Her Song, His Heart

Fraying Edges

The days following the disturbing package were uneasy. Chan had doubled security at the apartment, and the group avoided discussing the incident around Mannon. She seemed to be holding herself together, but everyone could see the cracks forming.

Hyunjin, however, watched her more closely than anyone. He noticed how she flinched when the doorbell rang or how her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes anymore. Mannon had become quieter, retreating into herself despite her attempts to mask it with cheer.

---

Breakfast the next morning was unusually quiet until Mannon’s phone buzzed on the counter. She picked it up hesitantly, her brows furrowing as she read the message.

“What is it?” Chan asked, noticing her tense expression.

Her lips parted, and then she grinned. “It’s nothing bad. Actually... it’s good news.”

Everyone looked at her expectantly.

“They want to record my first single,” she said softly, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The room erupted into cheers.

“Finally!” Felix exclaimed. “It’s about time the world heard your voice!”

Seungmin smiled. “When’s the recording?”

Mannon hesitated, glancing at Chan. “They want me to come in tomorrow to finalize the details and start recording next week.”

“That’s amazing, Mannon,” Hyunjin said, his voice warm.

“Thanks,” she said, though her smile faltered.

Chan leaned closer. “Mannie, are you sure you’re ready for this? It’s okay if you need more time.”

“I’m ready,” she said quickly. “I’ve waited long enough.”

---

That evening, Mannon sat on the couch, her notebook open on her lap. She scribbled lyrics absentmindedly, trying to distract herself from the unease simmering beneath her excitement.

Hyunjin entered the room quietly and sat across from her. “You nervous about tomorrow?”

“A little,” she admitted. “It’s a big step, you know?”

“You’ll be amazing,” he said confidently. “I’ve heard you sing. No one can match your voice.”

Mannon looked up, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “Thanks, Hyunjin. That means a lot.”

There was a moment of silence before he added, “You’ve been through so much lately. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.”

Her expression softened. “I’ll try.”

---

Later that night, Mannon retreated to her room. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the nightstand where the hospital bracelet from her last clinic visit lay. Her fingers trembled as she picked it up, her mind spiraling with doubt and fear.

The voices started as whispers, growing louder as she tried to push them away. Her breathing quickened, and she pressed her hands over her ears, tears streaming down her face.

Suddenly, her door opened.

“Mannon!” Chan’s voice cut through the haze. He was by her side in an instant, pulling her into a tight hug as she sobbed into his chest.

“They won’t stop,” she cried, her voice trembling. “They won’t leave me alone.”

“I’m here,” he murmured, rocking her gently. “I’ve got you, Mannie. You’re safe.”

She clung to him desperately, her breathing gradually slowing as his presence grounded her.

---

The next morning, Mannon stood in front of the mirror, her reflection staring back at her. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, but the weight of everything she carried threatened to pull her under.

Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her dress and grabbed her bag. As she stepped out into the living room, Chan was waiting for her.

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded, forcing a small smile. “Ready.”

And with that, they left for the studio, the promise of her music career on the horizon and the shadows of her struggles still lingering behind.