39. Heightened Anxiety

Starla’s living room was a haven of comfort and style, usually a place where she felt at ease. The modern furniture, with its clean lines and soft, muted colors, exuded a sense of calm. A large, plush sofa sat in the middle of the room, flanked by two cozy armchairs. A coffee table with a stack of books and a few candles added a touch of warmth to the space. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting gentle shadows on the hardwood floor. However, today, the room felt oppressive, the usual tranquility overshadowed by Starla’s fears.

Starla and Luna sat in silence, both wrapped in their own thoughts, trying to figure out how Starla could safely meet Ha-neul. The air in the living room felt heavy with their shared anxiety, and the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains did little to ease their tension. The soft hum of the city outside was barely audible, a faint reminder of the world continuing around them, unaffected by their current turmoil.

After a while, Starla spoke quietly, her voice tinged with resignation, "Maybe I should just cancel the meeting with Ha-neul."

Luna's head snapped up, her expression a mix of shock and determination. "No, Starla, you can't cancel it. Opportunities to meet Ha-neul are rare, especially since he's returning to Seoul soon."

Starla sighed, her brows furrowing with worry. "I know, but I'm scared. What if Nick shows up?"

Luna fell silent, thinking hard. Finally, she suggested, "What if you ask Ha-neul to pick you up?"

Starla took a deep breath, looking troubled. "I don't want to burden him, Luna."

"It's the only way, Starla," Luna insisted gently.

Starla nodded reluctantly. "Alright, I'll tell him."

Both women fell silent again, anxiety still hanging in the air. The living room, usually a cozy and welcoming space, now felt oppressive under the weight of Starla's fear of Nick's potential return. The light streaming in from the windows cast long shadows, emphasizing the tense atmosphere.

The air felt thick, almost suffocating, as the two friends grappled with the situation. The ticking of a wall clock echoed through the room, marking the passage of time and heightening the tension. Luna sat close to Starla, her hand resting on her friend's shoulder in a silent gesture of support. She could feel the slight tremor in Starla's body, a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil.

Starla's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She felt trapped, the walls of her sanctuary closing in on her. The memory of Nick's handwriting on that note was burned into her mind, a haunting reminder of his looming presence. She had thought she was free of him, but now the fear had come rushing back with a vengeance.

Luna could see the distress in Starla's eyes and wanted desperately to alleviate her fears. She knew that suggesting Ha-neul pick her up was a practical solution, but the emotional weight of Nick's threat was something she couldn't easily dispel. The two friends sat together, enveloped in the quiet tension of the room, each lost in their own thoughts but united in their concern for Starla's safety.

Eventually, the silence became too much to bear. Starla took a deep breath, steeling herself for the steps she needed to take. She had to be brave, not just for herself but for the friends who cared about her. The thought of seeing Ha-neul again gave her a glimmer of hope, a brief respite from her fears.

...

The next afternoon, inside a taxi, Ha-neul and Starla sat in the back seat. Starla's anxiety was palpable, and Ha-neul noticed immediately. The hum of the engine and the occasional honk of traffic outside seemed distant compared to the tension that hung in the small space between them. Starla's hands fidgeted in her lap, her eyes darting to the window as if expecting to see something—or someone—she dreaded.

"Starla, you seem tense. Is everything okay?" Ha-neul asked, his voice gentle but filled with concern. He leaned slightly closer, his gaze searching her face for answers she wasn't ready to give.

Starla hesitated, her mind racing. "I'm fine, so don't worry."

She didn't want to worry Ha-neul, so she decided to keep the truth to herself. She was forcing a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. She hoped the smile would be enough to reassure him, but she knew it probably wasn't.

