𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 | 𝙍𝙄𝙄𝙕𝙀 𝙎𝙤𝙝𝙚𝙚 𝙭 𝙔/𝙉

Chapter 12: Addressing Feelings and Concerns

Amid her classes on Monday, Y/N found herself facing a pivotal decision that would shape the course of her relationships. Despite the lingering emotions stirred by Shotaro's unexpected confession, she made a firm choice to stick with Sohee. However, the decision weighed heavily on her heart, causing a constant internal struggle.

During lectures, Y/N tried to immerse herself in academic discussions, seeking solace in the structured environment of the classroom. Yet, her thoughts repeatedly drifted towards the upcoming conversation she needed to have with Shotaro and the potential repercussions on their friendship.

Lunch break became a moment of introspection and determination. Y/N decided to confide in her closest friends about the situation, seeking their advice and support. The cafeteria, once a place of isolation, transformed into a gathering of allies who offered comforting words and understanding nods.

"Well this friend of yours sounds too desperate," one friend pointed out, "I mean, whoever this is, he is too late. If he wanted to, he would have already put in the effort."

"Truth queen, plus he literally slept with your old friend... Like HELLO? We aren't just gonna slide past that," her other friend said.

"RIGHT! Ugh, whoever this is sounds so weird. The guy you went on a date with is so much better, what are their names?" Her friend inquired.

Not wanting to expose them due to legal reasons, Y/N quickly came up with fake names, "Satoru is the one who slept with Mei, and Satoru is the one I went on a-"

"Bro, no way you just used Gojo and Geto for their names," one friend in disbelief.

"HAHA, it's okay Y/N, you don't have to tell us. But we can refer to them as Gojo and Geto for you," the other friend winked at Y/N. Reassured, she thanked them for going along with it.

As she navigated the hallways, Y/N checked her phone, finding messages from both Shotaro and Sohee.

From Sohee:

7:15 AM: Hey! Good morning, Y/N~

7:15 AM: You didn't text last night, I was waiting for you :[

7:16 AM: Text me when you can, I miss talking to you... Even though it's been like 12 hours, haha

---

From Shotaro:

1:10 AM: Sorry about dinner

1:12 AM: Can we continue as friends? I don't want to lose our friendship.

---

From Y/N to Sohee:

12:10 PM: Hi Sohee! Sorry, things were busy last night. I miss talking to you too, but we will see each other tomorrow :)

12:11 PM: Do you want to video chat tonight? I have some homework to do but I want to see you. I miss your face.

---

Responding to Sohee's texts brought a sense of warmth and reassurance, but the unread messages from Shotaro lingered like a pending storm. She steeled herself for the upcoming conversation, rejecting his feelings would serve to be challenging. She wasn't sure if she wanted to stay as friends either. She needed more time to think about it.

Throughout the day, Y/N found herself caught between the comforting messages from Sohee and the somber tone of Shotaro's late-night texts. The hallway chatter and bustling students formed a backdrop to her internal turmoil, creating an ambiance of uncertainty and reflection.

As she received a message from Sohee that he would like to video chat tonight too, a genuine smile formed on her face. The prospect of a video chat brought a sense of anticipation, and the thought of seeing Sohee's face after a day of emotional turbulence was a welcomed distraction. Their budding connection provided a source of solace amid the complexities of her relationships.

However, the unread messages from Shotaro lingered, creating a sense of unease. The words "Can we continue as friends?" echoed in her mind, and she couldn't ignore the weight of the pending conversation. Y/N grappled with conflicting emotions, torn between the desire to maintain their long-standing friendship and the need to move forward with Sohee.

After a long, winded, and emotional day, Y/N returned to her dorm. She settled for instant ramen, as a way to comfort her. She texted Sohee around 8 PM if he was available now. Instantly, he texted her, "Yes! Give me 5 minutes to freshen up," the message made Y/N giggle. She began eating her ramen, placing her phone vertically up, leaning against a water bottle, as she scrolled through her TikTok messages from her friends. After responding to her friends, while slurping ramen, there was an incoming call from Sohee.

With a warm smile, Y/N answered Sohee's incoming call. The familiar face of Sohee appeared on the screen, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over her.

"Hey!" Sohee's voice came through the phone, his smile evident even through the pixels of the video call.

"Hi!" Y/N responded, her eyes reflecting the day's exhaustion but also a genuine happiness at seeing Sohee. "How was your day?"

Sohee leaned back, providing a view of his room. "It was busy, you know, we had a photoshoot so it was sort of overwhelming. But I'm here now, talking to you, so it's better."

Y/N chuckled, appreciating his sincerity. "I feel the same. Today was... a lot."

"Want to talk about it?" Sohee's expression turned into one of genuine concern.

"Let's not dive into that just yet," Y/N suggested, not wanting to spoil the positive atmosphere.  "How about we talk about something lighter first?" She suggested.

Sohee nodded, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics. They discussed little positive things about their day, like how Sohee saw a cute squirrel running after another with nuts in their mouths, and Y/N's professor making the class sing a silly song in another language. The video call provided a sense of closeness, bridging the physical gap between them.

As the conversation flowed, Y/N found herself more at ease. Sohee's presence had a comforting effect, and she cherished these moments of connection. However, in the back of her mind, the pending conversation with Shotaro lingered, creating a bittersweet undertone to the evening.

"So, about the thing that has been bothering me today," Y/N began. Sohee's eyes were focused on her, listening attentively. "Shotaro wants me to give him another chance," she bluntly told Sohee.

Sohee's face didn't hide his confusion, concern, and slight anger. "He wants you to give him another chance?" Sohee's eyebrows furrowed, his expression a mix of disbelief and irritation. "How could he say that?"

