The Day We Find Love

Don't Be Sorry

2012

~Choi Heewon

I held my phone to my ear, laughter bubbling up as Heechul recounted yet another ridiculous moment from the latest 'We Got Married' episode.

"I swear, Heechul, if I hear you talk about how cute Leeteuk and Kang Sora are one more time, I'll hang up on you and never take your call again!" I half-joked, though I couldn't hide the playful annoyance in my voice, my fingers tapping impatiently on the table. Heechul, of course, didn't miss it-he never does. His laughter echoed through the phone.

"Are you sure? Leeteuk looked so cute! You should join the show; you could've stolen the spotlight from Kang Sora! Want to team up with me?" he teased, clearly enjoying my reaction.

"YA! KIM HEECHUL!" I shouted, feigning exasperation. "Keep it up, and I might just spill your secrets to the media! How would you like that?"

Heechul laughed, his amusement clear. "Okay, okay! So, how are you holding up?"

"Well, you know, just trying to keep myself busy."

"Don't push yourself too much. Have you talked to him lately?"

"With his military enlistment coming up, he's been busier than ever. And no, I haven't really talked to him."

"Why not? Is he not coming to your apartment?"

"Sometimes, but he's too tired to talk."

"Ah, you're doing something else..." He paused, clearly smirking on the other end.

"Geesh, I can't deal with your jokes right now!" I laughed, shaking my head even though he couldn't see me.

"Okay, sorry," he cleared his throat. "So, Wonie-ah, I know it was tough. Just..hanging there ok?"

I was silent. My tears fell one by one as I thought about how we hadn't spent time together before he went into the military. Memories of our laughter and late-night talks flooded my mind, only to be overshadowed by the incessant media chatter about "Leeteuk and Kang Sora." It made my stomach churn. It was too much for me to handle.

"Wonie-ah! Are you still there?" Heechul asked, his voice full of worry. "I'll be there soon, okay? I know I'm stuck here right now. But-"

I took a shaky breath, trying to compose myself. "Yeah, I'm here. It's just... everything feels so overwhelming. I didn't expect it to hurt this much."

"I get it," he replied softly. "But remember, you're not alone. I'll always be here for you."

"Thank you, Heechul-ah!" I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. Thank God I still have a friend like him.

"You know what? Leeteuk might be filming with Kang Sora, but I bet he knows he hit the jackpot with you," he said, his voice light and teasing.

I laughed, the sound easing some of the tension in my chest. Heechul was just being Heechul, never missing a chance to tease me. And that made me miss him so much.

"Talk to him, okay? He needs to know how you feel before he leaves."

"What if he doesn't understand? What if he thinks I'm selfish?" I bit my lip, anxiety creeping back in.

"Wonie-ah, it's okay to be selfish," Heechul reassured me, his tone steady and encouraging. "Just tell him everything. He loves you too much. He'll understand."

I took a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Alright, thank you so much, Heechul-ah!"

"Anytime, Wonie-ah! Talk to you later, okay?" His voice was warm and comforting, wrapping around me like a hug.