Ha-neul looked at her for a moment longer, clearly not convinced, but he decided not to press the issue. He leaned back in his seat, casting occasional glances her way as the taxi weaved through the busy streets.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a mall. The bustling mall buzzed with activity under the midday sun, its expansive halls alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Streams of shoppers weaved through the labyrinthine pathways, their footsteps blending into a rhythmic hum of movement. Brightly lit storefronts beckoned with vibrant displays, showcasing the latest fashion trends, electronic gadgets, and tempting culinary delights.

Above, skylights bathed the atrium in natural light, casting playful shadows on polished floors that gleamed underfoot. Potted plants and decorative fountains provided tranquil oases amidst the vibrant chaos, inviting shoppers to pause and take in the surroundings. Digital screens flashed promotional offers and upcoming events, adding to the sensory overload of the bustling mall experience.

Laughter and conversations intermingled with the soft melodies drifting from hidden speakers, creating an atmosphere charged with energy and anticipation. Groups of friends chattered excitedly, while families navigated strollers and children with equal parts patience and delight. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from bustling cafes and the sweet scent of pastries wafting from bakeries.

For a while, as Starla and Ha-Neul browsed through various stores, trying on clothes and laughing at silly fashion choices, her anxiety seemed to lift. The simple act of shopping with Ha-neul, sharing jokes and opinions, brought a sense of normalcy that she desperately needed.

But after they finished, Ha-neul excused himself to go to the bathroom. "I'm going to the restroom, please wait here for a moment."

Despite her lingering fear, Starla couldn't bring herself to stop Ha-neul. She nodded silently, watching him weave through the bustling crowd until he disappeared into the throng of shoppers and passersby. The mall around her seemed to buzz with life, filled with people going about their day, completely unaware of the turmoil churning inside Starla.

As Ha-neul vanished from view, Starla's anxiety spiked once more. She felt exposed and vulnerable, her senses on high alert for any sign of danger. Her gaze darted around nervously, scanning faces and movements, half-expecting Nick to appear at any moment.

Trying to steady her breathing, Starla leaned against a nearby pillar, clutching her purse tightly. The sounds of conversations and footsteps around her seemed distant and muffled, drowned out by the roar of her own thoughts. She replayed Luna's words in her mind, reminding herself that this meeting with Ha-neul was important, despite the risks.

Minutes ticked by like hours, each second stretching out in agonizing suspense. Starla's mind raced with scenarios—what if Nick found her here? What if something happened to Ha-neul while he was away? The weight of responsibility and fear bore down on her shoulders, threatening to overwhelm her fragile composure.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Starla's phone buzzed in her handbag. She startled, almost dropping it in her nervousness. With trembling hands, she retrieved her phone and glanced at the screen. It was a message from Ha-neul:

Kim Ha-Neul: Hey Starla, just finished up. Wait a moment.

Relief flooded through Starla as she quickly typed out a response, trying to hide the tremor in her fingers:

Starla: Okay, I'm here.

Sending the message, she scanned the area once more, her eyes darting nervously. She strained to locate Ha-neul's familiar figure among the crowd, desperate for his reassuring presence.

As she waited Ha-Neul, Starla felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension. Gratitude that Ha-neul would be here soon, and apprehension over the uncertainty of what lay ahead. The mall, once a place of casual enjoyment, now seemed like a labyrinth of potential threats.

Suddenly, a man's voice called out, "Starla!"

Starla turned, her heart racing as she scanned the area, trying to pinpoint the source of the voice. Amidst the quiet surroundings, it was not easy to identify where it had come from. Her heart pounded wildly in the midst of uncertainty, her mind racing with anxious thoughts. Deep down, she hoped fervently for Ha-neul's swift return.

Moments stretched into eternity for Starla as she stood there, feeling exposed and vulnerable. She clenched her fists, trying to steady her trembling hands. Each passing second seemed to amplify her fear of encountering Nick unexpectedly.

Her thoughts raced back to the note she had found earlier and the dread it had stirred within her. The words "I miss you, Starla" echoed hauntingly in her mind, reminding her of the unsettling possibility that Nick was indeed nearby.