If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 41

Chapter 41

Ruby's smile lingered as she stood from the table, her gaze briefly settling on Soonyoung before shifting to Aaliyah. "Thanks for everything," she said, her voice carrying a note of genuine gratitude. Turning to Soonyoung, she added with a playful grin, "Thanks, Hosh. You're a lifesaver." His cheeks flushed faintly at the nickname, though his grin remained unshaken.

As Ruby grabbed her coat and headed for the door, she paused just long enough to see Aaliyah and Soonyoung exchange an amused glance. It was a sight that warmed her spirit, a reminder of the small joys that tethered them all amidst the chaos of life. For Ruby, the time had come to face her uncertainties on her own terms, to navigate the path she had so hesitantly begun to traverse. She waved her goodbyes with a light laugh, leaving behind an atmosphere of quiet resolve.

The door clicked shut, and in the stillness that followed, Aaliyah turned to the table where remnants of their breakfast lingered. Without hesitation, she began to clear the dishes, her movements fluid and purposeful. Soonyoung, of course, couldn't resist meddling. He leaned against the counter, watching her with that familiar mischievous glint in his eyes.

"So, what's Ruby's deal?" he asked, his tone light but curious. Before Aaliyah could answer, he swooped closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind in a playful embrace. "Come on, spill the tea! Is she okay? Did she tell you everything?"

Aaliyah chuckled despite herself, tilting her head to look at him with mock exasperation. "You're impossible, you know that?" she said, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her fondness for his antics.

"Impossible? Nah," he teased, his grin widening. "Just persistently nosy. It's one of my many talents. Admit it—you love it."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. His presence, equal parts infuriating and endearing, had a way of grounding her. "Ruby's figuring things out," she said finally, her tone soft and thoughtful. "She's strong—she'll be fine."

Soonyoung nodded, his expression briefly shifting to one of sincerity before diving right back into his teasing. "And what about you, huh? Are you fine? Because I'm thinking you need a break—maybe a little Hoshi therapy."

Aaliyah laughed outright at that, shaking her head as she loaded the last plate into the dishwasher. "Hoshi therapy? Is that what we're calling it now?"

"Absolutely," he replied, spinning her gently to face him. "Guaranteed results. No refunds, though."

As Aaliyah wiped her hands dry, Soonyoung grabbed her wrist with gentle urgency, tugging her toward the sala. "Come on!" he exclaimed, his energy infectious as always. The television lit up, and within moments, a romantic melody filled the air, its notes wrapping around them like a warm embrace.

Soonyoung, ever the purveyor of spontaneity, swayed dramatically to the rhythm, his movements exaggerated but undeniably charming. Aaliyah laughed, the sound bubbling from her chest as she watched his antics. But when he extended his hand toward her with an unmistakable glimmer in his eyes, she hesitated for only a heartbeat before taking it.

The transition was seamless, instinctive—their movements finding a natural rhythm as the music swept them into its embrace. Soonyoung spun her with a flourish, then pulled her close, his hand settling lightly on her waist. Aaliyah matched his steps without a second thought, their dance transforming into something neither had planned—a couple's dance that felt as though it had always been waiting for this moment.

Through it all, their laughter didn't falter, their smiles didn't waver. The sincerity woven into the lightheartedness of the moment made it all the more profound. For a fleeting instant, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the music, the movement, and the shared warmth of two souls unburdened, if only for a while.