The thunder was painfully loud, louder than Yoona had ever heard it being. It was probably due to the fact that she was utterly helpless at that very moment, and the only thing she could blame was this storm.
She hadn’t really expected Iseul to be scared of thunder, or even scared of anything. Her friend had always seemed so tough and calm, something that Yoona had always deeply appreciated. Yet it apparently had made her oblivious to the fact that there’d obviously be something that would make even her uncomfortable, leaving it up to her to find out about as she was driving them both home. They weren’t far from her apartment, really, but with the obvious discomfort of Iseul, the idol had decided that comforting her could not wait any longer.
So she had pulled over, carefully, and turned the volume of the radio up in an attempt to drown the noises coming from outside. It didn’t work well, to her disdain. The only reasonable thing the idol was left with was to pull her friend into a tight embrace, stroking her hair and whispering consoling words.
“It’s okay, we’re safe in here. And home soon, once I drive again. Try to shut the noises out, okay?”
Fearless? Tough? Not the right adjectives to describe Iseul, even if most of the time she tried her best to make it seem as if she was. Iseul didn’t like coming off vulnerable and weak. Though one wouldn’t consider being afraid of something a weakness, the young police officer preferred to conceal her sorrows and fears, for the sake of her image, for the sake of others.
This was different, however. Because Iseul truly feared thunderstorms. Especially if she wasn’t able to escape them and hide in her safe places, those being her bed and the bathroom. It was terrifying, seeing the bright lightenings illuminating the sky repeatedly in the matter of mere seconds. Terrifying, hearing those loud, growling thunders that startled her so badly she felt incredibly uncomfortable in her own skin. Her heart was racing, she was frowning, close to tears, forgetting the fact she wasn’t even alone in the car; until her friend pulled over.
Music didn’t soothe her. Both of them were able to tell. And as hard as Iseul tried, there was no way she could calm down on her own, either. She was trembling, breathing unsteadily. It had been a while since she’s been this scared. It seemed like it was hopeless. And really, all she wanted was to get home and bundle up underneath blankets and pillows. But Yoona hugged her, and suddenly she felt safe..r. The thunder was still there, still loud. The lightenings were still present, still blinding her sight. But her heart was calm. Her breathing finally provided her enough oxygen again. Iseul slipped her arms around the girl’s waist loosely and buried her face in Yoona’s shoulder. A few deep breaths, followed by her friend’s soothing words and actions. And yes, she could say she was feeling better; a surprise. Yoona had always been able to find the right things to say, had always had a comforting effect on the younger female. But this was new to her. People were hardly able to distract her from something she feared so much. Yoona, however, did it so easily.
Iseul leaned back just a little, wanted to get a brief view of the other. She smiled, vaguely. ❝I.. I am trying. But I will be okay, I think. Somehow. We can.. k-keep the radio on, right? And .. I will keep my hand on your arm, if that’s okay. Just.. in case.❞
