Harmonies of the Heart

Chapter 15: Confessions and Firsts

Ruka was in the practice room, her belongings strewn across the floor as she packed her bag. The soft thud of her dance shoes echoed in the empty space, and the rhythmic beats from her last practice session still lingered in her mind. She sighed, thinking about the long day ahead and the looming pressures of their upcoming performance.

Just as she zipped up her bag, the door swung open, and Junkyu stepped inside, a casual yet curious look on his face. "Hey, are you going back to the dorm already?" he asked, his tone lighter than usual.

She nodded, a small smile breaking across her face at the sight of him. "Yeah, I was just about to head out."

Junkyu hesitated for a moment, scratching the back of his head. "Have you eaten yet?"

Ruka shook her head. "Not yet."

His expression shifted slightly, as if he were weighing his options. "Do you want to join me in my studio? I bought a lot of food and can't eat it all by myself."

"Sure, I'd love to," she replied, her curiosity piqued. As they walked side by side, Ruka couldn't help but notice the unpredictable nature of Junkyu's behavior. One moment he was cold and distant; the next, he was inviting her to share a meal. It left her feeling confused but hopeful.

When they reached Junkyu's studio, the smell of takeout filled the air. He set the bags on the table, and Ruka watched as he began to unpack the food, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Did I do something wrong before?" Ruka asked, breaking the silence. She searched Junkyu's face for clues, wanting to understand the reason behind his erratic mood swings.

He paused, glancing down at the food, a hint of guilt creeping into his expression. "Honestly? I've been feeling jealous lately."

"Jealous?" Ruka echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Junkyu took a deep breath, his heart racing as he finally decided to be honest. "Yeah. I've been denying my feelings for a while now, but I can't hide it anymore. I like you, Ruka. I've fallen for you."

Ruka's eyes widened in surprise, her heart pounding in her chest. She searched his gaze for sincerity, and when she found it, her emotions surged. Tears threatened to spill over as she felt a wave of warmth wash over her. "You really mean that?"

A soft smile appeared on Junkyu's face, and he nodded. "I do."

At that moment, everything felt right. Ruka's heart fluttered, and she leaned in closer, drawn to him like a magnet. Junkyu, sensing her response, leaned in as well, their faces inches apart. Slowly, he moved in to kiss her, gentle and tentative.

"Wait," Ruka said, pulling back slightly. "This is my first kiss."

Junkyu smirked playfully. "Actually, it's your second one."

Her brows knitted together in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He chuckled softly. "Remember that night when I drove you back to your dorm after my listening party? I stole your first kiss then."

Ruka's jaw dropped in disbelief, her cheeks flushing. "That was real? I thought it was just a dream!"

Junkyu's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Nope, it was definitely real. And it might not be the last one, either."

"Not fair oppa!" Ruka exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and amusement.

Junkyu leaned in closer again, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "I might just steal a third one... and a fourth, and a fifth..."

Their lips met again, this time with more certainty, and Ruka melted into the kiss, savoring the moment. Each kiss ignited something deep within her, a promise of feelings unspoken and moments yet to come. As they pulled apart, Ruka's heart was full, and Junkyu's smile told her he felt the same.

In that intimate space, everything else faded away—past misunderstandings, insecurities, and worries were replaced by a newfound connection that felt like the start of something beautiful. Ruka knew that whatever came next, they would face it together, one kiss at a time.