Echoes of the Alley

59 - Holding On

The day of the festival was drawing nearer, and with it, the anticipation and nerves that came from performing on a grander stage. The group had fallen into a steady rhythm of preparation, balancing practice and bonding as best they could. However, for Jisung and Minho, the undercurrent of something unspoken between them was growing harder to ignore.

The studio was filled with the sound of their latest track as the group rehearsed for what felt like the hundredth time. Minho stood at the front of the room, demonstrating a complex dance move while the others watched intently. His movements were fluid, precise, and commanding, but Jisung's focus wavered—not because he was uninterested, but because he couldn't stop noticing the small things about Minho.

The way his brows furrowed in concentration, the sharp angles of his jawline when he turned, even the way he casually rolled his sleeves up to his elbows—it was maddening how effortlessly captivating Minho could be.

"Jisung," Minho called, snapping him out of his trance. "Are you with us?"

Jisung's face burned as he quickly nodded. "Y-Yeah. Sorry. I'm ready."

Minho's lips quirked into a faint smirk, though his expression softened. "Come here. Let's go through the footwork together."

Jisung hesitated but stepped forward, feeling the eyes of the group on him. Minho demonstrated the move again, then gestured for Jisung to try it.

"Relax," Minho said gently, his voice low enough that only Jisung could hear. "You're overthinking it."

Jisung tried again, but his nerves got the better of him, and he stumbled slightly. Before he could retreat in embarrassment, Minho reached out and took his hand.

"Here," Minho said, his tone steady and calm. "Follow my lead."

Jisung froze for a moment, his heart pounding as Minho's hand enveloped his. It was warm and firm, grounding him in a way he hadn't expected.

"Don't look at your feet," Minho instructed, his voice softer now. "Trust yourself. Trust me."

Jisung swallowed hard and nodded, letting Minho guide him through the steps. This time, the rhythm came more naturally, and the movements felt less forced.

"That's it," Minho said, his grip on Jisung's hand tightening briefly in encouragement. "You've got it."

Jisung looked up, his eyes meeting Minho's. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, and all he could feel was the steady warmth of Minho's hand in his.

"Thanks," Jisung murmured, his voice barely audible.

Minho gave him a small smile before releasing his hand and stepping back. "Anytime."

The rest of the group watched the exchange with a mix of curiosity and amusement, though they chose not to comment—at least, not yet.

—
Later on, the group took a break for lunch, scattering around the studio with their meals. Jisung found himself sitting beside Felix, who immediately noticed the faint pink tint to his cheeks.

"You okay?" Felix asked, nudging him lightly.

Jisung hesitated, picking at his food. "I don't know."

Felix raised an eyebrow. "This isn't about Minho again, is it?"

Jisung groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Why do you always know?"

Felix laughed softly. "Because you're not exactly subtle, Ji. What happened this time?"

Jisung peeked out from behind his hands, his voice barely above a whisper. "He held my hand."

Felix blinked, his lips twitching into a grin. "What? Like, just now? During practice?"