[Book I] Winter Falls [ENG]

Chapter 29: Dirty Trick

Hey! I hope everyone is okay, as usual :)

Today, we attack a new arc, if we can put it that way! I know the story frustrates a lot of people, but it's not a slow burn for nothing :) But I promise, things are moving (a little)!

TW: homophobic words, self-hatred, insults, eating disorders (suggested)

Timeline: Tuesday, December

Enjoy!

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The bass were so strong that they were even felt in the floor of the practice room. Hyunjin pushed back his loose bangs from his eyes as he turned, looking into the mirror, trying to find the perfect position for the next move.

He groaned when he saw that he couldn't do anything properly.

His shoulders slumped forward as he stopped wiggling to get to the amp. He cut the music and disconnected his phone. Silence invades the room, only broken by the dancer's heavy breathing.

Hyunjin passed a hand into his damp bangs, before loosening his hair. Might as well stop for today and go shower. He looked at the clock. It was almost time to go to the club anyway. And he still had to go shopping.

Without any further questions, Hyunjin picked up his belongings and left the practice room to head to the lockers rooms on this floor, which were intended for the dancers. This one was empty, as no classes were taking place at this time.

Pulling his sports shirt against his nose, he quickly realized that yes, he was not going to be able to cut the shower. He then hurried to undress and reach the cabins. He didn't take his time, as usual, knowing that he would probably take a long shower tonight on his way home.

As much as he liked to spend his evenings at Chan's, it always bothered him not to be able to spend too much time in the shower.

Their bathroom was small, as was the shower stall. It was also very cluttered, considering that three men, sportsmen and chaotic, lived together in such a small space. There was also the problem of hot water, which was limited. Especially in winter. God, Hyunjin hated the dormitories.

What he wouldn't do to spend time with Chan.

So for that night, he was going home, because he could kill for a long, hot shower.

He hurried to dry, before putting on his clothes. Looking at his phone, he realized he had about 30 minutes left before the meeting. Just the time it took him to go to the grocery store around the corner and buy some snacks. Normally, Felix and Jisung had already taken care of the drinks and utensils, so he just had to take the cakes and candy. Fortunately for his wallet, the whole group had agreed to share the expenses.

Hyunjin rushed to pack the remaining items in his bag and left the lockers room. Taking the road out of the building and heading off campus, he let his mind drift.

He thought about what happened last night and this the morning.

The first thing that popped into his mind was Chan's health. He seemed to be going so badly that morning. Hyunjin hoped that the day had helped him somewhat to improve that. He wondered what had tipped him off at night. Was it another nightmare? It was plausible, but would Hyunjin have slept so deeply that he wouldn't have even heard Chan wake up, panting and sweating? Unless he stayed calm...

Or did he just wake up and his brain started spinning without stopping? That was just as probable.

Hyunjin sighed. He didn't know and he was worried about it. He thought about their conversation at the restaurant. Chan hadn't talked about seeing a specialist again. The dancer doubted that he had not forgotten. He was just trying to omit it, probably hoping that Hyunjin would ignore it too. But it was bad knowledge. Maybe he should insist again? He didn't want to rush Chan.