew he had wanted to go to the Busan International Film Festival, and it pained her that their schedules had conspired against them. She had even tried to rearrange her commitments, hoping to find a way to make it work, but no matter how hard she tried, her packed agenda wouldn't budge.

When he chose to skip the festival, not wanting to go without her, it made her feel loved in a way that deepened the weight of their separation. She admired his devotion, yet it left her with a bittersweet feeling—knowing he was sacrificing something he wanted just to be with her.

Kneeling beside the couch, she greeted Hongsi with a gentle stroke before turning her full attention to Wooseok. He looked so peaceful, but the shadows under his eyes hinted at exhaustion. She brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary. Unable to resist, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin against her lips.

At her touch, his eyes fluttered open, revealing the drowsy gaze that always made her heart race. A sleepy smile broke across his face, his voice rough from slumber. "You're home."

"Neeh, Oppa," she whispered, a soft giggle escaping her as she continued to run her fingers through his hair. It had grown longer, and she couldn't help but adore the way it fell into his eyes. "Why are you sleeping here? Not in the bedroom?"

"I was waiting for you with Hongsi," he murmured, stifling a yawn. "But it seems my eyes had other plans." His voice was laced with a hint of embarrassment, making him all the more endearing.

Hyeyoon felt her heart flutter at his cuteness. It was, moments like these that made her walls crumble, brick by brick. Wooseok's clumsiness and gentle spirit were the reasons she felt safe enough to lower her guard. He always put her feelings first, knowing exactly when she was feeling low and what she needed to feel better. Some said he could destroy her walls simply because he was taller than them, but the truth was far more beautiful.

Wooseok didn't just knock them down; he approached with patience and respect, asking for permission to become the person she could rely on. He understood the significance of those walls she had built—each one a protective barrier shaped by past hurts and disappointments. Rather than forcing his way in, he chose to gently invite himself into her heart, creating a space where she could feel safe to share her vulnerabilities.

With each soft smile and thoughtful gesture, he proved time and again that he was there to support her, not to break her defenses. His presence felt like a warm hand reaching out, guiding her to trust again. And in those moments, Hyeyoon realized how profoundly she needed him— as a source of comfort and strength in her life.

"You should've woken up and gone to bed, Oppa," she chided playfully, her voice barely above a whisper. "You need your sleep too."

"Maybe," he chuckled softly, "but I wanted to be here for you. I missed you."

Hyeyoon's heart swelled, warmth spreading through her like sunshine breaking through clouds. "I missed you too," she replied, her voice earnest and filled with longing. As she leaned closer, still kneeling beside him, she let her head rest gently on his shoulder. The comfort of his presence enveloped her like a warm blanket, making the heaviness of her day melt away.

In this intimate moment, she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear, each thump resonating with a sense of safety and belonging. It was as if time had paused just for them, and the outside world faded into the background.

"Oppa," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin, "I'm so glad you're here."

Wooseok turned his head slightly to look at her, his sleepy smile brightening the dim light of the room. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," he murmured, placing a gentle hand on her back, pulling her closer as if to shield her from any lingering loneliness.

Feeling his warmth and the tenderness of his touch, Hyeyoon's heart fluttered. She could sense the depth of his feelings for her in that simple gesture. It was moments like these that reminded her just how lucky she was to have him in her life.

"Even Hongsi kept me company, but it's not the same," he chuckled softly, making her giggle. "Nothing compares to having you by my side."

"True," she replied, lifting her head to meet his gaze, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But I bet Hongsi isn't nearly as good at sharing snacks."

He laughed, and the sound was like music to her ears. "Okay, I concede. You win this round."

At that moment, everything felt perfect—the cozy warmth of their shared space, the familiarity of his laughter, and the way he made her feel seen and cherished. Leaning in just a bit more, she took a deep breath, allowing herself to fully absorb this feeling of contentment.

Wooseok's thumb brushed softly across her cheek, his gaze lingering on her lips as if contemplating something. "You really are the highlight of my day, you know that?" he said softly, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone.

Hyeyoon felt her cheeks heat up at his words, but she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "And you're the highlight of mine, Oppa."

They held each other's gaze for a moment, the unspoken connection deepening between them. Then, unable to resist the magnetic pull, Hyeyoon leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, feeling the warmth radiate from his skin.

As she pulled back, Wooseok's expression turned playful. "I think I need more than just a cheek kiss to keep me awake now."

"Is that a challenge?" she teased, her heart racing in anticipation.

"Maybe," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "But you can't blame me for wanting a little more time with my favorite person."

Hyeyoon grinned, her heart fluttering with excitement. "Alright, then. Let's make this a night to remember."

With that, she nestled closer into his side, feeling the comforting warmth of his presence wrap around her like a cozy blanket, ready to create more beautiful memories together.