Kim Leehan let out a sigh as he slumped onto the bench by the practice room, exhausted and frustrated. Today had been brutal. Every step he took felt out of sync, and each line he recited sounded hollow, even to his own ears. After weeks of working tirelessly, today felt like he was back at square one.
Lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed the approaching footsteps until a familiar voice cut through his thoughts.
"Still brooding?" Han Taesan's voice was low, a mix of amusement and concern. Leehan looked up, meeting Taesan's dark, focused eyes, and immediately felt a rush of relief. Taesan had this way of grounding him, bringing him back when he felt lost.
Leehan tried to muster a smile, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm fine. Just... a tough day."
Taesan crossed his arms, studying him with that serious gaze that was both comforting and a little intimidating. "Really? Because I've seen you on tough days, and this looks like something more."
Leehan opened his mouth to protest, but Taesan's intense stare held him in place. Something in Taesan's expression softened, his dark eyes gentler, almost as if he understood what Leehan couldn't bring himself to say.
"It's okay to admit it, you know," Taesan murmured, sliding onto the bench beside him. "You don't have to handle everything by yourself."
Leehan sighed, feeling his walls start to crumble. "I just... feel like I'm not enough. Like I'm trying so hard, and yet..."
"You're more than enough," Taesan interrupted, his voice steady and sure. He placed a hand on Leehan's shoulder, the warmth of his touch grounding him. "You've earned your place here, Leehan. You can have an off day, and it doesn't make you any less talented."
Taesan's words hung in the air, weighty yet comforting. Leehan felt the tension in his shoulders ease just slightly, and he looked down, embarrassed yet grateful.
"Thank you, Taesan," he whispered, barely audible.
"Look at me," Taesan said, voice soft but commanding. Leehan hesitated before finally lifting his gaze to meet Taesan's intense stare.
"You're allowed to struggle," Taesan said slowly, each word deliberate, "but don't ever think you're not enough. You're not alone in this. I'm here, and I'll keep reminding you as many times as it takes."
Leehan felt his heart pound at Taesan's words, feeling a warmth and safety he didn't often allow himself to feel. Somehow, with Taesan beside him, the weight on his chest felt a little lighter.
"Now, come on," Taesan said, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Let's go get some food. You'll feel better after you eat."
They walked together in comfortable silence, Taesan's hand still resting firmly on Leehan's shoulder, guiding him. As they stepped into a quiet café down the street, Taesan guided him to a small table by the window. Once they ordered, Taesan leaned back in his chair, watching Leehan with a thoughtful expression.
"You're too hard on yourself, you know," Taesan said suddenly, breaking the silence. "You expect perfection, but perfection doesn't exist."
Leehan let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. "You sound like my trainer."
"Maybe your trainer's onto something," Taesan replied with a smirk. "Look, I know you're good at hiding what you feel, but you don't have to do that with me. I know when something's bothering you."
Leehan looked down, his cheeks warming slightly. "You know, you don't have to be so... caring all the time," he muttered. "You've got your own things to worry about."
Taesan leaned forward, his gaze piercing yet kind. "I'll worry about whoever I want," he said quietly, his voice filled with a gentle stubbornness. "Especially if it's you."
The words hung between them, unspoken feelings bubbling to the surface. Leehan's heart raced as he looked up, meeting Taesan's unwavering gaze. There was something in Taesan's eyes, something that felt like more than just friendship, more than just concern.
The tension grew, filling the small space between them. Finally, Taesan broke the silence.
"You don't have to say anything," Taesan murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But... I'm here for you, always."
A small, genuine smile tugged at Leehan's lips as he nodded, feeling a warmth in his chest he hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time in a while, the pressure he constantly placed on himself felt a little easier to bear. Taesan's presence had that effect on him—calming, reassuring, and grounding.
When their food arrived, Taesan didn't let the heavy mood linger. He cracked a small joke, bringing out the laugh that had been buried in Leehan all day. They talked and laughed, sharing stories and memories that somehow melted away all the stress Leehan had been carrying.
After their meal, they stepped out of the café, walking side by side in comfortable silence under the evening sky. The night air was cool, and Leehan felt more relaxed than he had in days.
As they reached the end of the block, Taesan paused, turning to face him. "Remember what I said. You're not alone, Leehan."
Leehan felt a surge of gratitude, a quiet warmth spreading through him. He wanted to say something—anything—to let Taesan know how much his words meant, but all he managed was a quiet, "Thank you."
Taesan just gave him a knowing smile, and for a moment, they stood there, eyes locked, the quiet night wrapping around them. In that brief, silent exchange, Leehan felt something shift between them, a deeper understanding that words could never capture.
As they parted ways, Leehan walked home with a lighter heart, knowing that no matter what challenges came his way, he had someone who believed in him, someone who would always be by his side.
And for now, that was enough.
End of Chapter 1
YOU ARE READING
Whispers in the Dark//GONGFOURZ ff
Fanfiction"I thought this was supposed to be a secret" "I dont think so"
