Reverie 𓇼 Kim Mingyu

000. ⠀⠀⠀⠀ stand by her side

❛ TWENTY THREE ❜
───── SHE WAS STILL STANDING.

𓆩♥︎𓆪 TIME SKIPPED !

The week had been long, the pressure of promotions weighing on Jaerim's shoulders. With each passing day, the media frenzy around LAVELLE and her personal life intensified, and though she tried her best to maintain composure, the exhaustion from constantly keeping up with the demands of her career was starting to take its toll.

The night after her practice ended, Jaerim collapsed onto her bed, letting the quietness of her dorm room envelope her. The screen of her phone buzzed with notifications, but she couldn't muster the energy to look at them. She knew the moment she opened them, the weight of the world would hit her again.

But then, a soft ping sounded from her phone that wasn't just another notification. She opened the message to find a delivery notification from a florist.

"Your order has been delivered."

Jaerim frowned in confusion, wondering what it could be. She pulled herself out of bed and went to the door, where a bouquet of delicate pink lilies and roses was waiting for her, surrounded by a bouquet of chocolates and a small bag of artisanal snacks from her favorite place in Seoul. There was also a card tucked under the ribbon.

Her heart skipped a beat as she read his words, his care and love pouring through the simple yet meaningful gesture. She smiled, feeling a warmth spreading through her chest. The flowers, the snacks—everything about it felt like Mingyu was there with her in that moment.

Jaerim-ah,

Five months without you feels like a lifetime. I'm so proud of you and everything you're achieving, but I miss you more than I can put into words. I'll be waiting for the day I get to hold you again. Until then, please take care of yourself, and know that I'm always thinking of you.

Love, Mingyu.

Her fingers lingered on the delicate card, her heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. The distance, the long hours apart, it had all become so overwhelming. But this gesture, these flowers, reminded her that she wasn't alone. They were still there for each other, no matter how far apart they were.

Later , as she sat in her room, holding the phone in her hands, Jaerim decided to do something she hadn't done in a while—video call Mingyu. She wasn't sure if he would be free, but the thought of hearing his voice was something she couldn't ignore any longer.

To her relief, Mingyu answered almost immediately. His face appeared on the screen, tired but smiling, his hair slightly tousled from the long day.

"Jaerim-ah," he breathed, relief evident in his voice. "I didn't expect you to call me tonight."

"I saw the flowers," she said, her voice soft but full of emotion. "Thank you. They really made my day, Mingyu."

Mingyu's smile widened, his eyes softening with affection. "I'm glad you liked them. I've been thinking about you nonstop, even though we're miles apart."

Jaerim's heart ached at his words. She missed him so much it hurt, but hearing him say that made the ache a little more bearable.

"I miss you, too," Jaerim whispered. "I can't believe it's been five months... it feels like I'm living half of a life without you here."

Mingyu sighed deeply, rubbing his temples in exhaustion. "I know what you mean. Sometimes it feels like we're living in separate worlds, doesn't it?"

Jaerim nodded, her throat tight. "It does. There are days when I feel so empty, like I'm going through the motions just to get to the next day. But when I hear your voice, or see your message, it makes everything feel a little less lonely."

Mingyu's face softened, his gaze full of understanding. "I feel the same way. The concerts are amazing, but at the end of the day, when I lay in bed, all I want is to be with you. To hold you, to hear your voice beside me."

Jaerim's breath caught, and without thinking, she whispered, "I'm here, Mingyu. Even if we're apart, I'm here for you. Always."

His expression softened further, and Jaerim could see how much he needed her in that moment.

"You always know how to make me feel better," Mingyu said, his voice full of gratitude. "I've been so tired lately—physically and emotionally—and I didn't want to burden you with it. But hearing you say that... it's exactly what I needed."

Jaerim's heart swelled with tenderness. She had always prided herself on being strong for those around her, but in this moment, she realized that even though they were both dealing with their own pressures, they were still a safe haven for each other.

"You never have to feel like a burden to me," Jaerim said, her voice filled with resolve. "We're in this together, Mingyu. Whatever comes, we'll get through it, even from miles apart."

Mingyu smiled softly, and Jaerim could see the tiredness in his eyes, the heaviness that had been weighing on him for so long. She knew that they both needed comfort, but right now, it was her turn to be his strength.

"I'm here, too," she continued, her voice steady and warm. "I know it's hard, but you're not alone. I believe in us, and I know we'll make it through this, no matter how long it takes."

Mingyu's eyes glistened, and he nodded, his fingers brushing over the screen. "I'm so lucky to have you."

Jaerim smiled, her heart lighter now, and nodded in return. "No, I'm the lucky one. You make me feel like I can do anything, even when everything feels impossible."

They both stayed silent for a moment, their gazes locked, sharing the weight of everything unsaid. The distance between them felt less daunting now, knowing that no matter how far apart they were, their bond was still unbreakable.

"I'll always be here for you," Jaerim whispered, her voice steady and filled with love. "You're my home, Mingyu."

"I'll be back soon," he promised, his voice full of conviction. "I'll hold you then, and until that day, I'll be waiting for you, in my heart. Always."

The call ended with the softest of smiles exchanged, and as Jaerim lay back on her bed, she felt a warmth spread through her. Their love wasn't bound by proximity or the distance between countries—it was something far deeper, something they both knew would always keep them grounded, no matter the miles separating them.

They continued their journeys, comforted by the fact that their hearts were always entwined, across time zones, through the silence, and no matter the space between them. They were never truly apart.