"Hey, how are you?" Jiyeon's voice was a burst of warmth as she spotted Nabi entering the café. Her smile was wide and welcoming, the kind of cheer she hoped would make things feel a little lighter. Or at least, ease her into the conversation she had to have.
Though Jiyeon didn't want to be the one to drop the bomb, she had mentally steeled herself for the task, just in case Hansol wouldn't. From her own experience, she'd learned the hard way that there was no point in letting things fester. It was better to address the elephant in the room head-on, no waiting for "the right moment." If she and Mingyu hadn't faced their rumors directly, their story would've been a lot messier.
Nabi smiled as she walked over, her steps quickening as she made her way to the table, taking a seat opposite Jiyeon. She had spent the past half hour just sitting by herself, staring blankly at the wall, psyching herself up. Coming to HYBE wasn't exactly new for her—she'd been here as a part of RockSt4r—but it felt different today. It felt heavier.
"Hi, I'm doing good. How about you?" Nabi asked, her voice a little softer than usual as she noticed the iced tea Jiyeon had placed on the table. Her eyebrow lifted in a curious question.
"Great, thanks! I got you an iced tea, hope that's okay." Jiyeon's smile was soothing, almost like a reminder that everything would be okay.
For a moment, Nabi couldn't figure out why she felt so nervous. She loved Hansol, she was sure of it. They had shared enough quiet moments to know that. But now, as she sat in front of Jiyeon, she felt like she was about to step into a new chapter—one she wasn't entirely sure she was ready for. She had worked with celebrities before, even been around Hansol in work settings, so why the anxiety? Maybe it was because, in the back of her mind, she thought the industry would somehow single her out, turn on her specifically. It wasn't rational, but it was there, gnawing at her. Last night, when she was with Hansol, some part of her felt like it could all work out. She just had to hold on to that feeling.
"That's really nice of you," Nabi said, giving Jiyeon a grateful smile as she took a sip of the tea.
The café was unusually quiet, the hum of the practice rooms in the distance the only background noise. It was late in the evening, after the midday rush, so the place felt more like a haven than a busy café. The peace gave Nabi space to gather her thoughts.
"So, what's been going on with you lately?" Jiyeon asked, her tone casual, like a friend checking in. Nabi felt herself relaxing, the tension she hadn't even realized she was holding in her shoulders loosening.
Nabi pondered the question for a moment, her gaze drifting off to the side. "Life's been a bit crazy, but nothing I can't handle," she replied, taking another sip of the tea. She noticed Jiyeon's concerned glance, though. Despite knowing about Hansol, there was something about Nabi's somber air that seemed to puzzle her.
Jiyeon leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table as she watched Nabi with a soft intensity. "You wanna talk about it?"
Something about Jiyeon's calm demeanor was comforting, like she genuinely wanted to listen. It was the kind of support Nabi didn't even know she needed, but it was right there, in front of her. It almost felt like therapy—a comforting space to open up. Maybe it was time to stop bottling everything up.
"My... my mom passed away a few weeks ago. I'm going to finally visit her grave tomorrow." Nabi murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn't know why she'd said it, but as the words left her lips, she could see the understanding in Jiyeon's eyes. The older girl's hand gently found hers, a gesture of quiet sympathy that made her heart ache in the best way.
"Nabi, oh my gosh. I'm so sorry. That's... a lot to carry right now." Jiyeon's voice wavered with empathy. While she hadn't experienced the loss of a parent, she could relate to the void left by someone important. Her father leaving had been its own kind of grief, so while she couldn't relate completely, she understood more than most.
Nabi gave a small shrug, her lips pulling into a tight smile. "It's okay. Just a lot of emotions, you know?" Jiyeon nodded, her own smile tinged with sadness.
"But, life isn't all bad right now," Nabi continued, trying to push aside the heavier thoughts. "I'm focusing on the good."
Jiyeon's eyes softened, sensing the shift. "That's great to hear. Anything particularly good lately?"
Nabi hesitated for a moment, then let out a quiet breath. "I'm... dating someone." Jiyeon's expression morphed instantly, her mouth dropping open in surprise. She tried to feign excitement, but Nabi saw right through it.
"No way! Who?!" Jiyeon's over-the-top reaction almost made Nabi laugh. The girls' friendship felt like a soft, safe place for Nabi to land, and she realized how much she needed this conversation.
Nabi brushed a strand of hair out of her face, suddenly aware of how important it was to have someone to confide in. Even though it seemed irrational, her fear had been eating away at her for so long. But now, speaking out loud, it felt freeing. "It's Hansol. I'm dating Hansol."
The words came out easily, and to her surprise, there was a weight that lifted from her chest. Jiyeon's exaggerated gasp was followed by a giggle, though Nabi could see the hint of a smile trying to hide behind it.
"No way!" Jiyeon gasped again, her eyes sparkling with something between delight and disbelief. But as soon as the words left her mouth, Nabi couldn't help but laugh.
"You knew already, didn't you?" she asked, her grin widening as Jiyeon looked sheepish.
"Yeah... sorry," Jiyeon admitted, her face turning pink as she bowed her head in guilt.
Nabi just shook her head, her smile not faltering. "It's alright. Honestly, I'm not ready for the whole world to know yet, but I've come to realize that it's okay for the people closest to me to know. I love Sol, and... I don't want to hide that anymore."
Hearing Nabi speak with such openness hit Jiyeon in a way she hadn't expected. Her eyes welled up with emotion, and without thinking, she stood up and pulled Nabi into a tight hug. "That is so sweet!" she whispered, her voice catching as she fought back tears. "Oh my god, I'm gonna start crying."
Nabi laughed, the sound light and pure. The hug felt like a reassurance, a moment of sisterly love that made everything feel just a little bit lighter.
Just as they pulled apart, Jiyeon's gaze shifted, and she smirked mischievously. "Hey!" she called, waving at someone across the room. Nabi turned, her heart skipping as she caught sight of Hansol, his smile lighting up when he saw her.
Jiyeon's grin widened as she watched them. "I've gotta run. Soonyoung needs me to help him rate SHINee songs... again. See you later!"
Hansol waved, his eyes locked on Nabi as he made his way over. Before he could even ask about what they'd talked about, Nabi let out a small laugh.
"She already knows, by the way," Nabi said, her voice light with a hint of amusement.
Hansol's expression melted into relief. He didn't know what he had expected, but seeing Nabi so happy put him at ease. She looked... different—more serene. He reached up, wiping a hand towel over his forehead as if to clear away the nervous sweat. Nabi chuckled softly at the gesture, then took his hand without hesitation.
"Of course she does," Hansol grinned, his fingers interlacing with hers. "Hey, how does pizza and a movie sound? I... I just want to spend time with you tonight."
Nabi's face lit up with a new sense of excitement, the giddiness in her eyes catching Hansol off guard. "Can we add ice cream to that? Like, a combo deal?" she teased, her smile mischievous.
Hansol raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You know it. Neapolitan?"
"Yeah, and you better let me have most of the strawberry."
"Of course," he agreed, laughing. As they walked off together, hand in hand, the world seemed a little less scary.
