𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 | 𝙍𝙄𝙄𝙕𝙀 𝙎𝙤𝙝𝙚𝙚 𝙭 𝙔/𝙉

Chapter 7: New Perspectives

Y/N found herself in a bustling room filled with makeup artists, stylists, and the hum of excitement. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as she joined the backup dancers in getting ready for the performance. The racks of sleek black outfits were lined up, waiting to be worn by the dancers, including Y/N. The makeup artists skillfully worked their magic, enhancing features and adding a touch of glamour. As Y/N sat in the makeup chair, the soft brushes and careful strokes transformed her look, preparing her for the grand stage. The mirrors reflected a room full of artists, each preparing to contribute their part to the visual spectacle that was about to unfold.

As Y/N finished getting her makeup done, she looked into the mirror, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Her phone buzzed with a text from Shotaro, and a smile formed on her face as she read, "When you're done getting ready, meet us in our room!"

With the all-black outfit matching the backup dancers, she made her way to Riize's room. As she entered, Sohee's eyes instinctively focused on her, captivated by the way she carried herself. However, Y/N was oblivious to his gaze as she greeted Shotaro.

"Hey, Y/N! You look cool," Shotaro complimented, and Y/N graciously thanked him.

"You look great too," she added with a warm smile.

Sohee, standing at a distance, continued to admire her silently. His eyes traced the lines of her movements, and he couldn't help but appreciate her presence. Seunghan, noticing Sohee's fixed gaze, approached him teasingly.

"Seunghan, what are you looking at?" Sohee tried to act casual, averting his eyes.

Seunghan chuckled, catching on to Sohee's subtle infatuation. "Is it more than just admiration for her dance skills, Sohee? Maybe a little crush?"

Sohee's eyes widened in surprise, and he stammered, "N-no, it's nothing like that." He scratched his head, avoiding Seunghan's amused gaze.

Seunghan continued to tease, "Come on, Sohee, it's okay to have a crush. She is pretty amazing."

Sohee blushed, admitting to himself that there might be more to his feelings than just admiration for Y/N's dancing. Meanwhile, Y/N, completely unaware of the playful banter, engaged in conversation with Shotaro, looking forward to the upcoming performance.

Shotaro suggested going over the dances before the performance. Y/N gladly agreed, and together, in the middle of the makeup room, they danced. The familiarity of the choreography flowed effortlessly between them. Shotaro's experienced moves set the rhythm, and Y/N synchronized seamlessly. As the music filled the room, their connection transcended the dance steps. Shotaro couldn't help but compliment Y/N on her performance.

"You've got incredible energy, Y/N. It's always a pleasure dancing with you," he praised, a genuine smile gracing his face.

Blushing, Y/N responded, "Thank you, Shotaro. You matched my energy so well. It's a privilege dancing alongside you."

The shared moment of dance not only polished their performance but also deepened the bond between them. Y/N's admiration for Shotaro continued to grow, and she cherished every opportunity to dance with him.

Moments later, the backstage atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Y/N, the backup dancers, and Riize lined up, ready to step onto the stage. Sohee, a bit awkward but genuinely supportive, approached Y/N with a shy smile, "Good luck, Y/N!" Y/N, radiating cheerfulness, reciprocated the sentiment, grateful for the encouraging words.

As the curtains rose, revealing the vibrant stage lights, Riize unleashed a captivating performance. Sohee's vocals soared effortlessly, hitting high notes that echoed through the venue. His stage presence commanded attention, and the audience couldn't help but be mesmerized by the sheer power of his voice. Shotaro, with his impeccable dancing and charismatic rapping, added another layer of energy to the performance. His movements were sharp and precise, perfectly synchronized with the beats. Y/N, seamlessly blending in with the backup dancers, executed each dance move flawlessly. Her movements were a testament to her dedication and passion for dancing.

Backstage, amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Sohee approached Y/N with a warm smile. "That was incredible, Y/N! Your dancing was so good, dancing with you was unreal," he complimented, genuine admiration reflecting in his eyes.

Y/N, still catching her breath, returned the smile. "Thank you, Sohee! You danced well too, and your vocals! So good! I'll never get tired of your voice."

Sohee chuckled, scratching the back of his head with a shy demeanor, "That means a lot to me, thanks."

Shotaro stood at a distance, his eyes fixed on the unfolding scene. The backstage buzz surrounded him, but his attention was drawn to Sohee and Y/N engaged in conversation. As they exchanged words, Sohee's admiration for Y/N was palpable – the way he looked at her, the earnestness in his compliments. Shotaro, perceptive and attuned to the dynamics around him, sensed something more in Sohee's demeanor.

