crack in the mirror | gayeon 🪞

-15-

Jungsu played the last notes very slowly, his hands didn't seem to be in a rush and he only moved his head, following the rhythm he had set. It sounded like a lullaby—one that everyone's mother would sing to them when they had a very high fever and tears flowed down their cheeks—that lazily lulled the audience and the performers to a state of rest.

Then he looked up at Seungmin, who rested his hip against the big piano, and smiled at him very gently as if thanking him for the honour of playing together. Seungmin nodded at him and then—in unison—they bowed at people gathered in the seats, receiving tons of applause.

Their performance was obviously amazing, just as everyone expected. Everything was perfect there except for one thing; Jiseok wasn't with them. Of course, Jooyeon thought, Jiseok went to the first gig only because Jooyeon didn't know anything about their relationships in the group and they didn't want him to get suspicious over anything, and now they didn't care anymore. It was as clear as water that Jiseok wasn't a very welcome guest anywhere among the boys.

"Great as always," Gunil hugged the two boys in clothes as dark as tar and gave them bouquets with red roses, receiving shy smiles from both of them, and especially Jungsu, because it was his first time taking part in a concerto with Seungmin, meaning it was his first time hearing such a lot of words of praise from all of them.

And the moment the attention drew away from the musicians, they all slowly walked down the pathway, breathing the fresh air and looking at the starry sky hanging above them (which amazed Jungsu so much if it even needed to be mentioned). Seungmin turned towards Jooyeon and waved, shaking him out of his thoughts.

"...and?"

"You looked awesome," Jooyeon smiled at him, nudging him with his arm as he noticed a very visible blush scattered on his cheeks and his nose. "And as I predicted everything went perfect."

The way Seungmin played, he meant. And the older one scoffed right after hearing these words, because—obviously—he had made thousands of mistakes during his solo... and he also made it sound so disgusting and unprofessional.

"Stop lying, Joo," he furrowed his brows to which the boy smiled at him broadly showing him his bare teeth and slightly scrunched nose.

"I'm not."

They bickered almost all the way to the car, which was about three minutes of walking, so not too long to start a serious argument, and not too short to diametrically change the topic of their talk.

Seungmin had to say that, and right before entering the car, he placed his hand on Jooyeon's shoulder, preventing him from opening the door to the backseats, and as he saw his confused but amused expression he ordered him one of the prettiest smiles he has ever made in his entire life.

"How about we go somewhere now?" Was his question.

"Isn't it too late?" He noticed Jooyeon shift from one foot to the other, and then look around avoiding Seungmin's eyes.

"Never too late to spend time with you."

"Are you guys planning a date?" Hyeongnun laughed leaning over the car right opposite the two of them. He had a mischievous look all over his face, but the moment he felt Seungmin's scolding gaze on his skin he just chuckled and hid himself in the vehicle.

"So?" Seungmin smacked his lips, putting on a gentle smile again.

"I don't know, Seungmin," Jooyeon spouted very apologetically. He couldn't even tell the moment his body became all tense. "I'm sorry," he uttered.

He would have agreed to this proposition. It wasn't like he didn't want to hang out with him or... have a date—citing Hyeongjun—but he had other plans for this night.