A HEART DIVIDED ── kpop

VIII. Whispers of the Wolf

The first rays of morning light bled into the sky, soft golds and pinks stretching across the horizon as if the sun was painting the world awake. Y/N, still feeling the warmth of her sleep, slowly unfurled from the pole she had curled against during the night. The makeshift bedding—a simple, weathered sleeping bag—was crumpled around her, a cozy mess of fabric and the scent of cool earth clinging to her skin. The crispness of the dawn air brushed against her face, and she felt the world begin to shift around her, waking up just like she was.

Her senses heightened as she noticed Chan approaching. There was something different about him today, something she couldn't quite place. He wasn't swaying like the night had gotten the best of him, wasn't carrying that foggy, reckless energy. Instead, he was grounded, walking steadily toward her with a focused, almost serene gaze. His steps were light but deliberate, as though he was carrying a secret in his chest, and yet, there was no trace of his usual carefree exuberance. Y/N met him halfway, her pulse quickening in anticipation.

Without a word, Chan reached out and gently took her hand, his fingers brushing against hers with a tenderness that almost seemed out of place in the quiet morning air. The contact sent a strange ripple of warmth through her body, and as he pulled her closer, she felt the slight sway of their bodies, both anchored by the touch, a subtle dance of balance and closeness. His breath, warm and steady, brushed her ear as he leaned in, his voice low, almost conspiratorial.

"You know that I don't really like you being with ATEEZ, right?" His words were soft but laced with something heavier beneath them—something unspoken. Y/N's heart skipped a beat, her chest tightening as the weight of his words settled over her. She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks, a flush creeping up from her neck to her face, tingling with a mixture of surprise and unease.

She swallowed, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm the storm of emotions that surged inside her. "I know, Chan," she replied, her voice quieter than she intended. Her hand tightened slightly around his, the subtle pressure a silent plea for understanding. "And I'm sorry, but they are friends too."

For a moment, the air between them hung heavy with the tension of her words. The sounds of the awakening world around them seemed distant, muted by the intensity of their shared silence. Y/N's heart beat in time with the stillness, unsure whether the space between them was closing or growing.

SCENEBREAK

Y/N stood at the bus stop, a still figure in the fading light of the evening, the world around her bathed in soft, golden hues. The air was warm and carried a faint whisper of salt from the nearby beach, mixing with the lingering taste of her simple meal—a quick bite taken earlier, nothing extravagant, just enough to satisfy. The breeze tousled her hair gently as she stood there, arms loosely crossed, feeling the quiet hum of the evening settle around her. There was something about the solitude that felt right, a peaceful solitude that wrapped itself around her like a well-worn coat. In that moment, a realization—quiet yet powerful—slowly seeped into her thoughts. She didn't need to wait for anyone. She didn't need the boys. They had always been there, protective and guiding, but she was fully capable of standing alone. Her independence, like a long-forgotten muscle, flexed with newfound strength. She could go forward without the reassurance of anyone's presence. She was enough on her own.

But just as that calm realization bloomed inside her, the shrill ring of her phone sliced through the peace. The abruptness of it startled her, and she frowned, reluctantly pulling the device from her pocket. The familiar name on the screen—Felix—flashed back at her, and for a brief moment, her stomach did a little flip. She didn't immediately answer, instead staring at the screen for a breath too long. Her heart thudded just a little faster as she swiped to answer, bringing the phone to her ear.