Y/N sighed, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders by sharing the situation with Sohee. "He slept with my old friend from the dancing academy we went to, she told him that I used to like him, he didn't know and wants another chance. It's a mess, honestly."

Sohee's eyes narrowed, a protective instinct kicking in. "Did he say anything to you? Try to pressure you or make you feel bad?"

Y/N shook her head. "No, not really. He apologized for dinner and suggested we stay friends. But it's clear he wants more."

Sohee's expression softened as he brought his phone closer to his face, taking a better look at Y/N. "I don't want you to feel pressured or uncomfortable because of me, Y/N, but if he slept with your old friend and wants you now, he is trash."

Y/N smiled appreciatively, grateful for Sohee's understanding. "Yeah, I think so too."

He chuckled a warm sound that resonated through the call. "I am glad. So, what will you do?"

Y/N sighed, her breath heavy with uncertainty, "Well, for sure I am not going to give him another chance. But I honestly can't imagine staying friends with him. What we had before was great, but things will just be awkward. However, I should be on good terms with him because of work... I don't know, Sohee."

Sohee felt Y/N's worries, "I get it, Y/N. I would feel the same way as you if this were me. Trust your gut, if you feel like things between you two will be too awkward, I would suggest distancing yourself. But if you feel like things will be okay with him, stick with him as a friend. Try seeing how things are tomorrow. I can step in if things get awkward, just call for me."

The sincerity in Sohee's words touched Y/N's heart. The bittersweet undertone of the evening persisted, but in Sohee's company, she found a sense of comfort and support that helped alleviate the complexities of the situation. 

The next day, Y/N entered the dance room with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The familiar faces of the backup dancers and RIIZE greeted her, creating a backdrop of support amid the swirling uncertainties. However, the atmosphere shifted as Shotaro walked in, his gaze meeting hers briefly before he diverted his attention elsewhere.

The air between Y/N and Shotaro carried a subtle tension, an unspoken acknowledgment of the recent revelation. It was as if the echoes of their conversation from the restaurant lingered in the room, casting a shadow over their usual camaraderie. Y/N couldn't help but feel a slight awkwardness in the exchanges, a shift in dynamics that left an indelible mark on their friendship.

Shotaro attempted a smile, a gesture that held traces of uncertainty. "Hey, Y/N," he greeted, his voice carrying a note of unease.

"Hey," Y/N replied, her tone measured. The unspoken weight of their recent conversation hung in the air, making casual interactions more complex than usual. The backup dancers exchanged glances, sensing the undercurrents of tension.

As they prepared for rehearsal, the dance room echoed with a subdued energy. Shotaro and Y/N navigated their routines with a sense of professionalism, but the unspoken sentiments lingered beneath the surface. It was a dance of emotions, an intricate choreography of unspoken words and lingering glances.

Anton, approached them with a keen eye, sensing the shift in dynamics. "Everything okay, guys?" he inquired, his gaze shifting between Y/N and Shotaro.

Y/N nodded, offering a forced smile. "Yeah, just a little tired today."

Anton's perceptive eyes lingered on them for a moment longer before he shrugged it off. "Alright, let's focus on the rehearsal. We have a performance coming up, we can do this!"

The dance room became a space where unspoken tensions coexisted with the fluid movements of choreography. As Y/N danced alongside Shotaro, the echoes of their past and the uncertainties of the present wove together, creating a complex tapestry that mirrored the intricate steps they performed.

During a break in practice, Shotaro approached Y/N with a tentative expression, "Hey, Y/N, could we talk privately for a moment?" Y/N, determined to address the situation, nodded in agreement. They exchanged a reassuring look, and Sohee, observing from a distance, offered a supportive thumbs-up. Y/N then walked with Shotaro to find a secluded room, the atmosphere charged with a mix of tension and anticipation.

In the quiet space, Shotaro sighed, "I really don't want things to be awkward between us," he admitted, "but I guess I brought this upon myself. I'm sorry for that."

Y/N, determined to address the situation, responded, "It does feel a bit awkward, but maybe we can work through it."

As Y/N continued, she opened up about her feelings for Sohee, emphasizing her efforts to progress things with him. However, she expressed her wish to maintain a friendship with Shotaro, appreciating the significance of their past connection and admiring him as a dancer. Shotaro, though momentarily silent, sighed in relief, acknowledging that he was fine with that arrangement.

"I appreciate that Y/N," Shotaro said with a small smile. "I value our friendship too. I'll do my best to support you with Sohee and keep things friendly between us."

"Thank you, Shotaro," Y/N replied, offering a friendly smile. Y/N, sensing the need for clarity, asked, "But do you actually have feelings for me? Will you continue to as we continue to be just friends?" Urging him, to be honest.

Shotaro's smile held a mix of understanding and determination as he admitted, "I might have been acting impulsively when I asked you to give me a second chance. I don't know if they are actual romantic feelings or not. I thought about it last night, I do find you pretty, I can imagine going on dates with you, but I don't know if I really have love or feelings for you. I don't know."

His face was written in uncertainty. "But I know one thing, is that I wished I knew sooner. So I could have acted on it earlier and treated you better. Maybe that doesn't mean that I like you, maybe more so that I felt bad. But maybe not? I think you're attractive... Man, I don't know."

After a pause, he promised, "But all in all, I will try to stop any lingering feelings because I find our friendship important."

Y/N, reassured by his sincerity, extended her hand for a handshake, a symbolic gesture to move past the complexities. Shotaro shook her hand, confirming their commitment to maintaining a friendship despite the challenges.