Katseye: Forbidden Hearts | laraxmacs | gxg

Chapter: The Confidante

Lara stepped into her shared apartment early the next morning, her cheeks still glowing from the night before. Abby's words, *"I love you,"* echoed in her mind like a sweet melody. She couldn't stop smiling, her heart still racing with the memory of their time together. But as she entered the living room, her groupmate and leader, Sophia, was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone with a curious expression.

Sophia looked up, her sharp eyes immediately noticing Lara's flustered demeanor. "You're glowing," Sophia teased, setting her phone aside. "Late night with Abby, I assume?"

Lara froze, unsure of how to start. She had planned on telling Sophia-she needed to-but now that the moment was here, her words felt tangled. Still, she trusted Sophia more than anyone else in the group. Taking a deep breath, she sat down beside her.

"I love her, Sophia," Lara said quietly, her voice trembling. "I really do."

Sophia blinked, momentarily taken aback by the raw confession. She searched Lara's face, her expression softening as she realized just how serious her friend was.

"You... love her?" Sophia repeated, her tone careful, like she was trying to weigh her words. "Lara, this is... big. Do you understand what this could mean?"

Lara nodded, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie. "I know it's complicated. I know what people will say. But I can't help how I feel. Abby makes me so happy, Sophia. She sees me for who I am, not just what the world expects me to be."

Sophia sighed deeply, leaning back against the couch. "Lara, I get it. Trust me, I do. But you have to think about the consequences. Dating, especially as a girl group member, is risky enough. But dating a woman? And someone older? In Korea, the press will tear you apart."

Lara's eyes welled up with tears, but she held her ground. "I know how hard it will be. But it doesn't matter. I love her. She's worth it, Sophia."

Sophia reached out, placing a comforting hand on Lara's knee. "It's not just about you, though," she said gently. "Have you thought about what this could do to Abby? People will see the age difference and call her a predator. They'll twist the story and make her out to be something she's not. Is that something you're ready to face together?"

Lara's tears spilled over, but there was a fierce determination in her eyes. "Yes. I'll fight for her. She loves me, Sophia. She doesn't care about the risks, and neither do I. She's the first person who's ever made me feel truly seen."

Sophia was quiet for a long moment, studying Lara's face. Finally, she smiled-a small, bittersweet smile. "I've never seen you this happy," she admitted. "It's... strange, seeing you like this. You're blushing so much, it's like you're a different person."

Lara laughed through her tears, wiping her cheeks. "She makes me happy, Sophia. Really happy."

Sophia sighed again, but this time it was lighter. "Okay," she said softly. "If she makes you this happy, then who am I to stop you? Just promise me one thing-be careful. Both of you. The world isn't kind to people who break the mold, and I don't want to see you hurt."

Lara nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Sophia. I promise we'll be careful."

Sophia pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. "You deserve to be happy, Lara," she whispered. "Just don't let anyone dim your light, okay?"

As Lara hugged her back, she felt a renewed sense of determination. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Abby by her side and Sophia's support, she was ready to face whatever came their way.