Motive Masterlist

motive masterlist

 ✑  pairing: soulmate musician!yeonjun x artist!g.n reader

✑ genre: soulmate au, angst, fluff, social media au, college au, enemies to lovers, slowburn | warnings just language and mentions of alcohol/being drunk and parties rating: 16+

✑ summary: something about him never sat right with you from the moment that you’ve locked eyes with him on campus. you’ve even gone as far as throwing your drink at him at his own release party, yet somehow the universe always brings the two of you together whether you like it or not. but what’s so special about him that makes you associate everything in sight to your hatred towards him?

✑  started: 09.13.22 | ended: 12.31.22 | updates are spontaneous (tuesdays and fridays?) 7pm est!

✑ a/n: omg welcome back, or greetings!!!! welcome to the third installation of the you’re it for me series!! if you’d like to be added to the taglist for yeonjun’s story, or any of the other members’ stories click here to add yourself or send an ask/dm!! i’m really excited to start my next txt project and i hope you guys are ready for what i have intended for you guys!!

main navi for you’re it for me series

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ADI! ... 05 (19!) ... they/them ... isfj

carrd (coming soon!)

fic recs | ???? more to come

i wish page.soobin was real ...

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[ᴄ.ʏᴊ] | 𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗶𝗿

sᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: being the newest mbank mc comes with its perks - that's in choi yeonjun's case though as he gets to flirt with you on air!

ᴀ/ɴ: gn reader. this is so old it’s from the gbgb era 😭

“My darlings are here today.” Yeonjun announces with his usual bright smile stretched across his features. You watch fondly as he speaks about his team members, even if he looks quite stupid as he does so with the fake airline hat that’s a bit too big for his head.

“Right. Isn’t it your first time promoting while being an MC, Yeonjun?” You ask, recalling the scripted conversation that was printed onto your cue cards. You mentally pat yourself on the back after saying the sentence correctly and not fumbling over it.

“Yes!” He replies cheerily “Tell me something, [y/n]” Yeonjun adds.

You blink. You don’t quite remember this in the script.

“Yeah?” You reply as your free hand cards through your hair nervously. The pressure to remember your reply has your heart racing nervously. Maybe it’s a little extra embarrassing to forget your line when past MC Soobin (who was extremely good at his job) is politely stood behind you and Yeonjun with the rest of TXT.

“Do you prefer good boys or bad boys?” He asks daringly. You hear a couple of the TXT boys stifle their laughter behind cupped hands and pursed lips at the question.

Definitely not in the script.

“Bad boys, of course” You reply swiftly. Whether it was a set up to introduce TXT, you’re not sure, but you take the lead to part from Yeonjun to introduce the group.

There’s a couple whoops from behind you, accompanied by an eyebrow wiggle from Beomgyu which you caught after the broadcast (a stern message was sent to him after).

With a swift pre-introduction of the group, you slide away to reveal the five members. They cheerily introduce themselves with Yeonjun switching seamlessly between MC Yeonjun and TXT Yeonjun. It’s amazing how he’s able to switch between personas without fumbling over his words.

You’re almost so amazed that you just about miss your cue.

“Y-Yeonjun,” You stutter, jumping onto your cue “Hopefully it’s not too much to ask, but would you and your members like to sing a couple of your killing parts from Good Boy gone Bad?” You smile, hiding how flustered you are behind your mic. A couple of the members giggle lightly, catching that you almost missed your line.

With flushed faces, each member sings their little killing parts. You can’t help but smile brightly, watching as they become a little flustered when the crew cheers them on.

“집어치워 love 개나 줘 forever

피 대신 흘러 monochrome diamonds

Killed it, I killed it myself

곤두박질 부러진 날개로

추락해도 아프지 않아 anymore

I like being bad.” Yeonjun refuted his rap, exuding a confidence that you don’t think you’ll ever have. Any time an MC has asked you to sing or rap when you’re standing in the idol’s position has felt like the world has caved in on you.

“[Y/N].” Yeonjun starts once you’ve all stopped clapping. You nod, looking eagerly at Yeonjun. The devious expression on his face causes your stomach to drop.

“Since you said you like bad boys, did you hear when I said I like being bad?” He smugly asks, ignoring the bird like screeches emanating from his group (namely Kai and Beomgyu) as well as the flustered yelling of staff.

You look absolutely bewildered and the camera man takes the opportunity to zoom in on you. You stare at Yeonjun who continues to smugly smirk, but you can see a lightly red dusting begin to appear on his cheeks.

“Um…” You stutter, wrecking your head to find anything else in the script. Beomgyu is shouting and to say the least, complete chaos is erupting behind you. Not only have the group made it obvious that this definitely isn’t in the script but your reaction solidifies it.

“Anyway,” You segway, desperately trying to find a way out of the situation “Up next, The Boyz and Astro.”

The crew are still laughing as the camera cuts, even the camera shakes as the camera man tries to keep his laugh in. You let out a flustered laugh, beelining for the general waiting room.

You weave past staff, idols and all sorts of people, dodging their laughs and remarks as they had been watching the whole ordeal on the small monitoring screens places throughout the building.

It’s not hard to hear the pounding footsteps that follow behind you. Kai’s loud laugh and the general noise that follows Beomgyu ensures the thought that they’re practically running after you.

You’re swift, though. You reach the MC room and close the door over, ignoring how the staff fawn over you to fix your hair and makeup. You have probable another hour of recording and you’ve practically sweat all of your makeup off from pure nerves.

“[y/n]!” Yeonjun shouts over the sound of the door thwacking off of its hinges. You jump, not expecting the sound or Yeonjun so quickly.

“Did you have to slam the door?” You query, passing a look over your shoulder. Your hair and makeup team were silently pampering you and therefore not giving you room to move. Yeonjun takes the chance to walk in front of you so he can speak to you properly.

“You got so embarrassed, it was funny.” He smiles, laughing at the annoyed look scrawled across your brows. Your makeup artist taps your forehead, silently telling you to stop creasing. You sigh.

“I am never doing a broadcast with you again. You are so lucky that the other MC isn’t here today.” You scoff.

Yeonjun laughs “What do you mean?”

“Cause I’m going to beat your ass and no one is going to be here to stop me.”

(୨୧ ❛ᴗ❛)✧ pygmalion's play (୨୧ ❛ᴗ❛)✧

in which y/n is a director of the play who is in the desperate need of a fresh talent for her male lead character. conveniently enough, kang taehyun presents himself as a fitting candidate to share her love for theater. but is that the only love taehyun will learn of?

fluff, highschool!au | wc >8.7k | fem!reader | a few swear words

featuring: txt's ot5 and stayc's isa, a lot of other idols here and there

playlist: lovefool by the cardigans — persephone by yumi zouma — my hair by ariana grande — q&a by svt and ailee — bad boy by red velvet — not enough by fur — say anything by girl in red — romeo by dad sports — toothpaste kisses by the maccabees

as y/n froze in the hall of her school, she couldn’t believe her ears. it was one of those eye opening moments, when things change drastically as you expect it the least. she knew it, the second she heard a voice from a seemingly empty classroom, her life and life of the play she had been directing was divided into before and after the new talent was discovered.

you see, senior year was meant to be special for her and y/n’s best friend, chaeyoung. it was to be full of fear and anxious anticipation, up until they decided to take it into their hands and change the dreadful perspective. so what if it’s their last year in high school before adulting starts? making it memorable would be much better, and rather than sitting and waiting for an opportunity to present itself, they took it upon themselves to make a change.

thus, “the first spring’s fog” appeared. a mystery play with romance for a b plot. chaeyoung had been writing and editing the whole summer, taking her sappy crush on y/n’s brother as an inspiration. any sort of romantic feelings chaeyoung had for soobin vanished the moment he burped in front of her, but the play stayed, full of suspense, romance and allusions on how time is actually a made up concept and seniors have nothing to be scared of. 

mrs jung had approved of the script already, and y/n had a feeling that she left the same remarques y/n mentioned to her friend beforehand. theatre kids were stocked to get some new material. they usually know beforehand the play they put on, and the new rendition of “romeo and juliet” never sounds promising. moreover, the last time they fought about “heathers”, three people ended up in detention for literally, physically fighting. y/n was scared the blood on their props may end up being real, but all was well. the auditions went smoothly, props and decorations were in the process of drafts, yedam was doing his best to make the instrumentals they found online sound better. and yes, it must be a musical. in the wise words of mrs kim, “they must sing! do you expect them to simply talk?” her face expressed something resembling heart attack consequences, so chaeyoung and y/n made a decision that, in retrospect, wasn’t as bad.

until heeseung, their male lead, didn’t break his leg. months in hospital and doctor’s “you don’t want to dance so soon, buddy” left you no choice but to search for another actor. but not a single guy on the try outs could be soft in his determination, confident and loving, convincing both chaeyoung and y/n enough. and some that did lack talent, sadly. one time they approached chenle, chaeyoung’s partner lab in chemistry, but when he heard the word “play” he cringed so hard that girls almost dropped it themselves. the hope was lost for far too long, lily felt kind of embarrassed singing love songs to y/n just reciting heeseung’s lyrics. weekly rehearsals used to be fun, but at some point whenever y/n showed up everybody froze just to stay disappointed with the shake of her head.

which brings us to the moment in the hall. y/n knew the song this guy was singing, better by zayn — the choice very much correlating with y/n’s taste as a former zayn girl. she found herself lip syncing along with the boy’s singing and smiled. his voice was somewhat familiar, but it still was a mystery that couldn’t be discovered by the rattle in his voice.

she entered near the end of the second verse. it was empty, the boy alone in the room, accompanied only by the fresh march wind from the open window. y/n shivered a little and crossed her arms over the chest, warming up in the hoodie she kept over the school blouse. she squinted to make sure she recognised the profile in the back of the class correctly, and widening her eyes she yelped, “kang taehyun?!”

he couldn’t hear, of course. taehyun was still in his headphones, bobbing his head to whatever song came next. once y/n started walking towards him, he noticed the movement on the side and became just as surprised as her, eyes of similar round shape. she came up to him and grabbed his shoulders.

“where were you hiding your talents, taehyun?” 

“far enough for you not to notice.” his mumbling showed disappointment in himself.

“but you became reckless,” you grinned. “what are you doing here anyway?”

y/n let taehyun go and dropped at the seat in front of him. he eyed her in suspicion, especially her wicked grin, but brushed it off and decided not to pay it mind.

“i promised mrs jung i’ll tutor tsuki. you?”

“rehearsal gone late.”

“how is it going, by the way?”

taehyun was used to the updates on the play progress also known as him unvolunteeringly listening to soobin unvolunteeringly listening to y/n’s rambling when she’d come to his room on saturday nights. they’d be playing league of legends, being on call in discord, and y/n would march in to start herr weekly podcast. soobin was the perfect victim since he couldn’t care less about whatever his sister did in school so he wouldn’t run his mouth and spoil the surprise for your parents. those saturday evenings made yeonjun cancel all his plans for the date of y/n’s debut and instead focus on going to his hometown to see the high school play. sounds lame, but different wording would fix the issue.

“oh, you know,” y/n stayed nonchalant, focusing on her nails rather than looking at taehyun in desperation, “same stuff! great decorations, costumes are amazing, lily is a star, you’d be perfect for the male lead…”

“what?” taehyun scoffed. “where did you get the idea?”

“in this exact classroom, only minutes ago.” it took the girl seconds to turn from calm to excited. “your voice is sweet as marmalade!”

“don’t you mean honey?” 

“i said what i said,” y/n rolled her eyes. “we can change the metaphors occasionally, and your voice does not resemble honey. but marmalade?” she put a question in her gaze and kissed her fingers as if she just ate some of the most delicious marmalade ever. taehyun laughed in how come we both got an a in english last semester, but still said nothing. the faint pink ghosted over his cheekbones at y/n’s complement. somehow, for the first time in a while, he felt appreciated, especially with such an opportunity suggested by her. 

“c’mon,” y/n continued in a whiny tone, “you’d look really good next to lily! and you’re totally our guy! you have a little bit of him in you, i know it!”

they weren’t close, these two, which was odd since they practically grew up together. taehyun was friends with soobin, but the latter was a package deal with his sister. when they were little, soobin would throw tantrums about how annoyed he was with his parents’ policy. “you’re having fun? make it fun for two, bring your sibling!” and while soobin never showed any interest in “girly things”, y/n enjoyed spending time with his friends, especially since yeonjun had a softer spot for her than her brother. 

taehyun never actually bonded with her. they had like one decent conversation one on one about the project they had to do for class with different partners. then the boys teased him – “the sparks were flying, dude!” – and taehyun got so embarrassed he wouldn’t initiate a conversation with y/n on his own. but she knew that he was smart, witty, sarcastic, and fun. he never knew y/n was observing, but it was in her nature. and it had pros for your future job, as well as testing your waters as a director of the high school play. 

