Heartstrings

Chapter 3: The Dance

The school was abuzz with excitement about the upcoming dance. As the days passed, the tension between me, Changbin, and Chaeryeong only seemed to grow. I couldn't shake the feeling of being left out as they spent more time together.

During dance practice for the upcoming event, I found myself paired with Yuna. She was friendly and outgoing, and our dance routine flowed smoothly. But as I glanced over, I saw Chaeryeong dancing with Changbin, their movements synchronized in perfect harmony. It was a painful reminder of the distance between us.

After practice, Yuna pulled me aside. "Hey, Felix. Are you okay? You seem a bit down."

I forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired from all the rehearsals."

But Yuna wasn't convinced. She gave me a knowing look before walking away, leaving me to grapple with my feelings of jealousy and longing.

As the dance approached, I couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. I knew I had to do something before it was too late. Summoning all my courage, I decided to confess my feelings to Chaeryeong.

I waited for her after school, heart pounding in my chest. When she finally emerged from the building, I blurted out everything, pouring my heart out to her. To my surprise, she listened intently, her expression softening as I spoke.

When I finished, there was a moment of silence before she spoke. "Felix, I had no idea you felt this way. But I'm sorry, I don't see you that way. I value our friendship too much to risk losing it."

Her words cut deep, but I forced a smile. "It's okay, Chaeryeong. I understand."

As she walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of resignation. Maybe it was time to let go of my feelings and move on.

The night of the dance arrived, and the gym was transformed into a dazzling spectacle. As I watched from the sidelines, I couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. Everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives, while I stood alone in the shadows.

Suddenly, Changbin approached me, a determined look in his eyes. "Felix, we need to talk."

I followed him outside, where he wasted no time getting to the point. "I know you like Chaeryeong. But I like her too, and I'm not going to let you stand in my way."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I had suspected his feelings for Chaeryeong, but hearing him say it out loud made it all too real. I didn't know how to respond, so I turned and walked away, leaving Changbin alone in the darkness.