Her Song, His Heart

A Flight Home

Mannon sat on the edge of her bed, phone in hand, reading and rereading Amara’s messages. Her best friend’s words carried an urgency that made her heart ache.

"Manns, I need you. I’m scared."

Amara had always been her rock—the one person who had seen her through her toughest moments, from adjusting to life with Chan to battling her inner demons. And now, Amara needed her.

A soft knock on her door pulled her out of her thoughts.

“Mannon? It’s me,” Chan’s voice called gently.

“Come in,” she said, quickly locking her phone screen.

Chan stepped inside, his expression immediately softening when he saw her. “You’ve been quiet all morning. What’s going on?”

Mannon hesitated. Of all people, Chan deserved to know. He knew how much Amara meant to her. “Amara needs me,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “She’s pregnant… and the dad left her. She’s scared, and she doesn’t have anyone else.”

Chan’s brows furrowed, and he sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “She told you all this just now?”

Mannon nodded, swallowing hard. “I don’t know how she’s been holding it together. I told her I’d visit after things calmed down, but… I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

Chan exhaled deeply, his protective instincts kicking in. “You want to go back to Sydney.”

“I have to,” Mannon said firmly. “She’s family, Channie. She was there for me when I had no one else. How can I stay here when she needs me now?”

He studied her for a moment, his gaze soft but serious. “You’re sure about this?”

“Yes,” she said, her resolve unwavering.

Chan gave her a small nod. “Alright. But you’re not doing this alone. I’ll help you book your flight and make sure you’re set before you go.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning into his side. “You’re the best, Channie.”

---

Breakfast Revelations

The next morning, Mannon joined the group for breakfast, her usual energy subdued. She couldn’t put off telling them any longer.

“What’s up with you?” Minho asked, noticing her quiet demeanor.

Mannon glanced at Chan, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. She took a deep breath before speaking. “I need to go back to Australia for a little while.”

The chatter around the table stopped instantly.

“Why?” Felix asked, concern lacing his voice.

“My best friend, Amara… she’s pregnant, and things aren’t going well for her. She doesn’t have anyone else, so I need to be there for her.”

The boys exchanged glances, their concern evident.

“How long will you be gone?” Jisung asked.

“I’m not sure yet,” Mannon admitted. “A few weeks, maybe more.”

Hyunjin’s gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. “And there’s nothing we can do to help?”

“You’ve all got your own commitments,” she said, shaking her head. “This is something I need to do on my own.”

“You’re sure about this?” Seungmin asked, his tone thoughtful.

“She is,” Chan answered before she could. His voice carried a finality that silenced any further questions. “Amara is like family to Mannon, and family comes first.”

Mannon gave him a grateful smile, her chest tightening at the support in his words.

---

A Farewell at the Airport

The next day, the group escorted Mannon to the airport. The ride there had been filled with lighthearted teasing and last-minute advice, but as they reached the terminal, the mood turned more somber.

“You’ve got your passport, right?” Chan asked for the third time as they walked through the bustling airport.

“Yes, Channie,” Mannon replied, rolling her eyes playfully. “I have everything.”

Felix pulled her into a tight hug. “Bring us back some Vegemite!”

“Ew, Felix, no,” she replied, laughing.

“Seriously though,” Jisung said, his tone lighter, “don’t forget to call us. Like, every day.”

Mannon smiled. “I’ll try not to annoy you too much.”

Hyunjin stepped forward last, his gaze meeting hers. “Take care of yourself,” he said softly.

“I will,” she promised.

Chan hugged her last, holding on just a bit longer than the others. “You’ve got this, Mannie,” he said, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “And remember, if you need me, I’m just a phone call away.”

“Thanks, Channie,” she whispered, blinking back tears.

As she walked toward the gate, she glanced back one last time. The group stood together, their expressions a mixture of pride and longing.

---

Back in Sydney

The familiar scent of eucalyptus filled the air as Mannon stepped out of the airport, her heart both heavy and light. It had been years since she’d been home, but nothing had changed.

Amara was waiting for her near the pickup area, her baby bump prominent beneath her flowy dress. As soon as their eyes met, Amara broke into a tearful smile, rushing to hug Mannon.

“You came,” Amara whispered, her voice cracking.

“Of course I did,” Mannon replied, holding her tightly. “I’m not letting you go through this alone.”

They spent the ride to Amara’s apartment catching up, the conversation a mix of laughter and tears. Mannon could see the exhaustion in Amara’s eyes, but there was also a flicker of hope.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Amara said as they settled onto the couch later that evening.

“You’ll never have to find out,” Mannon replied firmly.

For the first time in weeks, Mannon felt a sense of clarity. She was exactly where she needed to be.