Chapter 11
JL was completely stunned.
His wide eyes locked onto Yangyang’s reflection in the mirror, unable to process what was happening.
Yangyang still had his arms wrapped around him from behind, the warmth of his embrace sending JL’s mind into overdrive. Neither of them spoke, the room thick with tension until—
A quiet chuckle.
JL blinked in shock as Yangyang broke the silence with a short, amused laugh.
Even more confused, JL’s lips parted slightly, but before he could ask anything, Yangyang spoke first.
“Even your surprised expression is cute.”
JL felt his heart skip a beat. He had no idea how to react to that.
His mentor just…
Yangyang’s tone turned more serious. “What’s your relationship with Steven?”
JL stiffened. “Huh?”
Yangyang continued, “I saw you two that night… at the park.”
JL’s breath hitched. Oh… So Yangyang had seen them. He had seen Steven hugging him.
Panic crept up JL’s spine. “It’s not like that—”
But then he paused, realization hitting him like a truck. Wait. Why am I explaining? Why is he hugging me like this? And more importantly… Why am I letting him?
His body wasn’t pushing away, wasn’t resisting. It was as if Yangyang’s presence felt natural.
Despite his thoughts spinning, JL quickly continued, his voice softer. “We were just… having a serious conversation. Things got emotional, that’s all.”
He chose not to mention Steven’s confession, not wanting to betray Steven’s trust.
Yangyang remained silent, still holding him, as if listening closely.
Then, he finally spoke. “So there’s nothing going on between you two?”
JL nodded instinctively. “Yes…”
Yangyang exhaled, and before JL could even process it—
Yangyang buried his face into the curve of JL’s neck.
JL’s breath stopped.
His entire body went rigid, heat rushing to his face in a way he’d never experienced before. His mind screamed at him… This is crossing the line. This isn’t normal. He’s my mentor. This isn’t right.
But then why… why wasn’t he pushing him away?
Yangyang stayed there for a few seconds, as if trying to calm something within himself.
Then, just as slowly, he let go.
JL felt cold the moment Yangyang’s warmth left him.
Before he could fully process what just happened, Yangyang gently turned him around, making their eyes meet.
“I bought dinner for the team,” Yangyang said casually, as if he hadn’t just completely shaken JL to his core. “You should eat first. I already told the stylist you’ll be taking a break.”
JL could barely nod, too overwhelmed to form words.
Yangyang reached out, resting a hand on top of JL’s head.
“Good luck tomorrow,” he said softly. “I’m already proud of you.”
JL’s heart clenched.
Yangyang smiled warmly… almost too warmly, before turning and walking away.
JL stood frozen, his hands clenched at his sides, staring at the empty space where Yangyang had just been.
His mind was blank. His heart was racing.
He didn’t know what to do.
( Studio Building – Late Night)
Inside his group’s studio, Yangyang leaned back in his chair, humming softly to himself.
But instead of humming his group’s upcoming comeback song…
He was humming Team Rhythm’s final performance song.
Specifically, the part JL had been singing earlier.
Lost in his little bubble, he didn’t even notice when someone else entered the room—until the sound of a book dropping startled him.
Yangyang jumped slightly, turning to see Ten standing there with an exasperated sigh.
Ten crossed his arms. “I told you already.”
Yangyang raised an eyebrow. “Told me what?”
Ten scoffed, shaking his head. “About your feelings.”
Yangyang didn’t answer immediately. Instead, a slow, knowing smile spread across his lips.
“…He didn’t push me away.”
Ten blinked. “What?”
Yangyang stood up, stretching his arms. “I have a chance.”
Ten narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean, ‘he didn’t push you away’? What did you do?”
Yangyang grinned mischievously but said nothing. Instead, he grabbed his bag and started walking toward the door.
“Wait, Yangyang—”
“I’m heading out early,” Yangyang interrupted, already halfway out. “I need to prepare for tomorrow.”
“Yangyang, what did you do?!”
But Yangyang was already jogging down the hallway, waving a hand behind him.
“Good night, Ten!”
Ten groaned, rubbing his temples as he watched Yangyang disappear.
“…This is going to be a mess.”