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"I love you," is so clearly said through giggles, and all at once Haewon's world stops. She can't remember what she said to make Lily fall into a fit of laughter; nothing she could have said could justify Lily saying that. Her chest starts to ache as her stomach starts to turn, and she desperately tries to stop her body's natural response. This feeling has become far too frequent for Haewon's liking.
The phrase echoes in her head. No, not the phrase itself because that wouldn't freak her out; it's the exact way Lily says it that has her so disoriented. It feels far too natural coming from her; ambrosia for the gods is the best way she could describe it. Lily should feel embarrassed for being so unabashed, but instead it's transferred all to Haewon.
The room feels like it's closing in on her; they're too close despite being on opposite sides. And still, something in the back of her mind craves the suffocation she is experiencing. It is just the two of them in the common area, but only Haewon is to blame for that. She knows Lily comes out here to read around this time, and it hits her all too quickly; that's why she procrastinated going to bed, to see Lily. She feels lightheaded.
Casual, it annoys Haewon to see how casually she is curled up in an armchair, a book being held open with a single hand, the other hiding her face while she still laughs. Angelic soft yellow lighting from a floor lamp situated just behind the chair makes her look divine, and she can feel the aching in her chest intensify. When did she start staring at Lily to help ground her?
She goes to speak, but before she can even open her mouth, her whole body freezes. Everything in her body prevents her from verbalizing her thoughts. Haewon wants to say it back, wants to tell Lily that she loves her. She's wanted to for so long, but when the opportunity arises, she can't. It sounded so effortless when Lily said it; why can't she? With all her might, she tries to let everything out, but all she can manage is a tight-lipped smile. And so the moment passes; Lily has recovered, focus returning to her book, and time moves properly once again.