BLOSSOMS IN THE SPOLIGHT | HEESEUNG

24: The Tour Comes First

Heeseung paced the dorm room, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his phone. He kept glancing at the message he had sent Jia the night before: Hey, can we talk? There's something I need to tell you. 

His heart raced as he thought about what he had almost said. He had been so close to confessing—so close to putting everything on the line. But now, as he stood there staring at the words on his screen, doubt crept in again. Was it really the right time to confess his feelings with so much going on? 

The Japan tour was looming on the horizon. They were scheduled to leave in two days for two weeks of non-stop performances, fan meetings, and promotions. It wasn't just a big deal for the group—it was a huge milestone in their career. And the pressure that came with it was suffocating. The timing couldn't have been worse for him to throw his complicated emotions into the mix. 

Heeseung sighed and dropped onto his bed, running a hand through his hair. The message from Jia hadn't gone unanswered. She had replied almost immediately, her tone warm and supportive as always. 

Of course! I'm free later. Let's meet up. 

And now, the time to meet her was fast approaching. His heart was heavy with the weight of his own hesitation, the unspoken feelings that had built up inside him over the past few months. He knew he should tell her—he should just come clean and let her know how much she meant to him. But every time he imagined the conversation, the words got stuck in his throat. What if it ruined everything between them? 

Instead, he stood up, his decision made in a single, cowardly moment: he wouldn't tell her today. The tour was too important, and he couldn't risk any emotional fallout before they left. He would focus on work, on their schedule, on being a professional. There would be time to deal with his feelings later. 

He grabbed his jacket and left the dorm, making his way to the café where he and Jia had agreed to meet. The city buzzed with energy around him, the cool evening air filling his lungs and calming his nerves as he walked. His phone buzzed in his pocket—a message from Sunghoon reminding him of their group get-together later that night to celebrate before the tour. 

The get-together. Heeseung let out a small breath of relief. That could be his way out of the conversation. He'd casually bring up the Japan tour, shift the topic, and avoid the emotional landmine that was his feelings for Jia. 

When he arrived at the café, Jia was already there, seated at a small table near the window. She smiled when she saw him, waving him over with that familiar warmth that always made his heart skip a beat. 

"Heeseung!" she greeted, her voice light and cheerful. "I ordered you a drink—I hope that's okay." 

"Of course," he replied, sliding into the chair across from her. "You always know what I like." 

Jia laughed softly, her eyes sparkling in the soft light of the café. "I try." She paused, studying his face for a moment. "So, what's up? You said you needed to talk." 

Heeseung felt the words catch in his throat, but he forced a smile, quickly shifting gears in his mind. "Yeah, I wanted to talk about the tour. We leave for Japan in two days, and things are going to get really busy. I just... wanted to let you know in case I'm hard to reach for a bit." 

Jia blinked, clearly surprised by the change in topic. "Oh, right—the Japan tour. I heard it's going to be pretty intense. You guys must be excited." 

"Yeah, we are," Heeseung said, nodding a bit too quickly. "It's a big deal for us, and we've been preparing like crazy. I just didn't want you to think I was avoiding you or anything if I don't have time to talk."Jia smiled softly, and Heeseung could see the understanding in her eyes. "I get it, Heeseung. You guys are going to be super busy, and I know how important this is for you. Don't worry about it—I'll be cheering you on from here." 

Her words were comforting, but they also made Heeseung feel a pang of guilt. She was being so understanding, and here he was, avoiding the real reason he had asked her to meet. But it was too late now. The conversation had shifted, and he couldn't turn back. 

They talked more about the tour, the group's schedule, and what Heeseung was looking forward to in Japan. But underneath the casual conversation, there was an undercurrent of tension—a quiet acknowledgment that something was being left unsaid. 

When they finished their drinks, Heeseung stood up, preparing to leave for the group's get-together. "The boys are waiting for me back at the dorm," he said, glancing at his phone. "We're having a small celebration before we leave for the tour."Jia smiled, standing up as well. "That sounds fun! You guys deserve a night to relax before things get hectic."Heeseung hesitated for a moment before speaking. 

"Actually... you should come. It's nothing formal—just a chill hangout with the group. It wouldn't be the same without you."Jia looked surprised but pleased by the invitation. "Are you sure? I don't want to intrude.""You wouldn't be intruding," Heeseung said quickly, a hint of urgency in his voice. "The boys would love to see you before we leave." 

Jia hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay, I'll come." 

The get-together was lively, filled with laughter, teasing, and the easy camaraderie that came with years of friendship. The members of Enhypen had gathered in their dorm's common room, where they had ordered food, set up video games, and settled in for a night of relaxation before their demanding tour schedule kicked in. 

Jia fit right in, as always. Sunghoon and Jake had pulled her into their usual antics, and she was laughing along with them as if she were just another part of the group. Heeseung watched from a distance, his heart swelling with affection every time she smiled or tossed a playful remark back at one of the boys. 

But even in the midst of all the fun, Heeseung couldn't shake the nagging feeling in his chest. He had successfully dodged his feelings for now, but he knew this was only temporary. His unspoken confession still hung between them like a ticking clock, waiting for the right—or wrong—moment to resurface. 

Sunghoon caught his eye from across the room, raising an eyebrow as if to say, You haven't told her yet, have you? Heeseung quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in whatever game Ni-ki and Jungwon were playing on the screen. 

As the night wore on, the group gradually began to wind down. Jia was still there, sitting next to Sunoo and laughing at something Ni-ki had said, and Heeseung couldn't help but steal glances at her, his heart torn between the joy of having her there and the frustration of his own cowardice.Eventually, the group started saying their goodbyes, with everyone heading off to bed or preparing for the long day of travel ahead. 

Jia stood up, stretching her arms and smiling warmly at the group."Thanks for inviting me," she said. "I had a great time.""We're glad you came!" Jake replied, grinning. "It's always fun with you around."As Jia turned to leave, Heeseung walked her to the door, his chest tightening with every step. 

This could have been the moment—the perfect time to tell her how he felt. But instead, he swallowed his words, opting for the safer route once again. 

"I'll see you when we get back," he said, his voice soft.Jia smiled up at him, her eyes warm and full of the affection that made his heart ache. "Good luck on the tour, Heeseung. I know you're going to do amazing.""Thanks," he said, his throat tight. "I'll miss you."She gave him one last smile before turning and walking down the hall. 

As Heeseung watched her go, he leaned against the doorframe, the weight of his unspoken confession heavier than ever.The tour was starting in just two days, and for now, his feelings would have to wait. But as Heeseung closed the door and headed back to his room, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.