A nuanced understanding settled over Shotaro's features. It wasn't just admiration; it was an unmistakable spark, a connection that went beyond the surface. Sohee's feelings for Y/N resonated with a depth that didn't escape Shotaro's notice. The subtle pang in his realization wasn't rooted in jealousy but in a quiet acknowledgment of the intricate web of emotions weaving itself backstage.
Meanwhile, other members of Riize and the backup dancers joined the backstage celebration. The air was filled with laughter, high-fives, and shared excitement. The post-performance reflections echoed a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among the performers.Shotaro, amidst the jubilant atmosphere, approached Y/N and Sohee with a congratulatory smile. "Great job, both of you! The performance was fantastic."

Y/N nodded appreciatively, "Thanks, Shotaro! It means a lot coming from you."

Sohee, still beaming, added, "Yeah, your dance and performances continue to get better. You were great."

Shotaro's voice echoed through the backstage area, cutting through the excited chatter. "Hey, everyone!" he called, capturing the attention of the performers, backup dancers, and staff. A spontaneous hush fell over the crowd as they turned their focus to the Riize member.

A wide smile graced Shotaro's face as he made an announcement that ignited an immediate wave of enthusiasm. "How about we all gather for dinner at the dorm tonight?" The proposal elicited cheers and claps from the group, their excitement palpable in the air.

The thrill amplified as Shotaro continued, "And guess what? Food and drinks on me tonight!"

The declaration prompted an even louder burst of cheers and applause. The notion of a shared meal, accompanied by Shotaro's generous gesture, resonated with the group, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared joy. The anticipation of a delightful evening, filled with laughter, good food, and shared moments, lingered in the air as everyone eagerly looked forward to the impromptu gathering at the dorm.

As they all entered the Riize dorm, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of excitement and relaxation. Sohee and Y/N found themselves in a cozy corner, away from the gaming and card tables. They sat side by side, both feeling a bit introverted amidst the lively activities.

Shotaro, taking charge, announced, "Food will be here in 20 minutes! In the meantime, let's make the most of our time. Pull out any board games you want to play!" His directive spurred a flurry of activity as various games made their way to tables across the room.

Seunghan, Wonbin, and a few backup dancers set up a card game corner, the shuffling and dealing of cards adding to the vibrant ambiance. In another area, Anton and Sungchan were engrossed in a round of video games, the lively sounds of the gameplay filling the room. Eunseok joined Shotaro in handling the food delivery, ensuring a feast for everyone. Meanwhile, Sohee and Y/N observed the activities around them. Not inclined towards gaming, they found solace in each other's company. Their quiet corner became a retreat, a space where they could share a comfortable silence amidst the lively chaos.

As laughter and the clattering of Jenga blocks filled the room, Sohee glanced at Y/N. "You're also introverted?" he asked, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

She chuckled softly. "Kind of, around a lot of new people. I am more comfortable with one or two people."

Sohee nodded in understanding, "Same, I don't enjoy meeting new people. But, it was nice meeting you," he admits.

Y/N smiled, feeling a genuine warmth in Sohee's company. "I'm glad I met you too," she replied. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, forming the beginning threads of a connection that went beyond the dance routines they practiced together.

As the games continued around them, Sohee decided to share a bit more about himself. "Apart from dancing, what else do you enjoy doing?" he asked, genuine curiosity shining in his eyes. "Well," Y/N began, "I love reading, and I sometimes crochet when I have time. It's a great way to unwind."
Sohee's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds great. I've always wanted to try knitting or crocheting. You should teach me."

Y/N chuckled, "Sure, maybe you can come over to my dorm and I can teach you there."

Sohee's smile widened. "I would love that, oh and I can see what your college dorm looks like, then."

Y/N nodded, and then her eyes lit up. Sohee, catching the curiosity in Y/N's eyes, grinned. "Wanna see my room? It's not as neat as I'd like it to be, though."

Y/N laughed, "Sure! I'm curious."

As they made their way upstairs, Anton and Sungchan, observing from a distance, exchanged amused glances. Sungchan nudged Anton, whispering, "Looks like Sohee is taking her to their room."

Anton chuckled, playing along, "Well, better not disturb them tonight. I guess I'll crash at your place."

Sungchan grinned, "Just for tonight, then."

As Sohee and Y/N entered the room, it was indeed a bit messy, with clothes scattered and items haphazardly placed. Sohee scratched his head sheepishly, "Apologies for the mess. It's a shared space with Anton, so it tends to get a bit chaotic."

Y/N chuckled, finding the casualness endearing. "No worries, it feels real and lived-in. Besides, my dorm is not clean either."

Sohee smiled appreciatively, and they both sat down, chatting amidst the slightly disheveled room. Sohee, with a warm smile, gestured around the room. "Welcome to my room. It's not much, haha." His room held a simplicity that resonated with Y/N. A twin-size bed occupied one corner, neatly made with light blue bedsheets, offering a subtle contrast to the otherwise monochrome theme.

