Harmonies of the Heart

Chapter 10: Crossroads of the Heart

Ruka sat alone at a small table in the corner of the lively listening party, feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed. The energy around her was infectious, but after enjoying the dance with Junkyu, she needed a moment to collect her thoughts. TREASURE's members were bustling around, laughing and celebrating their new album, while Ruka found herself lost in her swirling emotions.

Just then, she noticed Yeonjun approaching. Her heart raced at the sight of him; she felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. Since his confession, Ruka had struggled with how to act around him. She knew she needed to keep some distance to sort out her feelings, especially since her heart had begun to gravitate toward Junkyu.

"Hey, Ruka," Yeonjun said softly as he reached her, his tone inviting yet serious. "Can we step outside for a minute? I'd like to talk to you privately."

Ruka hesitated, the knot in her stomach tightening. "Um, sure," she replied, trying to sound casual but failing to hide her nervousness. She followed Yeonjun out of the party, the buzz of laughter fading behind them.

Once outside, the cool night air hit Ruka's flushed cheeks, grounding her momentarily. They found a quiet spot away from the noise, and Yeonjun leaned against a wall, looking intently at her. "I've been meaning to talk to you," he started, his expression earnest. "About what I said last time."

Ruka swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his gaze. "Yeonjun, I—"

"Just hear me out, please," he interrupted gently. "I know things have changed between us since then. I don't want to put pressure on you, but I care about you, Ruka. I really like you. And I just need to know if you feel the same way, even a little."

Her heart raced at his words, the sincerity in his voice striking a chord deep within her. But as much as she wanted to confess her feelings for Junkyu, she couldn't bear the thought of hurting Yeonjun. "I... I still need time to adapt to everything. Our friendship, this industry—it's all so new to me," she said, her voice trembling.

Yeonjun nodded, understanding but clearly frustrated. "I get that. But I can't help how I feel, and I'd like to explore this with you if you're open to it."

Just then, Yeonjun stepped closer, his intention clear. He leaned in, and Ruka felt her heart leap into her throat. In that moment, it felt like the world was holding its breath. But as his lips almost brushed against hers, Ruka instinctively pulled back, shaking her head. "No, Yeonjun, I can't," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

His expression shifted from longing to surprise, then disappointment. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," he said, stepping back, but the moment had already been captured by a few eager eyes in the distance. Unbeknownst to them, Dispatch was lurking, snapping photos of the near-kiss.

Ruka turned to leave, her heart racing and confusion settling in. She headed back into the party, hoping to shake off the awkwardness, but the incident lingered in her mind. As the night wore on, Ruka realized she was one of the few BABYMONSTER members still present. The others had been told to leave early, being underage, leaving Ruka to fend for herself.

Feeling a bit dizzy from the drinks she had consumed, Ruka moved to the bar for another glass, not fully aware of how much she had already had. As she sipped, she spotted Junkyu across the room, his laughter ringing out as he chatted with his members. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him, but it was quickly overshadowed by the alcohol blurring her thoughts.

Suddenly, Junkyu's gaze landed on her, and he frowned, noticing how unsteady she looked. He pushed through the crowd and approached her. "Ruka? Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine," she insisted, but her words slurred slightly, and Junkyu raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.

"Here, let me help you," he offered, guiding her gently away from the bar. "You shouldn't be drinking alone. I'll drive you back to your dorm."

Ruka swayed slightly, feeling the room spin. "I don't need—" she began, but her eyes fluttered shut for a moment. When they opened again, Junkyu's face was closer, his expression serious.

"I'm calling my manager," he said firmly. "You're too tired to go home alone. You need someone with you."

Before Ruka could protest further, he pulled out his phone, quickly contacting his manager. Ruka felt a mix of gratitude and embarrassment wash over her; she hated the idea of being a burden, but at the same time, she was too exhausted to argue.

When Junkyu's manager arrived, he nodded to Ruka and smiled. "Hey there! Ready to get you home?" he asked. Ruka nodded, leaning against Junkyu for support as they made their way outside.

"Thanks, oppa," she murmured as they stepped into the cool night air.

"Just looking out for you," he replied, his voice warm. "You've got a lot on your mind, huh?"

"Yeah... a lot," she admitted, feeling the weight of the night settle heavily on her shoulders.

As they reached the car, Ruka couldn't help but glance back at the party, wondering what might have been if she hadn't pulled away from Yeonjun. But the image of Junkyu's concerned face filled her thoughts, reminding her that she wasn't alone in this chaotic world of fame and feelings.

The drive back to the dorm was filled with a comfortable silence, Ruka leaning her head against the window, lost in thought. She was at a crossroads, and she knew she had to make a decision soon—before someone else made it for her.