BLOSSOMS IN THE SPOLIGHT | HEESEUNG

25: Distance and Longing

The day of departure arrived, and the atmosphere at the airport buzzed with energy. Fans crowded the terminals, waving banners and holding signs that cheered for Enhypen. The members waved back, their faces lit with excitement and determination. It was a monumental moment for them—another step in their journey as one of the world's most successful boy bands.

Heeseung smiled and waved, but his mind wasn't fully present. The whirlwind of fans, cameras, and the excitement of the tour felt distant. His thoughts were elsewhere—back at the dorm where he had left Jia the night before.

As he and the group boarded the plane, he pulled out his phone one last time to check his messages. Nothing new from Jia, but he didn't blame her. He knew she was giving him space, allowing him to focus on the tour without distraction. But despite that understanding, he felt a hollow ache inside him. The plane took off, and Seoul disappeared beneath the clouds, leaving him with only his thoughts.

The tour kicked off with a bang. Every city they visited brought new experiences, challenges, and, most importantly, fans who were eager to see them perform. The adrenaline rush from each concert was exhilarating, and Heeseung found himself lost in the music, the lights, and the roaring crowds. On stage, everything felt right. The synergy between the members was electric, and every performance was a reminder of why he had pursued this dream.

But when the lights dimmed and the stage was empty, the excitement faded, replaced by the weight of the distance between him and Jia. Nights in hotel rooms felt long and lonely. Even with the other members around, he often found himself scrolling through his gallery, stopping at pictures of Jia—laughing at the café, posing with flowers from her shop, and smiling brightly during their last get-together.

Heeseung tried to shake off the feeling, telling himself that they'd be back in Seoul soon. But as the days stretched on, the longing only grew.

One evening, after a particularly exhausting show, he found himself alone in his hotel room, staring at the city lights outside his window. The silence felt overwhelming. He glanced at his phone, his fingers itching to call Jia, to hear her voice and tell her everything he had been holding back. But instead, he sent a simple message: Hey, how are you?

He waited, staring at the screen as minutes turned into hours. Eventually, Jia replied, her message popping up on his screen like a lifeline: I'm good, just working at the shop. How's the tour going?

He smiled, feeling a sense of warmth despite the distance. It's great—busy, but great. I miss Seoul, though. And you.

There was a pause before her response came through: I miss you too, Heeseung. Can't wait for you guys to come back.

He could feel his heart skip a beat. Me neither. I wish you were here with me.

He waited for her response, hoping she felt the same way. When it finally came, her words were cautious but kind: I wish I could be there too. But I know you need to focus on the tour. You're doing amazing—I'm so proud of you.

Her words were like a balm, soothing his frayed nerves, but he also sensed the subtle distance she was keeping. She was being supportive, like always, but there was a part of her that seemed guarded. Heeseung sighed, realizing that maybe his avoidance of his feelings back in Seoul had pushed her away, even if she didn't show it.

Thanks, Jia. I promise when I get back, we'll catch up properly.

Her response came quickly, a simple but sincere: I'd like that.

Heeseung stared at the screen for a moment, the ache in his chest both relieved and intensified. The conversation was nice, but it felt like there was a wall between them—one he had built by not being honest about his feelings. And now, all he could do was wait until he was back in Seoul to try and tear it down.

The days went by in a blur of performances, interviews, and rehearsals. The demands of the tour kept Heeseung occupied, but his mind constantly drifted back to Jia. Sunghoon noticed his restlessness one night when they were both in their hotel room.

"You've been zoning out a lot lately," Sunghoon said, tossing Heeseung a can of soda as they settled in for a break. "Something on your mind?"

Heeseung hesitated, glancing at his friend before shrugging. "Just... a lot going on. The tour's been amazing, but I keep thinking about Jia."

Sunghoon's eyes softened, and he nodded. "You know, you're not as good at hiding your feelings as you think. You really care about her, don't you?"

Heeseung sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I do. More than I thought I would. But I keep messing up, you know? I don't want to ruin things by making it weird."

Sunghoon leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Look, man, I know things are complicated with us being idols and all, but Jia's special. She's been there for you through everything, and I think she deserves to know how you feel."

Heeseung knew Sunghoon was right, but the fear of what could happen if he confessed still loomed over him. "I just don't want to make things worse. What if she doesn't feel the same way?"

Sunghoon shrugged. "You won't know unless you try. And honestly, it seems like she's been waiting for you to say something."

Heeseung was quiet for a moment, mulling over Sunghoon's words. Maybe it was time to stop running from his feelings. The tour would end soon, and he'd be back in Seoul with Jia. He just hoped it wouldn't be too late to make things right.

Finally, the last show of the tour arrived. The energy was electric, and the fans were louder than ever. As Heeseung performed, he gave everything he had, knowing that this was the climax of their hard work. When the show ended, the group gathered backstage, congratulating each other on the successful run. But as the celebrations continued, Heeseung's mind was already racing ahead to when they'd be back in Seoul.

That night, as they packed up for their flight home the next morning, he sent Jia one last message before boarding the plane: I'm coming back tomorrow. Can we meet up when I'm back? There's something I really need to tell you.

He waited anxiously, hoping for a quick response. When his phone buzzed, he opened the message immediately: I'll be there. I've been waiting to see you.

Heeseung's heart soared, and for the first time since the tour began, he felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things could finally fall into place.

As the plane lifted off, Heeseung stared out the window, the city lights of Tokyo fading beneath the clouds. His heart felt lighter, full of anticipation for the conversation he knew he needed to have. He was ready—ready to take the risk and tell Jia how he really felt.

Because no matter how far the tour had taken him, his heart had always remained with her.