Catharsis ❀ Haechan

❀ 58

They were envious of one another.

❀

The warm rays of the sun bathed Hwayoung and Donghyuck as they sat together on a park bench. Hwayoung rested her head gently on Donghyuck's shoulder, finding solace in his presence. They sat in comfortable silence, the sounds of nature blending with the gentle rhythm of their breaths.

Donghyuck's gaze shifted from their entwined hands to Hwayoung's tired eyes, her once vibrant spirit now dimmed by the weight of her grief.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness within his own heart. He saw the deep sunkenness in her eyes, the weariness etched on her features. It tore at his soul to witness her in such a state, and he longed to bring back the spark that had once illuminated her spirit.

After a while, Hwayoung broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you think I should do?" her voice was filled with uncertainty. She longed for an answer, a clear path to follow, but the choices that lay before her seemed muddled and overwhelming.

He knew that this decision held great significance for her, and he wanted to offer her the support she needed, even if it meant suppressing his own desires.

Donghyuck contemplated his response, his thumb gently caressing Hwayoung's hand.

Deep down, he yearned for her to stay by his side, to find solace and healing together. But as he looked at her weary eyes and felt her emptiness, he couldn't ignore the nagging thought that perhaps returning to Canada was what she truly needed.

"I can't make that decision for you, Hwa," Donghyuck finally spoke, his voice laced with tenderness. "You have to follow your heart and do what feels right to you. But know that whatever you choose, I'll support you."

Hwayoung sighed, her head leaning back onto Donghyuck's shoulder once more. She found comfort in his words, knowing that he would stand by her no matter what. Yet, the weight of the decision remained heavy on her chest.

As they sat there, lost in their thoughts, a fan suddenly approached them, her excitement palpable.

"Oh my gosh, you two are so cute!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration. "I've been a stan of you for years and seeing you now with a girlfriend is like- bizarre."

Hwayoung's eyes widened in surprise, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected interruption.

"Uhm- thanks," Donghyuck smiled his bright smile, flashing his teeth at her. He was a ray of sunshine.

"And wow your girlfriend is pretty," the fan gushed at Hwayoung. She froze as the attention was on her, finding a feeling of fuzziness and warmth encasing her lungs. She wanted to hurl.

"Oh thank you- you're beautiful as well," Hwayoung complimented back.
"You're just trying to flatter me," she giggled. "Anyways, I was wondering if I could get a photo?"

Hwayoung glanced at her boyfriends face who widened his eyes in surprise. "I'm sorry but we can't take photos."
"Oh- that's fine," she waved a goodbye and left with a smile, understanding their need for privacy.

As she disappeared into the distance, Donghyuck wrapped his arms around Hwayoung in a comforting embrace, whispering softly into her ear. "You okay?"
"Yeah. Just shocked that she wasn't mean."
"Of course she isn't. You're beautiful- she just had to say the truth," he grinned.

Hwayoung leaned into his embrace, shoving off his compliment, feeling his warmth enveloping her.

In that moment, she realized that no matter which path she chose, she had someone who cared deeply for her by her side even if it meant they couldn't be together physically.