Her Song, His Heart

Back to Amara

The next few days flew by in a whirlwind of rehearsals, photoshoots, and endless conversations about work. Mannon was on edge, still processing everything that had happened over the past few weeks—her music, her mental health, and Hyunjin's words. But there was one thing on her mind that she couldn't shake: Amara.

Her best friend, who had been her rock since they were little girls, had been on Mannon's mind constantly. Despite all the glitz and glamour of the celebrity world that Mannon had recently stepped into, she still found herself longing for the simple, familiar bond she shared with Amara. And after their last conversation, Mannon felt a deep sense of responsibility to be there for her, especially with the news of her pregnancy.

Mannon couldn’t wait to see her again.

It had been weeks since they last spoke face-to-face, and while they kept in touch over text, nothing compared to the feeling of being with her in person. Amara had always known how to ground Mannon. The two of them were like sisters, each other’s safe space. The craziness of the world outside could wait. This trip was all about Amara.

---

The day came when Mannon boarded the plane to Australia, her heart pounding with excitement. Her phone buzzed with messages from Chan, Hyunjin, and the others. They all knew why she was going—Chan had made sure to let them know—but Mannon couldn’t shake the feeling that they didn’t truly understand the gravity of her trip. She wasn’t just going to visit a friend. She was going to face some of her deepest fears, emotions, and memories.

When she landed in Australia, the familiar sights and sounds instantly brought her comfort. It was strange, being back in a place she once called home but knowing it wasn’t quite the same. The landscape felt different—almost foreign—yet so comforting. As she made her way to Amara’s house, a sense of anticipation gnawed at her.

---

As she stepped out of the car, the door to Amara’s house opened, and there she was—her best friend. Amara’s smile was a relief, a piece of home Mannon had been craving for weeks. Amara was glowing, her pregnant belly barely noticeable, but there was something warm about her presence, the way she carried herself with grace despite everything.

"Mannon!" Amara called out, her voice bright with excitement. She hurried toward her, wrapping her arms around Mannon in a tight hug. Mannon squeezed her back, feeling the weight of the months apart melt away with every passing second.

"I missed you so much," Mannon said, pulling back to look at her friend. "It’s been forever."

"I know," Amara laughed softly. "But I’m so glad you’re here."

They spent the afternoon talking, catching up on everything from trivial gossip to deeper conversations about life, love, and the future. Mannon was surprised at how much her heart ached just being in Amara’s presence. For the first time in a long while, she felt at ease, like she didn’t have to be anyone else.

---

The next few days were a whirlwind of girl time, just like the old days. They spent time at cafes, walking along the beach, and talking late into the night. Amara would rest her hand on her growing belly, occasionally speaking to the little one inside her. Mannon felt a pang in her chest each time she saw her friend so content. She was truly happy for her, but the unknowns of Amara’s future, and her own, lingered in the back of her mind.

One evening, as they sat in Amara's cozy living room, sipping on tea, Mannon found herself confiding in her.

"I’ve been feeling… overwhelmed," Mannon admitted, staring into her cup. "I don’t know how to balance everything. I have this whole world in front of me, and yet, I feel like I’m losing myself in it. I want to chase my dreams, but sometimes I wonder if I’m just running from something. Maybe I don’t even know what I want anymore."

Amara looked at her with understanding eyes. "You don’t have to have all the answers right now, Mannon. You just have to live for yourself. You’ve been through so much—mentally, emotionally—this industry... it’s a lot. I know it feels like there’s always something more to achieve, but you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Just take your time. Find what makes you happy."

Mannon felt her chest tighten. "But what if I’m not enough? What if I don’t fit into this world the way they want me to?"

Amara took her hand in hers, her touch comforting and steady. "You’re already enough. You’ve always been enough, Mannon. And whatever path you choose, I’ll be here, cheering you on."

Mannon smiled softly, the knot in her chest loosening slightly. "I just... I don’t know how to be strong all the time."

"You don’t have to be strong all the time," Amara reassured her. "Sometimes, you just need to be real. And right now, all I see is a woman who’s trying her best and deserves to be happy. Don’t forget that."

---

But that night, as Mannon lay in bed, she couldn’t escape the mounting pressure. The weight of her decision—whether to continue down the path of fame and work or return to her roots and stay by Amara’s side—was consuming her. She needed clarity. The internal conflict was getting louder, and she couldn’t hide from it any longer.

That was when her phone buzzed, and a message from Hyunjin popped up on her screen.

“I miss you, Mannon. Hope you're okay. The guys are asking about you. I know you're strong, but don't forget to take care of yourself. You deserve to be happy.”

Mannon stared at the message, her heart clenching. Hyunjin had always been there for her, even from afar. She had been so caught up in everything around her, she forgot what it felt like to just pause and breathe. She didn’t want to choose between her work and her friend, but the pressure to decide was building.

She glanced over at the window, the moonlight spilling across the room, and made a decision.

For once, she was going to choose herself.

---

The next day, Mannon took a walk by the beach. The salty air filled her lungs as she walked, lost in her thoughts. She needed to decide—whether to stay and support Amara, or to return to the world that had been calling her name. But no matter what, she knew one thing: she couldn’t keep running from the choices that were waiting for her.

It was time to take control.