(Wp isn't letting me write my texts as normal guys so bare with me pls 🥲)
Everlast had been so busy the next week with filming contents and practicing that Hayun felt like she couldn't get a break.
Hayun sat alone at a corner table in the cozy cafe, the soft hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping her in a comforting embrace.
She had decided to stop by after a rigorous dance practice session, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings as she nursed a steaming cup of coffee to recharge before returning to practice.
As she stared out the window, lost in her thoughts, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness creep in. Despite the bustle of the cafe around her, she felt strangely isolated, as if she were a mere observer in her own life.
Hayun was startled out of her thoughts by a cheerful voice that broke through the quiet of the cafe. She looked up to see Mei, Chenle's girlfriend, approaching her table with a bright smile.
"Hey girl, mind if I join you?" Mei asked, her tone warm and inviting as she gestured to the empty seat opposite Hayun.
Hayun blinked in surprise, not expecting the sudden intrusion into her solitude. But something about Mei's presence felt comforting, and she found herself nodding in response, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"No- come sit with me. It's lonely out here." Hayun replied in a dramatic fashion, gesturing for Mei to take a seat.
As Mei settled into the chair opposite her, the warmth of her smile seemed to fill the space between them, easing the tension that had settled over Hayun like a heavy blanket.
As they talked, Hayun couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort with Mei. She was just so warm, so gentle and sweet.
"How have you been?" She asked Hayun. "Now that you've debuted and everything."
"I feel good." Hayun smiled. "It's crazy...it's definitely a crazy experience."
"You're literally doing so well, you're killing it." Mei complimented. "How's it going with your group, is it all going well? You joined a little later, I know how Chenle felt with that...I just want to make sure you're all good." She clarified, not wanting to push.
"No, it's okay I get it. It was hard at first but we've definitely got closer..." she trailed off and Mei raised her eyebrows softly.
"But?" She urged Hayun to say all she had on her mind.
The words were on the tip of her tongue but she hesitated, not wanting to complain about her situation because she was so grateful. She shook her head.
"No, I'm honestly happy we're closer. I feel much better than I did at the beginning."
Mei leant over the table, her hand encasing over Hayun's. She rubbed the skin of the back of her hand with her thumb, offering a reassuring smile.
"You're still a new group Hayun, it's okay to still not feel a hundred percent but...just don't keep it to yourself okay? It hurts to suffer alone."
Mei didn't push Hayun to tell her but in that moment, a sense of security had fallen over her that she felt comfortable enough to let it spill.
"Honestly," Hayun began, throat tightening as did the grip on her cup. "the girls are great, I love them. I just can't help but...feel like I don't fully fit in sometimes. I mean they trained together for years- years. They know each other so well, they have so many memories and then their group broke apart and I came in replacing someone they were close with. They haven't made me feel like this but to me...I feel like I slowed them down so much. They couldn't debut quicker because I wasn't good enough, I still don't feel like I am. I don't want to ruin their experience for them. They're all so much better than me, everyone can see it. I don't want to drag them down because I lack."
Hayun felt a weight lift off her shoulders as she poured out her heart to Mei, the words tumbling out in a rush of emotion she had kept bottled up for far too long. She hadn't realized just how much she needed someone to talk to, someone who would listen without judgment or expectation.
As she finished speaking, Hayun felt a sense of relief wash over her, leaving her feeling light-headed and breathless. She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with the effort, as she tried to steady herself.
Mei squeezed her hand, her touch gentle and reassuring as she offered Hayun a comforting smile.
"You've been through a lot, Hayun," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "But you're talented, so much more talented than you give yourself credit for. You don't lack, not in anything. You add so much to the group, trust me. You're all here now, all debuted together and it happened because it was meant to happen. You're not dragging anyone down, you're doing so well babe. I promise. I promise to you that you're so incredible, you're so talented and anyone can see how passionate you are. Don't let others drag you down, I don't know what you've seen about yourself but please...just know you're much more than words can explain."
Hayun nodded, grateful for Mei's words of encouragement. She had always prided herself on her independence and resilience, but there were moments when the weight of the world felt too heavy to bear alone.
