HEARTSTRINGS

{43} DISTANCE

"Treatment is not just fixing what is broken."

Joshua sat across from Chloe in their living room, trying to engage her in conversation, but she seemed distant, her attention elsewhere. 

Every time he tried to get her to talk, she'd nod absentmindedly, barely responding. After a few minutes of this, Joshua sighed in frustration, leaning forward to catch her eye.

"Chloe, are you even listening?" he asked, his voice gentle but edged with concern.

Chloe blinked, finally looking at him. "Hmm? Sorry, what were you saying?"

Before Joshua could answer, his phone buzzed. It was Seungcheol. He picked up, and after a brief exchange, he turned to Chloe. "That was Seungcheol. There's a party at his house tonight. He says we're invited."

Chloe shrugged, clearly still distracted. "Sure, whatever."

Joshua frowned slightly, noting her unusual detachment but decided to push the conversation for later. "Alright, we'll talk after the party, okay?"

Chloe simply nodded, barely meeting his gaze. Joshua sighed again, knowing something was on her mind but unable to get through at the moment.

That evening, they arrived at Seungcheol's house. The party was in full swing, laughter and chatter filling the air as friends mingled and enjoyed the lively atmosphere. 

Joshua and Chloe stood together for a moment, but soon the tension between Jeonghan and Yura caught their attention.

From across the room, voices were beginning to rise, and it was clear things were getting heated between Jeonghan and Yura. 

The usual sparkle in Yura's eyes had dimmed, and Jeonghan's brow was furrowed with anger.

"Jihye again?" Yura's voice was cold, her arms crossed as she confronted Jeonghan.

Jeonghan, his patience thinning, ran a hand through his hair. "It's not what you think, Yura. Why do you always have to bring her up?"

"Because she's the reason we're constantly fighting!" Yura shot back, her voice trembling with frustration. "You think I don't see how she's always trying to come between us? And you... you let her."