“are you serious?” taehyun had to ask once again. the determination in y/n’s nod gave him shivers. “i don’t know…”

she stopped him, waving her hands between them. “just promise you’ll think about it, okay? but don’t think for too long.” y/n stood up and put her hand on his shoulder. “we need an actor, and time spreads doubts.” she patted his shoulder twice and turned to leave the room.

y/n walked so lightly, almost bouncing, as if she hadn't asked one of the shyest guys she'd ever seen to be one of the two main stars of the school play. but something in her lighthearted attitude made up a decision in once rational taehyun’s head. as she left the classroom, exchanging a couple of words with tsuki who she met in the hall, taehyun had already decided that he’d text y/n later that he agreed.

“so, how did you like the script?”

taehyun flipped through the pages once again, his honest review already at the tip of his tongue. “i like the parallel universe story better than the love line,” he admitted. 

“oh, aren’t you romantic?” y/n cooed and plumped herself in front of the guy on her bed. 

taehyun felt and looked alien in her room. before he only glanced inside a couple of times to call y/n for some snacks downstairs, and now he was surrounded by plushies and cutouts on the walls. it was a little too messy to taehyun’s taste, but the room depicted y/n’s vibe immaculately. even if it included tote bags on the floor and stacks of papers she never went through on her desk.

she could sense that he still felt weird. trying to be discreet, taehyun tried his best to stay still and look around wherever his gaze could reach. a small smile appeared on y/n’s lips at his sneaky behaviour. he probably needed some time to get adjusted to the new atmosphere. “do you want some tea or coffee? maybe water? or to grab a bite?”

but taehyun shook his head and looked her in the eyes. “no, it’s fine, let’s get started. tell me about adam.”

“oh, where do i start,” y/n rubbed her face and kept her hands at the cheeks, making her words muffled. “he’s smart and caring when you get to know him, but he lacks courage. the only time he actually does something brave is saving dina in the end, but he was pushed to the limit.”

“not sure about smart thing, but soobin is such a coward, i’ll give chaeyoung that,” taehyun snorted and earned a slap on his shoulder.

“that’s a secret, he can’t know! so keep it shut, kang.” the nagging scared him a little, but then y/n smiled a little, and everything felt fine. “in return, he teaches dina to be more aware of her emotions. we wanted to show the growth they reach to the end of the play.”

“and you did good.” 

y/n could feel her breathing snatch at the compliment. it happened every time when somebody other than chaeyoung said something nice about her work. and sure, her friend was the playwright, but y/n pitched in half of the idea, edited it together with chaeyoung and stuck through the whole process by her side. her gratitude was just as sincere as taehyun’s opinion. 

“it’s an amazing piece, y/n.”

she smiled shyly. had taehyun ever seen her like this before? probably, not. by the way her eyes glistened he could tell, she treasured his words a lot, and it made the atmosphere slightly warmer. and, because of that, more awkward on taehyun’s side. as if he was in a rush because of the foreign prejudice, he felt the urge to add “tell chaeyoung my congrats, you two worked really hard on this.” but it didn’t upset y/n. on the contrary, she beamed even brighter with a contagious smile, impossible to resist.

“so i take it, you’ve never acted before?”

“nope, and i’m scared shitless.”

“it’s not too late to back out. it would be fine, taehyun, i promise.”

it actually wouldn’t be fine. it would be a disaster because of shitty their other options turned out to be, kai snickering at his every line or jiung barely showing any emotion. but it would be better than to torture an innocent soul who wanted to help.

“i gave you my word, y/n. you can count on me.”

unless that innocent soul had a sick desire to be tortured.

“i think, it would be good for me,” taehyun found himself explaining before he even processed what he’d wanted to say. “music has always been my passion, but taking it seriously never occurred to me. it’s my last chance to dip my toes into art before making a decision about abandoning it forever. i was always too shy to take other opportunities, but this time… it’s almost as if the universe wanted you to hear me.”

y/n was hypnotised by the honesty in taehyun’s words and expression. she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him even if she tried, but she would never do that. y/n’s artistic vision was such a big part of her life all these years, from the first steps in acting in elementary school or filming family occasions on her dad’s camera from the angle of the four year old, that imagining her life without art in it was impossible. and she never understood how one could survive without it. bringing something she finds beautiful into taehyun’s life and making sure it sticks — it became a mission.

she suddenly felt so overwhelmed, so touched that she had to breathe out, and it made taehyun chuckle. “deal,” she said. “i’ll try my best to help you loosen up in time for the debut night. you’ll get used to company eventually, our rehearsals get crowdy,” admitting this, y/n had the urge to add, “don’t worry though, we’ll start gradually. that is, if chaeyoung even approves.”

“haven’t you told her?”

“i have, but you’re a candidate for now. even if you’re the only one, you still need to audition.”

taehyun nodded slowly. he knew that, just as the guy he had to act out in front of the audience, he had to search for courage, scrape off little bits of it in his heart to act out, and, if it wasn’t enough, his last chance to stop this madness was now. but he was determined.

“then, i need your advice on what i should prepare.”

his response satisfied y/n. she opened her script on the page with a yellow sticker on the edge and told taehyun the number of it. the lines she wanted him to recite were surrounded by notes, scribbles, and doodles, and taehyun briefly wondered how she could even make anything out of them. he took out his notebook and opened a fresh page to write down y/n’s remarques. 

“ready?” she asked. and his heart finally agreed with his nod: despite all his fear, he was more than ready to take this scary step.

the stage was empty, the seats as well, only two taken by y/n and chaeyoung. y/n was impatient and kept making “pop” noises with her mouth which always irritated her friend, especially when there was nothing to worry about. chaeyoung didn’t look up from her phone when she asked, “are you scared he won’t show up?”

“no,” y/n responded quickly, eager to prove taehyun’s good nature.

“then what, that he won’t actually be good? that i won’t like his acting?”

as y/n nodded in “yes” she wasn’t sure that it was entirely true. a part of her was still doubtful of taehyun’s skills. his beautiful voice could be not enough to nail it, but he showed a lot of potential on their last night session of going over the script. y/n saw that behind the shy and inexperienced exterior there was a sprout of a performer. taehyun resembled a collective image of a bunch of kids that came to the theater — some of them left, unable to open up — and her only hope that, unlike some of them, taehyun wouldn’t give up just now.

but when taehyun showed up, breathless because the meeting about his extracurricular ended late, his hair messy, y/n had no choice but to admit her soft spot for the guy. she wanted him to feel free in front of them, to not feel pressured. the true wonder of performance starts when you create something not despite the audience, but for it to share the beauty with you. y/n wanted taehyun to know it already, to skip the awkward phase, but it was impossible. she was afraid he’d get spooked out by their gaze. and that was the other reason for her worries.

“sorry i’m late,” he apologized and took out his script, contrastingly neat for his look, went to stand in front of the girls, despite his chest heaving up and down. chaeyoung smiled, trying to put into the quirk of her lips as much encouragement as she could, “catch a breath first, ok?” taehyun visibly relaxed and took a seat next to y/n, of which chaeyoung took a mental note while pretending that she was interested in a twitter thread.

she heard y/n’s questions about his schedule, his song, and his position at the newspaper club. her voice was uncharacteristically quiet. taehyun mumbled something about telling her later — chaeyoung smiled once again — but his voice was quite shaky. he stood up in a few minutes, y/n wished him to “break a leg” like her opinion wasn’t one of the two that mattered in this deal. her wish or not, kang taehyun amazed them all, himself included.

the last time y/n saw him like that was a couple of years ago, when she finally appeared at the debate club she signed up for. they were on opposite teams, taehyun’s argument was for keeping school uniform. aside from the fact that he looked incredibly good in a suit and tie, y/n was convinced because of the way taehyun carried himself. he was confident in every word he said, he knew what had to be done, and he did it professionally. her statement was supposed to be after taehyun’s, but she couldn’t find any words to defeat him, and the satisfied smirk, shy but evident, left her even more speechless. 

something similar happened when he stood on the stage before y/n and chaeyoung, ran his eyes over the lines he needed to recite, looked up, and turned into a different person. his body language reflected his lack of stage presence, but taehyun was bringing out his own internal adam. y/n’s hunch about him was right, they were similar, which made his work much easier. he felt the words of awkward reassurance that adam dedicated to dina roll of his tongue with ease, it was very much like him, to stumble through his words when it came to sincerity towards his loved ones.

but his singing was far from stumbling. y/n’s impatient glances ran from taehyun to chaeyoung and back to the stage, noticing how shocked her friend was by sudden talent revelation. taehyun sang the same song that y/n heard a couple of days ago in the hall, which turned out to be his favourite at the moment. he didn’t need much for his parts in the play, but he excelled all the expectations. every edge his voice smoothed, every note his chords reached, he had them both charmed.

he finished the last chorus and nervously played with his fingers, y/n had to wave her hand to hint him that it’s over and he can go down. taehyun stumbled over his own foot and got down from the stage with red ears. y/n was too nervous to laugh, and chaeyoung was too busy putting up her not bothered face. “we’ll discuss and text you later,” she said while grabbing y/n’s wrist to drag her out of the hall. it was rather unprofessional, chaeyoung admitted later, but her wish for gossiping was strong, and she was a weak woman. 

y/n actually wanted to stay. wanted to tell him how great was he and reassure him, but all she was able to do was wave him “bye” before her friend overwhelmed her with questions about how on earth she dug out the gift in kang taehyun. later that night she not only congratulated him on getting the part, but also showered him with compliments. 

taehyun was flattered, of course, but the secret wish to hear those words in person overtook him with giddiness.

kang taehyun was a rational and careful person. he was usually the designated driver, the one to learn all the roads and possibilities to build a route for the weekend trip with his family or friends. that being said, these traits made him the target of teasing, to which he never responded well. and lately there had been a lot of teasing.

“who are you texting?” beomgyu asked with a yawn. college life was taking a toll on him, as he was sipping on his third energy drink of the day, trying to be present in a call with his friends and at the same time reviewing his essay that was due in two hours. 

unbeknownst to taehyun who still hadn’t looked up from his screen, yeonjun rolled his eyes. a little less tired, because he actually got two hours of sleep the previous night, but not that different from gyu. “like you don’t know.”  the line was a reality check for taehyun. suddenly, soobin’s room was aggressively boyish, to the point of nostalgia, and his own cheekbones were in vague pain from smiling for too long.”the only question is,” yeonjun continued, “why does he have to text her?”

“she is at chaeyoung’s,” soobin answered for his friend. he was the only one who seemed careless, slurping on his noodles, facetiming his friends with no homework to bother him or deadlines to be missed. as much as he feared the day his gap year ended, for now he was joyful, especially by making his friends jealous. “you know, y/n barely responds to mom’s texts when she’s at a sleepover.”

before he could even finish his point, two husky voices cheered and cooed on the other side of the screen. taehyun put away his phone, hid it under soobin’s pillow, and faced his friend’s screem with evident discontent on his face. 

“we’re just continuing a discussion on the brecht’s play she suggested,” he explained. frankly speaking, taehyun felt really tired of this whole thing. he genuinely enjoyed talking to y/n, whether it was related to acting or not, which made him a constant target. can he never talk to a girl?

“yeah, and i bet you tell y/n how interesting that no name’s writing is, right?” beomgyu mocked.

“it actually is!”

gyu dramatically gasped. if only he stayed, he’d be perfect for the role. “guys, i think taehyun is in his ‘not like other boys’ era!”

soobin laughed so hard, he almost spit his noodles out. yeonjun snickered too, but asked the guys to stop, eyeing how annoyed the youngest looked. 

“you should’ve seen how hard she tries,” soobin mentioned. “she really wants taehyun to feel better on stage. he’s so nervous.”

“how did you know?” taehyun sounded almost offended. “you’ve never been at a rehearsal.”

“kai and chaeyoung told me. they say, you two look real cute…” 

at these words taehyun got up and left for some water downstairs. he couldn’t help but glance over the door of y/n’s room, even though he knew she weren’t there to leave it open, to look out into the hall, to send him a smile as he was passing by. he tried his best not to let guys’ words get into his head, but the thought of how hard the girl was trying to help him left him bewildered. hence, the question taehyun asked her the following day,

“why are you doing this?”

y/n was looking through the notes taehyun left in his script when he asked the question. to look up right away wasn’t the best decision. since they were sharing the pages because y/n forgot herr version, they were sitting so close that when she looked up, their noses almost brushed over each other’s. it took her a few seconds and a couple of blinks to realise the sudden proximity and lean away.

“what?” she asked, unable to recall the question because of how flustered taehyun’s presence made her feel.

“why are you so intent on helping me?” there was no intention to sound rude, but the way y/n was still bewildered made the guy reconsider the phrasing. “i mean, i know that it’s your play, but you could’ve just sent me tips and let it be.”

she found herself at a loss of words. leaving taehyun on his own in the unknown territory never even seemed like an option, so she found his question rather odd.

“would you leave tsuki on her own?” she asked, looking into taehyun’s eyes. “just send her materials on what she needs for her next test and hope she’d figure it out on her own?”

“okay, i see your point. so, no personal agenda?”

