Chapter 8
The next day, the atmosphere in the practice room was different.
JL and Steven weren’t avoiding each other completely, but something was definitely off. Their interactions were shorter, more hesitant. When they needed to consult each other on certain moves, they did, but it lacked the usual ease.
They both knew the finals were coming up. They needed to focus.
Still, that awkward tension lingered.
After a long dance practice, the staff entered the room, clapping their hands to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, guys, just a heads-up. Ten and Yangyang will be coming in to check on your progress.”
JL stiffened.
Usually, hearing that would make him eager, more determined to prove himself. But now, after what Steven asked him yesterday, after realizing he might actually see Yangyang as someone more than just a mentor…
Hearing Yangyang’s name made him feel conflicted.
He knew he shouldn’t feel this way. He couldn’t feel this way. But now, no matter how much he told himself that, the feeling was still there.
Without realizing it, he bit his lip and looked down.
On the other side of the room, Steven was watching him. He had noticed the way JL’s shoulders tensed, the way he suddenly looked lost in thought. And Steven knew, he knew exactly what was on JL’s mind.
He looked away, exhaling quietly.
When Yangyang and Ten arrived, the members quickly stood up and greeted them.
As soon as Yangyang stepped inside, his eyes instinctively searched for JL. He found him almost immediately.
But instead of the usual bright, confident greeting…
JL averted his gaze.
He still bowed and greeted them, but it was different… quieter, a little rushed. Yangyang paused for a split second, confused. He wasn’t used to this reaction from JL.
Still, he brushed it off and moved on to greet the other members.
Practice resumed as usual. Yangyang and Ten gave feedback, fixed details, and helped polish their performance. As expected, JL did great. His movements were sharp, his energy was strong, it was exactly what they needed for the finals.
Afterward, Ten gave JL an approving nod. “You did really well today.”
JL smiled, bowing slightly. “Thank you.”
Yangyang followed, adding his own praise. “Yeah, you really pulled through on that last run. Your energy was consistent the whole time.”
JL swallowed. For some reason, hearing Yangyang’s praise this time made him feel… different.
He bowed again, but his voice was quieter, his expression slightly awkward. “Thank you, Mentor Yangyang.” Then, before Yangyang could say anything else, JL averted his eyes and looked down.
Yangyang blinked.
That was strange. Usually, JL was confident when receiving feedback. But this time, he seemed nervous… shy, even.
Was it because of the hospital incident?
Yangyang suddenly remembered how panicked he was that night, the way he ran straight to JL, how he held his shoulders and checked him over without a second thought.
Did JL feel uncomfortable because of that? Did he overstep?
But we already talked that night, and he looked fine to me at that time.
Yangyang frowned slightly, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Ten, who had been standing off to the side, watched the exchange quietly. His eyes flickered between JL and Yangyang, reading their body language.
He sighed internally.
Something was definitely going on between these two.