When Hearts Align (Jeffbarcode)

1. The Quiet Weight

The buzzing chatter of trainees echoed down the hall as Jeff Satur slung his backpack over one shoulder, keeping his gaze low. The hallways of Be On Cloud's training center were intimidating, filled with people aiming for the same dream, all while knowing only a few would ever see it realized. Jeff had learned early on that standing out here could just as easily make you a target.

Beside him, Barcode Tinnasit, his best friend and the only person Jeff fully trusted, nudged him with a grin. "Hey, do you think Mile will give us an easy practice today?"

Jeff rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a faint smile. "In your dreams, Barcode. Last time, you barely survived the cardio drills."

"Correction-I heroically endured," Barcode shot back, flashing his signature smile that lit up his face. "Besides, I'm getting faster. At least, faster than you."

"Keep dreaming," Jeff replied, a small laugh escaping as they headed down the hallway. Barcode's energy was contagious, a rare comfort in the constant intensity of trainee life.

They made their way to the rehearsal room, weaving past groups of other trainees, each with their own cliques and unspoken rivalries. In the world of Be On Cloud, every day felt like a competition, and if you didn't prove yourself, you faded into the background. For Jeff, that reality had led to many hard days-but he was still here, and he wasn't planning on giving up.

As they entered, a tall figure was waiting at the front of the room, arms crossed with a calm but authoritative presence. Mile Phakphum, one of the senior trainees and a mentor figure, looked over them with a welcoming smile.

"You two finally made it," Mile said, nodding to them. "Ready for another intense day?"

Jeff nodded, maintaining his serious expression, while Barcode was already stretching exaggeratedly. "Born ready," Barcode replied, earning a chuckle from Mile.

Mile's gaze softened slightly. "You know, if you two keep working together, there's nothing you can't handle. The hard days just make the victories sweeter."

Before Jeff could reply, he felt a presence enter the room, and the energy immediately shifted. Bible Wichapas and Jess, two of the most competitive trainees in the company, walked in with an air of subtle intimidation. Bible's gaze drifted over Jeff, assessing him in that unsettling way he had. Jess stood beside Bible, quiet but somehow just as imposing, his eyes sharp and watchful.

Bible tilted his head slightly. "Oh, look who's here. The dynamic duo." His tone was smooth, but Jeff could feel the hidden edge.

"Still making small talk, Bible?" Barcode said, the easy smile never leaving his face. He might look unfazed, but Jeff knew that Bible's subtle taunts were something they both struggled to brush off.

Bible chuckled, pretending to be entertained. "Well, not everyone here is cut out for this life. Some people just don't have what it takes."

Jeff felt a familiar knot forming in his stomach, but he forced himself to stand tall. He wouldn't give Bible the satisfaction of seeing any fear.

Mile stepped forward, subtly positioning himself between them. "Alright, that's enough. We're here to train, not waste time with mind games."

Bible shrugged, flashing a smirk, while Jess merely glanced away, clearly disinterested. "Whatever you say, Mile," Bible replied, his gaze lingering on Jeff for just a second longer before he moved to the other side of the room with Jess.

Once Bible and Jess were out of earshot, Barcode nudged Jeff, whispering, "Ignore them. They're all bark, no bite."

"Yeah," Jeff replied, his voice barely audible. But he knew it wasn't that simple. Bible's words cut deeper than he let on, and every encounter left a mark, even if he tried to shake it off.

As they began their rehearsal, the trainees fell into a rhythm, following Mile's lead. The intense routines pushed each of them to their limits, beads of sweat forming as they worked through the grueling steps. Jeff could feel the strain in his muscles, but he pushed through, determined not to show any weakness.

At a break, Apo Nattawin-another senior trainee and friend-came over, offering them both a bottle of water. "Hey, you two are looking good out there," Apo said with a grin, his easygoing nature a breath of fresh air.

Barcode accepted the water with a grin. "Thanks, Apo. You're our biggest fan, you know that?"

Apo laughed. "Of course! You two just have to keep your heads up and ignore Bible's nonsense. He's just intimidated because you're good, Jeff. And, well, he's probably jealous that Barcode's got all the charm."

Jeff smiled faintly, grateful for Apo's support. It wasn't often that he heard such encouragement, and it made him feel a little lighter.

But before they could relax, Bible walked by, muttering just loud enough for them to hear, "Enjoy your little pep talk. Won't change the fact that not everyone here is cut out for this."

Jeff clenched his jaw, and he saw Barcode's smile falter for a fraction of a second. Apo placed a calming hand on Jeff's shoulder. "Hey, don't let him get in your head. Bible's only strong if you let him be."

Barcode nodded, his usual cheer dampened but not extinguished. "Yeah, Jeff. Let's just show him what we're made of."

The rehearsal resumed, and Jeff threw himself into the routine, feeling a fierce determination bubbling up inside him. Barcode matched his pace, the two of them moving in sync, an unspoken understanding between them.

As they neared the end of the practice, Mile called everyone to gather around. "Alright, everyone, listen up," he began. "There's a showcase in three weeks, and it's a big deal. Each of you has a chance to perform a solo routine. This is your time to show the higher-ups what you're capable of."

Jeff's heart raced. A solo routine was an opportunity, but it also meant standing out-something he wasn't sure he was ready for. He glanced at Barcode, who was already looking at him, his eyes gleaming with excitement and support.

"Jeff, this is perfect for you!" Barcode whispered. "You've got this."

Jeff swallowed, feeling a mixture of fear and excitement. The idea of performing solo terrified him, but Barcode's belief in him made it feel possible.

Bible, who had overheard, snorted quietly. "Don't get your hopes up. Not everyone's meant to stand in the spotlight."

Mile cleared his throat, casting a warning glance at Bible. "If you focus on your own performance, you won't have time to worry about others."

Bible smirked but said nothing, turning his attention away. The room grew quiet as Mile dismissed them, leaving Jeff and Barcode to linger for a moment.

As they packed up, Barcode nudged Jeff with a smile. "You're going to crush that solo, I know it."

Jeff smiled, his nerves easing with Barcode's unwavering support. "Thanks, Barcode. I'll give it everything I've got."

They left the rehearsal room together, stepping into the cool evening air. Jeff took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination he hadn't felt in a long time. No matter what Bible or anyone else thought, he was here to make his mark-and with Barcode by his side, he felt like maybe, just maybe, he could.

..........

Here is the first chapter, I hope you guys enjoyed reading it, I know it's a little boring but I am telling you guys there is going to be the exciting bits coming soon! Longer chapter will come soon...

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