SQHY - IDOL CRUSH - OUR ROMANCE

Chapter 3: Chipping Away at the Walls

Over the next few weeks, Zhou Shi Yu found herself spending more and more time in Wang Yi's company, determined to chip away at the walls the younger idol had built around her heart. Though Wang Yi's crush on Fei Qin Yuan remained a persistent obstacle, Zhou Shi Yu refused to be deterred, using every opportunity to forge a genuine connection with the captivating woman.

During their breaks at practice, Zhou Shi Yu would often linger near Wang Yi, striking up conversations about their shared experiences as idols. She listened intently as Wang Yi enthusiastically described the latest dance routines or gushed about her favorite songs, her eyes alight with a childlike wonder that Zhou Shi Yu found endearing.

"You know, the new choreography for our next single is really challenging," Wang Yi confided one day, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I've been practicing for hours, but I just can't seem to get the timing right on that one tricky section."

Zhou Shi Yu nodded sympathetically, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "I know the feeling," she commiserated. "It can be so frustrating when you just can't seem to get a move down, no matter how hard you try."

Sensing an opportunity, Zhou Shi Yu placed a hand on Wang Yi's arm, her touch featherlight but deliberate. "Tell you what – why don't we practice together during our next break? I'd be happy to walk through that section with you, and maybe we can figure it out together."

Wang Yi's eyes widened, and for a moment, Zhou Shi Yu thought she detected a faint blush coloring the younger idol's cheeks. "R-really? You'd do that for me?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of disbelief.

"Of course," Zhou Shi Yu replied, her tone warm and reassuring. "Anything to help a teammate in need, right?" She gave Wang Yi's arm a gentle squeeze before reluctantly withdrawing her hand, already missing the subtle warmth of the contact.

The younger idol beamed, a dazzling smile that made Zhou Shi Yu's heart flutter. "Thank you, Zhou Shi Yu! You're the best!"

As the two idols spent the next break huddled together in the practice room, Zhou Shi Yu couldn't help but revel in the closeness of their proximity. She guided Wang Yi through the tricky choreography, offering gentle corrections and encouragement, all the while acutely aware of the younger woman's captivating presence.

When Wang Yi finally nailed the section, her face lighting up with triumph, Zhou Shi Yu couldn't resist the urge to pull her into a celebratory hug. "See? I told you you could do it," she murmured, her breath tickling Wang Yi's ear.

For a moment, Wang Yi seemed to melt into the embrace, her arms wrapping around Zhou Shi Yu's waist. But then, as if suddenly realizing what she was doing, she pulled away, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"S-sorry about that," she stammered, her gaze averted. "I, uh, I just got a little carried away, that's all."

Zhou Shi Yu chuckled softly, her own heart racing with the aftereffects of their brief but intimate contact. "There's no need to apologize," she reassured, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "I was the one who started it, after all."

Wang Yi's eyes darted up to meet Zhou Shi Yu's, and the older idol was struck by the vulnerability she saw reflected in their depths. It was a fleeting moment, but it was enough to tell Zhou Shi Yu that she was slowly but surely chipping away at the walls Wang Yi had built around herself.

As the days turned into weeks, Zhou Shi Yu continued her patient pursuit, finding every opportunity to engage with Wang Yi and deepen their connection. She would offer to help the younger idol with her makeup, gently brushing away stray strands of hair and marveling at the softness of her skin. During their group outings, Zhou Shi Yu would situate herself next to Wang Yi, their thighs occasionally brushing as they laughed and chatted.

And throughout it all, Zhou Shi Yu observed with growing delight as Wang Yi began to open up, her initial shyness and reserve gradually giving way to a more comfortable, affectionate demeanor. The younger idol still maintained a close friendship with Fei Qin Yuan, but Zhou Shi Yu couldn't help but notice that the intensity of Wang Yi's gaze when looking at her teammate had dimmed, replaced by a more casual fondness.

One evening, as the group was gathered in the dorm's common area, Zhou Shi Yu found herself seated next to Wang Yi on the plush sofa. The younger idol was engrossed in a lively conversation with Fei Qin Yuan, her hands gesticulating animatedly as she described a particularly amusing incident that had occurred during their most recent photoshoot.

Zhou Shi Yu watched, enthralled, as Wang Yi's face lit up with each new detail, her infectious laughter drawing the attention of the other members. Feeling a sudden surge of courage, Zhou Shi Yu gently placed her hand on Wang Yi's knee, her touch featherlight but deliberate.

Wang Yi paused mid-sentence, her eyes widening as she glanced down at Zhou Shi Yu's hand. For a moment, Zhou Shi Yu held her breath, half-expecting the younger idol to pull away or react with discomfort.

But to her surprise, Wang Yi simply offered her a warm smile, her own hand coming to rest atop Zhou Shi Yu's. The older idol's heart soared, and she couldn't suppress the feeling of triumph that swelled within her chest.

"Hey, Zhou Shi Yu," Wang Yi murmured, her voice low and intimate, "thanks for always being there for me, you know? I... I really appreciate it."

Zhou Shi Yu felt a surge of tenderness, and she instinctively squeezed Wang Yi's hand. "Of course, Wang Yi. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

The two idols shared a moment of silent understanding, their eyes locked in a private exchange that spoke volumes. Zhou Shi Yu couldn't help but marvel at the progress she had made, the walls that had once surrounded Wang Yi's heart now crumbling bit by bit, allowing her to forge a genuine connection with the captivating younger woman.

As the evening wore on, Zhou Shi Yu found herself hyper-aware of Wang Yi's every movement, the way her hand lingered on Zhou Shi Yu's, the gentle brush of her shoulder against her own. The younger idol seemed more relaxed, more open, and Zhou Shi Yu couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the thought that she had played a part in this transformation.

When it was time to retire for the night, Zhou Shi Yu and Wang Yi walked side by side, their steps falling into a comfortable rhythm. As they approached the door to Wang Yi's room, the younger idol paused, her gaze meeting Zhou Shi Yu's with a newfound intensity.

"I, um, I had a really great time with you tonight," Wang Yi murmured, her voice soft and hesitant. "Maybe we could... do it again sometime?"

Zhou Shi Yu felt her heart swell with hope, and she nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Absolutely. I'd love that, Wang Yi."

With a bashful nod, Wang Yi slipped into her room, leaving Zhou Shi Yu standing in the hallway, her mind reeling with the progress they had made. Slowly but surely, she was chipping away at the walls surrounding Wang Yi's heart, and she couldn't wait to see where this newfound connection would lead them.