Her Song, His Heart

Ripples of Change

Two weeks had passed since Jordan’s reappearance, and true to his word, he had been making an effort. He attended every doctor’s appointment with Amara, offered to help set up the nursery, and even got a part-time job to contribute financially.

Mannon watched cautiously, her protective instincts on high alert. She wasn’t ready to let her guard down just yet. Jordan had been making strides, but trust wasn’t something he could earn overnight.

Amara, however, seemed lighter. There was a spark in her eyes that Mannon hadn’t seen in a long time, a glimmer of hope that maybe things could work out after all.

---

The Call That Changed Everything

One morning, as Mannon was helping Amara sort through baby clothes, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw Chan’s name.

“Channie?” she answered, balancing the phone between her shoulder and ear.

“Hey, Mannie,” came his familiar voice. “Are you free to talk?”

“Always,” she said, stepping out of the room for some privacy.

There was a pause on the other end, and Mannon’s stomach twisted. Something was wrong.

“What’s going on?” she asked, her tone serious.

“It’s… the company,” Chan began hesitantly. “They want you back in Korea sooner than planned. Something about needing you for an urgent shoot with Versace.”

Mannon frowned. “But they knew I was here for Amara. Can’t it wait?”

“They’re being pushy,” Chan admitted. “I told them I’d talk to you first. It’s your call, Mannie. You don’t have to go if you’re not ready.”

Mannon chewed her lip, torn. She wanted to be there for Amara, especially now, but she also couldn’t ignore her commitments.

“I’ll think about it,” she said finally.

“Take your time,” Chan said gently. “We’ve got your back, no matter what.”

---

A Difficult Decision

That night, Mannon lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The weight of her choices pressed heavily on her chest. Amara had Jordan now, and as much as Mannon hated to admit it, she wasn’t needed as much as before.

But leaving felt like abandonment. Amara was her best friend, her family in every way that mattered.

The next morning, she brought it up over breakfast.

“Amara,” she began cautiously, “I might have to go back to Korea sooner than planned.”

Amara looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and understanding. “Because of work?”

Mannon nodded. “Yeah. They’re being insistent.”

Amara reached across the table and took Mannon’s hand. “Mannon, you’ve done so much for me already. You’ve put your life on hold to be here. If you need to go, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

“You sure?” Mannon asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

Amara smiled. “I’ve got Jordan now. And if he screws up, I know exactly who to call.”

That earned a small laugh from Mannon, easing some of the tension in her chest.

---

Saying Goodbye

The day of her departure arrived faster than Mannon expected. She hugged Amara tightly at the airport, whispering reassurances and promises to call every day.

“Take care of yourself, okay?” Amara said, her voice thick with emotion.

“You too,” Mannon replied, her eyes glistening. “And call me the second the baby decides to make an appearance.”

Amara nodded, wiping at her tears. “I will. Love you, Mannie.”

“Love you more,” Mannon said, pulling away reluctantly.

As she walked toward her gate, Mannon felt a pang of guilt. But she reminded herself that this wasn’t goodbye forever. She’d be back.

---

Back in Korea

When Mannon arrived back at the dorms, the Stray Kids members greeted her with enthusiasm, their excitement at seeing her infectious.

“About time!” Felix exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. “We’ve missed you, Mannie!”

“Missed you too,” she said, smiling.

Chan appeared next, his expression soft. “How’s Amara?”

“She’s doing better,” Mannon replied. “Jordan’s actually stepping up.”

Chan raised an eyebrow. “Really? Didn’t see that coming.”

“Neither did I,” Mannon admitted. “But we’ll see if it lasts.”

As the night went on, Mannon felt herself relax. Being back with her chosen family felt comforting, even if part of her heart was still with Amara.

But as she lay in bed that night, her mind raced. A nagging feeling told her that the calm wouldn’t last.