If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 31

Chapter 31

Seventeen traveled to another state the next morning. They were all busy preparing themselves for the concert again. Even so, Soonyoung still took his time to send Aaliyah a message about their event. The group was on a tight schedule, juggling rehearsals, soundchecks, and media interviews. 

Despite the hectic pace, Soonyoung's dedication to staying connected with Aaliyah was unwavering. His message was filled with excitement and anticipation, sharing details about the upcoming performance and how much he looked forward to seeing her again. It was these small moments of personal connection that kept him grounded amidst the whirlwind of their tour life. The support and encouragement from loved ones fueled their passion, making each performance even more meaningful. As the concert time approached, the energy and camaraderie among the group members intensified, ready to deliver another unforgettable show for their fans.

Soonyoung didn't know that in their next country, he would be surprised. They would still follow the same routines in the concert, but Soonyoung's partner in his performance had recently gotten injured. He did not know who the substitute would be, but they assured him that there would be someone.

When it was his time to perform on stage, a girl in a mask appeared. As the performance began, he sensed a familiar height and scent from the lady. The comfort she provided him during the dance was also familiar. The way she moved and danced was all too familiar to him, and he couldn't take his eyes off her.

The lady was professionally hired. She was there for the job and was careful with every move she made in the performance that she herself had choreographed. Soonyoung felt a rush of emotions, a blend of nostalgia and curiosity, as each step and gesture reminded him of someone he once knew.

As they danced, their movements synchronized effortlessly, creating a mesmerizing display that captivated the audience. The masked girl's presence brought a newfound energy to the performance, and Soonyoung's heart raced, not just from the exertion, but from the mysterious connection he felt with her.

After the final note, the crowd erupted into applause, and Soonyoung found himself breathless, not just from the dance, but from the revelation that had dawned on him. He had to know who she was, this enigmatic dancer who seemed to know him so well. As they exited the stage, he reached out to her, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Who are you?" he asked, his eyes searching hers through the mask.

The girl smiled softly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "You'll find out soon enough. Just be patient," she replied, before disappearing into the backstage shadows.

Soonyoung was left standing there, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. The mystery of the masked dancer added a new layer to his journey, and he couldn't wait to uncover the truth. As they prepared to move on to their next performance, the anticipation of meeting her again kept him going, fueling his determination to face whatever lay ahead.

Soonyoung felt like dreaming. He knew it was impossible since they were hours away from her. Her height was familiar, but the hair color was different and eye color. The mask she wore also confused him more. Yet, a part of him couldn't shake off the possibility that it might be her, defying all logic and distance.

As they journeyed to their final performance, the memory of the masked dancer lingered in his mind. Each performance, he scanned the faces around him, hoping for a glimpse of familiarity. The anticipation was almost unbearable, and his friends noticed the change in him.

"What's gotten into you, Soonyoung?" Woozi asked with a grin, nudging him playfully.

He could only smile in response, shaking his head. "Just something I need to figure out," he replied, his thoughts drifting back to the mysterious night.

Soonyoung could not wait till they finished the concert. While fixing his things, he had to check his phone. He needed to confirm something.

But when he opened his phone, he got a message from her.

Meet me in the garden behind the hotel.

I'll be waiting there.

Soonyoung panicked and wanted to rush back to their hotel. His heart raced with anticipation and worry, his thoughts consumed by the unexpected message. The garden behind the hotel was a secluded, serene space, a perfect setting for an intimate conversation.

He quickly informed his manager and team, making an excuse about something urgent. His legs felt like they could barely keep up with his racing heart as he made his way through the bustling crowd and back to the hotel.

Upon arriving, he hurriedly made his way to the garden, the night air cool against his flushed skin. His mind was a whirlwind of questions and emotions. Was Aaliyah alright? What did she want to talk about?

As he approached the garden, he saw her silhouette under the soft glow of the garden lights. Aaliyah stood there, her posture calm yet exuding a quiet intensity. When she turned to face him, Soonyoung could see the determination in her eyes mixed with a hint of vulnerability.

"Aaliyah," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "You are here?"

She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "Soonyoung-ah."

He stepped closer, his anxiety melting away into a focused attention on her words. "What is it? Was it you?"

She looked him straight in the eyes, her voice steady. "Why did you come so fast? Was the concert done? You are panting."

Soonyoung's heart swelled with emotion as he listened to her. "Aaliyah, it's done and I rushed here. That's why," Soonyoung said. 

Aaliyah smiled softly, "This crazy person." She walked towards the guy and gave him a hug. He was surprised, and he didn't know what to do. But somehow her comfort made him at ease. "You did well in the dance. You didn't seem nervous like you always tell," she told him. 

Soonyoung then responded with the hug. He then confirmed that it was her. "Bogoshipo," Soonyoung confessing how he misses the lady. 

"Nado," Aaliyah answered in almost a whisper. But he heard it. 

Underthe starlit sky, surrounded by the tranquility of the garden, Aaliyah andSoonyoung found  each other longing. 

Will this be the beginning of their journey to love?