“i mean, i get a little satisfaction out of it,” she admitted and smiled, hiding the arrogance behind the quirk of her lips. “i get to be the one who starts carving out your talents, kind of like pygmalion,” she laughed and freezed after realizing what just slipped her tongue. pygmalion, who carved a statue and fell in love with it. y/n stood by the parallel, romantic side of the story aside, so she tried to cover for herself as soon as possible. “you know, like i love theater, and eventually you do too…”

“yeah i get it,” taehyun rushed to reassure her.

“i hope i don’t sound too full of myself.”

“why would you?” his question was sincere, eyes wide open were always a telling. “i’m getting better and more confident, thanks to you.”

he let his eyes grace over y/n’s face for a little longer. go over the scrunch of her nose at his words, the way her lips tried their best to hide her smile, her gaze looking somewhere on the floor. these past few days made taehyun realise that y/n didn’t know how to take a compliment. he thought, with her abilities and talents, she’d be showered in them and used to them by now, but apparently it wasn’t the case.

however, just because she couldn’t take them didn’t mean that taehyun would stop with them.

it was not in his nature, to tease someone with whom he wasn’t close, but taehyun couldn’t stop himself from pleasure. “oh, look at your bashful demeanor,” he cooed, reaching for y/n’s cheek, and she responded by playfully hitting his hand.

“get back to work!” she tried to sound stern, but the smile had not intention of leaving her face or voice. “we have feelings to pour and lines to recite.”

she leaned closer to their shared script, and taehyun looked over the crown of her head one last time before getting into a similar position, arms and forearms touching. he could only hope y/n wouldn’t notice the way his breathing was hitching at the contact.

“yeojin, i needed the colored props yesterday. yedam, could you finish with the background instrumentals by next week? jisung, if you mess up your costume again, i will kill you on spot!” she glared at the latter boy so dangerously, he even stepped away from chenle who’d been making him laugh for the past half hour. “lily, taehyun, my cuties, you are great as always. what are you mumbling over there, yunjin?”

the said girl rolled her eyes. “‘snappy as always, except for when it comes to these two,’ — that’s what i said.”

y/n nodded for chaeyoung to take it from there and came up to yunjin who was bending over the background decorations, painting it. the director took a brush in her hand and, after putting it into the same colour as the girl before her, started helping her. 

“they are the face of the play,” she started, paying all her attention to mumbling and filling the cutout with life. “on the day of it, you won’t be on the stage, you will be seated, and even if you won’t be satisfied with your work, people will barely notice.” yunjin scoffed bitterly, but she knew y/n were right. “the extras will add it in their college applications and call it a day. maybe parents will cheer for them, and chaeyoung and i, of course, but that’s about it. but when it comes to lily and taehyun… it’s different for them. they are the foundation. there’s enough stress and critique for them without my nitpicking.”

“even if the foundation is shaky?” she looked up at yunjin after her question, even though you could sense what she meant already. “c’mon, y/n, they have no chemistry, and you know it.”

y/n sighed, defeated, and plopped the brush back to the palette where it had been before. they had some chemistry, and they were trying so hard on spending time together and finding this connection, hours of rehearsals just to not be awkward with each other, but there was little to no progress.

“maybe you should give lily some hints,” yunjin smirked, and to y/n’s quirked eyebrow answered the silent question, “you and taehyun seem to have ple-e-enty of chemistry.”

y/n didn’t know how to respond. scared that taehyun would hear it, she looked around to find him quite far from yunjin and her, yet his eyes were on the director when she found him. he shoot her an “okay” sign with a question in his eyes and eyebrows up. “everything alright?” y/n responded with the same sign and a small smile, which made taehyun’s shoulders go a little down, relax. he looked away, glanced to her once again, but then gave all of his attention to chaeyoung before she had a chance to yell at him for being distracted.

the couple of hours later y/n was spending helping the props team and controlling the extras’ rehearsal. lily showed up by her side and lightly tapped on the shoulder, but y/n’s attention was hers already. “remember, i told you that i have to leave early now?”

“sure thing,” the director nodded and wanted to thank her for her work, but she was faster.

“can you go over one scene with taehyun instead of me?”

“the one with the lift?” 

y/n’s eyes were on her main actors from time to time, especially since chaeyoung’s dramatic groans were inescapable. at some point during their song, lily had to run up to taehyun and jump, he’d catch her and, after a little slow spin, let her down. in theory, and when chaeyoung did this move with soobin while you were thinking of this number at home, it was cute. even with soobin, who’s usually so out of place with girls, it’s hard to watch. heeseung had no problem with it, and y/n thought taehyun would handle it like a champ as well, but she was wrong.

sometimes he would stop before lily jumped. sometimes he felt, and therefore looked, awkward. truly painful to watch. y/n didn’t know what made lily sure she could be of help, still she had no chance but to agree. even if it made her palms sweaty after realising what she’s about to do with kang taehyun. the guy she spent the last few weeks texting day and night, thinking how cute his smile is, letting him outsmart her and never feeling bitter about it, contrary to her usual behaviour.

crap.

in the end of the rehearsal it was just her and taehyun. chaeyoung left after y/n assured her friend that she can handle it. even kai left, even though taehyun was supposed to take him home. y/n didn’t know what exactly the older boy told his friend, but the grin on the younger’s face made taehyun roll his eyes and bump kai’s shoulder.

so it was empty seats, covered in darkness, the silent stage and these two. “let’s try with no music first, okay?” taehyun nodded and hoped y/n didn't see his nervous gulp. “why is this move hard for you? you don’t think it should be here?”

there was no pressure in the question. you understood that everybody can have a different view, and taehyun’s opinion or maybe a simple feeling in his gut could be in a way. not that you would indulge disobedience, but listening to the actors is important.

“no, i like the move, it’s just… i don’t think i’ve ever experienced something so extremely romantic.”

“oh.” you were taken aback by his honesty, but it was taehyun, he wouldn’t beat around the bush. especially since the solution needed to be found fast, with premiere approaching in a little less than two months. “do you want to change it?”

“no, of course not.” smart, as always. “i’d like to try it.”

it stayed on the tip of taehyun’s tongue, the continuation with you, but his pleading eyes looked into y/n’s instead. she got flustered, so maybe, just maybe, his message was still delivered. or maybe y/n tried to think that she imagined that, but nevertheless, the crack in her voice made taehyun smile. “could you sing the part? i’ll recall the counting.” the guy obeyed, and y/n half-heartedly, eyes focused on the floor, repeated the moves.

“okay, so your verse ends, than four counts of lily’s part for her to run up to you.” taehyun nodded in confirmation, patiently waiting for you across the stage. “then, let’s do it right away.”

“what, now?”

“yeah. or you have something else in mind?” taehyun shook his head. he surprised himself with such a reaction. “then come here. just wait for me and catch me, okay? no need for a spin, if you’re not ready. i’ll count from one, jump on eight.”

the director's voice was on. y/n felt much more confident putting up the barrier. at the moment he wasn’t a guy she maybe slowly started developing a crush on – seriously? it’s time to think about it right now? – but an actor who needed her help and advice. given that she’s done this stuff plenty of times before, y/n were ready to share her expertise. counting from the top, three counts to get to taehyun in a little run up, she could see his arms welcoming her, ready to catch her on a bit.

her ‘eight’ came out weak, almost whispered. the barrier fell with it. taehyun held her close, spinned around, and y/n suddenly felt dizzy from how close he was. his eyes were focused on the girl before him like they were never on lily’s. she slid down, not breaking eye contact with him, breathless. y/n stayed next to him, taehyun kept his hands on her waist, leaving no space between them. he couldn’t make up, was it his heartbeat or hers, but it was so loud and fast, almost deafening. 

silence, but now it was comfortable, even though both of them were in panic on the inside. taehyun briefly looked over y/n’s face and asked, “i suppose, that’s what i should do?” as his arms crawl further, putting y/n a bit closer.

she wanted to scream from how cute his move was. she wanted to nag him and say that he should only do that to her. but, hiding her stupid wide grin with biting her lowerlip, y/n could only nod. 

then, it hit her. “shit! we forgot to record!”

“so, now what? take two?” taehyun smiled and she hit his chest as he was letting you go. maybe, two takes won’t be enough.

“and then what?” chaeyoung nudged y/n’s shoulder. playwright’s face was in shock, eyes smiling, impatiently boring into her friend’s side profile. y’n was lying on chaeyoung’s bed, hugging a huge pochacco plushie tightly to herself. “y/n, c’mon! what happened next?”

“not much,” she shrugged, gaze still focused on the ceiling. “we recorded it, i sent him the video, soobin picked me up on his way home after the shift. we barely talked, chae.”

“you don’t sound disappointed.”

to face her friend, y/n rolled over onto your stomach. “it’s because i’m not. look, i barely figured out that i have a crush on taehyun by the time it happened. oh, stop it with your grin, i know you were just waiting for me to admit it out loud,” to which chaeyoung nodded but never stopped smiling. “i need some time to understand whether it’s him or just that he’s a guy who’s close to me. plus, it’s not a good time with preparations and all.”

“there’s always time for love, y/n!” chaeyoung shook the girl's shoulders a bit, but her exhausted smile was a sign that maybe you’re not ready to admit it or to laugh about this just now. “and taehyun is great, what a boy…”

“i know,” y/n put a plush to her face and groaned in frustration. “you don’t make it easier. i wanna kiss his stupid face whenever i see him, and i don’t even know if he wants it.”

“he does.” chaeyoung lied down next to y/n, and for a bit, when she could still see her friend’s face, she noticed a sly smile, the origin of which y/n didn’t want to investigate. 

“i hope so too.”

y/n thought about every brush of his hand with hers that happened that day. every time he caught her gaze and she looked away with a smile that made them accomplices of sharing a secret they cherish. every time he wished her good night when they parted your ways, and hesitation on his face resembled hers.

even if there’s always time for love, y/n didn’t want to rush it. not with kang taehyun.

the spring of senior year went by swiftly. with college applications, prom discussion, rehearsals, and dress shopping it was hard to not lose one’s head. hanging out with taehyun – most of the time because it was actually needed for play or soobin – became a part of these breathtaking few months. y/n never felt so busy, but the fatigue in her body that she experienced every night was the most pleasant. especially, towards the date of the premier.

she was a director before. she had staged a few skits that were included in talent shows in her school, she filmed a few short films based on chaeyoung’s and her own scripts. for the past two years she had been mrs kim’s assistant, the way y/n ate up everything the teacher gave her was both endearing and terrifying. y/n’s face lit up when she thought of theater, when she stood in front of stage her eyes were roaming, already thinking of lights and composition. 

the idea of putting up a play was almost insane, chaeyoung and y/n brought it up for shits and giggles, but then everybody approved, and they realised how much easier it was, to try than to be scared of doing so. which was also something that, they were hoping, could be seen through the play, in the way dina befriends the unknown, taking a step towards it. they wanted to show that it’s okay, to take your time and figure out what you want. y/n knew she was lucky to already have plans, but soobin’s path and his insecurities also should have been respected, which not a lot of people understood. so they showed dina and adam ending up in the dimension where time is still, and finding something good in that world, friendships and appreciation for tranquility. 

it may have been too cheesy, too young adult, too high school, but y/n had plenty of time to show the world something postmodernist or whatnot. for now, they wanted to speak freely, to use simple imagery, to be heard and understood by everybody, even the least bright minds in the audience.

the date approached, and y/n felt nervous. she couldn’t hide it since she had always been the type of a person to wear the heart on her sleeve. everyone felt it, some gave in to the same turmoil, but, as kang taehyun told her wisely at the end of one of the rehearsals, “your forehead is too cute to get wrinkles from your frowning. and your play is too good to be nervous about.” he was a wise man, so y/n decided to listen. at the end of the day, she did everything she could for the premier night, and, after convincing herself with that, her anxiety turned into excitement.

y/n kept peeking past the curtain and hiding behind it. chaeyoung was too busy talking with the guy who was a lighting technician to calm her nerves. people were passing by, y/n was done with all the directions, and she had a few moments before her final speech and ‘curtains up’ signal. she had no one particular to search for in the seats – her parents, soobin, and even yeonjun already in place. everyone was there, yet stillness was nowhere to be found.

“quite a crowd, huh?” 

y/n was so uptight, even taehyun’s voice behind her back couldn’t spook her. 

“yeah, i didn’t even know we had that many citizens.”

he barely parsed her words and smiled. when y/n turned to him, she needed a moment to take him in. taehyun had a face full of makeup, which was an unusual, but still pretty sight. his stage costume was in dark academia style, so fitting for his everyday smarty pants persona. yet there was something missing, and y/n had just figured out, what exactly.

“come with me,” she did not ask, but demanded, grabbing his wrist and going further backstage. people were snooping past them, taehyun stumbled over something a few times, but your pace was fast and determined, until they reached the dressing room.

it was crowded, but quiet. extras were chatting, lily was singing under her nose, finishing up her makeup. you dropped her a compliment and started scrabbling about the table that was drowning under the amount of accessories and makeup products on it.