"Thank you, Mei," Hayun murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry for this, I don't know why I've been so emotional lately."
Mei squeezed her hand gently, her touch a silent reassurance that Hayun wasn't alone. "Don't apologise silly. You don't have to do it alone, Hayun," she said earnestly. "We're all here for you, myself included."
Tears pricked at the corners of Hayun's eyes as she looked into Mei's kind gaze, feeling a swell of gratitude and affection wash over her. In that moment, she realized just how much she valued Mei's friendship even if they hadn't been friends for long, and how much it meant to have someone like her in her corner.
And as they talked and laughed together, their conversation flowing freely like a gentle stream.
As they parted ways, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the chance encounter that had brought them together, knowing that she had found a friend in Mei when she least expected it.
♮
Liked by Seolasystem, Akaricore, Hanadulset, _Yinsuuu, Mei_yin02 and 903k others
Hayuniverse baby its cold outside
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Hayun:
Hayun: Why did you take the last cupcake?
Andy 😨: what 😭😭
how did you know...
Hayun: I'm stalking you
Andy 😨: thats scary 😟i dont see u though
where are u
Hayun: I'm everywhere
Andy 😨: 😥😰
Hayun: I went to get some water and saw you practically snatching the cupcake
Andy 😨: i didnt snatch it lol
that makes me sound greedy
Hayun: I know what i saw but okay if u say so 🤨🤨
Andy 😨: 😭
do u have practices today
Hayun: I actuallyyy just finished but im going to do some solo practice
for smtown thats coming up
😳 scary times
Andy 😨: oh yeah its soon
i think ill do the same and practice
Hayun: I'll come and cheer u on 📣
anywaysss how's ur Minecraft house going
Andy 😨: it looks really cool now!
i will show u when im home 😆 if i remember
Hayun: Looking forward to it 😍
Yeonhee: yo
Haechan: dream
Renjun: no
Haechan: 😒
Mark: yooooo
Hyunjae: what are u guys doing today
Chenle: we finished the first recording of the title track
Mei: I can't wait to hear it the demo sounds so good
Yeonhee: yess it does
Renjun: I'm so tired I'm going home
Jaemin: okay Junnie rest up 😴😴❤️
What about you Jisungie baby what ru doing
Andy 😨: 🥴😵💫
Jaemin: 😃 don't be rude
Hyunjae: awww jaem forget jisung
He's an ungrateful rude mean rude ungrateful kid
Jisung: ...we are the same age hyunjae
Hyunjae: I'm actually one month older than u
But I'm joking Jisung I actually love you babe 😘😘😘
Seola: Ntm on Jisung right now...😏
Hyunjae: OHHH yeah 😏😏😏
Mei: I miss Eunhye 😕 she's never on here
Haechan: I haven't talked to her in ages 😭 where is she right now
Yeonhee: livin it up in Europe
Mark: sounds funnn I know she always wanted to travel
Seola: she hasn't texted me in weeks 😭
Yeonhee: i know I guess she is busy though
I might call her today
Depends on her time zone
Hyunjae: well I last saw her in England back a month ago when I was there
She's doing gooddd so don't worry too much about her
Hayun: England sounds funnn
Yeonhee: imma take you one day girl
Turn u into a Brit
Haeri: I wanna go
When the boys go on tour im gonna sneak into hyucks suitcase and go with
I wanna travel so bad
Haechan: my travel sized sunshine 😍 soooooo cute
Andy 😨: ....u guys are so weird 😵💫
Mark: 😭😭
Haechan: you're just jealous you don't have a girlfriend and I do
You wanna be like us
Jisung: definitely not
Chenle: that's crazy 💀
I can't imagine Jisung with a girlfriend
Seola: maybe it will happen soon 😏😏
Yeonhee: 😏
Hayun: I hope you all know ur not slick
Hyunjae: 😁😁😁 so u agree
It will happen soon
Hayun: No 😭
Mei: aww u guys are so cute though
I love
Seola: I wonder how long it will take him to realise he likes you
Hayun: I don't think he will 😭 we are just about friends
Yeonhee: from his pov yes but from yours.....😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Hayun: Stoppp 😭😭😭😭
Hyunjae: what are u getting for his bday tomorrow
Seola: oh yeahh have you got him something? wait do u know its his bday tomorrow
Hyunjae: bet she alr has his present
Hayun: Maybeeeee
Mei: omggg wait really, what is it
Yeonhee: no wayyy spillll
Hyunjae: shes in loveeeeeeeeeee
♮
Alone in the dimly lit practice room, Hayun stood at the center of the mirrored wall, her reflection a solitary figure in the empty space. The soft hum of the air conditioning was the only sound that filled the room as she took a deep breath, her muscles tense with anticipation. The music started and the familiar beat pulsed through the air.