"Ah, this is my favorite part of the room," Sohee pointed to a comfortable black chair stationed at a desk. On the desk lay a sleek black gaming laptop, accompanied by a matching mouse pad with red lining. The setup hinted at his love for digital adventures.

He chuckled, "Gaming is essential."

Y/N grinned, appreciating the straightforwardness of his setup. Her eyes wandered, noticing a slightly soft white pillow at the head of the bed. "Nice pillow," she commented.

Sohee nodded, "Yes, it's pretty comfortable."

As they continued the room tour, Sohee pointed out a bottle of UIQ skincare on the shelf. "We partnered up with UIQ, their skincare products are pretty good," he explained, recommending some products. The room might not have been adorned with many possessions, but each item spoke volumes about Sohee's preferences and personality, creating an inviting atmosphere that made Y/N feel comfortable in his space.

"Compared to Shotaro and the others, I don't have much stuff here. Eunseok is kind of the same," Sohee, a little embarrassed, told Y/N.

Y/N nodded in agreement, "No yeah, I agree. It's a hassle to bring too much stuff, and essential items are all you need."

Sohee smiled, understanding her perspective. "I've never been a fan of having too many clothes. I'd rather invest in a few quality pieces that go well together."

Y/N appreciated the simplicity they both shared in their approach to living. "Less clutter, less stress," she added with a grin.

As they continued chatting about their lifestyles and shared preferences, an unspoken connection grew between them. The room, though modest, became a space where two people found common ground in their appreciation for simplicity and the importance of mindful living.

The enticing aroma of the delivered food wafted through the air as Sohee and Y/N descended the stairs. Shotaro, busy unpacking the meal, looked up and smiled as they joined the group.

"Food's here, finally!" Shotaro announced, gesturing toward the spread of dishes on the table. The room buzzed with excitement as everyone gathered around, eager to enjoy the meal.Sohee pulled a chair out for Y/N, a friendly gesture that didn't go unnoticed. They settled into their seats, joining the lively atmosphere of shared laughter.

As Sungchan raised his glass, toasting to the success of the performance, "Thank you, staff, backup dancers, RIIZE, the performance was spectacular and we couldn't have done it without any of you." The room fell into a celebratory cheer. Shotaro followed suit, expressing gratitude to the entire team. The clinking of glasses resonated, marking the beginning of a delightful feast.
The aroma of various dishes filled the room, creating a lively and warm atmosphere. Sohee, ever the considerate friend, noticed the sushi station at a distance. Turning to Y/N, he suggested, "Want to try some sushi?"

She nodded, "Of course, I'll grab some in a bit." Before she could make a move, Sohee took the initiative, returning with a plate loaded with an assortment of sushi. He handed it to her with a charming smile, and Y/N expressed her thanks, feeling a sense of warmth at the thoughtful gesture. 

Sohee noticed that Y/N seemed a bit hesitant about trying a particular dish. Leaning closer, he whispered, "Hey, have you tried this before?"

Y/N shook her head, admitting, "No, I haven't. I'm not sure if I'd like it."

Sohee grinned playfully, grabbing a small serving of the dish and holding it up to her. "Well, you won't know until you try. Take a bite, and if you don't like it, I'll eat the rest."

Her eyes widened at the unexpected offer, and after a brief hesitation, she took the bite. Sohee watched intently, waiting for her reaction. As she savored the flavors, a subtle smile appeared on her face. "Wow, this is actually really good!"

Sohee chuckled triumphantly, "That's great!" 

Y/N playfully scooped a spoonful of the delicious dish and held it up to Sohee's lips. With a teasing smile, she said, "You have to try this too. It's amazing!"

Sohee, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture, laughed at the silliness of the moment. Playing along, he leaned in, allowing her to feed him the spoonful. As the flavors danced on his taste buds, they shared a light, carefree laughter, the act of feeding each other creating an endearing and cute connection between them during the celebratory dinner.

Shotaro observed the playful exchange between Y/N and Sohee from a distance, a warm smile on his face as he witnessed the lighthearted moments. Y/N, catching Shotaro's gaze, felt a pang of awkwardness and subtly refrained from further interactions with Sohee.

Noticing Y/N's hesitation, Sohee, perhaps misinterpreting the situation, decided to take a playful step by using his thumb to wipe off a bit of food from her lips. Shotaro couldn't help but giggle at the unexpected boldness, causing Y/N to grow slightly frustrated with Sohee. "Stop it," she insisted, her cheeks flushing. Sohee immediately apologized, sensing the tension, and the atmosphere between them became awkward. Shotaro, perceptive as ever, decided to divert his attention for the rest of the night, allowing them space to navigate the newfound complexities.

