If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 38

Chapter 38

Soonyoung was agitated. Some people in the group noticed it. "You are getting conscious about the time. Are you perhaps late for something?" Wonwoo asked his friend.

They were in a shooting at the moment. Wonwoo, as someone who constantly observed his environment, noticed the little details about Soonyoung. He knew that his friend had been keeping something from them, as if it was to harm them. He suspected that Soonyoung might have been seeing someone for a few months now and he had his hunch. The only thing to do now was to prove it.

"Ah. Nothing," Soonyoung said awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. He fidgeted with his hands and glanced at his watch. Then, as if flipping a switch, he cheered up all of a sudden with a burst of energy. "Come on, guys. Let's get it," he said, clapping his hands together and moving towards the set.

"For sure," Woozi, who was also listening to their conversation a while ago, jumped in and told Wonwoo. The slight smirk on his face suggested he had his own suspicions about Soonyoung's odd behavior. Woozi had always been perceptive, picking up on the subtleties that others often missed.

The two saw each other eye to eye as if they just knew. Wonwoo raised an eyebrow, and Woozi nodded slightly, confirming their silent agreement to keep an eye on Soonyoung. They watched as their friend, now seemingly full of energy, interacted with the crew and prepared for the next shoot.

As the shoot progressed, Wonwoo couldn't help but notice how Soonyoung's eyes would occasionally dart towards his phone, which he had placed discreetly on a nearby table. Every time it lit up with a notification, Soonyoung's demeanor would change slightly, a mix of excitement and anxiety flashing across his face for a brief moment before he'd compose himself again.

During a break, Woozi approached Wonwoo, concern etched on his face. "Do you think he's in some kind of trouble?" he asked quietly, glancing over at Soonyoung who was talking animatedly with one of the directors.

"I don't know," Wonwoo replied, shaking his head. "But whatever it is, we need to be there for him. Let's just keep a close watch and see if he'll open up to us."

Woozi nodded in agreement. The two friends made a silent pact to uncover the truth behind Soonyoung's secret, hoping it was something harmless and not a cause for real concern. They followed Soonyoung, who was so energized to film again, determined to support their friend no matter what.

A few hours after their shoot, Soonyoung was excited to clocked out. "Are you heading somewhere? Our taping was just finished, let's grab some drinks," Wonwoo suggested when he went over to Soonyoung.

"Next time, bro. I have a schedule for today," Soonyoung then responded.

Wonwoo, being the kind and somewhat nosy friend that he is, insisted, "Then let me drop you off where you're going. I'm heading to the mart anyway."

Soonyoung would look more suspicious if he declined this. He should not get caught. He had been keeping his activities from them for over a year now. No one knew, at least that's what he thought. Though, it was becoming obvious to everyone already.

The two headed towards Wonwoo's car and saw Woozi on the passenger's seat. "I decided I'm coming, Wonu, my friend." Woozi looked surprised seeing Soonyoung. "Are you coming too? I think Wonu needed some company as he was a bit devastated with his love life right now," he commented.

It was rather amusing for Wonwoo. "As if I have one," Wonwoo answered with a chuckle. "Or maybe it's you whom I'm going to accompany tonight," he said, flipping the tables on Woozi.

Woozi laughed. "Touché! But no, seriously, let's all hang out. I need a break from this love life drama."

Soonyoung tried to hide his nervousness. "Fine, but just for a bit. I really do have something important later."

With playful banter and laughter filling the car, the three friends set off on their impromptu adventure, determined to enjoy the night despite the underlying mystery.

As they drove through the city, Soonyoung's phone buzzed discreetly in his pocket. He glanced at Wonwoo and Woozi, both engrossed in their lighthearted conversation, and took the opportunity to check his messages. His fingers flew across the screen as he typed a quick reply, his face a mix of concentration and furtive anxiety.

Wonwoo caught a glimpse of Soonyoung's actions in the rearview mirror and raised his eyebrows in curiosity but decided to let it slide for now. "So, where are we heading first?" he asked, trying to keep the mood light.

Soonyoung quickly locked his phone and looked up. "How about that new place by the river? I heard they have great mocktails," he suggested, hoping to divert attention from his secretive behavior.

"Sounds good to me!" Woozi chimed in, adding with a laugh, "Maybe mocktails are best for me. You know how red I get with alcohol."

Wonwoo chuckled. "Yeah, Woozi, we wouldn't want you to look like a tomato again. Plus, you like you are having an allergic reaction to it, so better safe than sorry."

Woozi grinned sheepishly, "I know, I know. Just don't tease me too much!"

With playful banter and laughter filling the car, the three friends set off on their impromptu adventure, determined to enjoy the night despite the underlying mystery.

As they arrived at the riverside venue, the ambiance was perfect for a relaxing evening. The sparkling lights reflected off the water, creating a tranquil atmosphere that was a welcome escape from their daily lives.

They settled at a table by the window, giving them a picturesque view of the river. Soonyoung glanced at the menu and sighed inwardly. He knew he had to control what he drank since he still needed to meet someone later. His mind kept drifting to the messages he'd been receiving, adding a layer of mysterious tension to the otherwise joyous occasion.

As the waiter approached, Soonyoung quickly ordered a citrus mocktail, hoping to mask any suspicion from his friends. "I'll go with a mocktail too," he said confidently, "I have some stuff to handle later so better not to drink."

Woozi and Wonwoo exchanged puzzled looks but didn't press the matter. They were committed to making the night enjoyable, regardless of Soonyoung's discreet urgency.

The friends clinked their glasses together, laughter echoing around them, as the night unfolded with stories, jokes, and the subtle undercurrent of Soonyoung's secret plans.

Wonwoo, despite his bad eyesight, noticed the people approaching them. "Ssaem!" he called out, recognizing someone in the crowd. Soonyoung gulped and quickly turned his head towards the person Wonwoo was greeting. His hunch was confirmed — it was Aaliyah with her friend Ruby and another girl.

The two approached them, a bright smile on Aaliyah's face. "Hi!" she greeted cheerfully.

Wonwoo smiled and gestured towards the table. "Why don't you two join us for a drink?" he suggested warmly.

Soonyoung's expression turned uneasy. "I don't think that's a good idea. I have to meet someone later and shouldn't be drinking," he explained, attempting to sound casual.

Aaliyah's eyes twinkled mischievously, "Oh come on, Soonyoung! One drink won't hurt. Besides, we have something to celebrate!" she insisted.

Soonyoung hesitated, but seeing the anticipation in his friends' faces, he reluctantly agreed, knowing that balancing his night would be a delicate task.

The atmosphere shifted slightly as the three settled into what appeared to be a triple date setup. Wonwoo found himself facing the new girl, while Soonyoung's gaze was fixed on Aaliyah. Woozi, meanwhile, engaged with Ruby.

"Oh, by the way, these two are my friends," Aaliyah introduced the newcomers with a warm smile. "This is Ru and this is Willow," she added, looking at her friends with a sense of pride.