The hours slipped away as she danced, the outside world fading into insignificance as she focused solely on the music and the movement of her body.
But amidst the dance, there lingered a shadow of doubt, a nagging voice in the back of her mind that whispered of insecurities and fears. Hayun couldn't shake the memory of the negative comments she had read online, the cruel words and harsh criticisms that had left a mark on her fragile confidence.
As she danced, the weight of those words hung heavy on her shoulders, threatening to drag her down into a pit of self-doubt and despair. With each move, she fought to push them aside, to drown them out.
But the words echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of her perceived shortcomings and failures. Hayun's movements grew tense and strained, the fluidity of her dance giving way to stiffness and hesitation as doubt crept in.
With a frustrated sigh, Hayun paused in her movements, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she fought to regain her composure. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the negative thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her.
A frown pulled on her lips, chest aching as she thought about how many people disliked her, how much of a disappointment she was in other people's eyes.
It was a horrible feeling, worse than she thought it would be.
Before becoming an idol she knew that she would get hate, but she couldn't never imagined it to be this bad.
It made her want to just run and hide, hide away from the media and let go of her dreams.
It felt like no matter what she did, no matter how hard she tried, how many hours she spent practicing, she was never enough. Hayun didn't think she'd ever be enough for them.
Like how you weren't enough for her to stay
"Fuck." She muttered, pressing her palms onto her eyes to stop the stinging of tears. With a blurred vision, she took a step with the intention to restart the music, however a sudden dizziness fell over her.
A rush of heat cascaded down her body, tearful eyes blurred with black spots which she desperately tried to blink away. Unstable on her feet, she found herself losing balance and twisting on her foot as she fell.
"Fuck." She gritted out again, it felt like nothing was going her way. The room was spinning, her stomach churning and her head in agony.
She clutched her ankle, hoping she hadn't hurt it.
"You're so stupid." She insulted herself, hands coming up to cover her eyes, wanting the dizziness to subside. "So stupid Hayun."
How could she mess up a simple dance routine? It wasn't even that hard. But here she was, collapsed onto the ground.
"Are you okay?"
Hayun froze, muscles tensing up at the familiar voice. Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach, dread filling her.
She didn't move for a second until she realised she needed to somehow come across okay. She didn't want to show anyone this state she was in.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she moved her hands away from her face and glanced behind her.
Jisung was stood in the doorway, hand clutching the door handle, his figure was stiff with shyness emitting from him. It was clear he was unsure what to do.
"Y-yeah." She mentally cursed herself for the wobble in her voice, she cleared her throat and got up to her feet, trying to hide how unbalanced she was. "Is everything okay?" She asked him.
It wasn't usually for Jisung to come to her, it was quite rare actually.
"Oh...yeah." His mind blanked out before he realised he hadn't explained what he was here for. "It's getting late so...I was just checking if you were here still."
Hayun's gaze trailed to the clock at his words, it was nearing nine pm. It wasn't the latest she'd been dancing here but she had been here since morning.
Plus, why was Jisung here? It was his birthday in like three hours.
Shit.
"You're right...I lost track of time. Are you going home?" She asked, wincing at the pain shooting through her wrist as she switched the speaker off.
She must've hurt it when she fell.
Jisung hadn't actually seen her fall, he had knocked but with no reply he entered to see her sitting on the floor with her head in her hands and saying how stupid she was.
