Lyra

50.

Lyra

I was humming quietly while looking through racks of the shore looking for an outfit to buy for the concert coming up next week. I didn't want to dress up too cute but, I didn't want to wear anything simple either. Even though it was just a concert, I want to at least be dressed nicely. Besides this means a lot to Mercedes and I want to make her happy.

I sigh as I start to think about that night Hoseok came and got me from the train station and took me in.

"Sleep with me, please?"

"Will it help you sleep better?"

"Yes"

"Then alright."

Hoseok turns his phone off and pulls the covers back as he lays next to Lyra, giving her plenty of space. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable since he was 22. He reaches for the light when he hears Lyra whimpering. He looks over and sits up to see Lyra wiping her tears.

"Lyra.."

"Why did he play with my emotions Hoseok? Was I took willing to let him back in? Too stupid? I tried to be the best girlfriend that I could be to him. Why me?" Lyra sobs and Hoseok rubs her back.

"You didn't do anything Lyra. He just was insecure. Insecure boys do things to boost their self confidence. Having the power to break up with someone they know who loves and cared about them and toying with them was probably euphoric to him...but that doesn't mean you were the problem. You were just a victim of toxic masculinity and insecurity of a significant other." Hoseok says quiet and Lyra sits up and faces him. Hoseok gently places his hand on her cheeks and wipes her tears away with his thumbs before placing his hands behind him to support him up.

"I gave myself to him..Hobi." Lyra says quietly and Hoseok's heart drops. No wonder she was so attached to him.

"Lyra-"

"Please don't shame me for it...I regret it anyways." She sighs and more tears stream down her face.

The orangish pinkish lighting in the room made her dark skin glow almost giving an aesthetically pleasing look. Hoseok sighs and pats her head.

"We all do things when we think we're in love. There is no judgement here." Hoseok says and she gives a small smile and sniffs. Hoseok wipes her tears once more before reaching over and turning the light off. They both lay back down. Hoseok feels a tap on his arm and he hums.

"May I hug you? Only so it won't be bad if you hugged me?" Lyra asks just above a whisper and Hoseok sighs as he thinks about it.

"This stays between you and I, okay?"

"Promise."

I clear my throat and wipe the tears that had fallen and give a small laugh as I play with my now black puff ball. That night was a night that I needed. A night of comfort. A night of peace. A night only to stay in the dark.

I pick out an outfit and head to the fitting room. After trying on multiple outfits and clothing items, I finally pick out what I want and I buy it. I head outside and to my car that mom and dad sent for me and I head back to the university to get back in my studies.

~~~

I was walking out the library when I hear my phone ring. I smile and place the phone to my ear.

"Minji! I miss you so much!" I smile as put some pep in my step.

"I miss you too girly! When's the next time you're coming to Korea." She asks and I hum and shrug.

"Don't know. Maybe for thanksgiving or something." I say and I hear her sigh.

"Lyra I need to tell you something." She says and I nod and keep walking.

"I have...I-I have~"

"You have what?"

"Mmm...I have a surprise for you when you come back home." She says and I smile.

"Really?" I ask and my smile gets bigger.

"Yes yes. You're gonna love this surprise."

"Well I can't wait!"

"I'll see you soon?"

"See you soon!"