Punches and Pirouettes |NOMIN|

Chapter 9

Their friendship grew stronger, a bond forged in the fires of honesty and shared experiences. Yet, it remained unspoken, the line between friendship and something more blurred by the danger that surrounded Jeno's world.

One evening, as they sat in a quiet café, the buzz of the espresso machine the only sound between them, Jeno finally broke the silence that had been building for weeks. "I've got another fight coming up," he said, his voice low.

Jaemin's heart skipped a beat, the excitement of the revelation warring with the fear of what that meant. "Another fight?" he echoed, his voice a little too loud in the quiet café.

Jeno nodded, his eyes never leaving Jaemin's. "Yeah," he said, his voice tight with anticipation. "It's a big one. The kind that could get me noticed."

Jaemin felt his stomach twist with a mix of fear and excitement. He knew the risks involved in underground boxing, but he also knew how much it meant to Jeno. "I'll be there," he said, his voice firm. "To support you."

Jeno's eyes searched his, a hint of surprise in their depths. "You don't have to," he said, his voice gruff. "It's not exactly...safe."

Jaemin's resolve didn't waver. "I know," he said, taking a sip of his tea. "But I want to."

Jeno studied him, the uncertainty in his gaze. "Why?"

Jaemin's heart pounded in his chest. "Because you're important to me," he said, his voice steady. "And I want to be there for you, no matter what."

Jeno's expression softened, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You're something else, you know that?" he murmured.

Jaemin couldn't help the blush that crept up his neck. "I just want to understand," he said, his voice earnest. "To support you in what you love."

Jeno stared at him for a long moment, the unspoken words hanging in the air like a challenge. Then, with a sigh, he nodded. "Okay," he said.

"I wanted to ask you something.." Jaemin looked down. "Do you want to come and see my dance practice?"

Jeno's eyes widened, surprise flickering across his features. "Me?"

Jaemin nodded, his heart racing. "Yeah," he said, his voice a little shaky. "I want to share that part of my life with you too."

Jeno studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he gave a single, firm nod. "Alright," he said.

The dance studio was a stark contrast to the underground boxing ring. The floor was gleaming, the mirrors reflecting the soft glow of the pendant lights. The air was filled with the faint scent of sweat and the sound of sneakers squeaking against the floor. It was a place where beauty and grace reigned supreme, a stark contrast to the brutal world of fists and blood that Jeno was used to.

He had come to support Jaemin, to show that he was willing to step out of his comfort zone for him. But as he pushed open the door, the sight of Vernon standing beside the dancer made his stomach drop. They were deep in conversation, their heads bent together, and for a moment, a pang of jealousy shot through him like a bolt of lightning.

Jeno forced himself to swallow the bitter taste that filled his mouth, trying to ignore the way his heart raced at the sight of them. He had told himself that he had no right to feel this way, that he had no claim on Jaemin. Yet, as he watched them, he couldn't help but feel as though he was being pushed aside.

Jaemin looked up, his eyes lighting up when he saw Jeno. He waved him over, a wide smile breaking out on his face. "You came!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine excitement.