He wondered if she was okay, but he couldn't bring himself to ask again. It would be too annoying.
"Yeah, are you?" He asked, watching as she nodded but her expression held discomfort as she grimaced while turning her back to him.
"I'll see if any of the managers are still around-"
"Mine is." He cut her off. "If you want to come with us..."
Hayun smiled gratefully, nodding as she took up on his offer.
"I'll just get my things."
"Okay." He said quietly, feeling a little awkward just standing by the door.
When she gathered her things and was walking towards the door, he backed up a little and held it open wider.
"Let's go." She said, switching the light off.
The door closed behind them as they exited into the hallway, Hayun tugging her bag up her shoulder and letting her hair down from the now loose bun it was in. She shook her hair out a little, it falling naturally how it would.
"How was your practice?" Hayun asked him, glancing over her shoulder at him since he was a step behind her.
"It's was good, yours?"
"Yeah, it was okay. I think I'll come back tomorrow early and go again."
There was brief silence as Jisung looked over at her, his observant eyes lingering on the wrist she was massaging.
"You practice a lot." He stated, knowing she was most likely pushing herself hard. He had never really seen her members in the dance room as much as she was.
"I need to." She told him. "I have to improve and perform well." An anxious look flashed across her face before she masked it with a neutral one. "But I like practicing, it takes my mind off of everything else."
Jisung lacked a response until they reached the stairs, trying to form his words so they'd make sense.
"You'll do well..." he trailed off, not sure why she was so critical of herself but then again, he understood because he was in her position many times over his career.
Despite his deep voice, he spoke softly.
Hayun really liked his voice, she found it nice to listen to. She liked a lot of things about Jisung.
"I agree though, dancing is a good distraction." He nodded to her last statement.
"What's going on in that head of yours cupcake?" She frowned, dramatising her concern for the boy through the tone of her voice and emphasising the nickname.
His ears burned red, the apples of his cheeks dusting pink at the name he found cringy and embarrassed. It showed on his face, nose scrunching up.
"Wow..." he let out in disbelief, shaking his head. She laughed at his reaction, furrowing her eyebrows.
"What's with the face? You don't like the name?"
"It's so weird."
"That's so mean, the name holds a special place in my heart Andy. You just broke my heart." She feigned hurt, a disheartened expression on her face.
From next to her as they walked, Hayun heard Jisung's amused chuckle, not so much believing her playfulness as reality anymore.
"Sorry...but who calls someone cupcake?" He voiced and she clicked her tongue in disapproval.
"Don't judge people's choices. Plus, then what am I supposed to call you- sprinkle? Frosting sugar?"
It was clear he was entertained by her lightheartedness, something about it was refreshing. To Jisung, it felt like this feeling was something he had been missing out on in his younger years.
He had his members, they joked often, they had fun together but with Hayun...it was different.
Jisung couldn't remember the last time he had played in the snow or made a snowman, he can't remember the last time someone played Minecraft with him and he really couldn't remember how it felt like to joke around with people other than his members.
That's because he rarely did, Jisung had always stuck to his group that making friends was never easy. He never thought of even trying because it would be futile.
"..Jisung?" He suggested her to call him, at which she shook her head to.
"I don't want to call you that." She said and he replied with confusion.
"That's my name though..."
"Yeah, that's why." She told him and he gazed at her quizzically, wondering what that even meant.
"Everyone calls you by your name, I want to call you something else."
♮
Hayun:
00:23
Andy 😨: ?? sad cat 😟
Hayun: I'm sad
Andy 😨: 😥 why
are u okay
Hayun: 🥺 no I'm on the roof
Andy 😨: ...are u being serious 🧐
Hayun: Yes
Come up and join me
Andy 😨: im scared of heights 😣
Hayun: Shushhhhhh
Just come up
I'm bored
Andy 😨: why dont u play the sims or something
u said you love sims
Hayun: Okay
Just say u hate me
That's so rude 😢😢😢
You don't want to hang out with me
I'm actually sad now I wasn't before
Tears streaming down my face as we speak
Andy 😨: oh..😟
Hayun: See u on the roof if ur rlly sorry
It's cold
Bring a coat
Andy 😨: 😖😖😖 why the roof though
Hayun: Planning to push u off
Andy 😨: 😥
i hope ur joking...im scared now
Hayun: See u soon 😁
It was very cold.
