The drive back was filled with a heavy conversation, one that neither of them wanted to break. After a long pause, Nabi spoke, her voice low but laced with frustration.
"I don't know, it's just hard for me," she began, her words cutting through the stillness of the car. "I've known my whole life that they never wanted me to be a part of theirs. But... for a few years of my childhood, I thought maybe—just maybe—they would regret it, that they'd want me. And now... when I thought they'd finally show me some grace, they remind me that my childhood was just that—my childhood. And now I'm being told to wait to go to see my mom's grave? What the hell is that?"
Her hands slid down her face, frustration painting her features red. She pushed her bangs aside with a quick swipe, trying to contain the storm inside her.
Hansol's heart ached hearing her words, the raw pain behind them making him want to reach out and fix everything, but he didn't know how. All he could manage was a simple, "I'm so sorry."
It was all he could say, the weight of her words crashing into him like an unexpected wave. His thoughts scrambled for the right thing to say, but nothing felt adequate enough.
"It's not your fault," she replied, the quiet crack in her voice betraying the resolve she was trying so hard to maintain. "I... I just—look, keeping this to myself isn't easy. So, thank you."
Hansol glanced at her, his gaze soft but filled with a glint of sadness that mirrored her own. He looked away, focusing on the road ahead, but instinctively, he reached for her hand, his fingers brushing against hers gently.
"I—" He stopped himself, unsure if the words would come out the way he wanted.
"Natalia," he finally said, his voice hesitant, "Please, never feel like you're burdening me."
She turned to face him, confusion flickering in her eyes at his sudden stop. Without warning, Hansol veered the car to the side of the freeway, pulling over abruptly but safely. He turned in his seat to face her, the weight of the moment settling around them both.
He reached for both her hands, holding them gently, rubbing his thumb over her skin in a way that was meant to comfort her, to ground her. "I love hearing you speak," he said, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. "No matter what it's about, please... don't be afraid to let me in."
She looked down, biting her lip to stop the tears that threatened to spill. The car was silent except for the soft hitching of her breath as she tried to collect herself. The words he'd spoken were too much, and she didn't know how to respond.
"I—" she choked out, her throat tight with emotion. "It's a long story."
Hansol smiled softly, bringing his hand up to her cheek, his touch warm and reassuring. "Good thing we have time," he said, the glint of understanding in his eyes.
Minutes passed, and the two of them found themselves tangled together in the back seat of the car, the weight of their conversation hanging between them. Hansol's arm was around Nabi, gently rubbing up and down her arm as she leaned into him, her head resting against his chest. The quiet only deepened as they both lost themselves in their own thoughts.
Nabi broke the silence first with a soft sigh. "I don't want to leave."
Hansol grinned, his voice quiet but affectionate. "Me neither."
Suddenly, as if a spark had ignited in her, Nabi sat up with a burst of energy, her eyes bright. She took Hansol's hands in hers, pulling him into her excitement. "Actually, I know something else we could do."