“what are you looking for?” the guy behind you questioned just as you pulled out round glasses with no lens in them with a victorious “yes!” taehyun sat in the nearest chair so you could easily put them on his nose yourself. for a quick moment, her fingertips grazed over his temples.

“perfect,” she said quietly. yunjin passed by her and didn’t miss a chance to confirm, “suits him well!” which earned y/n’s giggle. she turned to taehyun and noticed his eyes were fixed on her. “are you nervous?”

he shook his head.

“not at all?”

“okay, maybe a little, but that’s about it.”

they would’ve noticed the glances of others and discontent groaning of that sappy scene, but they were way too deep into each other’s eyes for that. taehyun wanted to hold your waist, to bring you closer, but he obediently turned to the mirror when you pushed his face to the side. he couldn’t care less about the way he looked, because even at that moment all he could look at was you.

“y/n!” chaeyoung yelled when she rushed in. “five minutes!”

when she left the dressing room, y/n quickly leaned to taehyun and kissed him on the cheek. “for good luck!” and then, just as minutes ago, grabbed his wrist and dragged him behind her, while he was still processing what just had happened.

by the time they managed to gather everybody they already had four minutes left. y/n told them the words she’d been thinking of since the first audition was held. she told them how happy she was to make her dream come true with people who were not afraid to show their talents and passion. she told chaeyoung how much it meant for her, to work by her side, and listened to her words of gratitude. they both thanked everyone who took a part, found it in their heart to like the play and tolerate their whimsies. they put their hands together and on the count of three raised them in the air just before the final call. 

y/n looked over the people around herself – some nervous, some smiling, some already rushing into their positions on the stage – and realised that chaeyoung was right. there’s always time for love, and she was happy that the love for theater was the one they shared.

when chaeyoung was covering her ear, y/n thought she was overdramatic. when taehyun, on the other side of hers, started doing the same, y/n decided that perhaps she should be quieter. her determination lasted exactly one endearing smile of taehyun’s and one yunjin’s joke before she dolphin laughed once again. 

y/n was feeling that under the table of the diner – of which they were the only visitors, thank god – her legs were turning into jelly because of the overexcitation of the day. the feeling of letting her first production go, with the bittersweet taste of leaving high school and technical difficulties, was mixed with the pleasure of applause and her parents’ admiration. even soobin had hugged her, so now she intended on turning the date into a big national holiday.

and now, y/n was sandwiched between her best friend and the guy she liked, surrounded by the boisterous laughter and loud voices of the colleagues she admired. her dad had taken home all the bouquets she got today, but she was still toying with one of the flowers in her hands, to ground herself a little after everything that had happened. the tide of weariness was slowly approaching, and y/n found herself more quiet, observant. yet she stayed until the end of the night.

she went outside and shrugged at the night wind, as everybody else was leaving as well and employees were turning their sign to ‘closed’. uninvited, but more than welcome, a jacket was left on her shoulders. y/n turned to her side and found taehyun who was left in his hoodie only. she probably shouldn’t have given in this easily, but all she could say was “thank you,” to which he only smiled.

kang taehyun, not romantic my ass. 

“let me walk you home,” he suggested, and y/n eagerly nodded. hugging chaeyoung goodbye, she promised her once again to meet up the next day for the review. she kissed y/n on the cheek, getting uncharacteristically sweet because of her own excitement, and whispered, “shoot your shot!” her friend nodded with certainty in her eyes. she wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.

the night was peaceful. y/n texted soobin that she will be escorted home and hid her phone and hands in the pockets of taehyun’s jacket, but not before wrapping an arm around his. it turned out quite comfortable, she was happy to admit. the stroll down the dark streets would send her shivers, but this time was different, comfortable, calming.

“so,” taehyun said and coughed a little after breaking the silence, “how did galatea do today?”

y/n laughed a little at his reference to their pygmalion conversation. “oh, galatea was a star!” at the exclamation she turned just in time to taehyun’s side, so she could capture in her memory the blossoming of his bashful smile. a rare sight, one of a kind. “i mean it. thank you so much for agreeing to play, turning you into an actor, even for one night, was one of my biggest achievements.”

“if anything, i should thank you.”

“yeah, you kind of should.” her false arrogance made him laugh. y/n loved being the reason behind his smile.

“thank you,” taehyun dropped quietly. she mentally commanded the wind to stop snooping around, so she could hear taehyun better. “i could imagine being on stage only in my wildest dreams, where i stopped being shy and self-conscious. turns out, it takes one person to believe in you and help you take the first steps to overcome it.”

“i wasn’t the only one who believed in you,” y/n objected.

“maybe, but you are the only one who matters.”

they kept walking, but it felt like the world stopped instead. all the movement, sound, time stopped, leaving y/n and taehyun by her side only.

“it’s not that i’ve suddenly decided to be an actor, but…  singing is definitely asking for my attention now.” he sighed as if it was a bigger confession, than admitting his feelings for y/n, and she could see why. when you’re a teen, it’s easier to admit that you’re in love than the change in plans for your future. 

“i’m glad you liked the stage.”

“seeing you try your best and cheering me on made me strive for the better. just don’t get a swelled head.” 

y/n felt taehyun’s touch on the tip of her nose as he booped it before hiding his palm in the pocket of his jacket, taking her hand in his. he squeezed the girl’s hand three times in goodbye.

“are you free tomorrow?” he asked as she stood on the first stair of her porch, facing him. sensing, where this was going, y/n smiled.

“after chaeyoung, yes i am.”

“good, then it’s a date.”

taehyun enveloped her in a hug.the smell of his three in one shampoo and fabric softener hit her nose as she hid her cheek onto his shoulder, being able to reach it because she stood high.

“something low energy, because we will be tired. and no flowers, kang, i now have plenty.”

little did she know, he already planned it weeks ahead, same notes taken on his own.

“are we already so close, calling each other by last names?”

“why are you acting like we haven’t known each other for ages?” y/n heard him scoff, too lazy to leave his hug just yet. “besides, i’m hiding my uneasiness by being mean, i thought you would know by now.”

“yeah, i knew, i just wanted you to admit that you’re nervous because of me.”

y/n lightly hit his arm, but stayed in the hug for just a little more, until the notification sound of her phone brought them back to reality. she pulled away and started taking the jacket off her shoulders, but taehyun put it back.

“keep it. please.” he waited for her to confirm, which she did with a nod, and then he kissed her on the cheek. “for good night.”

taehyun desperately wanted to stay, to give her more kisses, but it was the right thing, to take off. for now it was enough. he stepped back, waved to y/n and left, looking back a couple of times to find her still on the porch, seeing him off with a tired happy smile. 

she was staring at the stars in the clear sky when the door behind her opened. soobin looked out, not willing to take a step into the cold of the night. 

“i don’t want this day to end,” y/n whined. probably, still under the euphoria of this day, just as his sister was, soobin came up to her and threw his hand around your shoulders, bringing her with him.

“the next one will be even better.” somehow, these were the only brother’s words y/n ever believed. maybe he just knew that taehyun asked her out, but she was too sleepy and too giddy to spare a thought. 

he was right. and y/n was ready to greet the next day and give it all she’s got.

a/n: thank you so much for reading! i've been carrying this idea for a while, but i didn't know who would be my main guy until i settled on taehyun not that long ago. back to my roots, writing about txt! i hope you liked it! this whole thing turned out to be a somewhat reflection on my thoughts on adulthood, since i'm graduating uni this year and i'm frankly scared haha. plus, the spring is here! let me know what you think! i'll be happy to hear your thoughts on this <3

sexy soobin @ act: promise in seoul day 3

𐙚 heartstrings.

— "you are mine i am yours, isn't it obvious that there's something one of us wants to admit?"

genre: angst, fluff, bandmates to friends to lovers :>>

pairing: bandmate!beomgyu x afab!reader

warning: swearing, kiss (?), let me know if i forgot anything!

wordcount: 11.8k :>>

now playing: one click straight — mrt ୨ৎ , zild — lia ୨ৎ

if it wasn’t your friend crying to you to join the band, you might have ignored the opportunity altogether. you had heard of the band through chaeyoung, your friend who had harbored a not-so-secret crush on beomgyu for as long as you could remember. she spoke of him with a dreamy look in her eyes, often mentioning his talent and the way he seemed to pour his soul into every note he played.

“he's amazing,” chaeyoung would say, her cheeks flushing slightly. “and so kind. you should see how he treats everyone in the band.”

you nodded along, though your thoughts were often elsewhere, lost in the chords and melodies you created in your room. music had always been your escape, a place where you could express the things words often failed to capture.

one evening, as you sat with chaeyoung at your usual coffee shop, she burst into the room with an excitement you rarely saw in her. she practically bounced over to your table, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. “guess what?” she said, barely able to contain herself. “the band is looking for a new guitarist and vocalist!”

you raised an eyebrow, curious but cautious. “and?”

“and you should totally try out!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. “you’re perfect for it. plus, it would be a great way for me to get closer to beomgyu.”

you chuckled at her transparency. “so this is your grand plan? get me into the band so you can make your move on beomgyu?”

she grinned, unashamed. “exactly. come on, it’ll be fun. and you love playing music. it’s a win-win.”

you sighed, feeling the weight of her request. joining a band was a big commitment, and the thought of performing in front of people made your stomach churn. “i don’t know, chaeyoung. i’m not really a performer. i like playing in my room, where no one can judge me.”

her face fell, and you could see the disappointment in her eyes. “but you’re so talented. it’s a waste to keep all that to yourself. please, just give it a shot. for me?”

you shook your head, standing firm. “i can’t. it’s just too much.”

chaeyoung’s shoulders slumped, and she stared at her coffee cup, her fingers tracing the rim. “i really thought you’d say yes,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “this means a lot to me.”

you felt a pang of guilt, but your mind was made up. “i’m sorry, chaeyoung. i just can’t.”

the next day, chaeyoung showed up at your door, her eyes red and puffy from crying. she looked at you with such desperation that it broke your heart. “please,” she begged, tears streaming down her face. “i need this. i need you to help me.”

you were taken aback by her raw emotion. chaeyoung was always so composed, so put-together. seeing her like this, so vulnerable, made you reconsider. “chaeyoung, i… i don’t know if i can do this.”

she grabbed your hands, squeezing them tightly. “you can. i know you can. you’re amazing, and this could be such a great opportunity for you. and for us.”

you sighed, feeling the weight of her request. joining a band was a big commitment, but the idea of playing music with others, of sharing that connection, was tempting. besides, you couldn't deny chaeyoung anything when she looked at you with those pleading eyes.

“alright,” you said finally, a small smile tugging at your lips. “i’ll do it.”chaeyoung practically squealed with delight, hugging you tightly. “thank you, thank you, thank you! you won’t regret it, i promise.”

your first encounter with the band took place in their practice studio, a space filled with the rich scent of old instruments and the echo of past performances. when you arrived, beomgyu, yeonjun, taehyun, and kai were already there, their presence creating a lively buzz in the room. the setup was intimate—four chairs arranged in a semi-circle with instruments strewn about, evidence of countless hours spent together.

beomgyu greeted you first, his gaze warm yet scrutinizing. “hey, you must be the new applicant. i’m beomgyu, the bassist.”

you nodded, trying to steady your nerves. “yeah, that’s me. nice to meet you.”

yeonjun, with his easygoing demeanor, flashed a reassuring smile. “i’m yeonjun, the drummer. welcome to the band.”

taehyun, the lead guitarist with an intense focus, gave a nod of acknowledgment. “taehyun. let’s see what you’ve got.”

kai, the youngest and the most energetic of the group, leaned in with a grin. “i’m kai. excited to hear you play!”

as you set up your guitar and adjusted the microphone, the room filled with a quiet anticipation. your heart pounded in your chest as you prepared for your audition. chaeyoung stood by the side, her supportive presence a small comfort amidst your growing anxiety.

you started with a familiar song, one you’d practiced tirelessly in your room. your fingers trembled slightly as you strummed the first chords, your voice wavering but determined. the band members listened intently, their expressions ranging from casual interest to focused concentration.

when you finished, there was a moment of silence. beomgyu broke it with a thoughtful nod. “not bad. your style is different from what we’re used to, but that’s not a bad thing.”

yeonjun added, “i agree. you’ve got potential. it’ll take some time to get used to playing with us, but i think you could fit in.”

taehyun’s gaze was piercing, but there was a hint of approval in his eyes. “we’re looking for someone who can bring something fresh to the table. if you’re up for the challenge, we’d be happy to have you.”

kai, always the enthusiast, clapped his hands. “great job! when can we start practicing together?”

chaeyoung’s eyes sparkled with relief and joy as she hugged you tightly. “see? i told you you’d do great!”

the initial excitement quickly gave way to the reality of integrating into the band. you quickly learned that fitting into their established rhythm was more challenging than you’d anticipated. during the first few practice sessions, you struggled to synchronize with yeonjun’s drumming and taehyun’s lead guitar riffs. your attempts to harmonize with kai’s backing vocals often felt awkward, and you could sense the band’s growing frustration.

one particular practice, as you flubbed a crucial part of a song, yeonjun let out a sigh of frustration. “let’s take that from the top. we need to tighten up.”

beomgyu, sensing your growing frustration, pulled you aside during a break. “hey, don’t worry. it takes time to adjust. let’s work through this together.”

you nodded, grateful for his support. “thanks, beomgyu. i appreciate it.”

over the next few weeks, you and beomgyu spent extra time practicing together. he was patient and encouraging, helping you work through the rough patches. you started to notice a rhythm in your interactions, both musically and personally. he would often tease you about your tendency to overthink and offer playful suggestions to ease your nerves.

one evening, after a particularly successful practice session, you and beomgyu sat on the worn-out couch in the studio, sharing a moment of respite. “so, what made you stick with the band?” you asked, genuinely curious.

beomgyu shrugged, a thoughtful look on his face. “i guess i just enjoy making music with people who challenge me. and you’ve definitely brought a new dynamic to our sound.”

you smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “i’m glad to hear that. it’s been tough, but i’m starting to feel like i’m finding my place.”

beomgyu’s gaze softened. “you are. and you’re doing great. it’s all about finding the right groove and getting to know each other.”

with each practice session and performance, the bond between you and the band grew stronger. you started to feel more comfortable, both on stage and off. the initial awkwardness of your role began to fade as you settled into the rhythm of the group. the chemistry between you and beomgyu began to blossom, marked by shared laughter, spontaneous jams, and heartfelt conversations.

one evening, after a particularly grueling rehearsal, you all gathered in the studio’s lounge area. the dim lighting cast a warm glow over the room as the band members slumped into the worn-out couches, still buzzing from the energy of the session.

