Her Song, His Heart

A Heart Unfolding

The days following Hyunjin’s confession were a blur for Mannon. She found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions she didn’t know how to navigate. Hyunjin’s words kept playing in her head, like a song she couldn’t stop hearing. He hadn’t asked for anything in return, but the intensity of what he’d said had left a mark on her heart. There was a warmth in his eyes when he looked at her now, a softness that made her question everything she thought she knew about herself and him.

She hadn’t talked to him about it yet—not because she didn’t want to, but because she wasn’t ready to admit what it meant. She had enough chaos in her life already, from the stalker to the constant pressure to succeed in her career. She wasn’t sure if adding the weight of a relationship—especially with someone like Hyunjin—was something she could handle. But she couldn’t ignore the pull she felt toward him, the quiet way her heart skipped every time he entered the room.

---

It was a typical day in the apartment. The group had just finished recording, and everyone was in high spirits, but Mannon couldn’t shake the feeling that something was different. She had always been able to sense when the dynamics in the room shifted, and today, it was clear—there was an unspoken tension between her and Hyunjin. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was definitely there.

Hyunjin had been unusually quiet around her, though his gaze lingered longer than usual, his words softer when they spoke. It was as if he was waiting for her to say something, anything, to break the silence. But Mannon didn’t know where to start. She didn’t know what to say. She was scared of what it could mean if she allowed herself to give in to the feelings bubbling inside her.

She tried to distract herself by talking with Felix, her usual go-to when she needed a breather. But even then, she couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes on her—Hyunjin’s eyes. She looked up briefly and caught him staring at her from across the room, a soft, almost unreadable expression on his face. It made her heart race, but she quickly looked away, focusing on the conversation with Felix.

Suddenly, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Hyunjin standing there, looking slightly nervous but determined.

“Mannon, can we talk?” he asked quietly.

Her heart skipped a beat. She nodded, standing up. “Sure, what’s up?”

He gestured toward the balcony, and they both stepped outside into the cool evening air. The city lights shimmered around them, a quiet contrast to the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She crossed her arms, feeling both exposed and safe in his presence.

“I know things have been... weird,” Hyunjin began, his voice soft but steady. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I just—” he paused, clearly choosing his words carefully. “I’ve been thinking about what I said the other day. About how I feel.”

Mannon swallowed hard, her stomach twisting. She had been dreading this conversation, not because she didn’t want to hear him out, but because she wasn’t sure how to answer.

“I... I don’t know what to say,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been thinking about it, too. But I just—everything is so complicated right now. I don’t want to hurt you, Hyunjin.”

He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “Mannon,” he said softly, “You’re not going to hurt me. I want you to know that. I’m not asking for anything right now. I just want you to know how I feel. I’ve been feeling this way for a while, and I didn’t want to keep it to myself anymore.”

Mannon felt her chest tighten. She couldn’t deny the pull between them, couldn’t ignore the way her heart raced when he was near. But she was scared—scared of the unknown, scared of what might happen if she gave in to the feelings she had tried to suppress for so long.

“I’m just... not sure if I can handle it,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “Everything is changing so fast, and I don’t want to drag you into that chaos.”

Hyunjin’s eyes softened, and he reached out to gently take her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “You don’t have to handle it alone,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “I’m here, no matter what. And I’m not asking for anything more than for you to know how I feel. If you need time, I’ll give you all the time you need.”

Mannon’s heart thudded in her chest. She hadn’t expected him to be so patient, so understanding. It made her feel safe, but also vulnerable in a way she wasn’t used to.

For a long moment, they stood there, simply holding hands, the cool night air surrounding them. Finally, Mannon spoke, her voice small but steady.

“I don’t want to lose you, Hyunjin,” she said quietly. “But I don’t know what this could mean. I don’t know if I’m ready for... anything.”

Hyunjin smiled gently, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “You don’t have to be ready right now. We’ll take it one step at a time, okay?”

Mannon nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and uncertainty wash over her. She didn’t have all the answers, and she didn’t know what the future would bring, but for the first time in a long while, she felt like she wasn’t facing it alone.

As they stood there, the city lights twinkling in the distance, Mannon realized that maybe, just maybe, it was time to stop running from her feelings.

And maybe, just maybe, Hyunjin was the person who could help her find her way back to herself.

---

Later that evening, as they rejoined the rest of the group inside, Mannon couldn’t shake the feeling of Hyunjin’s hand in hers. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. As she looked around at the others, her mind was still reeling from the conversation, but there was a quiet peace settling in her chest. Maybe things wouldn’t be as chaotic as she feared. Maybe they could find a way to make it work.

And for the first time in a long time, Mannon let herself believe in the possibility of something more.