If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 49

Chapter 49

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the villa, casting soft golden light across Aaliyah's bed. She stirred slowly, her mind still wrapped in the warmth of last night's laughter. For a moment, everything felt simple — the villa, her friends, the quiet hills. But simplicity rarely lasted.

Ruby's voice echoed down the hall. "Breakfast is ready!"

Aaliyah smiled faintly, pulling herself up. She dressed quickly and joined Ruby and Wren at the long wooden table, where pancakes and fruit were laid out. They ate together, the conversation light and easy, until Ruby's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, then looked at Aaliyah with raised brows.

"It's Soonyoung," Ruby said. "He's nearby."

Aaliyah's fork froze halfway to her mouth. "Nearby?"

Wren leaned forward, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What's he doing here?"

Ruby shrugged. "Apparently, he's with his group. They're spending the weekend not far from here."

Aaliyah's heart thudded. She hadn't expected to see Soonyoung during this trip. Their relationship was steady but private; she had always preferred it that way. The thought of meeting his friends — of being introduced as his girlfriend — sent a ripple of unease through her. She wasn't ready. Not yet.

But Ruby's next words sealed it. "He wants to drop by. He said he wants you to meet them."

By the time Soonyoung arrived, Aaliyah's nerves were a storm beneath her calm exterior. She stood on the veranda, watching as he approached with a group of five friends. They were laughing, their voices carrying easily in the morning air. Soonyoung spotted her immediately, his smile wide and genuine.

"Aaliyah!" he called, striding forward.

Her heart softened at the sight of him. He looked relaxed, happy, and she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her chest. But behind that warmth was a knot of apprehension.

He reached her, pulling her into a quick embrace. "I wanted you to meet my friends," he said, his tone filled with pride. "Everyone, this is Aaliyah Brielle — my girlfriend."

The words hung in the air, heavy and bright all at once. Aaliyah felt every pair of eyes turn toward her. They have met. She knows them so well because they have been working together. However, she didn't expect that this day would come. 

The introductions came quickly.

Jihoon, quiet but observant, offered a polite smile. Mingyu, tall and energetic, greeted her with enthusiasm. Seokmin, cheerful and warm, immediately complimented the villa. Joshua, calm and thoughtful, nodded respectfully. Wonwoo, reserved, gave her a small but genuine smile.

They were friendly as always, welcoming even, but Aaliyah's chest tightened. She wasn't used to being the center of attention, and the label — girlfriend — felt heavier than she had anticipated.

Ruby and Wren joined them, easing the tension with chatter. Soon, everyone was seated around the veranda, sharing stories and laughter. Soonyoung's friends were easygoing, their camaraderie evident in the way they teased each other.

But Aaliyah remained quiet, her mind caught between pride and discomfort. She was proud to be Soonyoung's girlfriend, proud that he wanted to share that part of his life with her. Yet the suddenness of it all left her unsettled.

Later, as the group explored the villa's garden, Soonyoung pulled her aside.

"You're quiet," he said softly.

Aaliyah hesitated, then met his gaze. "I wasn't expecting this. I'm... not used to being introduced like that."

His expression softened. "I know. But I wanted them to know. You're important to me, Aaliyah. I don't want to keep you hidden."

Her heart ached at his sincerity. She wanted to match his openness, to embrace the pride he felt. But vulnerability wasn't easy for her.

"I just need time," she admitted. "It's overwhelming."

Soonyoung reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Then we'll take it slow. I'll be right here."

The afternoon unfolded with games and laughter. Mingyu suggested a round of charades, and soon the veranda was filled with exaggerated gestures and bursts of laughter. Ruby and Wren joined in, their energy blending seamlessly with Soonyoung's group.

Aaliyah found herself smiling despite her nerves. Seokmin's antics were impossible not to laugh at, and Joshua's calm explanations made her feel included. Even Wonwoo, quiet as he was, offered her a kind word when she hesitated during her turn.

Bit by bit, the tension eased. She realized that Soonyoung's friends weren't judging her. They were simply welcoming her into their circle, curious to know the person who mattered so much to him.

As evening fell, the group gathered around the fireplace inside the villa. The crackling flames cast warm light across their faces. Ruby poured drinks, Wren shared snacks, and the atmosphere was cozy, intimate.

Soonyoung sat beside Aaliyah, his arm resting lightly around her shoulders. She leaned into him, her earlier discomfort softening into acceptance.

Jihoon strummed a guitar, his quiet music filling the room. Mingyu and Seokmin sang along, their voices playful. Joshua and Wonwoo listened, smiling faintly.

Aaliyah watched them, her heart settling. She realized that this wasn't about being exposed or judged. It was about being part of Soonyoung's world, about sharing in the connections that shaped him.

And though she wasn't entirely comfortable yet, she knew she could adjust. For him. For them. For herself.

Later that night, when the group had left and the villa was quiet again, Aaliyah sat with Ruby and Wren.

"You did well," Ruby said, nudging her playfully. "They liked you."

Wren smiled warmly. "And Soonyoung looked so proud. That says everything."

Aaliyah exhaled, her shoulders relaxing. "It was hard at first. But... maybe it's not as scary as I thought."

Ruby grinned. "That's because you've got us. And him. You're not alone."

Aaliyah smiled, her heart lighter. She realized that while the introduction had been overwhelming, it was also a step forward — a step toward embracing the life she was building with Soonyoung, and the friendships that came with it.

That night, as she lay in bed, Aaliyah thought about the day. The laughter, the music, the warmth of Soonyoung's hand in hers. She still had mixed feelings, still carried the weight of her discomfort. But beneath it all was a growing sense of belonging.

And for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe — just maybe — she could fit into this world.