A HEART DIVIDED ── kpop

VII. Scarlet Rhythms

The forest wrapped Y/N in its secrets, the dense, earthy scent grounding her as she padded softly through the undergrowth. Her heightened senses caught the familiar cadence of approaching footsteps, and her ears twitched toward the sound. A moment later, Seongwah emerged from the shadows, his silhouette sharp against the backdrop of moonlit trees. The darkness clung to his cloak like a second skin, but the way he carried himself—a quiet strength that radiated calm—made him feel as much a part of this wild place as the trees and stars.

Y/N's tail gave an involuntary wag, a lupine grin of welcome, and she let out a soft chuff. The corners of Seongwah's mouth curved upward in response, his smile warm and steady, the kind that could smooth the roughest edges of her worry. He closed the distance between them, crouching just enough to let his hand brush the soft fur behind her ears. His touch was careful, familiar—a silent reminder of the trust they had built over countless nights like this one.

"It's good to see you like this, Y/N," he murmured, his voice as soothing as the murmur of the wind through the trees. There was no judgment in his tone, only an understanding that reached straight to her heart. His words carried a tinge of relief, too, as though her presence like this—a wolf, but still her—was enough to anchor him in something steady and real.

At the mention of Lily's departure, her ears twitched, a flicker of regret shadowing her thoughts. But Seongwah's steady hand and the warmth in his gaze reassured her. Whatever wounds had been left behind, they would heal, and he was here to help her carry the weight of them.

With a breath of resolve, Y/N stepped back and let the shift take her. It was seamless, natural—fur melting into skin, paws reshaping into hands. When she stood before him again, human and vulnerable, the cool night air prickled her skin. But Seongwah's presence was a constant warmth. She moved into his arms, burying her face in the crook of his neck, her voice muffled against the fabric of his cloak. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "For how I acted toward her. It wasn't fair."

His embrace tightened, wrapping her in a cocoon of unspoken forgiveness. "You don't have to apologize," he said, his breath stirring the hair at her temple. "Protecting what's yours—what's ours—is natural. She tested you. That's on her, not you." He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, his own shining with reassurance. "And anyway, it's over now. We can move forward."

The mention of Hongjoong brought a flicker of excitement to his expression, and Y/N couldn't help but feel her own curiosity rise. "He's been planning something special for us," Seongwah added, his tone lightening with anticipation. "Now that she's gone, it's time to celebrate."

The idea of returning to the heart of their pack—a place filled with laughter and shared stories—made Y/N's heart swell with a warmth that chased away the last lingering shadows of doubt. She let Seongwah take her hand, his grip firm but tender, and together they began walking. The forest seemed to hum around them, the crunch of leaves beneath their feet blending with the rustle of the wind through the branches. Each step felt like a return to something safe and sacred.

"Hongjoong's been planning this for weeks," Seongwah confided, his voice tinged with amusement. "He said we couldn't party properly until she was really gone. Typical, right?"

Y/N laughed softly, the sound carried away on the cool night breeze. The distant glow of their home came into view, the promise of safety and belonging lighting up the horizon. As they reached the edge of the woods, the weight of the past slipped further away, replaced by the joy of what awaited them.

Together, they stepped into the clearing, the bonds between them stronger than ever. Laughter drifted on the air as they joined their pack, the night alive with celebration. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Y/N knew she wouldn't face them alone. The whispers of the forest faded into the background, replaced by the rhythm of heartbeats and the sound of home.