“hey, that last song was fire,” kai said, stretching out his arms. “we really nailed it.”

beomgyu, his bass still resting on his lap, looked over at you with a grin. “yeah, you were killing it tonight. i think we’ve finally hit our stride.”

you felt a flush of pride at his compliment. “thanks. it felt great playing with you guys.”

“i can tell,” beomgyu replied, his smile widening. “you’ve really found your groove. how’s everything been going for you outside the band?”

“busy,” you said with a laugh. “but it’s all good. i’m actually starting to enjoy the chaos.”

“chaos?” beomgyu raised an eyebrow. “sounds like a good story.”

you shrugged. “nothing too exciting. just balancing school and shits, you know how it is.”

the conversation drifted into lighter topics, with beomgyu and you trading jokes and anecdotes. it was moments like these, away from the pressures of practice, that made you realize how much you valued the connection you were building with him and the rest of the band.

chaeyoung’s efforts to get closer to beomgyu became increasingly noticeable. she would often linger after practice, her laughter ringing out in the studio as she shared stories and asked questions about his music. she seemed to be making every effort to draw his attention, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

one evening, chaeyoung caught you off guard as she approached you with a conspiratorial smile. “hey, so, did you notice how beomgyu was totally into that last song we played?”

you chuckled. “yeah, he seemed pretty pumped about it.”

chaeyoung leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “i’m thinking of asking him to grab coffee sometime. you know, just to talk more about his music. what do you think?”

“sounds like a good idea,” you replied, trying to sound supportive even though you felt a pang of discomfort. “i’m sure he’d love to chat more about it.”

“great!” chaeyoung said, her eyes lighting up. “i was hoping you’d help me figure out a good way to ask him. maybe during our next session?”

“sure,” you said with a nod, masking your unease. “i can help.”

despite your efforts to support chaeyoung, you couldn’t shake the feeling of being caught in an awkward middle ground. you found yourself often standing back while chaeyoung and beomgyu engaged in deep conversations, your role feeling secondary. yet, even with this small discomfort, you still cherished the moments when you could connect with beomgyu and the rest of the band.

one evening, as the band wrapped up a particularly intense practice session, chaeyoung seized the opportunity to suggest they all grab dinner together. her tone was casual, but you could sense her underlying intent to include beomgyu in the plans.

“hey, we should all go out for dinner after practice,” she said with a bright, almost conspiratorial smile. “there’s this great new place i’ve been wanting to try. what do you think, beomgyu?”

beomgyu, who was adjusting the strap on his bass guitar, looked up with a thoughtful expression. “sure, that sounds good. i’m always up for trying new places.”

chaeyoung’s eyes lit up with excitement. “awesome! it’ll be fun to hang out outside of practice.”

you hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. “sounds great. i’d love to join.”

the group made their way to the restaurant, and you found yourself feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. the place chaeyoung had picked was cozy, with dim lighting and a menu full of intriguing options. as everyone settled into their seats, chaeyoung made a point to sit next to beomgyu, her body angled towards him as she began chatting animatedly about the restaurant’s unique dishes.

“so, have you tried the truffle fries here?” chaeyoung asked, leaning slightly closer. “i’ve heard they’re amazing.”

beomgyu, who was studying the menu, looked up with a smile. “no, but they sound great. i’m definitely down to try them.”

chaeyoung’s excitement was palpable. “perfect! we’ll get a bunch of appetizers to share. oh, and what about your favorite bands, beomgyu? i’m curious to know what kind of music you’re into.”

beomgyu chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention. “i’m into a mix of stuff—rock, jazz, a bit of indie. it really depends on my mood.”

as the evening unfolded, you couldn’t help but notice how chaeyoung maintained close proximity to beomgyu. she’d casually brush against him when reaching for the shared dishes or laugh a little too loudly at his jokes. each time she did, you could see the subtle pleasure in her eyes, and it was clear she was trying to catch his attention.

your own attempts at conversation felt stilted in comparison. you chatted with kai and the others, but whenever you tried to join in the conversation with beomgyu and chaeyoung, it felt like you were intruding. you awkwardly sipped your drink, trying to find a way to fit into the lively exchange.

as the evening progressed, you ended up sitting across from beomgyu. you watched him more closely now, observing the comfortable ease in his demeanor. he seemed genuinely engaged with chaeyoung, listening attentively and responding with thoughtful comments. his laughter was warm, and his eyes sparkled with a genuine interest that made you feel both envious and intrigued.

chaeyoung’s laughter was infectious, and it seemed to draw beomgyu in even more. “so, beomgyu,” she asked, her voice bright, “what inspired you to pick up the bass in the first place?”

beomgyu leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “i’ve always loved the rhythm and the groove. my older brother used to play, and i guess i just wanted to follow in his footsteps. plus, there’s something about the bass that just feels... essential to the music.”

“that’s really cool,” chaeyoung said, her eyes wide with admiration. “i love how passionate you are about it.”

you watched the exchange, feeling a pang of discomfort as you saw how effortlessly chaeyoung connected with beomgyu. you admired his passion, but you couldn’t help but feel a bit sidelined in the conversation.

the evening ended with everyone feeling satisfied and relaxed, the conversations flowing easily. as you all walked back to your respective homes, chaeyoung was buzzing with excitement, clearly thrilled with how the night had gone. you, on the other hand, found yourself lost in thought, as to why you are feeling a sudden thug on your chest upon remembering how close chaeyoung was with beomgyu earlier, and it felt wrong, you should’ve feel this way, not when your bestfriend if finally having more time with her crush.

another day, during a band rehearsal, chaeyoung suggested you help her with a surprise project for beomgyu—a personalized guitar pick. she wanted to give it to him as a gesture of appreciation for all his hard work and dedication. you agreed, though your heart wasn’t fully in it. you couldn’t help but wonder if this was her way of marking her territory, claiming her place in beomgyu’s life.

as you worked on the project together, chaeyoung’s enthusiasm was evident. “i really think this will make him happy,” she said, her eyes shining with hope. “he’s always so dedicated to the band, and this is a small way to show our appreciation.”

you nodded, trying to share in her excitement. “yeah, it’s a nice gesture. he’ll definitely appreciate it.”

when the day finally came to present the gift, chaeyoung was practically bouncing with anticipation. you watched as she handed the guitar pick to beomgyu, her smile radiant with pride. he accepted it with a surprised look, clearly touched by the thoughtful gesture.

“thanks, chaeyoung,” he said, his voice warm. “this is really cool. you didn’t have to, but i appreciate it.”

you could see the way chaeyoung’s eyes sparkled with happiness, but you also noticed the way beomgyu’s gaze lingered on her, a soft smile playing on his lips, and it made your heart twist with a confusing mix of emotions.

despite your efforts to help chaeyoung, you began to notice subtle changes in beomgyu’s behavior towards you. at band practices, his interactions with you became more frequent and personal. what had once been brief exchanges about setlists and practice schedules now turned into longer conversations that delved into more personal territory.

one afternoon, as you were setting up your gear, beomgyu approached you with a thoughtful expression. “hey, i’ve been meaning to ask,” he started, casually leaning against the wall, “what’s your favorite song to play?”

you looked up, a bit surprised by the question. “oh, um, that’s a tough one. i really like ‘wonderwall’ by oasis. it’s got a great vibe.”

beomgyu nodded, his eyes lighting up with interest. “nice choice. i love that song too. the melody is just... it’s so catchy, you know?”

“yeah, exactly,” you replied, feeling a bit more at ease. “what about you? what’s your favorite?”

beomgyu thought for a moment. “i’d have to say ‘under the bridge’ by the red hot chili peppers. there’s something about the way the bass line carries the song that just resonates with me, but if i have to brag to someone, i’d choose any arctic monkey’s song.” he chuckles.

as he spoke, you couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze lingered on you, a soft intensity in his eyes that made your heart race. there was a warmth in his expression that made you feel like you were the only person in the room.

the change in his behavior wasn’t limited to just band practice. during breaks, he would often find reasons to sit near you, casually mentioning his latest musical experiments or asking for your opinions on new tracks he was working on. his conversations with you were filled with personal anecdotes and stories from his life, and he seemed genuinely interested in hearing about yours.

one evening after practice, as the band packed up, beomgyu casually walked over to where you were putting away your equipment. “so, you mentioned you’re studying music theory. how’s that going?” he asked, leaning against the counter.

you glanced up, surprised by his interest. “it’s going well. it’s a lot of theory and practice, but i’m getting the hang of it. why do you ask?”

“just curious,” he said with a grin. “i’ve always thought about diving deeper into theory myself. it’s fascinating how it all connects.”

you smiled, feeling a sense of connection. “yeah, it is. it’s like uncovering the secrets behind the music.”

“exactly,” beomgyu said, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer. “hey, i’ve been meaning to ask if you’d like to come to a jam session this weekend. just a few of us hanging out and playing some music. it could be fun.”

your heart skipped a beat. “that sounds awesome. i’d love to.”

“great,” beomgyu said, his smile widening. “i’ll text you the details.”

as the week went on, you found yourself looking forward to the jam session with increasing anticipation. the way beomgyu interacted with you made you feel special, and you couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more behind his actions.

the jam session arrived, and it was as laid-back and enjoyable as you had hoped. you found yourself immersed in the music, with beomgyu often glancing over at you with a smile that made your heart flutter. during a break, as you all sat around with drinks and snacks, beomgyu casually asked, “so, what’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try musically but haven’t had the chance to yet?”

you thought for a moment. “i’ve always wanted to experiment with producing my own tracks. it seems like a fun way to explore different sounds and styles.”

“that’s cool,” beomgyu said, nodding thoughtfully. “i’ve done a bit of that myself. if you ever want to collaborate or need any tips, just let me know. i’d be happy to help.”

“thanks,” you said, feeling a rush of excitement. “i might take you up on that.”

the evening ended on a high note, with everyone in good spirits and the music flowing effortlessly. as you said your goodbyes, beomgyu lingered a bit longer, his gaze meeting yours with a warmth that made your heart race.

“it was really great having you there tonight,” he said, his voice soft. “i hope we can do it again soon.”

“me too,” you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. “i had a lot of fun.”

