The Grapevine

Chapter Twelve

As the final notes faded, a wave of applause filled the campus grounds, rising into a crescendo that neither Sean nor Eric had anticipated. The cheers were so loud that Sean felt them resonate deep in his chest, and he saw Eric's face light up with sheer excitement. They walked together to the center of the stage, sharing a mutual glance, both slightly breathless, and took a synchronized bow as the applause roared on. Sean caught glimpses of smiling faces, friends in the crowd, and even Hugo, looking thoroughly impressed despite his usual cool demeanor.

They barely made it backstage before Felix pulled Eric into a playful headlock. "So, that was the secret performance?" Felix teased, laughing as he ruffled Eric's hair. "You've been all mysterious about it, but you didn't tell us it'd be this intense!"

Eric, grinning ear-to-ear, tried to wiggle free. "Alright, alright! Yeah, maybe I left a few details out. Did it blow your minds or what?"

Jangjun stepped in, clapping both Sean and Eric on the shoulders. "Mind-blown doesn't even cover it, man! You two together up there—seriously, that was insane. The way you played off each other... Sean, didn't know you had it in you!"

Sean laughed, brushing off the praise with a modest shake of his head. "Thanks. It was... an experience."

Mark, who had been staring at Sean with wide eyes, added, "Okay, but where have you been hiding that voice, Sean? You've got to perform with us sometime."

Felix nodded, joining in, "For real, Sean. +You could totally join our band. We'll make room!"

Eric stepped beside Sean, glancing at his friends with a playful smile. "Hey, hands off. He's my stage partner now. Find your own campus prince to duet with."

The whole group broke into laughter, filling the backstage area with energy. Sean couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this lighthearted. In that moment, the camaraderie surrounding him and Eric was undeniable, and for the first time, Sean felt like he belonged right in the center of it.

As the energy of the backstage reunion settled, Sean slipped away from Eric and the band with a polite nod, excusing himself to find Hyun Jin and Daniel in the crowd. The two were already waving at him from a spot not far off, Hyun Jin jumping up and down with excitement and Daniel wearing a proud, slightly teasing smile. As he approached, he could already hear Hyun Jin's voice cutting through the crowd noise.

"Sean! That was amazing! You were like a rock star up there!" she squealed, pulling him into an excited hug. "I can't believe you kept that a secret from us. You two really killed it!"

Daniel grinned, nudging him with a shoulder. "Guess our Sean's got a few surprises up his sleeve, huh?" He gave Sean a playful smirk, proud and amused all at once. "Though, I'll admit, you and Eric looked... comfortable up there."

Sean flushed a little, shrugging. "Well, he's easy to perform with," he replied, keeping his tone casual even as his mind wandered back to the way Eric had looked at him during the song, and the unspoken understanding that had flowed between them. "And, you know, he's talented."

Hyun Jin laughed, giving him a knowing look. "Oh, come on. You two had a vibe, Sean. And he kept looking at you like he'd found gold onstage."

Just then, Sean felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning, he saw Eric standing there, looking effortlessly confident, though there was something softer in his expression as he glanced at Sean.

"Mind if I borrow Sean for a second?" Eric asked with a grin, giving Hyun Jin and Daniel an easygoing look.

Hyun Jin raised her hands, stepping back with a laugh. "Alright, alright, he's yours. But we're not done grilling him yet, so don't take too long!"