Echoes of the Alley

54 - The Cracks Widen

The tension in the air was almost palpable as the group gathered in the studio for another long day of rehearsal. Despite their progress, the strain of preparation for the festival was beginning to show. Small moments of irritation—missed steps, faltered harmonies—were adding up, and the cracks in their unity were becoming harder to ignore.

Hyunjin stretched by the mirrored wall, his movements uncharacteristically stiff. Across the room, Seungmin sat cross-legged on the floor, scrolling through his phone, seemingly detached from the group's usual chatter. Felix and Changbin were huddled by the soundboard, adjusting levels, while Jisung and Minho stood by the whiteboard, discussing lyrics. Chan paced near the speakers, his usual energy subdued as he reviewed their schedule.

"All right," Chan said, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. "Let's start with the choreography today. We'll run the full set twice, then tighten up the transitions."

The group moved to their positions, the room falling into a tense silence as the music began.

By the time they reached the second run-through, the strain was beginning to show. Hyunjin stumbled on a turn, throwing off the formation.

"Hyunjin!" Seungmin snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut through the music.

Hyunjin froze, turning to face him. "What?"

"You're rushing the beat," Seungmin said, his tone clipped.

"I'm not rushing," Hyunjin shot back, frustration flashing in his eyes. "You're being too rigid."

"Rigid?" Seungmin repeated, his jaw tightening. "I'm trying to keep us on track. Maybe if you actually paid attention—"

"Hey!" Chan interrupted, stepping between them. "Both of you, cool it. We're a team, remember? Let's focus on getting it right instead of pointing fingers."

Hyunjin huffed, running a hand through his hair, but he stepped back into formation. Seungmin didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Jisung leaned closer to Minho, whispering, "What's going on with them?"

Minho glanced at the two, his expression thoughtful. "Looks like something personal. They'll figure it out."

Jisung wasn't so sure.

—
During their break, Seungmin retreated to the corner of the studio, his notebook in hand. He scribbled furiously, the pen pressing so hard into the paper that it threatened to tear.

Hyunjin approached hesitantly, holding out a water bottle. "Here."

"I'm fine," Seungmin muttered, not looking up.

Hyunjin frowned, crouching beside him. "You don't seem fine."

"I said I'm fine," Seungmin snapped, finally meeting Hyunjin's gaze.

Hyunjin recoiled slightly, hurt flickering across his face. "Why are you acting like this? Did I do something?"

Seungmin hesitated, guilt creeping into his expression. "No. It's not you."

"Then what is it?" Hyunjin pressed, his voice softer now.

Seungmin shook his head, looking away. "I don't want to talk about it."

Hyunjin sighed, standing up. "Fine. But whatever's going on, you don't have to handle it alone, you know."

Seungmin didn't respond, and Hyunjin walked away, his heart heavy.

While the rest of the group tried to reset, Felix and Changbin slipped away to the break room for a moment of quiet.

Felix leaned against the counter, sipping from a mug of tea. "Today's rough."

Changbin nodded, standing beside him. "Yeah. But we've had worse, haven't we?"

Felix smiled faintly. "I guess. It's just... I hate seeing everyone like this. Especially Hyunjin and Seungmin."

"They'll work it out," Changbin said confidently. "They're stubborn, but they care about each other. That's enough."

Felix hummed in agreement, resting his head on Changbin's shoulder. "Thanks for always being so optimistic."

Changbin chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to Felix's temple. "Someone has to be."

Back in the studio, Jisung and Minho were seated at the keyboard, working on a new melody for the interlude.

"Try something softer here," Minho suggested, playing a few notes.

Jisung nodded, scribbling in his notebook. "Like this?" he asked, playing a variation on the melody.

Minho's lips curved into a small smile. "Exactly. It's a good balance—gentle, but not weak."

Jisung's cheeks warmed under the compliment. "Thanks. You're really good at this, you know."

Minho shrugged, his fingers trailing over the keys. "It's just experience."

"No, it's more than that," Jisung said earnestly. "You've got a way of... making everything better. Whether it's choreography or music or just... being around."

Minho's hands stilled, and he glanced at Jisung, something unspoken passing between them. His chest tightened, the realization from the day before creeping back into his thoughts.

"Thanks," Minho said quietly, his voice softer than usual.

Jisung smiled, oblivious to the turmoil swirling in Minho's mind.

—
As the day wound down, Chan gathered the group for a final discussion.

"You've all been working hard," Chan began, his tone firm but encouraging. "But we can't afford to let personal stuff get in the way. If something's bothering you, talk about it. Don't let it fester."

Seungmin and Hyunjin both looked away, neither willing to address the obvious tension between them.

"Let's try again tomorrow," Chan continued. "Get some rest tonight. We'll pick up where we left off."

The group nodded, though the atmosphere remained heavy as they packed up their things.

—
Later that night, Minho found himself on the apartment's small balcony, the cool breeze a welcome relief from the day's intensity. Jisung joined him, holding two mugs of tea.

"Thought you might need this," Jisung said, handing one to Minho.

"Thanks," Minho replied, taking a sip.

They stood in silence for a moment, the city lights stretching out before them.

"Do you think we'll be ready?" Jisung asked quietly.

Minho glanced at him, his gaze steady. "We will be. You're all better than you think."

Jisung smiled faintly. "I hope you're right."

"I am," Minho said, his voice confident.

Jisung tilted his head, studying Minho's profile. "You're always so sure of yourself. I don't know how you do it."

Minho hesitated, his fingers tightening around the mug. "I'm not as sure as I seem," he admitted.

Jisung blinked, surprised by the admission. "Really?"

"Yeah," Minho said, his lips curving into a faint smile. "But sometimes, pretending is enough to make it real."

Jisung nodded, his chest tightening again. He wasn't sure what he was feeling, but being here with Minho made everything seem a little less overwhelming.

———————

— A/N: The SKZ Code was so funny😭 And merry Christmas eve😼⛄️

— Recommended song for this chapter: "Talk" by Kodaline