Chapter 7
The competition was reaching its final stretch, and Team Rhythm was pushing harder than ever. Every practice session was intense, every move scrutinized. They had to be perfect for their last stage.
But as they rehearsed, JL noticed something off.
Steven.
He wasn’t focused, his moves were slightly delayed, his energy lower than usual. It wasn’t like him.
After running through the routine a few more times, they finally took a break. Most of the members went out to grab some snacks, but JL stayed behind. He walked over and sat beside Steven, who was staring at the floor, lost in thought.
“You good?” JL asked, nudging him lightly with his elbow.
Steven didn’t respond at first. He didn’t even look at him.
JL hesitated, thinking maybe Steven just wanted to be alone. He stood up, brushing off his sweat. “Alright… but if you ever need to vent or anything, I’m here.”
Just as he was about to walk away, he felt a hand grab his wrist.
JL stopped, looking down at Steven, confused. “What is it?”
Steven finally lifted his head, his expression pale. There was something in his eyes, something heavy. Then, out of nowhere, he asked,
“Do you like Mentor Yangyang?”
JL’s breath caught in his throat.
The question hit him like a ton of bricks. “What?” he blurted out, completely caught off guard.
Steven didn’t say anything else, just kept looking at him, waiting for an answer.
JL opened his mouth, ready to deny it, to laugh it off… but no words came out.
Because for the first time, the thought actually crossed his mind.
Did he like Yangyang?
No, that wasn’t it, he never thought about it like that. Yangyang was his mentor, someone he looked up to, someone who guided him throughout the competition. He was just kind, just supportive. That was all.
…Right?
But if that was true, then why couldn’t he say no? Why was his heart suddenly racing? Why was his mind flashing back to every little moment, Yangyang’s lingering glances, the way he always gave him just a little more attention, the warmth in his chest whenever Yangyang praised him?
Why did it all suddenly feel different now?
JL stayed silent for too long.
That was enough of an answer for Steven.
Slowly, Steven let go of his wrist. He forced a small, awkward smile. “Got it,” he said quietly. Then he stood up. “I’m gonna go get some fresh air.”
JL wanted to say something… anything, but nothing came out. He could only watch as Steven walked away.
And then, he was left alone.
Still standing there.
Still trying to process the realization that he might have just figured out something about himself that he wasn’t ready to face.