𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 | (𝐆)𝐈-𝐃𝐋𝐄

𝐈 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮

The rain started just after sunset-gentle at first, like it was trying not to be heard, before turning into a steady downpour that soaked the streets and painted the city in reflections.

Minnie stood outside the art building, her umbrella forgotten in her backpack, her sketchbook clutched tightly to her chest. She didn't even flinch as the rain soaked through her hoodie, chilling her to the bone. Her gaze was distant. The world moved around her, but she stayed still.

Her heart was heavy.

Another argument with her parents. Another "Why aren't you more like your sister?" Another invisible weight pressing into her chest until breathing felt like effort. She had nowhere to go-not home, not yet.

So she stood in the rain, trying to feel something other than numb.

That's when Miyeon found her.

"Minnie?"

The voice was soft but urgent, slicing through the rain. Minnie blinked slowly, turning her head. Miyeon was standing there with her own umbrella, face etched with concern.

"What are you doing out here?" Miyeon asked, stepping closer and raising the umbrella over both of them.

Minnie said nothing. She didn't know how to explain the ache inside her, the way words stuck in her throat like thorns.

Miyeon took a breath, then reached out-gently brushing a soaked strand of hair from Minnie's face. "Come on. You'll catch a cold."

"I don't care," Minnie whispered.

Miyeon didn't respond with lectures or pity. She simply wrapped an arm around Minnie's shoulders and guided her toward the dorms. There was something grounding about Miyeon's touch. Like safety.

They walked in silence.

When they reached Miyeon's room, Miyeon handed her a towel and one of her oversized sweaters-warm and smelling faintly of lavender.

Minnie changed quietly in the bathroom, her soaked clothes dripping onto the tile. She stared at herself in the mirror for a long time. Red-rimmed eyes. Damp cheeks. Hollow expression.

She emerged slowly, arms wrapped around herself.

Miyeon was on the bed, legs crossed, waiting patiently. She patted the space beside her. "Come here."

Minnie sat beside her, eyes on the floor.

For a moment, Miyeon said nothing. Then, in the gentlest voice: "You don't have to tell me everything. But... talk to me, Min."

Minnie let out a shaky breath. "I just-everything feels so loud lately. Like I'm not allowed to just be who I am without disappointing someone."

Miyeon nodded, listening.

"My parents think I'm wasting my life. That art won't get me anywhere. That I'm... selfish. Weak." Minnie blinked hard. "And I-I know I shouldn't care. But I do. It hurts."

Miyeon didn't rush to respond. She leaned closer, resting her forehead lightly against Minnie's. "You're not selfish. Or weak. You're human."

Minnie closed her eyes. "Why are you always so kind to me?"

Miyeon smiled softly. "Because I love you."

Minnie's eyes flew open.

Miyeon's cheeks flushed, but her gaze stayed steady. "I've loved you for a long time. As a friend. As something more. You don't have to say it back. I just wanted you to know... I will always be here for you, no matter what."

Minnie stared at her, emotion swelling like a wave in her chest. She didn't know what to say-how to hold this moment without ruining it.

So instead, she reached out and took Miyeon's hand.

Their fingers intertwined naturally.

"I don't know what I feel yet," Minnie admitted, voice small.

"That's okay," Miyeon whispered. "Take your time. I'm not going anywhere."

They sat in silence, holding hands, the storm outside forgotten.

Minnie leaned her head on Miyeon's shoulder.

For the first time in a long time, she felt warm. Safe. Wanted.

Maybe love didn't always have to be a grand declaration. Maybe it started quietly-with someone choosing to stay, even when you had nothing to offer but silence and soaked clothes.

"I'm glad you found me," Minnie murmured.

Miyeon smiled, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "I always will."

Let me know if you'd like a second part with their relationship slowly growing from this moment, or something fluffier and lighter to follow this emotional scene.