Unspoken Longing | Mulmyungz AU

Chapter 14

The week before the dance competition was hectic. The dance club was in full swing, practicing every day to perfect their routine. Jaehyun, Riwoo, and Sungho poured their energy into their rehearsals, using the intensity of their practice to distract from other thoughts. But it wasn't always easy.

One afternoon, after a particularly grueling session, the three friends decided to grab a quick lunch in the campus cafeteria. As they entered, Jaehyun's heart sank. Across the room, he spotted Leehan and Hana sitting together, laughing and sharing a meal. Seeing them this happy felt like a knife twisting in Jaehyun's chest.

Riwoo and Sungho exchanged worried glances. They had been keeping an eye on Jaehyun, noticing how seeing Leehan with Hana affected him. They could see the pain in his eyes, the way his shoulders slumped slightly whenever he caught sight of them together.

"Hey, let's sit over there," Sungho suggested, guiding Jaehyun towards a table far from where Leehan and Hana were sitting.

Jaehyun nodded, grateful for the gesture, but the sight of them together lingered in his mind. He couldn't help but wish he could experience that kind of happiness, that kind of effortless connection with someone he loved.

As they sat down, Riwoo tried to lighten the mood. "So, how do you guys feel about our routine? I think we've made some serious progress."

Sungho nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely. We just need to tighten a few transitions, and we'll be set."

Jaehyun forced a smile, trying to push his feelings aside. "Yeah, it's coming together really well."

Riwoo leaned in, his expression serious. "Jaehyun, we've noticed how hard this has been for you. Seeing Leehan and Hana... it's not easy."

Jaehyun looked down at his food, his appetite gone. "Yeah, it's been rough. But I don't want to let it affect our practice. This competition means a lot to all of us."

Sungho placed a reassuring hand on Jaehyun's shoulder. "We know, and we're here for you. Just remember, it's okay to feel what you're feeling. But maybe focusing on the competition can help. It's something positive, something we can all work towards together."

Jaehyun nodded, appreciating their support. "You're right. I need to focus on what's important. This competition is a big deal, and I don't want to let you guys down."

Riwoo smiled. "You could never let us down, Jaehyun. We're a team, and we've got your back."

The conversation shifted back to dance, and slowly, Jaehyun felt a bit of the weight lift off his shoulders. His friends' encouragement gave him the strength to push through his pain and focus on the upcoming competition.

As they returned to practice, Jaehyun threw himself into the routine with renewed determination. The music, the movements, the camaraderie with his friends—all of it provided a temporary escape from his heartache.

Each day leading up to the competition, Jaehyun grew more confident. He found solace in the rhythm of the dance, the precision of the choreography, and the bond he shared with Riwoo and Sungho. They practiced late into the night, fine-tuning every step, every beat.

Despite the moments of doubt and the pangs of seeing Leehan and Hana together, Jaehyun began to feel a sense of purpose. The dance competition was a goal he could focus on, a positive outlet for his emotions.

By the end of the week, the routine was polished, and Jaehyun felt more ready than ever. His friends' unwavering support and the dedication they all shared for the competition had given him a newfound strength.

As they gathered for their final practice before the big day, Riwoo grinned at Jaehyun. "We're going to crush it tomorrow. I can feel it."

Sungho nodded. "And no matter what happens, we've worked hard, and we've done it together."