“awesome,” beomgyu said with a smile. “i’ll see you at practice.”

as you walked home, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting between you and beomgyu. his attention and the personal nature of your conversations left you both exhilarated and curious about where things might lead.

one afternoon, after a particularly intense practice, beomgyu approached you with a small, hesitant smile. “hey, do you have a minute?”

you nodded, feeling a flutter of anticipation. “sure, what’s up?”

he led you to a quieter corner of the studio, away from the others. “i was thinking,” he began, his voice slightly uncertain, “that maybe we could work on a new song together. just the two of us.”

you felt a rush of excitement mixed with apprehension. “m-me? i mean, yeah, w-we could!”

as you worked on the song together, the atmosphere between you shifted. there were moments when your hands brushed, your eyes meeting in shared understanding. beomgyu’s smiles became more frequent, and his laughter seemed to come more easily around you. it was clear that he enjoyed your company and valued your input, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more behind his gestures.

one evening, as you and beomgyu took a break from working on the song, he looked at you with an intensity that made your heart race. “you know,” he said softly, “i’ve really enjoyed getting to know you. you’ve got this way of making everything seem... better.”

you were taken aback, your breath catching in your throat. “thanks, beomgyu. i’ve enjoyed working with you too.”

his gaze lingered, and you could feel the tension in the air. there was a moment of silence before he spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. “i’m glad you’re here.”

your internal conflict grew more pronounced as these interactions continued. you started to realize that your feelings for beomgyu were deepening, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore them. you found yourself torn between your desire to support chaeyoung and your own growing affection for him.

one evening, as you and chaeyoung were leaving the studio, she turned to you with a hopeful smile. “so, how do you think things are going with beomgyu?”

you hesitated, unsure how to answer. “he’s been really great. we’ve been working on some new music together, and it’s been... good.”

chaeyoung’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “i knew you’d get along! i’m so glad. do you think he likes me?”

you swallowed hard, the weight of your promise to chaeyoung heavy on your shoulders. “i’m sure he does. he seems to appreciate everything you’ve done for him.”

as you walked away, you felt a deep sense of conflict. the more time you spent with beomgyu, the more your own feelings grew. but you had made a promise to chaeyoung, and the thought of betraying that promise weighed heavily on you.

it was becoming increasingly clear that this situation would be more complicated than you had anticipated. your growing affection for beomgyu and your loyalty to chaeyoung were pulling you in different directions, leaving you to grapple with the tangled emotions that had become an inescapable part of your life.

the band had just wrapped up a particularly intense practice session. the studio, once alive with vibrant energy and the hum of instruments, now felt eerily still and heavy. sweat beaded on your brow as you put away your guitar, your fingers still tingling from the final, emotionally charged chords. the song you’d been working on was deeply emotional, its raw lyrics and haunting melody leaving everyone exhausted yet exhilarated. the last note seemed to linger in the air like a whisper of shared sentiment, an echo of the vulnerability and connection you all had just experienced.

as you wiped your face with a towel, you glanced around the studio and noticed beomgyu watching you from across the room. his usual playful demeanor was replaced by something more intense, almost somber. his eyes, usually bright and mischievous, were now soft and contemplative, their gaze fixed on you with an intensity that made your pulse quicken.

beomgyu approached you as the band members began to pack up, their casual chatter and the clatter of equipment creating a backdrop of normalcy. “you were incredible tonight,” he said, his voice low and almost lost in the noise of the studio. the sincerity in his tone made your heart skip a beat. his eyes held a softness you hadn’t seen before, making it hard to catch your breath.

“thanks, beomgyu,” you replied, trying to maintain your composure. your voice came out softer than you intended, almost betraying the whirlwind of emotions inside you.

the air between you was thick with unspoken words, each of you caught in a delicate dance of emotion. the studio, once a lively hub of activity, now felt like a small, enclosed space where every glance and gesture seemed amplified. as the others began to leave, their conversations fading into the background, beomgyu’s eyes remained locked on yours.

“can we talk?” he asked, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken urgency.

you nodded, your heart pounding as you led him to a quieter corner of the studio. the silence that followed was almost unbearable, filled with the lingering echoes of your previous song. the room seemed to close in around you, the weight of anticipation pressing down on you both. beomgyu’s gaze was unwavering, a mix of vulnerability and resolve that made your own feelings swell.

“w-what do you wanna talk about?” you could feel the tension in the air, thick and charged, as beomgyu took a step closer. his eyes searched yours, seeking something that neither of you could quite name. suddenly, he leaned in, and his lips met yours in a kiss that was both tender and probing, as if he were trying to convey everything he felt in that single, fleeting moment. it was a kiss filled with longing, confusion, and an unspoken plea for clarity. the contact was gentle yet electrifying, an exploration of something deeply felt but hard to articulate.

when he finally pulled back, his eyes searched yours, asking questions without words. you could see the hope and fear reflected in them, a mirror to your own tumultuous feelings. the silence stretched between you, each of you grappling with the weight of the moment.

“beomgyu...” you began, your voice trembling despite your attempt at calmness. “i can’t, we can’t.”

his brow furrowed in confusion and hurt. “why?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper. the pain in his eyes was palpable, and it made your heart ache even more.

“we shouldn’t,” you replied, each word feeling like a weighty anchor dragging you down. the finality in your voice was almost a physical force, pushing him away. the room seemed to contract around you, intensifying the emotional distance that had suddenly opened up between you.

beomgyu’s expression shifted from confusion to hurt, and he took a step back, his shoulders slumping slightly. “i... i thought...”

without waiting for a response, you turned and fled the studio. the dim light of the corridor felt cold against the warmth of the emotions you were trying to escape. your heart pounded in your chest, each step away from him a painful reminder of the feelings you couldn’t fully confront. the echoes of your last moments with beomgyu seemed to follow you, a haunting reminder of what had just transpired.

as you reached the outside, the cool night air did little to calm the storm within you. you leaned against the wall, trying to steady your breathing, but the image of beomgyu’s hopeful eyes lingered in your mind, a painful reminder of what you had just denied.

the next few days were a blur of avoidance and reflection. you found yourself retreating from the band, your absence a noticeable gap in the group's dynamic. rehearsals felt awkward without your presence, the energy of the room slightly diminished. your decision to distance yourself from beomgyu and the band was driven by a chaotic swirl of emotions, leaving you feeling paralyzed and uncertain.

you spent long hours alone, grappling with the confusion and guilt that had taken over your thoughts. the warmth of beomgyu's kiss replayed in your mind, contrasting sharply with the clarity of your decision to pull away. every time you tried to rationalize your feelings, you found yourself trapped in a loop of doubt and self-recrimination.

your avoidance of the band was evident. when kai called you, his voice laced with concern, you made excuses. “i’m just swamped with assignments,” you said one evening, though the truth was far more complex and painful. “i need to catch up on some studying.”

kai’s voice softened, but you could hear the disappointment and worry. “you’ve been MIA for a while. we miss you. is everything okay?”

you hesitated, feeling the weight of her concern pressing down on you. “yeah, just... a lot going on. i’ll be back soon. promise.”

every encounter with beomgyu was now fraught with tension and awkwardness. when you accidentally ran into him in the hallway, you avoided eye contact, your heart racing as you mumbled a quick, “sorry, gotta run.” his puzzled expression was a sharp reminder of the unresolved feelings you were trying to escape.

one day, as you walked past the studio, you could hear the band inside, laughing and playing their instruments. the familiar sounds only served to deepen the ache in your chest. you paused for a moment, fighting the urge to open the door and join them, but the thought of facing beomgyu made your anxiety spike. instead, you turned on your heel and walked away, your footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

in a moment of weakness, you sought solace in a quiet coffee shop near campus. the café’s soft lighting and mellow music provided a temporary refuge from the turmoil inside you. as you sipped your coffee, you found yourself lost in thought, staring blankly at the steaming cup in front of you. the barista’s cheery greeting when he brought your order seemed to jar you from your reverie.

“everything alright?” he asked, noticing the pensive look on your face.

you forced a smile, though it didn’t reach your eyes. “yeah, just... thinking things over.”

as you sat there, your phone buzzed with a message from taehyun. [hey, we’re meeting at our favorite diner tonight. we haven’t seen you in ages. please come.]

you stared at the message, your emotions a turbulent mix of guilt and longing. you knew the band was trying to reach out, and taehyun’s request made you feel even more isolated. you typed a quick reply. [i’m sorry, can’t make it tonight. maybe next time.]

later that evening, you walked aimlessly around campus, trying to clear your mind. the night air was cool and crisp, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions you were navigating. you found yourself near the band’s usual practice spot, where the faint strains of music could still be heard through the closed door. the sound was like a beacon, pulling you in, but you resisted the urge to go inside.

instead, you leaned against a nearby wall, staring at the ground, and tried to silence the conflicting thoughts racing through your mind. you missed the time where you bond, the music, and most of all, the connection you felt with beomgyu. but the guilt over your decisions and the fear of complicating things further held you back.

as you stood there, lost in thought, you heard footsteps approaching. you glanced up to see beomgyu and a couple of the other band members walking toward the practice space. beomgyu’s eyes met yours for a fleeting moment, and you saw a flicker of recognition and sadness in his gaze. you quickly averted your eyes and pushed off the wall, heading in the opposite direction. the weight of his gaze lingered on you, a painful reminder of the unresolved feelings and the barrier you had built between yourselves.

the next few days continued in this pattern of avoidance and reflection. you tried to immerse yourself in other activities—studying, hanging out with friends, and even joining a new club—to distract yourself from the growing rift between you and the band. but no matter how hard you tried, the pull of your unresolved feelings and the ache of missing the band’s presence remained ever-present.

you avoided the band’s practices, your absence becoming a topic of concern and whispers among the members. chaeyoung tried to reach out, but you deflected her inquiries with vague responses, unable to explain the complexity of what you were going through. the weight of your decisions and the growing distance between you and those you cared about only seemed to deepen with each passing day.

chaeyoung, on the other hand, continued her efforts to get closer to beomgyu. she seemed determined to pursue him, and you found yourself reluctantly setting up more opportunities for them to spend time together while you tried your best to ditch practices and avoid them, beomgyu to be exact. each one a painful reminder of your own conflicted heart.

the tension between you and chaeyoung suddenly grew, the strain becoming increasingly visible. her enthusiasm for beomgyu seemed to highlight the awkwardness between you two. one evening, after an especially intense practice, you returned to the band. the absence of your usual presence had left a noticeable void, and the atmosphere was tinged with unresolved emotions.

beomgyu, noticing your arrival, tried to catch you alone. his face was a mix of concern and frustration, his usual playful demeanor replaced by something more intense. “why have you been avoiding me?” he demanded, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken frustration. “and why are you setting me up with chaeyoung when you clearly know how i feel about you?”

his words hit you like a tidal wave, the force of his emotions crashing into your already turbulent heart. you were taken aback, stammering as you struggled to find the right response amidst the swirling chaos of your feelings. “i... i just needed some time,” you said, your voice cracking under the strain. “i don’t know what to do.”

beomgyu’s eyes softened, but his frustration remained. “what do you mean, you don’t know what to do? you’ve been avoiding me for days, and every time i try to talk to you, you shut me out. and now you’re pushing me toward chaeyoung? do you even realize how confusing this is?”

the words were like daggers, each one cutting deeper into the wound you’d been trying to hide. “it’s not that simple,” you said, your voice trembling. “i didn’t mean to lead anyone on. i’m just... i’m just trying to figure things out.”

before you could finish, chaeyoung, who had been lingering just outside the practice room, overheard the exchange. her face was a mix of hurt and anger as she stormed in, her eyes blazing with a mix of betrayal and indignation. “so this is what’s been going on?” she demanded, her voice echoing with pain. “you knew all along, didn’t you? and yet you kept pushing me toward beomgyu!”

you turned to face her, your heart breaking at the sight of her wounded expression. “chaeyoung, it wasn’t supposed to be like this. i didn’t mean to hurt you,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

chaeyoung’s eyes were glistening with unshed tears, her disappointment palpable. “you should’ve told me sooner instead of making me look like a fool! i thought we were friends. i didn’t know when it started, but now i do. you’ve put me in a horrible position.”

“i don’t even know when it started,” you admitted, your own tears spilling over. “i didn’t mean to keep it from you. i just... i didn’t know how to handle it.”

chaeyoung’s expression softened slightly, though the hurt in her eyes was still clear. “you know that i treasure you so much! i can live without him, but you... i’m disappointed.” you tried to hold her hand but she refuse it by pushing your hand away.

chaeyoung shook her head, her expression a mix of sadness and resolve. “i need some space,” she said, her voice shaking. “i can’t do this right now.”

as chaeyoung turned to leave, you felt a pang of guilt and helplessness. “please, chaeyoung, let’s talk later. i didn’t mean to hurt you,” you called after her, but she didn’t stop.

the room felt heavy with unresolved emotions as chaeyoung walked out, leaving you and beomgyu standing in the aftermath of the confrontation. you watched her leave, feeling a deep sense of regret and sorrow.

stepping out of the practice room, you almost collided with chaeyoung, who was standing just outside the door, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. your eyes met hers, and for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened seemed to hang between you.

“chaeyoung, wait,” you started, but she held up a hand, stopping you in your tracks.

