If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 29

Chapter 29

Soonyoung found himself completely distracted by Aaliyah's message. He couldn't call her now; she was undoubtedly asleep. The words "Maybe we should talk when you come back home" kept echoing in his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling of being rattled.

Even his team noticed his unusual behavior. Throughout the day, their concerned glances and subtle questions only added to his agitation. He was not himself, and it was evident to everyone around him. The anticipation, the uncertainty—it all swirled around him, making it hard to focus on anything else.

As the day dragged on, he struggled to maintain his usual composure. His thoughts were a tangled mess of what-ifs and maybes, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen.

Seungcheol, his hyung, noticed his distress and gently reminded him, "Hoshi-ah, you need to set this aside for now and focus on the tour first. Everything will fall into place when the time is right." The words of his hyung were a soothing balm to his frayed nerves, offering a perspective that he desperately needed.

Even Jeonghan chimed in, advising him, "Whatever you're thinking, always try to look at the brighter side. It will help alleviate your anxiety." This additional piece of advice brought him some relief, reminding him to remain optimistic. 

Determined to finish the tour as quickly as possible, Soonyoung performed with renewed energy. Each moment on stage was imbued with a sense of urgency and passion, as he hoped that completing the tour sooner would mean getting back home to Aaliyah earlier.

His passion for dancing was just amusing to his fans. The joy on his face as he performed on stage was palpable, a stark contrast to the turmoil he felt inside. The fans screamed his name, their excitement fueling his performance. The energy in the room was electric, and Soonyoung found solace in the rhythm and movement, if only for a while.

As the final notes of the concert reverberated through the venue, Soonyoung took his bow amidst the roaring applause. The performance had been a success, and though his heart was still heavy with anticipation, he felt a sense of accomplishment. The tour had kept him away from home longer than he liked, but it was finally drawing to a close.

Back at the hotel, the exhaustion from the day's performance and the weight of his thoughts began to catch up with him. His body ached for rest, but his mind remained restless, still fixated on Aaliyah's message. He went through the motions of settling into his room, the usual routine feeling strangely foreign tonight.

Lying in bed, Soonyoung stared at the ceiling, the events of the day playing in his mind. The words of his hyung and Jeonghan echoed softly, reminding him to stay patient and positive. He reached for his phone, typing out a quick message to Aaliyah: "Good night, Aaliyah. I can't wait to see you soon."

Sending the message brought a small measure of comfort. It was a way of bridging the distance, however small, until they could meet again in person. His eyes grew heavy, and despite the turmoil within, he allowed himself to drift off to sleep, dreaming of the conversation that awaited him.

Moments later, his phone buzzed with a new message. It was Aaliyah's response: "Sweet dreams. See you soon." A wave of relief washed over Soonyoung, the simple yet heartfelt words soothing his troubled mind. With a smile, he placed the phone on the bedside table and closed his eyes, letting the warmth of her message envelop him. The comfort it brought him was enough to ease his worries, sending him into a deep and restful sleep.

The next morning, he woke up late. It was also their rest day. They finally had time to go out and chill and explore the place before transferring to another place for their tour.

Soonyoung felt a rare sense of leisure as he stretched and slowly got out of bed. After the intensity of the tour, a late start was a welcome change. He met up with Woozi, Wonwoo, Jun, Jeonghan, Joshua and Seungcheol for a late lunch. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the camaraderie among the members was palpable as they shared stories and laughter.

The group decided to explore the city in smaller groups. Some chose to stay back in their rooms, intending to venture out later. Soonyoung appreciated these moments of freedom, where the pressures of performing took a backseat to simple, everyday pleasures.

Despite the looming conversation with Aaliyah, he allowed himself to enjoy the day. Walking through the bustling streets, visiting quaint cafes, and taking in the local sights with his friends provided a much-needed distraction. The city was alive with activity, and for a few hours, he immersed himself in its vibrant pulse.

The group decided to treat themselves to a fancy restaurant that Jun had discovered online. It was renowned for its exquisite cuisine and elegant ambiance, a perfect setting for their well-deserved break. As they entered, they were greeted by the soft glow of chandeliers and the gentle hum of conversation, adding to the luxurious atmosphere.

Seated at a round table near the window, they marveled at the menu, each dish sounding more delectable than the last. They ordered a variety of plates to share, eager to indulge in the culinary delights. The food arrived, an array of beautifully presented dishes, each bite more delicious than the previous one. The laughter and camaraderie continued to flow as they savored the flavors, creating memories that would last long after the tour ended.

After the meal, they lingered over dessert and coffee, enjoying the rare moment of peace. The view from the window showcased the city's charm, and for a little while, the pressures of their busy lives seemed far away.

As they lingered over dessert and coffee, Soonyoung found his thoughts drifting back to Aaliyah's message. The unease it had stirred in him was hard to shake off, but as he glanced around the table, he noticed something in his friends' faces. While the laughter and light-hearted banter continued, there was an undercurrent of something deeper—each of them seemed to be carrying their own burdens.

Woozi's eyes, though bright, held a hint of exhaustion. Wonwoo, usually so composed, appeared lost in thought more frequently. Jun's laughter seemed slightly forced, and Jeonghan's smiles, though warm, did not quite reach his eyes. Joshua and Seungcheol shared a look of mutual understanding that spoke volumes about their shared challenges.

It dawned on Soonyoung that they all had their issues, perhaps even more severe than his own. The realization brought a sense of perspective, reminding him that he was not alone in his struggles. The camaraderie and support amongst them were profound, a silent pact that whatever they faced, they would face together.

He felt a wave of gratitude for his friends, their presence providing a reassuring anchor in the midst of his emotional storm. Observing them, he resolved to be there for them just as they were for him, knowing that their shared moments of vulnerability and strength were what truly bonded them.

By the time they finally headed back to the hotel, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions. He couldn't wait to see Aaliyah, to finally have that conversation and unravel the mystery behind her message. The hope that it might lead to something beautiful kept him going, despite the apprehension gnawing at the edges of his mind.

Soonyoung could not get a sleep because of that. 

He was wondering and wondering if Aaliyah would call him or not.