The Grapevine

Chapter Twenty One

The week began just like any other—quiet, steady, and predictable. But there was something different about it. Maybe it was the way the sun streamed through the windows in the morning, casting a warm glow on everything it touched, or how the air felt just a little lighter as the days passed. For Sean and Eric, it was a week where everything seemed to fall into place, even without the weight of any heavy drama.

The campus was bustling with students rushing to class, but Sean's walk to his first lecture was slowed down by the sound of laughter ringing out behind him. He didn't have to turn around to know it was Hyun Jin and Daniel, always quick with a tease, always making him laugh even on the most mundane mornings.

"Hey, Sean!" Hyun Jin's voice was high-pitched, filled with that unmistakable energy he always seemed to radiate. "You got enough sleep last night, or are you planning to sleep through the lecture today?"

Sean shot him a quick, wry smile without breaking his stride. "I slept fine, thanks," he replied coolly, though Hyun Jin could tell by the glint in his eye that Sean had probably stayed up a little too late reading or studying, as always.

Daniel, ever the quieter one of the group, chimed in with a teasing smirk. "He probably stayed up late texting someone."

"Yeah, someone special, I bet," Hyun Jin added with a raised eyebrow, wiggling his eyebrows exaggeratedly. Sean couldn't help but roll his eyes, though there was a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He didn't need to tell them it was Eric—everyone knew. They had been teasing him ever since that dinner with the band.

"Is that what you really think, Jin?" Sean asked, a playful edge to his voice.

Hyun Jin grinned, his eyes sparkling. "I'm just saying, you've been walking around with that look lately. Like you're in love or something."

"Oh, you're terrible," Sean muttered, trying to hide his smile as they reached the classroom door. But before he could walk in, Hyun Jin patted him on the back. "We'll catch up later, okay? I've got to sit with the 'cool' kids today."

Daniel snickered quietly as Sean just shook his head. With one last teasing comment from Hyun Jin, they parted ways, Sean entering the classroom with a grin that stayed on his face throughout the lecture.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, the sun was beginning its slow descent, casting a golden light over the campus. Sean found himself walking toward the practice room, his mind already half in the music. As he approached, the sound of guitar riffs, bass lines, and the steady beat of the drums filtered out from the door.

He knocked twice before stepping inside, greeted by the familiar faces of the band—Mingyu, Felix, Jangjun, and Mark—already deep into their jamming session. Mingyu was at the guitar, fingers flying over the strings, while Felix was behind the keyboard, adding melodic depth. Mingyu's drumming was steady but energetic, and Mark, ever the laid-back bassist, was leaning against the wall, his instrument hanging loosely from his shoulder.

As soon as they noticed Sean, they paused, the music fading out.

"Oh, Sean's here!" Felix called out with a smile, his usual warmth lighting up his face. "You ready to jam with us today?"

"I'm just here to watch today," Sean said, grinning. He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "You guys are on fire, as usual."

Mingyu laughed, running a hand through his hair. "You know, you say that every time. Maybe you should just join us already."

Sean rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the warmth in his smile. "I'm happy where I am, thanks."

Felix took a step back from the keyboard. "We're going to do something a little different today. Hyun Jin and Daniel are coming by later. We thought they could join us for some fun."

"Oh, that's going to be a blast," Sean said, his eyes lighting up. "I bet Hyun Jin's going to try to teach you guys some ridiculous dance moves."

The band laughed at the thought of Hyun Jin's over-the-top moves. It wasn't long before the door opened again, and in walked Hyun Jin and Daniel, both sporting wide grins. Hyun Jin's eyes immediately locked on Sean, his usual playful glint unmistakable.

"Alright, alright, let's get this show on the road!" Hyun Jin cheered, pulling Daniel into the room by the sleeve. "I've been practicing a few moves we can do to spice up the jamming."

"Not the dancing again, Jin," Daniel said, rolling his eyes but clearly amused. "You really do think you're the next K-pop star, huh?"

"Of course I am!" Hyun Jin said with a wink. "I was born to shine."

The band, clearly used to this, chuckled as Jangjun handed Daniel a pair of drumsticks, and Felix gestured for Hyun Jin to take a seat next to him at the keyboard.

As the music started up again, the group effortlessly fell into rhythm. The sound of laughter and music filled the room, with everyone joking and teasing in between notes. Sean couldn't help but smile to himself, watching Eric as he played. The effortless way he moved with the band, his energy, his presence—it was intoxicating.

Later that evening, after the band had finished practicing, the room settled into a quiet buzz. The others began to file out, heading to their next commitments. But Sean and Eric lingered, as they often did, basking in the comfortable silence between them.

Eric turned to him with a playful smile. "So, are you going to ask me about the dancing?"

Sean snorted, shaking his head. "Not today. I think I've seen enough."

Eric laughed, a warm sound that filled the space between them. "I'm glad I didn't embarrass myself too much."

"You can't embarrass yourself, Eric. It's not possible."