between the spolight - purinz ✧

guarded hearts.

chaewon's pov —

i had just finished a meeting with our manager, the weight of the day hanging over my shoulders like a heavy cloak. all i wanted was to find yunjin and steal a few moments with her before the day ended. the thought of her dancing, lost in the music, always brought a sense of calm to my mind.

as i walked down the hallway, the dim lighting cast long shadows, and i could hear the distant sound of music echoing from the practice room. i quickened my pace, a smile creeping onto my face at the thought of yunjin's energy and passion.

but as i approached the practice room, i froze.

giselle was stepping out, a bright smile plastered across her face. she looked at me as if she knew i was coming here, and i couldn't help feeling that i was getting deeper into my lie with yunjin. but it was none of her business and i couldn't understand why she insisted on acting this way.

i walked past her, without saying a word, unable to stand the lingering tension. the moment i stepped through the door and caught sight of yunjin, my heart twisted with concern. she was leaning against the mirrored wall, breathless and flushed from dancing, but there was an unsettling tension in her posture that made my stomach knot.

"yunjin?" i called out. she turned, a smile breaking across her face that made my heart flutter. but it was tinged with something i couldn't define.

"oh, hey. i didn't know you were there." she replied, her voice bright, but i could see the shadows of doubt flickering in her eyes.

"just wanted to see you." i said, stepping closer. "how was practice?"

"it was good," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"is everything okay?" i said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the worry gnawing at me.

her smile was forced, and i could see the way her eyes darted around the room, as if she were trying to shake off a bad dream. "yeah, i'm fine," she replied, but i could sense the strain in her tone. "just practicing late. you know how it is."

i stepped closer, noting the unease etched on her features. "you don't look fine," i said gently, crossing my arms defensively. "what happened?"

for a moment, she hesitated, and i could see the conflict in her eyes. "it's just... giselle came in while i was practicing. she was a bit... intense, i guess."

"intense how?" i pressed, a sense of protectiveness surging within me. i didn't like the idea of her being alone with giselle. there was something off about the girl—something that felt like a storm brewing beneath her sweet exterior.

"she was just being overly friendly," yunjin said, glancing at the floor as if ashamed. "asking about us, about our friendship... it felt a bit too personal, you know?"

a dark cloud settled over my thoughts. "did she say anything specific? about us?" i couldn't help but worry. the last thing i wanted was for giselle to intrude on what yunjin and i had built together.

"not really," she admitted, "but it felt like she was trying to push some boundaries. like she was... testing the waters or something. i don't know, it made me uncomfortable."

my heart raced at her words, the protective instincts i had for yunjin flaring to life. "i don't like that. i thought she was just being friendly, but it sounds like she's crossing lines. are you sure you're okay?"

yunjin's gaze met mine, and i could see the appreciation in her eyes, mixed with vulnerability. "i'm okay now that you're here," she said softly, letting her guard down a little. "but i don't want you to think that i'm not handling it."

"it's not just about handling it," i said firmly, stepping closer to her. "she has this way of getting too close, and it makes me feel... uneasy."

"uneasy how?" yunjin asked, tilting her head slightly.

i hesitated, the weight of my emotions hanging heavily between us. "like she's trying to get in between us. and i hate feeling this way, but seeing her with you made me realize how much i want to protect what we have."

yunjin stepped closer, our faces just inches apart. "what we have is secret, and it's ours," she said softly, her eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "you're my everything, chaewon. i wouldn't let her come between us, i promise."

the sincerity in her voice began to melt away the fear that had settled in my chest. "it's just hard sometimes," i admitted, squeezing her hands. "i hate hiding us, but it feels like i'm constantly on guard. and with her acting like she owns the place..."

yunjin shook her head, her grip tightening. "you have to trust me. i can handle her. she might be trying to play games, but i'm not interested. i don't want her or anyone else. i want you."

"are you sure?" i asked, searching her gaze for any sign of doubt. "because i can't handle the thought of losing you to someone who doesn't care about our feelings and if you need me to talk to her, i will."

yunjin started laughing, a soft laugh that felt like honey.

"i'm sure you will, but let's not create more dramas," she said, her voice a soothing balm, as she leaned in, resting her forehead against mine.

a sense of calm washed over me as i felt the warmth of her presence enveloping me. "okay," i whispered, the weight on my heart lightening.

yunjin reached up, brushing her thumb against my cheek, and i leaned into her touch, savoring the warmth and affection that radiated from her.

but deep down, i knew this wasn't over. giselle's fixation wasn't something that would just fade away, and i had to be ready for whatever she might throw at us next. i would do everything in my power to ensure that yunjin felt safe, protected, and loved, no matter what obstacles stood in our way.

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