After dinner, Y/N decided it was time to head back to her dorm. As she was about to leave, Sohee approached her with a gentle smile, "Hey, Y/N. Would it be alright if I accompany you back to your dorm?"

Y/N hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit conflicted after the playful interactions during dinner. She responded, "It's okay, Sohee. I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll be fine on my own. You should get some rest."

Sohee's smile faltered for a moment, but he nodded understandingly. "Sure, no problem. If you ever need company or anything, just let me know. Have a good night."

Y/N thanked him and watched as Sohee headed in a different direction. As she made her way home, she couldn't shake off the lingering awkwardness from the dinner encounter. Little did she know that another offer for company awaited her, as Shotaro stepped in to take her home, sensing the unease in the air.

As Y/N agreed to let Shotaro take her home, they walked together to his car. The atmosphere was slightly tense, and Y/N couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and confusion. Shotaro started the car, and as they drove, the silence hung in the air.

After a while, Shotaro decided to break the ice. "You and Sohee seemed to be getting along well at dinner," he said, stealing a glance at Y/N.

Y/N sighed, feeling a bit awkward. "Yeah, we were just joking around. It wasn't anything serious."
Shotaro nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. "I hope I didn't make things more awkward by offering to take you home."

Y/N chuckled softly, "No, I appreciate you taking me home. Nothing is going on between Sohee and I."

With a raised eyebrow, Shotaro begged to differ, "It seemed like you guys are a bit more than friends."

Startled, Y/N told Shotaro, "He is just a friend, nothing more."

"It's okay if you're into him, go for it," he encouraged, sensing that she needed a push.

Conflicted, Y/N wanted to tell Shotaro that she had been interested in him, ever since she was 5. But she never dared to confess to him, and now she still couldn't. However, she began wondering if Shotaro was right, that maybe she was into Sohee. 

"Sohee is a good guy, he is serious when it comes to you. I can tell, the way he talks to you is different than when he talks to anyone else," Shotaro began, "He would treat you better than anyone else."

"That's not true!" Y/N argued, "You treat me better. You treat everyone better, you are the best, Shotaro," admiration reflected in her eyes as she spoke.

"Haha, you're cute," he chuckled, "But Sohee pays more attention to you," he admits.

A sharp pain shot through her heart. She wondered if Shotaro would ever pay attention to her, like how Sohee does. Her heart ached a little, yearning for Shotaro to take her a little more seriously, more than a friend. Shotaro's words lingered in the air, creating a subtle tension inside the car. Y/N contemplated the idea that Sohee might indeed be a good romantic partner for her, and the realization brought forth a mix of emotions. The warmth in her chest that had always been reserved for Shotaro now faced a subtle challenge.

Trying to lighten the mood, she teased, "Well, I never asked for Sohee's attention. I'm perfectly fine with our friendship."

Shotaro shot her a playful smirk, "Oh, really? Just friends?"

Y/N laughed nervously, not entirely convinced herself. "Yeah, just friends."
As they approached her dorm, Shotaro pulled over, and as Y/N stepped out of the car, she closed the door behind her, and Shotaro rolled down the window. "Hey, Y/N," he called out, a serious tone replacing the playful banter.

She turned back, meeting his gaze with curiosity. "Yeah?"

He hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Look, I know we're good friends, and I appreciate that. But I've noticed something... maybe you should give Sohee a chance."

Y/N furrowed her brows in confusion. "What do you mean?" 

"I mean, I can see that Sohee cares about you more than just a friend. Maybe it's time to explore that, you know?" Shotaro spoke cautiously, gauging her reaction.

Y/N blinked, taken aback by his suggestion. "Sohee? Seriously?" She was in disbelief that someone she had always looked up to, admired, and crushed on, was recommending someone else for her.

Shotaro nodded, "Nobody out there can give you the same attention as Sohee does for you. Hell, I don't think I can give you the same affection as Sohee. So, maybe try to give him a chance?"

Y/N felt a mix of emotions — surprise, confusion, and a tinge of disappointment. She had never expected Shotaro to encourage a potential romantic interest for her. "I never thought about it that way," she admitted, her mind processing the unexpected advice.

"Give it some thought," Shotaro suggested, his eyes conveying a genuine concern for her happiness. "You're a wonderful friend Y/N, so I want you to be happy with someone who can make you smile."

Y/N nodded, absorbing his words. Though part of her wished that Shotaro would like her, after all these years, she began to understand that his feelings toward her were merely platonic. In addition, she began to recognize how great Sohee had been. As she waved goodbye and headed towards her dorm, her mind buzzed with newfound contemplation about the dynamics of her relationships with Shotaro and Sohee. The night held a subtle shift, leaving her with thoughts to untangle and emotions to decipher.