Punches and Pirouettes |NOMIN|

Chapter 11

"I know about you and Jeno," he said softly.

Jaemin felt his heart drop into his stomach. "What?" he choked out, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Well before coming here I went to the dance studio" Jisung said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "And who do I find there? My hyung with the school's bad boy."

"What did you see there?!" embarrassed Jaemin asked.

"Don't worry, I didn't see anything you wouldn't want me to," Jisung said with a knowing smile. "But I could feel the tension from the door, you two look like a cute couple"

"Wait, but we aren't together" Na said.

Jisung raised an eyebrow, his smile mischievous. "Not yet," he teased. "But it's pretty obvious you have feelings for him."

Jaemin sighed, his shoulders slumping. "It's complicated," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jisung leaned in, his eyes gentle. "I know it is," he said. "But I also know that when you love someone, you'll do anything for them."

Jaemin's heart skipped a beat at the word "love." It was still so new, so raw, and yet it felt like it had been there all along. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jisung's expression grew serious. "I mean, you need to be honest with yourself," he said. "And with him. You can't keep playing this game forever."

Jaemin nodded, his mind racing. He knew Jisung was right. He couldn't ignore his feelings for Jeno, especially not now that they had kissed. "I know," he murmured. "But it's just...scary."

Jisung's expression softened. "I know it is," he said, his voice gentle. "But you can't let fear hold you back, hyung. You have to follow your heart."

Jaemin nodded, his thoughts racing. The words echoed in his mind, a siren call to action that he had been ignoring for too long. He knew that Jisung was right; he had to be honest with Jeno, no matter the outcome.

"But what if he doesn't feel the same way?" he asked, the fear in his voice palpable. "How was it with Chenle?"

Jisung's smile grew wistful. "It was a risk," he admitted. "But sometimes, you just know when it's worth it. And when I told him how I felt, everything just... clicked."

Jaemin nodded, his mind racing with the implications of what he had to do. "I'll think about it," he said, his voice still shaky.

Jisung's eyes searched his, understanding and patience in their depths. "Take your time," he said. "But remember, the only way to find out is to ask."

Jaemin nodded, the gravity of the situation settling over him. He knew that Jisung was right; he couldn't keep dancing around his feelings forever. "I will," he promised, his voice firm.

They shared a knowing smile, the kind that only comes from years of friendship and shared secrets. "Good," Jisung said, his voice filled with the quiet confidence that had always made Jaemin feel safe. "Now, let's get some sleep. We've got a big week ahead of us."

Jaemin nodded, his mind still racing with thoughts of Jeno. He knew that he couldn't put off the conversation much longer. As they settled into their respective beds, the quiet hum of the city outside the window seemed to mirror the tumult of his thoughts.

The following week was a blur of dance practice and school, with Jeno's presence a constant reminder of the unspoken words hanging between them. Every time their eyes met, there was a spark of something unsaid, a tension that made Jaemin's stomach flip.

Finally, the day of the performance arrived, the air thick with anticipation. The dance studio was a whirlwind of activity, dancers rushing to and fro, applying last-minute touches of makeup and stretching their muscles. Jeno was nowhere to be seen, but his presence was felt in every corner, his name a whisper that seemed to follow Jaemin wherever he went.