“i need to be alone,” she said softly, her voice breaking. “just... stay away from me for now.”

you watched her walk away, your heart aching as the door closed behind her. the confrontation had left you feeling empty and lost, with the weight of your actions and their consequences pressing heavily on your shoulders. the path forward seemed unclear, and the pain of seeing both chaeyoung and beomgyu hurt by your choices was almost too much to bear.

the confrontation left you feeling bare and overwhelmed, as if the weight of your choices was pressing down on you. you were torn between listening to your mind, which urged you to stay away from the complications, and following your heart, despite the potential for more chaos. each option felt heavy with its own consequences, making the decision feel almost too much to bear.

on a painfully monday morning, thanks to your bothered sleep and blood-shot eyes from crying to sleep, yeonjun planned a meeting announcing the upcoming performance the band is going to be at, it’s for the school festival which is three weeks from now. 

the days leading up to the big performance were a whirlwind of tension and emotional strain. the band’s rehearsals became increasingly fraught with unspoken conflicts. you and beomgyu found yourselves in the same space, but the atmosphere was thick with unresolved feelings. each practice felt like a tightrope walk between maintaining professionalism and confronting the personal problems between you.

you struggled to focus on the music. every note seemed to echo your inner confusion. the mere presence of beomgyu was a constant reminder of the kiss and the subsequent fallout. whenever practice ended, you would hastily pack up your things and slip out of the room before beomgyu had a chance to approach you. your heart raced as you made your way for the exit, desperate to escape the weight of the situation.

one evening, after an intense rehearsal, you were packing up your guitar when you felt beomgyu’s presence behind you. he cleared his throat, trying to get your attention. “hey, can we talk for a second?”

you stiffened, keeping your back turned. “i’m really sorry, beomgyu. i have to go.”

before he could respond, you grabbed your bag and quickly made your way to the door. you could hear his frustrated sigh as you exited the studio. you barely made it out into the hallway before you broke into a brisk walk, trying to put as much distance between you and the uncomfortable conversation.

the following day, during another practice, you could feel beomgyu’s gaze on you. his attempts to catch your eye were evident as he tried to gauge your mood. at one point, he caught up with you in the break room where you were refilling your water bottle.

“i don’t understand why you’re avoiding me,” beomgyu said, his voice filled with frustration. “we need to talk about what happened.”

you forced a tight smile, avoiding his eyes. “i know. but not right now. i really need to focus on the music.”

beomgyu’s expression hardened. “this isn’t just about the music anymore. it’s about us. you can’t keep running away.”

before he could say more, you turned and hurried back to the practice room, your heart pounding in your chest. you hoped that by diving back into the music, you could drown out the guilt and confusion that plagued you.

a few days later, after an exhausting rehearsal, you were again at the edge of the studio, packing up your gear. beomgyu approached you once more, his tone softer but still filled with a pleading urgency. “please, can we at least talk for a few minutes? it’s really important.”

you avoided his gaze, focusing intently on zipping up your bag. “i’m really tired, beomgyu. maybe another time?”

“we’ve been saying ‘another time’ for days,” he said, his voice rising slightly in frustration. “we can’t keep doing this.”

you didn’t answer, quickly slinging your bag over your shoulder and walking briskly toward the exit. you heard his footsteps behind you, but you didn’t slow down. the practice room door closed behind you with a decisive thud, leaving you alone in the hallway as you made your way out of the building, your breath coming in ragged bursts.

the tension reached a breaking point during a late-night practice session. as soon as the final chord was struck and the last note faded, you grabbed your things and tried to make another hasty exit. but beomgyu was waiting for you, his face set in a determined expression.

“this is getting ridiculous,” he said, stepping in front of the door as you tried to leave. “you can’t keep avoiding me forever.”

your pulse quickened, and you looked at him with a mix of frustration and sadness. “i don’t have the energy for this right now, beomgyu. just... let me go.”

“i can’t do that,” he said, his voice softer now. “we need to sort this out. it’s affecting the band, and it’s affecting us.”

you sighed, feeling the weight of his words. “i know. but every time we talk, it feels like it only makes things worse. is there even us?”

you saw how his emotion changed, his eyes became more soft with his eyebrows furrowed, and it almost crushed your heart into pieces. “t-then let’s just talk,” he said, stepping closer. “no pressure, just... honestly.”

you took a deep breath, feeling tears well up in your eyes. “i can’t. not yet. i’m still figuring things out.”

beomgyu’s face softened with concern. “please, don’t shut me out. i want to understand.”

with a heavy heart, you pushed past him and walked out of the studio. the cool night air hit your face as you hurried away, your mind a tangled mess of emotions. the sight of beomgyu standing alone in the doorway, his expression a mix of frustration and heartbreak, stayed with you long after you had left the building.

chaeyoung, meanwhile, had been distant and cold. the once easy trust of friendship between you had dissolved into a frosty silence. she avoided eye contact and kept conversations to a minimum, her demeanor a stark contrast to the warmth she had once shown. living together only added to the strain. each night, after band practice, you found yourself lingering on the school grounds until late, just to avoid the awkwardness of returning home to an increasingly strained atmosphere. the nights seemed endless as you waited for the right moment to return home, praying that somehow, things would resolve themselves.

one particularly chilly evening, around 9 pm, you were sitting alone on a bench near the school grounds. the practice had ended hours ago, and you were waiting for the right moment to head home, dreading the silent, uncomfortable atmosphere that awaited you. the dim streetlights cast long shadows on the deserted grounds, mirroring the isolation you felt.

you sighed deeply, your breath visible in the cold air. the empty grounds were a reflection of your emotional state—silent and still, waiting for something to change. you glanced at your watch, wishing time would move faster so you could escape the lingering anxiety.

as you sat lost in thought, yeonjun approached, his footsteps crunching on the gravel. he looked at you with a mix of concern and curiosity. “you’re still here?” he asked, taking a seat beside you without waiting for an invitation.

you shrugged, trying to mask your discomfort. “just needed some time to clear my head.”

yeonjun studied you for a moment, then spoke, his voice gentle but firm. “you know, this awkwardness between you and beomgyu is starting to affect the band. everyone can feel it, and it’s not just about the performance anymore.”

you sighed, feeling the weight of his words. “i know. i just... don’t know how to fix it.”

“maybe you should be true to yourself for once,” yeonjun suggested. “think about why you’re avoiding him. and don’t forget about chaeyoung. you two need to talk things through.”

his advice, though simple, resonated deeply. you nodded, taking his words to heart. “thanks, yeonjun. i’ll think about it.”

that night, determined to make amends, you decided to confront the situation head-on. after practice the next day, you went to a nearby store and bought two large bowls of chaeyoung’s favorite ramen. when you arrived home, the smell of the ramen filled the small apartment.

chaeyoung was sitting at the kitchen table, scrolling through her phone with a detached air. you placed the ramen on the table and took a deep breath. “i thought you might like this,” you said, trying to sound casual.

“what are you doing here.” she said, not even glancing towards you.

“i figured we have to talk..” you whispered, you voice breaking through each word.

chaeyoung looked up, her expression softening slightly as she took in the gesture. “make sure that it’s worth my time,” she said coldly, but there was a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

you sat down across from her, trying to maintain a hopeful smile. “i know things have been rough between us. i’m sorry for not being honest with you sooner.”

chaeyoung’s eyes softened as she stirred the ramen. “you know, i can deal with a broken heart. i’ve been through it before. what i can’t handle is losing you as a friend.”

the sincerity in her voice cut through your anxiety. “i didn’t want to hurt you. i was just trying to figure things out.”

chaeyoung sighed, her eyes meeting yours with a mixture of sadness and understanding. “i think you and beomgyu actually look good together. maybe you should give each other a try. i can handle another heartbreak, but losing you would be too much.”

the conversation opened the floodgates of emotion. you realized that chaeyoung valued your friendship above all else, and her willingness to support you despite the pain spoke volumes. you reached across the table and took her hand, the gesture a silent apology and an offer of reconciliation.

“that means a lot, chaeyoung,” you said softly. “thank you for being understanding.”

chaeyoung gave you a small, relieved smile. “i’m glad we talked. just... try not to let things get so complicated next time, okay?”

“i’ll do my best,” you promised, feeling a weight lift from your shoulders.

as the night wore on, the two of you found yourselves curled up together on your shared bed. the comforting warmth of her presence was a balm to your frayed nerves. you talked and laughed, reminiscing about old times, and the tension between you dissipated with each shared memory and whispered confession. it was a moment of healing, the rekindling of a cherished friendship that had weathered the storm.

one week before the performance, you began to feel a sense of relief. the conversations with yeonjun and chaeyoung had lifted a heavy burden, and you were attending band practices with renewed focus. though the anxiety about beomgyu still lingered, you were determined to sort through your feelings and confront whatever was next.

the last evening before the big performance, the practice session went smoothly. the room was filled with the familiar hum of instruments and the rhythm of music. throughout the practice, you and beomgyu exchanged furtive glances, a mix of unspoken emotions passing between you. the atmosphere was charged, but neither of you made the first move to bridge the gap.

as practice concluded, you told everyone you’d be quick and just needed to grab some water. when you returned to the band room, it was nearly empty. only yeonjun and taehyun remained, engaged in a low-key conversation. your heart sank as you realized beomgyu was nowhere to be seen.

as you picked up your bag, a folded piece of paper fell to the floor. you bent down and retrieved it, noticing a guitar pick tucked inside. unfolding the note, you saw beomgyu’s handwriting:

“i know you won’t listen to me, but i hope you will read my letters at least. —beomgyu”

confused, you glanced around, searching for beomgyu, despite know he was already gone. taehyun, observing your puzzled expression, spoke up. “i think there’s another note in your bag. beomgyu put a notebook there too.”

curiosity and worry surged through you, prompting you to dig through your bag. you discovered a notebook, its pages filled with beomgyu’s thoughts. the first entry was raw and revealing:

“i remember the first time i really noticed you. you were playing that red guitar of yours, your hair a bit messy, like you had just rolled out of bed. heheh (i actually think it looks good on you) there was something about the way you got lost in your music, so focused, so at ease with yourself. i couldn’t stop watching. i didn’t want to admit it, but that’s when i started paying attention.”

the next few entries showed beomgyu’s growing awareness of his feelings:

“i started finding excuses to be around you more. the way you’d smile after hitting a tricky chord, or how you’d cheer me on during my solos—it all started to matter a lot. i thought it was just a phase (lol), but the more i got to know you, the more it felt like something real.”

“then we had that night—the kiss. it was a mistake, or at least that’s what i tried to convince myself. but deep down, it felt like the start of something confusing and complicated. i wanted to fix things, but every time i tried, it seemed like i only made things worse.”

“now, with the performance coming up, i’m feeling this weight. i don’t know if we’ll have another chance to sort things out. it’s been hard trying to figure out how to make things right before we all move on. i just hope we can talk before it’s too late.”

your heart raced as you flipped to the last page. there, you found a sketch of a girl holding a red guitar. it was you, drawn with such detail and tenderness that it took your breath away. next to the sketch were lyrics:

“through the band, i discovered you i’m grateful for the music you appeared so unexpectedly with your red guitar in my studio and as you sang, i was instantly captivated i’ll write a song with you as its title the lyrics may not be ready but the melody comes first you’re the one i’ve been waiting for i’m ready to be genuine opening the door, i once believed, i couldn’t bear it any longer” - fuck, is it too cheesy? i don’t know… i just miss you.

the lyrics were written multiple times, with some lines crossed out and rewritten, showing how much thought beomgyu had put into them. the repeated attempts, the crossed-out words—everything spoke of his deep desire to get it right.

your heart thumped wildly in your chest as you absorbed the significance of his words and the heartfelt sentiment behind the song. tears welled in your eyes as you closed the notebook and looked at yeonjun and taehyun.

“where is he?” you asked, your voice trembling. “beomgyu, where is he?”

“who?” taehyun asked, clearly confused.

“beomgyu! where did he go?” you repeated, your urgency growing as tears began to spill.

“i believe he went home already,” yeonjun said.

“you can try to catch him; he’s a slow walker—” taehyun began, but before he could finish, you had already shoved the notebook back into your bag, grabbed your things, and bolted out of the room.

you raced through the dimly lit corridors, your breath coming in ragged gasps. you sprinted through the campus grounds, desperately searching for beomgyu. each second felt like an eternity as you scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

you ran to the usual places you thought he might be—the old practice rooms, the quiet spots near the campus park—but he was nowhere to be found. the night air was cool against your flushed face, but the chill did little to cool the fire in your chest.

your footsteps echoed in the empty streets, the rhythmic thud a reminder of your growing desperation. you crouched on the ground, the cold seeping through your clothes as you struggled to catch your breath. the thought of not having the chance to tell him about your feelings, of him giving you the letter as a closure to move on, weighed heavily on you. tears streamed down your face as you walked home, feeling utterly defeated.

when you finally arrived home, the weight of the night’s events seemed to settle heavily on your shoulders. the house was quiet, the kind of quiet that amplified every little noise and seemed to echo your disheartened thoughts. the door creaked open, and as you stepped inside, the emptiness of the space felt almost suffocating.

chaeyoung was waiting for you. she had sensed your distress even before you had the chance to say anything. without a word, she pulled you into a warm, comforting hug. her arms wrapped around you tightly, a silent gesture of support and understanding. you felt the warmth of her body, her comforting presence dissolving the tension that had built up inside you throughout the evening.

