Between Spotlight and Shadows (NewJeans x M!Reader/OC)

Chapter 13 - Invisible Wounds

November 28th, 11:30 a.m. @SOLANIS Practice Room – Taejin's POV

I can't remember the last time the practice room lights felt so glaring, or the floor looked so shiny. Maybe I'm just noticing everything too much because I hardly slept last night—if you can call an hour or two "sleep." It doesn't help that my mind keeps replaying that letter, flipping between bitterness and regret like a broken record. One second, I almost understand her; the next, I'm furious all over again.

"Alright, everyone." Minho sets his phone down after briefly checking some notes. "We're starting with 'Snow Prince' today. Let's get a rough run-through, see where we can adapt it to fit us."

I nod without really meeting his eyes, slipping into our usual formation near the mirrors. Normally, I'd be amped—revamping an old classic can be a blast—but all I feel is this dull ache behind my eyes. I didn't think a single letter could shred my focus this much.

Jaeyoung sidles up beside me, flashing a grin. "Kinda retro, huh? Bet we can spice it up. That old style doesn't work for me." He waggled his eyebrows, looking for a reaction.

I force a small shrug. "Yeah. Sure." It's weak, but my heart's not in it. I catch him glancing at me curiously, like he's waiting for more. He doesn't push, but the question in his expression is clear: Dude, what is up with you today?

On my other side, Jisoo bounces in place, humming an off-key snippet of the song. He's scrolling through the music files on his phone. "Found the track clip. Minho, we ready?"

"Yeah," Minho answers, laying out a small notebook on the edge of the mirror stand. "We'll try the first verse and chorus, then break down the transitions after."

Ryu stands off to one side, rolling his shoulders to loosen up, occasionally giving me a glance that says, You sure you're okay? I ignore it. Hyunwoo casually checks the laces on his sneakers, though I notice him looking up with that quiet concern he's known for. The tension sinks into my gut; they're all noticing I'm off. Great.

Sungjin props an arm against the wall, not saying anything, but the softness in his eyes feels like he's about two seconds away from asking if I need a heart-to-heart. I avert my gaze—if I make eye contact, I'll probably break. Can we just dance?

"All set?" Jisoo calls out cheerfully, though the tone dips a bit when he looks my way. He hits play, letting the bouncy intro of "Snow Prince" fill the room. The melody is upbeat—exactly the sort of thing fans eat up during holiday stages. Usually, I'd find it comforting. Right now, it's just... noise.

We step into the initial moves, arms rising in sync. I'm half a beat late, my body feeling like it's encased in sand. Jaeyoung side steps quickly to avoid my foot, shooting me a startled look. I swallow an apology, forcing my legs to keep time. Another sequence goes by. My arms drag, missing the crisp pop we practiced.

"Taejin, watch your spacing," Minho calls over the music, a touch of worry bleeding through his usual calm. I grunt in acknowledgment, trying not to meet anyone's eyes. My chest knots tighter: Focus, Taejin. Focus. But the letter's words keep echoing, taunting me with everything unresolved.

We hit the chorus, but I'm drifting half a count behind them. I see Hyunwoo glance over, concerned, and Jisoo nearly collides with my shoulder. My breath shudders with frustration. Why can't I just switch off these thoughts?

Minho abruptly steps forward, raises his voice. "Stop!" He strides to Jisoo's phone and kills the track. An anxious hush settles. I can feel everyone's attention on me, the heat of it pressing down.

"Taejin," he says, gentler this time, "everything okay? You're out of sync."

I clench my jaw, inhaling to calm the chaos in my head. "I'm... sorry," I manage, sounding as exhausted as I feel. "Just didn't get enough sleep, I guess."