thanks
Let's do it together
도겸(석민)
“Hmm~ What should I drink~”
Dokyeom's cheerful voice echoed lightly inside the small cafe.
The time when sunlight pours softly through the window,
The two of them found themselves in separate spaces, each with a small amount of space to catch their breath.
Go Eun stood beside him, but the physical and emotional distance between them was still great.
임고은
“… …”
Her eyes were anxious.
While watching Dokyeom happily looking at the menu,
Go Eun couldn't let go of the discomfort that was deeply embedded in her heart.
The thing called attention. Words and touch that were once warm.
But in the end, it always ends cold, and in its place, only cynicism remains.
So, rather than that, I didn't want to feel any emotions.
It wasn't distrust toward him, but rather a defense against a certain world.
임고은
“…How did it end up like this…”
The words came out without me realizing it. I chewed my lips and then hastily lowered my head.
도겸(석민)
“Huh? What did you say?”
When Dokyeom turned his head and asked, Goeun immediately shook her head.
임고은
“Ah… no.”
The expression on Dokyeom's face that was reflected in her eyes for a moment.
He was still smiling, as if he didn't know what he had heard.
도겸(석민)
"Hmm~ Staff Goeun, how about some iced chocolate? On days like this, something sweet makes me feel better~"
Then, he calmly started reciting the menu as if he was reciting it, while checking the coffee orders of the staff and members.
Go Eun stared blankly at him for a moment and then spoke quietly.
임고은
“Well… if we split it up, I think I can carry it all. Dokyeom, you go in first.”
The tone was cautious, but it was a clear line drawn. An instinct to no longer be in the same space with this affectionate person.
Dokyeom looked at her with wide eyes.
도겸(석민)
“Huh? How can I listen to this alone?
도겸(석민)
Of course we should eat together~ There are quite a few members who don’t eat right now, so sharing it between two people is enough~”
임고은
“…It’s okay. I…”
도겸(석민)
“Let’s do it together.”
Just as Go-eun's voice was about to rise, Do-gyeom's words were quiet but firm.
Gently, but firmly. At his words, Go-eun was left speechless.
Dokyeom looked into her eyes for a moment, then slowly opened his mouth again.
도겸(석민)
“…You know, Staff Go Eun. This is something we can do together.
도겸(석민)
“You don’t have to do it alone.”
Go Eun paused, as if holding her breath, at those words.
도겸(석민)
“I’ve only heard about it… This is my first time experiencing something like this firsthand.
도겸(석민)
“Actually, I don’t know either. What should I do?”
Dokyeom continued speaking slowly, his head bowed.
도겸(석민)
“When I actually got to it, I didn’t know it would be this complicated.
도겸(석민)
I just thought that if a situation like this occurred, I would say, ‘This can’t happen!’ and do something.
도겸(석민)
“When I looked at it from the side, I realized that I couldn’t do that so carelessly.”
His words were cautious, hesitant, and yet sincere.
도겸(석민)
“If I do something, it might make things harder for Step-Eun Go.
도겸(석민)
So, I don’t know how far I should go…
임고은
"You don't have to sympathize that much..."
Perhaps because his words came at an unfamiliar temperature, I instinctively spoke bluntly.
Dokyeom looked at her for a moment, then quietly finished speaking.
도겸(석민)
"You can think whatever you want right now. Whether it's sympathy or concern, feel free to think about it."
His tone was lower and softer than usual. He seemed to lean lightly against her wall, carefully framing his words.
도겸(석민)
“But… I just couldn’t just sit still after seeing that.
도겸(석민)
So let's listen together now, okay?"
Go Eun eventually lowered her head in silence and nodded slightly.
As if saying more would be pointless. Still, strangely enough, his words calmed my heart.
I still couldn't understand why someone who didn't need to go this far would do this.
But— for that moment.
It was clear that his warmth had momentarily soothed her anxiety.
And that was, a little bit, appreciated.