“hey,” she whispered softly, her voice a gentle balm to your aching heart. “it’s gonna be okay.”

you buried your face in her shoulder, the tears you’d been holding back finally breaking free. chaeyoung’s soothing words, combined with her embrace, were a small island of calm in the storm of emotions you were experiencing. the comfort she offered was genuine, and it helped to remind you that you didn’t have to face this alone.

chaeyoung held you for a long moment, allowing you to cry it out. her hand gently stroked your back, a rhythmic reassurance that she was there for you. “it’s alright,” she murmured, “we’ll figure it out. just breathe.”

the next morning, the day of the big performance, you woke up with a tangled mess of thoughts. the weight of the previous night pressed heavily on your mind, and the comfort of your bed felt like an irresistible temptation. you lay there, tangled in blankets, every fiber of your being urging you to stay in this cocoon of warmth and forget about everything.

but then chaeyoung’s voice cut through the haze of your thoughts, sharp and clear. “hey,” she said firmly, her voice breaking through the fog of indecision. “if this is the last time you’re going to see him, then fuck that and go! look at him all you can, don’t waste the chance. come on, i didn’t raise you like that.”

her words were a jolt, a wake-up call that pulled you from the comfort of denial and into the reality of the situation. chaeyoung’s unwavering resolve and concern for you pierced through your indecision, and you knew she was right. if this was the final chance to confront your feelings, you couldn’t waste it. you needed to be brave, even if it felt terrifying.

when you arrived at the venue for the final rehearsal, the atmosphere was charged with tension. the anticipation of the upcoming performance was palpable, but there was an undercurrent of unease that seemed to hover in the air. you glanced around the room, expecting to see the familiar faces of your bandmates, but there were only three of them present.

the absence of one crucial member was glaringly obvious. “where’s beomgyu?” you asked, your voice betraying your anxiety. the concern was evident in your tone, and your eyes scanned the room for any sign of him.

yeonjun looked up from where he was adjusting his equipment, his brow furrowed in frustration. “he’s not responding to our texts,” he explained. “so, we’ll have soobin as his proxy for now.”

“yeah, he’ll be late i guess,” kai added, trying to sound reassuring despite the clear concern in his voice. “we’re not sure what’s going on with him.”

you nodded, trying to push aside the worry gnawing at you. the rehearsal proceeded, but the empty space where beomgyu should have been felt like a void that you couldn’t ignore.

the rehearsal ended, and you found yourself backstage, preparing for your turn on stage. you sat on a bench, your fingers fidgeting with the edges of your clothing, the absence of beomgyu weighing heavily on your mind. the backstage area was bustling with activity, but your focus was entirely on the empty spot where he should have been.

the door to the backstage area swung open with a suddenness that made you look up. the familiar chorus of greetings and exclamations filled the space, but your attention was solely on the figure who had just entered. beomgyu stood in the doorway, his usual delicate eyes now showing a complex mix of emotions that you couldn’t quite interpret. his hair was styled the same as always, framing his face, but today it seemed as though he was carrying an invisible weight.

he was dressed in a black cardigan over a white polo, paired with a black tie, torn black shorts, and his signature chucky shoes. his guitar was slung casually over his shoulder, but it was clear that he was focused on something more than just the instrument.

the sight of him stirred a flurry of emotions inside you—hope, confusion, anxiety. the connection between you seemed visible, even though the tension in the air was almost tangible. beomgyu’s eyes locked onto yours for a moment, and it felt as though time itself had momentarily stopped.

the room seemed to hold its breath as the two of you stared at each other. for a fleeting instant, it felt as if everything else had faded away, leaving just the two of you and the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between you.

beomgyu’s heart raced when he walked into the room, each step feeling heavier than the last. the sleepless night had left him utterly drained, and the weight of his apprehensions pressed down on him with every beat of his heart. he had spent hours pouring his feelings into the notebook, hoping it would be enough to bridge the gap between you. now, the fear that his words had fallen on deaf ears gnawed at him. the sight of you, barely meeting his gaze, made that fear even more tangible.

“sorry i’m late,” he said, his voice lacking its usual warmth and confidence. “i had trouble sleeping last night. i hope i didn’t mess things up too badly.”

hearing his words only made your heart ache more. was he thinking about you, too? the vulnerability in his voice made you wonder if he was struggling with his own feelings. but before you could delve deeper into your thoughts, the sound coordinator knocked on the door. “hey, you’re up next!” he called, breaking the moment.

the rush of adrenaline surged through you as you stood up, gripping your red guitar tightly. you took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing heart. this was it. you glanced over at beomgyu, who was talking to yeonjun, possibly explaining his late arrival.

“is everything okay with you?” yeonjun asked beomgyu, his tone laced with concern. “we’ve got just a bit of time before you go on.”

beomgyu nodded, though his expression was troubled. “yeah, just… needed to get my head straight. thanks for covering for me.”

you tried to push your swirling thoughts aside, focusing on the performance ahead. backstage, the crew hurriedly prepared the equipment, adjusting microphones and checking amplifiers. you spotted chaeyoung in the audience, her encouraging smile offering a small boost of confidence. you could see her giving you a thumbs-up, and it made you feel a bit more grounded.

as you took your place on stage, you could feel beomgyu’s eyes on you, even as you busied yourself with setting up your gear. his presence was almost palpable, adding to your already heightened nerves.

the introduction song started, the energetic beat filling the venue. the crowd’s applause and cheers created a vibrant atmosphere. yeonjun stepped up to the mic, his voice clear and upbeat as he began introducing the band members.

the setlist progressed smoothly, each song blending seamlessly into the next with transitions that kept the crowd energized. the band’s performance was electric, and the audience’s enthusiasm was noticeable. but as the performance reached the last few songs, yeonjun announce that there will be last two song on the list, you noticed something odd. there was a mix-up in the setlist. you were sure that only one song was left—the one you and beomgyu had written together.

but before you even get lost on your mind the drum sticks signaled the start of the final song, your thoughts snapped back to the stage. kai had stopped playing the keyboard and held the mic ready, his expression serious yet excited.

the lyrics began to flow through the venue, each word resonating deeply within you:

unnoticed, the noises around us fade away, is it obvious that there's something one of us wants to admit? as time passes, we don't realize that only we remain here. our eyes meet, yearning to say, you take my heart to the heavens, giving me a joy that feels true. there's nothing more to seek; you are mine, and i am yours, and here we lose ourselves. time has flown by, and we haven't even noticed that only we remain. our eyes meet, yearning to say, you take my heart to the heavens, giving me a joy that feels true. there's nothing more to seek; you are mine, and i am yours, and here we lose ourselves. we lose ourselves in each other. we lose ourselves in each other.

as kai sang, you couldn’t tear your eyes away from beomgyu. the spotlight cast soft shadows on his face, highlighting the familiar contours you had come to know so well. each lyric of the song seemed to resonate with memories of your time together, drawing you into a whirlpool of recollections.

you remembered those late-night practice sessions, the room filled with the soft strum of guitars and the clinking of coffee cups. you and beomgyu would lose track of time, laughing over missed notes and exchanging knowing glances. one night, as the clock ticked past midnight, beomgyu had paused his playing and looked over at you.

“why do we always end up here?” he’d asked, a smile tugging at his lips. “it’s like our own little world.” you’d grinned, nodding in agreement. “maybe it’s because we can just be ourselves here. no need to pretend.”

you thought about the meals you’d shared after exhausting rehearsals, grabbing quick bites from a local convenience store. you’d both been too tired to care about anything more than satisfying your hunger, but those moments had been filled with genuine conversation and laughter.

“remember that time we tried to make our own ramen?” beomgyu had said, chuckling as he sipped his cup noodles. “we thought it would be a culinary masterpiece.”

you had laughed, shaking your head. “more like a disaster in a cup.”

and those small, intimate moments when it was just the two of you. Like that one afternoon in the practice room when you had both been too tired to play. you’d ended up sprawled on the floor, talking about everything and nothing.

“sometime i think,” beomgyu had mused, “that we don’t need to say much to understand each other. it’s like we already know what the other is thinking.”

“yeah,” you’d replied, “sometimes silence speaks louder than words.”

now, as kai’s voice wrapped around the final lines of the song, you felt a wave of resolve wash over you. the lyrics spoke of that intangible bond, the silent connection that defied explanation.

you couldn’t ignore these feelings any longer. the song’s message, combined with your shared experiences, had made your decision clear. you were going to confess your feelings to beomgyu, no matter how terrifying it felt. you tightened your grip on your guitar, your heart pounding in your chest. it was now or never.

when the final chord resonated through the venue and the crowd erupted into cheers, the noise seemed to amplify the storm inside you. yeonjun stepped up to the mic, his voice full of energy.

“this next song was a collaboration between our very own beomgyu and y/n,” he announced, a proud smile on his face. “it’s about the things we can’t always put into words, the unspoken connection that binds two people together. it’s about finding a way to express what words alone can’t capture.”

the spotlight shifted to you and beomgyu, illuminating the space between you. in that brief moment, your eyes met, and a wave of fear and excitement washed over you. beomgyu’s gaze was intense, filled with a mix of curiosity and something you couldn’t quite place.

you took a deep breath, your resolve hardening. this was your chance to be honest, to put everything on the line. you were going to confess your feelings to beomgyu, no matter what.

after the last song, the lights in the auditorium abruptly cut off, plunging the space into darkness. a murmur of confusion swept through the crowd as you fumbled to make out shapes in the dimness. the auditorium, being a closed area, seemed to amplify the darkness. but just as quickly as the lights had gone out, they flickered back on, casting a bright, almost blinding light over the stage.

you blinked, adjusting to the sudden brightness. and there, standing in the middle of the stage, was beomgyu. he was wearing taehyun’s guitar and adjusting the standing mic with a mixture of nervousness and determination. he cleared his throat, his voice resonating through the microphone.

“hello, i’m beomgyu,” he began, his tone holding a rare softness. “the band’s bassist. i don’t sing a lot on sets,” he paused, a shy chuckle escaping him as he rubbed the back of his neck. “i have a special set, uh... for a special someone.”

the words seemed to hang in the air, and you could see his eyes flicker in your direction before he turned back to the crowd. his hands began to strum the guitar, and an unfamiliar melody started to fill the auditorium. it was different from the usual songs he played, and though you’d heard him sing before, this was something deeply personal.

he kept stealing glances at you, his fingers dancing over the strings with a mix of vulnerability and hope. the room seemed to narrow down to just the two of you as he sang the first verse:

“through the band, i discovered you…”

the song's lyrics were hauntingly familiar, echoing the melody from the last page of the notebook. the realization hit you like a wave, and you felt your heart race. the notebook, the lyrics—it was all coming together in this intimate performance.

as he sang, every word seemed to cut through the chaos of your thoughts. the lyrics spoke of unspoken feelings, of discovering something precious through shared moments. the melody wove a story of connection and understanding, each note filled with emotion.

you wiped away the tears that had started cascading down your cheeks. your heart felt like it was being tugged by an invisible force, leading you to move. your feet seemed to act on their own, carrying you toward beomgyu as if guided by the sincerity in his song.

the crowd’s noise faded into the background as you approached him. beomgyu’s eyes locked onto yours as he strummed the final chords, his expression a mix of relief and nervous anticipation. you saw him begin to walk toward you, but before he could close the distance, you ran, your legs propelling you forward in a desperate bid to reach him.

you threw your arms around him in a tight embrace, and in that moment, the world felt like it had stopped. it was just the two of you, standing in the center of the stage, with your hearts speaking louder than any words could.

“it’s the same lyrics…” you whispered, your voice trembling. “the same as what you wrote on the last page…”

beomgyu’s breath was warm against your forehead. “you read it…” he said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and vulnerability.

“of course i did,” you replied, your forehead resting against his. his eyes softened, and before he could say another word, you leaned in and captured his lips with yours. the kiss was a fusion of all the feelings you had kept bottled up, a silent confession that needed no words.

when you finally pulled back, breathless, beomgyu’s cheeks were flushed a deep red. “t-there are people watching…” he whispered, his voice laced with embarrassment.

the realization hit you like a splash of cold water. the crowd’s cheers and laughter had reached a crescendo, and your bandmates were all staring at you with amused expressions.

“oh, fuck it,” you said, a determined smile spreading across your face. you grabbed beomgyu’s hands tightly, the warmth of his touch grounding you. you looked at him with a mixture of mischief and resolve before starting to run.

the two of you sprinted toward the backstage exit, hand in hand, the noise of the crowd and the teasing laughter of your bandmates fading behind you. as you pulled beomgyu along, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration. this was your moment, and no one could take it away from you.

gyo's note: this is by far the longest one i've written, this idea came to my mind when i rewatched the movie 20th century girl and when i tell u i had 2-3 business days of grieving over it and that's when the idea of heartstrings started. it was also heavily inspired with the song MRT and Lia, so if you guys would like to, you can check them out for yourself (it's a good song, and the exact song i used for lyrics part, i just translated it into english) ++ i love me a bassist!beomgyu actually anything that beomgyu does :<< i think i'm smitten you guys (sighs) this note is longer than i expected so i'll end this here by saying that i have a new story idea, a series actually, for yeonjun and soobin yayyy ^^ please like and reblog, it helps my works to have more engagement, and if you made it to this part, thank you so much for reading. you will be loved, xoxo!

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