Jisung's breath hung in the frigid air as he made his way across the rooftop, the bitter cold biting at his skin. The wind whipped through his hair, sending shivers down his spine as he scanned the vast expanse of the rooftop, searching for any sign of Hayun.
The rooftop was deserted, the only sound the distant hum of traffic far below. Jisung pulled his jacket tighter around him, the fabric offering little protection against the biting chill that seemed to seep into his bones.
His footsteps echoed against the concrete surface as he navigated his way through the rooftop. He came to a stop once he saw Hayun's figure stood with her back to him.
"Hey..." he trailed off, wondering why exactly she called him here. It was freezing.
When she turned around, he was caught so off guard and it must've shown on his face because she started smiling.
In her hand was a cupcake, decorated professionally. It was the best looking cupcake ever. It had a single lit candle through it, the orange flame casting a warmth on her face as she held it up, hand covering it so it wouldn't blow out in the wind.
"Happy birthday Jisung."
He was in shock, he definitely wasn't expecting this but a happy smile began to form on his lips.
He didn't even know she knew it was his birthday.
"Wow, I- thank you." Jisung very easily blushed, this time was due to the attention on just him. He felt shy in this moment, it only increasing by the look in her eyes, a smile that tugged on her lips.
She stepped forward, holding it out between them, lifting it higher for him.
"Make a wish for this year, I'll grant it."
"You'll grant it?" He let out an incredulous laugh.
"Yeah, I'm the birthday genie."
He redirected his attention back to the cupcake, a smile still on his lips from laughing but he took a second to close his eyes and think of a wish.
He had yet to make a birthday wish since it was just past midnight yet.
Jisung opened his eyes and blew the candle out, the flame diminishing and the darkness enclosing around them. He took the cupcake from her, thanking her again as he inspected the decorations in awe.
Her hand closed around his arm, pulling him with her as she walked towards the door.
He was confused as to where she was dragging him but she stopped by the door, crouching down to the plug socket which was used for the outdoor lighting. She took the plug out and everything went dark except the moon shining down.
"What's..." he trailed off, watching her put something else into the socket. It was just a cord leading to a wooden circle with a small light.
She picked up a bag from the floor and turned around, holding it out. It was a gift bag covered in cakes, with a big Happy 1st Birthday written across it.
He couldn't help but laugh when seeing the 1st birthday.
"I got you something."
"You...you didn't have to get me something." He was really taken aback, surprised she got him a gift too. The cupcake was enough.
She urged him to open it and under her watchful gaze, he did. He unwrapped the paper unskilfully and messily. He was clumsy so he dropped some paper on the ground, a sheepish smile forming on his lips. He was embarrassed but she didn't care, she looked excited to see his reaction.
He opened the first gift, it was a sphere. At first he thought it was just empty but it had a faint planet inside. Before he could speak, she motioned to the wooden circle she had plugged in.
He looked confused, looking down at the sphere to the circle. Hayun didn't get annoyed by his cluelessness, instead she took her hand around his wrist and pulled him gently towards it.
She guided his hand until the sphere sat perfectly into the circle and it was like magic when their surroundings lit up, the planet lighting up. It was so detailed and delicate.
"Woah!" He exclaimed, eyes widening. He was enthralled by it. The way he was gazing at it was so cute. His lips were parted in surprise, a small gasp emitting from them.
He turned his head towards her.
"This is so cool!" He was so enthusiastic and happy, the shyness he displayed fading in that moment from the excitement coursing through him.
"I don't know what your favourite planet is...I got you this one because I thought you might like it." She explained.
He stood up straighter, his genuine smile reflecting his happiness.
"I love it Hayun. Thank you so much."
He was smiling so much that she could barely see his eyes but god...did she wish she could see him smile like this everyday.
So I saw these astrology present ideas on instagram, I'll post a picture so u can see their page so go head on over if you wanna see the video