38. The Terror is Back

Luna saw the paper in Starla's hand and gently took it from her. She read, "I miss you, Starla," written on the paper.

Luna looked at Starla with compassion, recognizing the turmoil her friend was experiencing. She gently wrapped an arm around Starla's shoulder and guided her to the nearest couch. Starla sank into the cushions, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched them in her lap. The morning light streamed in through the window, casting a soft glow over the living room, but there was a palpable tension in the air.

As they sat together in the quietude, Luna allowed the silence to envelop them, understanding that Starla needed a moment to gather her thoughts and emotions. She could see the fear lingering in Starla's eyes, a fear exacerbated by the unexpected note. Luna's heart went out to her friend, knowing how unsettling it must be to receive such a message.

The living room of Starla's apartment was bathed in the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The cozy space, usually a haven of comfort, now felt oppressive and filled with fear. Starla's anxiety was palpable; her eyes darted around nervously. She clutched the edges of her chair as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded.

After a while, Starla's breathing steadied, though the unease remained etched on her face. Luna maintained her comforting embrace, a silent gesture of support and solidarity. She knew words wouldn't easily soothe the profound anxiety Starla was feeling. Instead, Luna chose to be there, offering her presence as a source of strength.

In that serene moment, Luna reflected on their friendship, built on years of shared experiences and mutual understanding. She remembered the times they had comforted each other through hardships, celebrating victories together and navigating life's uncertainties side by side.

The clock on the wall ticked softly, marking the passage of time in the hushed apartment. Luna glanced at Starla, waiting for her to speak when she felt ready. She wanted to reassure Starla that she wasn't alone in facing this uncertainty, that together they would find a way through it.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Starla stirred. She looked up at Luna, her eyes still shimmering with traces of fear and vulnerability. Luna met her gaze with unwavering support, silently urging her to share whatever was weighing on her mind.

Luna broke the silence. "Starla, it doesn't necessarily mean the note is from Nick."

Starla shook her head firmly. "It's Nick. I know it's him."

Luna frowned and asked, "How can you be so sure?"

Starla replied softly, "I recognize his handwriting."

Silence settled between them once more, a heavy veil hanging over the room like a palpable weight. Luna sat close to Starla, her heart aching to ease her friend's fears but unsure of the right words to say. She could feel the tension radiating from Starla, whose eyes were clouded with fear and uncertainty.

Minutes passed in this uneasy quiet, each second ticking by like an eternity. Luna could see Starla gripping the armrest of the chair tightly, as if seeking some anchor in the midst of her turmoil. Luna herself felt a mix of concern and helplessness; she wanted to be strong for Starla, to reassure her that everything would be okay, but the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her too.

Then, finally, Starla's voice pierced through the silence, trembling and laden with fear. She confessed softly, her words carrying the weight of her vulnerability. "I'm so frightened, Luna."

Luna turned to her immediately, her expression soft yet filled with concern. She reached out and gently placed a hand on Starla's shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"I understand, Starla," Luna began gently, trying to find words that would bring solace. "It's okay to feel scared. But you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, and we'll figure this out together."

Starla looked at Luna, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and lingering fear. She nodded slowly, her grip on Luna's hand tightening slightly as if drawing strength from her presence. Starla looked at Luna with gratitude. "Thank you, Luna."

"We'll take it one step at a time," Luna continued softly, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within her. "Let's think about how we can make sure you feel safe, but I can't always be here, especially when work comes up. You need to make sure you're safe when you're by yourself."

Starla nodded again, her breathing starting to steady as Luna's calm demeanor began to soothe her nerves. The room seemed to lighten just a fraction, a small reprieve from the suffocating fear that had gripped them moments before. Luna sat quietly beside Starla, offering her silent support as they both contemplated the challenges ahead. In that moment, their friendship became a lifeline, a source of strength that would help them navigate through the uncertainty and fear that loomed over Starla's apartment.

Suddenly, the sound of a text message chimed through the tense atmosphere of Starla's living room. Starla's heart skipped a beat as she quickly reached for her phone, her hands trembling slightly with anticipation and anxiety. The screen illuminated with Ha-neul's name, and she unlocked it to read the message.

Kim Ha-neul: Can we meet tomorrow?

Those five simple words stared back at her, causing a whirlwind of emotions to rush through her. Starla's brows furrowed, her lips pursed in a mix of worry and confusion. She glanced up at Luna, who was watching her intently, waiting for her response.

Starla bit her lower lip, torn between her desire to see Ha-neul and the fear of being alone, especially after the unsettling note she had received. Her mind raced, trying to find a way to balance her emotions and practical considerations.

Luna could sense the turmoil within Starla. The sudden request to meet Ha-neul tomorrow seemed to add another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. She waited patiently, knowing Starla needed a moment to gather her thoughts.

A few moments later, Luna asked, "Who is it? What did they say?"

"It's Ha-neul," Starla replied. "He wants to meet tomorrow."

Luna sat beside Starla, her brow furrowed with concern as she contemplated the dilemma her friend was in. Starla's distress was palpable, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched her phone. The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow over the room, yet the atmosphere was tense with worry.

"I wish I could be with you tomorrow," Luna began softly, her voice tinged with regret. "But you know how hectic things are at the agency right now. I have meetings lined up all day."

Starla nodded, her eyes still fixed on the message from Ha-neul. "I understand, Luna. It's just... I don't feel safe going alone."

Luna reached out and gently placed a hand on Starla's shoulder, offering what comfort she could. "We'll figure something out, okay? Maybe there's someone else who can accompany you."

Starla shook her head slowly. "I really want to meet him, but I don't want to burden anyone else with this."

Silence settled between them again, punctuated only by the faint sounds of the city filtering through the window. Luna sat beside Starla, her mind racing with thoughts of how to help her friend. She understood the gravity of the situation—Starla's fear and the importance of meeting Ha-neul. Yet, Luna also grappled with her commitments at the talent agency, knowing she couldn't neglect her duties.