Fleeting Hearts|| minsung

2: A Step Closer

Minho wasn't used to the idea of relying on someone else for inspiration, let alone companionship. His dance had always been a solitary practice, an outlet for his thoughts and emotions, and in that sacred space, there wasn't room for anyone else. But with Han Jisung, it was different. It was as if, somehow, the music they created together filled a void that Minho didn't even realize he had.

They fell into an easy routine—meeting after school in the music room. Jisung would bring his guitar, a notebook filled with scribbles and half-finished lyrics, and Minho would come prepared with new dance routines he'd choreographed during the day. They rarely spoke about anything deep in the beginning, sticking mostly to their shared passion for the arts. But soon, their casual afternoons became something Minho found himself looking forward to more and more.

One particular day, Minho was in the middle of rehearsing when Jisung arrived early, catching Minho off guard. The door creaked open, and Jisung's face appeared, his usual playful grin lighting up the room.

"You're early today," Minho remarked, pausing his routine and leaning against the wall, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"I couldn't wait," Jisung said with a wink, setting his guitar down. "I was working on something new last night. Thought you might like it."

Minho raised an eyebrow but didn't protest. He was used to Jisung's unpredictability by now. He'd come to expect it, even look forward to it. Jisung pulled out his guitar, strumming a few chords as he found the melody in his head. The soft, rhythmic sound filled the air, and Minho found himself instinctively moving along to it, his feet following the rhythm Jisung created.

It was strange how well they worked together—Jisung, with his chaotic energy, and Minho, with his precision. But there was a flow between them, an unspoken connection that made every moment feel right. As the melody swelled, Minho let himself get lost in it, his body responding to the music without thinking. It was fluid, effortless.

"That's it!" Jisung's voice broke through the haze of concentration, and Minho stopped mid-move, breathing heavily.

"What?" Minho asked, blinking as he came back to the present.

Jisung's eyes were shining with excitement, his grin wide as he pointed to Minho. "That was perfect. Whatever you just did, do it again. I think I can build the chorus around that move."

Minho hesitated, feeling the intensity of Jisung's gaze on him. He wasn't used to this kind of attention. With dance, he was in control, but with Jisung's music, it felt like he was being seen in a way he hadn't been before. And strangely, he didn't mind.

"Alright," Minho said softly, nodding. "Let's try it again."

They worked for hours, tweaking the melody, perfecting the steps, until the room was filled with the sound of their synchronized efforts. As the evening light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows on the floor, Minho realized that they had been at it longer than usual.

"I didn't even notice the time," Jisung said, glancing at the clock. "Guess we got a little carried away."

Minho chuckled, something rare for him, but it came naturally around Jisung. "Yeah, I guess so."

Jisung packed up his guitar, but instead of heading out like they usually did, he paused, glancing at Minho with a thoughtful expression.

"Do you ever think about... you know, what we're doing? Where this is going?" Jisung asked, his voice softer than usual, like he was afraid of breaking the fragile bubble of their routine.

Minho frowned slightly, unsure of what Jisung was getting at. "You mean the dance? Or your music?"

"No, not that," Jisung said, shaking his head. "I mean us. Like... do you think this—" He gestured between the two of them, "—is something more than just us hanging out and making music?"