Under the Spotlight

Chapter 4: Unspoken Feelings

The company building was quiet at night, the usual bustle of staff and trainees replaced by a stillness that only came with the late hours. The group had spent the entire day working through their schedule, and now, they found themselves in the recording studio, tackling final tweaks for the comeback album.

Yizhuo lounged on the couch in the back of the studio, her feet propped up on the armrest as she scrolled through her phone. Aeri sat beside her, scribbling in a notebook, though her focus seemed to wander. Jimin and Minjeong were in the sound booth, the glass separating them from the producer as they reviewed harmonies.

"Okay, Minjeong," the producer's voice crackled through the speakers. "Let's take it from the top."

Minjeong nodded and glanced at Jimin, who gave her a reassuring smile. Their eyes lingered for a moment longer than necessary, but neither of them seemed to notice. Minjeong took a deep breath and began to sing, her voice warm and steady as it blended seamlessly with Jimin's during the chorus.

Outside the booth, Aeri leaned toward Yizhuo, her voice low. "They've been doing that a lot lately."

"What?" Yizhuo asked, not looking up.

"Making googly eyes at each other," Aeri said, smirking. "It's so obvious."

Yizhuo rolled her eyes but smirked back. "Says the person who practically drools every time I open my mouth."

Aeri froze, her cheeks reddening. "I do not."

"Sure you don't," Yizhuo teased, her gaze flicking toward Aeri's notebook. "What are you even writing?"

"None of your business," Aeri muttered, snapping the notebook shut. "And stop changing the subject."

"Touchy," Yizhuo murmured, but there was a faint blush on her own cheeks as she turned back to her phone.

Inside the booth, Minjeong stepped back from the mic as the producer gave her feedback. She stretched her arms over her head, her gaze drifting to Jimin, who was studying the lyrics on the screen.

"You sounded great," Jimin said softly, looking up at her.

Minjeong smiled. "Thanks. You did too."

Their voices lowered as the producer moved on to adjusting levels. "How are you holding up?" Minjeong asked, her tone careful but warm.

"I'm okay," Jimin said, though the tension in her posture said otherwise.

"Liar," Minjeong teased gently. She reached out and nudged Jimin's shoulder. "You've been carrying the weight of the world on your back again, haven't you?"

Jimin sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I can't help it. There's so much riding on this comeback. I don't want to let anyone down."

"You won't," Minjeong said firmly, her voice steady despite the softness of her tone. "We're a team, remember? You don't have to do this alone."

Jimin looked at her, her eyes searching Minjeong's face. "You really believe that?"

"I do," Minjeong said without hesitation. "And even if you don't believe it yet, I'll remind you every day until you do."

Jimin's heart ached at the sincerity in Minjeong's voice. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped herself, unsure of how to put her feelings into words. Before she could decide, the producer's voice broke through the speakers, pulling them back to the present.

"Great work, you two. Take a break."

They stepped out of the booth, joining Aeri and Yizhuo, who immediately pounced with teasing remarks about their extended time together.

"What were you two talking about in there?" Aeri asked, smirking. "World domination? Secret plans to take over the group?"

"Maybe we were just working hard," Minjeong replied smoothly, raising an eyebrow. "You should try it sometime, Aeri."

Yizhuo burst out laughing, and even Jimin cracked a small smile. Aeri pouted dramatically. "I'm plenty hardworking, thank you very much."

"Sure you are," Yizhuo said, her tone teasing. "When you're not busy staring at me."

Aeri blinked, flustered. "I do not—"

"Relax, I'm joking," Yizhuo said, though the amused glint in her eyes made it clear she wasn't entirely joking.

Jimin watched the two of them with a small, knowing smile. "You two are ridiculous."

"Ridiculously talented," Aeri said quickly, recovering. "Now, who's ready for snacks?"

Later that night...

Back at the dorm, the group slowly dispersed, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with them. Jimin found herself on the balcony again, her thoughts swirling in the cool night air. She wasn't surprised when Minjeong joined her, a blanket draped over her shoulders.

"Couldn't sleep?" Minjeong asked, sitting down beside her.

Jimin shook her head. "Just... thinking."

"About today?" Minjeong guessed.

"About you," Jimin admitted, her voice barely audible. "And us."

Minjeong blinked, her heart pounding in her chest. "What about us?"

Jimin hesitated before speaking. "You make things feel... lighter. Easier. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Minjeong's cheeks flushed, but she held Jimin's gaze. "You don't have to figure that out. I'm here."

Jimin smiled softly, her hand brushing lightly against Minjeong's. For a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving only the warmth of their quiet connection.

Inside, Aeri was sitting at the kitchen table, staring at the sticky note Yizhuo had left for her earlier in the day. She turned it over in her hands, her thoughts swirling.

"What are you doing?" Yizhuo asked, appearing in the doorway.

Aeri jumped slightly, hiding the note behind her back. "Nothing."

Yizhuo smirked, stepping closer. "Sure."

As Yizhuo leaned casually against the counter, Aeri found herself watching her, her heart beating faster. Maybe, she thought, this was the start of something she wasn't quite ready to admit—yet.

Hello everybody happy thanksgiving hope you guys like this chapter and pls vote and leave comments tell me if the story is good 🙏🙏