Author's note: this chapter contains possibly triggering content. It involves the mention of eating disorders but it doesn't go into detail. If that makes you uncomfortable, please do not read this. Another chapter will be up very soon. 🤍

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After getting off the phone with one of your friends, Ryujin's heart was sinking deep in her chest as she took a moment to process everything your friend had confessed to her.

Being away from you is always hard for Ryujin and she knows it's not any easier on you.

She always worries that something like this might happen, especially since your relationship is so public now and everyone on social media thinks that their hateful words are just opinions when they can cut deeper than they'll ever know.

She knew she had to call you but confronting you with what your friend said was going to be easier said than done.

She bit at the skin of her lip before taking a deep breath and video calling you.

She waited a few seconds before you answered and she was happy to see a smile on your face, although she couldn't help but worry that it might be fake.

"Ryujin! Hey, baby. I was hoping to hear from you soon. How was the concert tonight?"

Being so far apart, you're in completely different time zones.

It's the next day, early afternoon back home in Seoul, where you stayed while she and the girls toured, while it was night for her and the girls in LA.

"Good." She said. "It was good. Thank you for asking."

"You know I always love hearing about the concerts and tour life in general. Where are you off to next?"

"New york." She said. "Listen, baby, before we talk about that we have something else that we need to talk about."

"Oh. Is it bad?"

"I don't know." She quietly said as she took in a shaky breath. "Your friend called me. She says that you haven't been taking care of yourself lately. You seemed a little unwell so she asked you what was wrong and you told her that you haven't been eating?"

"That was supposed to be private." You mumbled. "I didn't want her to tell you."

"Why didn't you tell me, y/n?" Ryujin asked as she brushed her fingers through her hair. 'You know how worried I get about you when I'm away. You haven't been eating! How long has this been going on?"

"A few weeks." You confessed.

"You could get seriously sick!" She said in frustration. "I'm going to have to come home."

"No, you can't! Ryujin, it's only a couple more weeks. I'll be okay."

"You won't if you keep going this way! I'm scared, y/n. I don't want the next call from your friend to be that you're in the hospital or... worse." She spoke quietly, her anxiety rising. "The only way I won't end this call and get on the earliest flight home is if you eat while we're talking. That is the only way."

"I don't even know what to eat."

"I don't care what it is. Fruit, a granola bar, a sandwich, some ramen - I don't care what it is. Just eat something, please, baby." She pleaded and watched you closely, listening as you sighed before standing up.

"Okay. I'll eat." You said and began to go through the cabinets for something to eat for the first time in a while.

You eventually decided that some ramen would do and you quickly put it in some water in a  pot on the stove, cooking it until it was done.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" Ryujin asked, breaking the silence a  moment later. "I don't care whether I'm right there with you or a thousand miles away like we are right now. I just care about you. I love you. I don't want you to get hurt or sick."

You heard the crack in her voice.

She was genuinely scared and worried about you.

"I won't do it again. I promise, Ryujin. I'll take care of myself from now on." You said and she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Why did you do it in the first place?"

"It's harder to handle the hate when you're not by my side. I know times like these are inevitable and this won't be the last tour you and the girls will do and I support you on it, wholeheartedly. It's just a lot colder and a lot lonelier and I guess I just let everything get to me. It seemed easier to handle things this way."

"People's words hurt." She said a few seconds later. "I know that all too well. I know how it feels and I know it seems like it'll never end. I know it's easier when you're not alone. I wish I was there with you right now but it's only a couple more weeks. Promise you'll hang in there and take care of yourself."

"I promise." You said as you sat down to eat.

Ryujin watched as you put some of the ramen into your mouth, eating it slowly since it was still hot, but enjoying every bite.

"You're so hungry. It tastes good, huh?"

You nodded your head quickly.

"Good. I'm happy you're eating something you enjoy." She smiled. "Never forget, baby, that you're beautiful, so beautiful."

"I love you lots." You said as you continued to eat.

"I love you more. Eat more if you need. Eat whatever your heart desires. When I get home, we'll share a good meal at our favorite spot."

"That sounds nice. I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too, sweet girl." She grinned. "You enjoy your food. I'm going to let you go because I need to take a quick shower and get ready to sleep because we have another show here tomorrow night. But I love you so much and I'll text you. Okay? Swear that you'll take better care of yourself? For me?"

"I swear, Ryujin." You smiled. "I love you too. Have a good night."

She blew you a kiss before ending the video call and checking her calendar, counting down the days until she was finally home with you.