Soul in the System: Chanjin

The Rules of Attraction

Chan's life had fallen into a rhythm over the next few weeks. Each morning began with Hyunjin by his side, leading him through the hallways, introducing him to classmates, and guiding him through social nuances. On the football field, Chan's growing skill made him a star, earning the respect of his teammates and cementing his role on the team. Even the cheer squad was completely supportive, with Felix and Jeongin always cheering him on during games, and Seungmin offering a quiet smile whenever Chan made a good play. But even with this newfound acceptance, there was an unspoken tension brewing—a tension that would soon come to the surface.

On Friday, after a particularly grueling practice, the football team gathered in the locker room, exhausted but buzzing with energy. Their next game was set for the weekend, and Coach Lee had drilled them hard, his voice still echoing in their heads as they showered and changed.

As Chan toweled off and slipped into his clothes, he noticed Hyunjin waiting just outside the locker room, leaning against the wall with a slight smirk on his face. His eyes lit up when he saw Chan.

"Hey, superstar," Hyunjin called, his tone playful. "I was thinking we should celebrate your big game tomorrow. You up for it?"

"Celebrate?" Chan echoed, curious.

Hyunjin nodded, an excited gleam in his eyes. "Yeah, let's do something fun tonight. Just us."

Before Chan could respond, Felix's voice echoed through the locker room, interrupting them. "Did I just hear 'fun tonight'?" Felix asked, grinning as he walked up with Jeongin and Seungmin close behind.

"Hyunjin, you're not leaving us out of whatever plans you're making, are you?" Jeongin added, his eyes wide with anticipation.

Hyunjin sighed, rolling his eyes but unable to hide his smile. "Fine. You can all come. I was thinking of hitting up that arcade downtown. It's retro, it's loud, and I bet Chan hasn't been there yet."

Chan looked at him, intrigued. "Arcade?"

Felix grinned, draping an arm over Chan's shoulder. "Oh, you're in for a treat, mate. You haven't experienced high school life until you've tried to beat Hyunjin at arcade games."

Hyunjin scoffed, flicking a piece of imaginary dust off his shoulder. "As if any of you could beat me."

The group laughed, their playful banter easing the tension of the day's practice. Chan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. While his days had become routine, this was something different, a chance to be with his friends outside of the usual roles and expectations. It was an invitation to experience more of the world they knew so well.

That evening, the group gathered at the arcade, a place that seemed to glow with nostalgia and energy. Rows of brightly lit machines, each flashing neon colors and pulsing with sound, filled the room. The air was thick with laughter and the clinking of tokens, while groups of friends crowded around games and cheered each other on.

Chan's senses were overwhelmed in the best way possible. He scanned the room, absorbing every detail—the way the lights flickered, the sounds of beeping machines, the faint scent of popcorn. It was nothing like the lab he'd known, nothing like the calculated, controlled environments he was used to. This was pure, unfiltered energy.

Hyunjin nudged him with a grin. "Come on, Chan. Let's start with something simple. Ever heard of Dance Dance Revolution?"

Chan glanced at the brightly colored machine, watching as a player stepped on lighted panels in time with the beat. It was rhythm-based, requiring timing and coordination. He nodded slowly. "I think I understand the concept."

Felix laughed, clearly delighted by Chan's curious expression. "Alright, let's see what you've got. Hyunjin, you're up first. Show him how it's done."

Hyunjin rolled his shoulders, stepping onto the machine with a look of fierce determination. As the music started, he moved with surprising grace, hitting each arrow with precision. His friends cheered him on, and even Chan found himself transfixed, watching as Hyunjin moved with a confidence that seemed effortless.