Know that I still love you

The look in your Eyes :Chapter 6

The night was serene, with the gentle hum of the waves and the stars above shining like a blanket of scattered diamonds. Ji-Ho and Minghao stood silently, their breaths still unsteady from the overwhelming performance they had just given. Their hearts were racing, not just from the exertion of dancing but from the sheer emotion they shared in that fleeting, perfect moment. Their eyes locked, filled with a warmth that neither could deny, and they bowed deeply, thanking the cheering crowd.

As the applause faded into the night, they wandered the dimly lit streets, exhilarated by the evening's success. Ji-Ho was practically skipping beside him, her laughter bubbling over. "Minghao, your twists and turns were incredible! How do you make it look so easy? You've got to teach me!" she exclaimed, twirling in excitement.

He chuckled, his voice soft but teasing. "Only if you teach me how to dance like an angel. Your formations tonight... they were breathtaking."

She laughed, playfully nudging him before taking off in a sudden sprint. "You'll never catch me!" she called out, her voice ringing in the night.

"Oh, don't test me!" Minghao shouted, chasing after her, their laughter echoing until they finally reached the beach. They collapsed onto the wooden bridge, catching their breath as the cool sea breeze brushed past them.

After a while, the lightheartedness gave way to something deeper. Minghao broke the silence, his voice thoughtful. "You know, Ji-Ho, people are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there's light within." He turned to her, his eyes filled with emotion. "You... you're the most beautiful person I know. But it breaks my heart to see you hurting."

Ji-Ho froze, taken aback by the weight of his words. She opened her mouth to respond, but he continued. "I care for you, Ji-Ho. I always have. From the moment I saw you again, I've wanted to tell you. But I was a coward... I ran away from forgiveness, from you. And now, even as I let you go, I need you to know how much you mean to me."

"Minghao, I... I..." Ji-Ho stuttered, unable to form a coherent response.

He smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Don't worry. I know you love him," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness.

They walked home quietly after that, the air between them heavy with unspoken emotions. That night, Ji-Ho lay awake, her mind racing. Was her heart still with Bam Bam, or was it beginning to long for something else? Meanwhile, Minghao found solace in his home dance studio, channeling his frustration into movement until it overwhelmed him. He collapsed against the punching bag, tears streaming down his face. "Why does it hurt so much to love you?" he whispered into the emptiness.

The announcement of the solo competition brought both excitement and dread. Ji-Ho couldn't ignore the parallel to the contest that had once driven a wedge between her and Minghao. But this time, Minghao reassured her, his gaze steady. "We'll do this right," he promised, though the tension between them lingered as the date approached.

Ji-Ho spent every spare moment in the studio, pushing herself past exhaustion. Her determination was unwavering, but her frustration grew with every misstep. Late one night, Minghao appeared at the doorway, his presence a quiet comfort. "You're overthinking it," he said, stepping in to demonstrate the move she struggled with.

"Like this," he explained, moving with effortless grace. Ji-Ho watched, mesmerized, before attempting it herself. When she finally nailed it, she turned to him with a triumphant grin. "What are you doing here anyway? Don't you have your own routine to practice?"

He smiled, brushing sweat-soaked hair from her face. "Not much left to do. We've only got two days, remember?" As he tied her hair into a neat ponytail, Ji-Ho's heart raced. His touch was gentle, and the moment felt so intimate that she almost forgot to breathe.

"May the best one win," she said, laughing nervously.

"Oh, I will," Minghao teased, wrapping her in a playful back hug before dashing off, leaving Ji-Ho flustered but smiling.

The day of the competition arrived in a whirlwind. Ji-Ho's nerves were on edge, her fingers fidgeting with her outfit as Bam Bam appeared, handing her a bouquet of roses. "You've got this, my love," he said, planting a kiss on her forehead before heading to his seat. His confidence in her was reassuring, yet her heart felt conflicted.

Ji-Ho performed with everything she had, her movements fluid and expressive. As she ran backstage, elation turned to concern when she found Minghao hyperventilating, tears streaming down his face. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice trembling.

A classmate explained, "He always gets like this before performing. It's stage fright."

Ji-Ho cleared the room, kneeling beside him. "Minghao, you're okay. I'm here," she said, holding him tightly.

"I can't," he gasped. "What if I fall again? What if—"

"Minghao, listen to me," Ji-Ho interrupted, tears in her eyes. "I know what happened before still haunts you. But you love the stage. Don't let that fear take away your dream." She helped him stand, wiping his tears and giving him a gentle smile. "Go out there and show them who you are. I'll be right here, waiting."

Minghao hesitated before pulling her into a tight hug. "Don't leave," he whispered, his voice steadying. With her silent encouragement, he stepped onto the stage and delivered a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing.

As the winners were announced, Minghao's name rang out through the hall. The crowd erupted in applause, and Ji-Ho ran to him, her arms wrapping around him in a joyous hug. "Congratulations," she whispered, her smile radiant.

Minghao handed her a flower from his bouquet. "You'll be the greatest dancer someday, Ji-Ho. I'm not saying goodbye—I'll still be here to bother you for a while."

They celebrated late into the night on the rooftop of his home, laughter and songs filling the air as they grilled and drank under the stars. Ji-Ho, slightly tipsy, leaned against him. "Why can't we stay like this forever?"

Minghao held her close, his voice soft. "We can, Ji-Ho. As long as you let me stay by your side."

They fell asleep in each other's arms, the night sky their witness to a love that was still unfolding.