Echoes of the Alley

56 - Breaking Barriers

The soft hum of rain against the windows set the tone for the morning, a quiet, introspective start to the day that suited the mood in the apartment. Jisung's group had gathered in the kitchen, mugs of coffee and tea in hand as they discussed the week ahead.

"The festival's just two weeks away," Seungmin said, his voice calm but focused. "If we want to tighten our setlist, today's the day to get serious."

Felix nodded, glancing at Jisung. "Agreed. We've got most of it down, but transitions could use some polish. Especially between the second and third tracks."

Jisung twirled his spoon in his mug absentmindedly, his thoughts elsewhere. The memory of Minho's lingering gaze during last night's rehearsal was still fresh in his mind, leaving him both confused and restless. "Yeah," he murmured, though his voice lacked conviction.

Seungmin raised an eyebrow at him. "You okay, Ji?"

Jisung blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Just thinking about the setlist."

Jeongin snorted from his spot at the counter. "You've been staring into your coffee like it holds all the answers."

"Maybe it does," Jisung retorted, managing a small grin.

Felix chuckled, reaching over to nudge Jisung's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll figure it out. But you might want to focus. Chan's group will definitely have notes for us later."

At the mention of Chan's group, Jisung's stomach flipped. The idea of seeing Minho again filled him with a mix of excitement and anxiety that he didn't fully understand.

—
By late morning, the rain had eased, leaving the streets slick and reflective as Jisung's group made their way to the studio. The shared space was already buzzing with activity when they arrived, Chan's group warming up and running through choreography.

Minho stood near the mirrors, his movements precise and fluid as he worked through a particularly intricate sequence. Jisung couldn't help but watch, his eyes tracing the lines of Minho's form as he moved. There was something mesmerizing about the way Minho carried himself—confident but not arrogant, every step deliberate and controlled.

"Jisung," Felix whispered, elbowing him gently. "You're staring."

Jisung's face flushed, and he quickly turned away. "I wasn't staring," he mumbled.

Felix smirked but said nothing, his knowing gaze lingering for a moment before he turned his attention back to the group.

Chan clapped his hands, gathering everyone's attention. "All right, let's get started. We'll start with Jisung's group. Show us what you've got, and then we'll work through any feedback."

Jisung felt his nerves spike as they moved into position. Felix gave him an encouraging nod, and Seungmin's calm presence beside him was grounding. Still, as the music started, Jisung couldn't shake the feeling of Minho's eyes on him.

The routine went smoothly for the most part, though a slight misstep in one of the transitions drew a sharp breath from Chan. "Hold up," he called, pausing the music.

Minho stepped forward, his gaze flicking to Jisung. "You're rushing the timing on that turn," he said, his tone measured but firm. "You need to wait half a beat longer before shifting."

Jisung nodded, though his chest tightened. "Got it."

Minho demonstrated the move, his fluidity making it look effortless. "Like this," he said, glancing at Jisung. "Try again."

Jisung stepped forward, mimicking the motion. His timing was closer, but still slightly off. Minho frowned, stepping closer. "You're tensing up," he said, placing a hand lightly on Jisung's shoulder. "Relax. Let the rhythm guide you."