Echoes of the Alley

68 - Strength in Harmony

The glow of the morning sun seeped through the blinds, casting soft, golden streaks across the practice room floor. The group's momentum hadn't waned since the festival, and the confession between Jisung and Minho had shifted the energy in the best way. The group felt lighter, more unified, though the pressure of their upcoming showcase still loomed.

Jisung arrived at the practice room with Felix and Jeongin, his fingers loosely gripping a water bottle. Minho was already inside, leaning against the mirror as he scrolled through his phone. When their eyes met, Jisung felt his chest tighten, warmth blooming there. Minho's lips curled into a small smile, subtle but genuine.

"Morning," Minho said as Jisung approached.

"Morning," Jisung replied, his voice soft.

The exchange wasn't much, but the comfort between them was undeniable. Felix nudged Jeongin as they passed, grinning knowingly.
"They're cute, huh?" Felix whispered.

Jeongin rolled his eyes. "They're nauseating. Let's stretch."

Chan clapped his hands once the group had assembled, clipboard in hand. "Alright, let's focus on transitions today. Keep your energy consistent, and don't let the momentum drop."

They moved into formation, the music pulsing through the room as Minho took his position at the front. His movements were sharp, fluid, and precise, as always, but there was a new softness to his leadership—a quiet encouragement that hadn't been there before.

"Jisung, hold back on that step," Minho said mid-rehearsal, pointing to where Jisung stood. "You're overshooting the beat by half a count."

"Got it," Jisung said, adjusting his stance.

"Let's try again," Minho said, meeting Jisung's eyes briefly.

The routine began anew, and this time, Jisung hit the step perfectly. Minho nodded in approval, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Perfect," Minho said, his voice low but warm.

Jisung's cheeks flushed slightly, but he returned the smile. "Thanks."

Felix, watching from the side, nudged Changbin with his elbow. "See what I mean?"

Changbin chuckled. "I'll give you that one."

—
As the group transitioned into vocal rehearsals, Felix felt his chest tighten slightly. His voice had cracked during a performance run the week before, and though everyone had reassured him it wasn't a big deal, the memory still lingered.

When it was his turn to lead a harmony, Felix's voice faltered just slightly at the higher note. He winced, stepping back as Chan paused the track.

"Sorry," Felix muttered, avoiding everyone's gaze.

"It's fine," Chan said calmly. "Let's try again."

Before they could start, Changbin spoke up. "Hey, Felix."

Felix glanced at him hesitantly.

"You've got this," Changbin said firmly, his tone steady. "Don't overthink it. Just sing."

Felix blinked, the tension in his chest easing slightly at Changbin's encouragement. When the music restarted, he took a deep breath and hit the note perfectly.

As the track ended, Changbin grinned at him. "See? Easy."

Felix laughed softly, his shoulders relaxing. "Thanks, Bin."

"Always," Changbin replied, reaching out to squeeze Felix's shoulder briefly before stepping back.

On the other side of the room, Hyunjin and Seungmin were working through choreography for a particularly challenging transition. Hyunjin frowned as he replayed the step in his mind, his body not quite matching the rhythm.

"Stop overthinking it," Seungmin said, stepping into position beside him.

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow. "You're telling me not to overthink?"

"Yes," Seungmin deadpanned, though his lips twitched into a faint smile. "Just trust your instincts."

Hyunjin sighed but followed Seungmin's lead. This time, his movements flowed more naturally, and Seungmin nodded in approval.

"Better," Seungmin said simply.

Hyunjin smirked. "See? We make a good team."

Seungmin rolled his eyes but didn't argue, a rare warmth in his gaze as they continued practicing.

—
During a break, Jisung leaned against the wall, scrolling through his phone. Minho approached quietly, handing him a water bottle.
"You're doing great today," Minho said, his voice low.

Jisung looked up, startled. "You think so?"

Minho nodded. "I wouldn't say it if I didn't."

Jisung smiled, his chest warming at the sincerity in Minho's tone. "Thanks. You're not so bad yourself."

Minho chuckled softly. "High praise coming from you."

Jisung laughed, the tension from the morning practice melting away.

By the time practice ended, the group was drained but satisfied with their progress. As they packed up, Chan clapped his hands to gather their attention.

"Good work today, everyone," he said. "Let's take it easy tonight. We'll hit it hard again tomorrow."

Felix and Changbin left together, their quiet conversation filled with teasing and laughter.

"You were amazing today," Changbin said as they walked back to the apartment.

Felix glanced at him, his cheeks flushing. "You're just saying that because you're biased."

"Maybe," Changbin said, grinning. "But it's still true."

Back at the apartment, Hyunjin cornered Seungmin as he reached for a bottle of water in the kitchen.

"You've been killing it lately," Hyunjin said, leaning against the counter.

Seungmin glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Thanks."

"Don't let it go to your head," Hyunjin teased, though his grin softened.

"I could say the same to you," Seungmin replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

—
Later that night, Jisung and Minho found themselves on the apartment's small balcony. The city lights twinkled in the distance, casting a warm glow over the quiet space.

"I feel like we're finally hitting our stride," Jisung said, leaning against the railing.

Minho nodded, standing close beside him. "We are. And it's because of you."

Jisung blinked, turning to look at Minho. "Me?"

"You've grown so much," Minho said, his tone steady. "Your confidence, your talent—it's all coming together. And it's inspiring."

Jisung felt his cheeks warm, his heart pounding at Minho's words. "That means a lot, coming from you."

Minho's lips curled into a small smile. "It's the truth."

As they stood together, the quiet intimacy of the moment settled over them, grounding them in the warmth of their connection.

———————

— A/N: Hi guys :3, sorry it's short😞💔

— Question of the day: Do you like XO Kitty?

— Recommended song for this chapter: "Butterfly" by UMI