If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 51

Chapter 51

Aaliyah's nervousness was over the roof. Her palms were clammy, her heartbeat erratic, and every sound from the driveway seemed to echo louder than it should. Yet, Soonyoung had been by her side since the moment the guy arrived at their villa again that morning. His presence was her anchor.

"I'm here. Don't worry about them," Soonyoung whispered, his voice steady and warm. He could see how uncomfortable she felt, how her smile faltered at the edges.

For Soonyoung, today was not just another gathering. It was special—momentous even. He had decided that he could no longer keep their relationship a secret. Dating Aaliyah in silence for a year had been both thrilling and exhausting. He wanted his friends to know, to see her not just as "ssaem," their teacher and companion, but as the woman he loved.

"I know," Aaliyah replied softly, though her voice betrayed her tension. They stood together on the balcony, watching as cars began to pull into the villa's driveway. Each arrival made her chest tighten, her heart pumping faster, as though preparing her for a marathon she hadn't signed up for.

The moment the boys began stepping out of their cars, Aaliyah forced herself to smile. "Ssaem!" someone called out, and she instinctively waved, her hand moving before her nerves could stop it.

"Hi!" she greeted, her voice bright but slightly shaky. It had been a while since she had last seen them, and recognition came slowly, one face at a time. Even the two who were currently serving in the military were here, their presence both comforting and overwhelming.

The first to reach her was Dino, bounding toward her with youthful energy, followed closely by Seungkwan and Vernon. Aaliyah had always been closest to the younger ones, their warmth and openness easing her nerves.

"Yah! Hoshi-ah! Come and help us with the groceries! 얘들아 (Yaedeul-a)! Come and help us first. Aaliyah ssaem will not vanish," Seungcheol's authoritative voice rang out, ensuring everyone had tasks to do. Some were already helping, but he wanted order, structure.

Soonyoung leaned close, his breath brushing her ear. "I'll come back quick, babe," he murmured, the word slipping out naturally, though still hidden from the others.

"We'll be back too, ssaem," the trio chimed before running off to help.

"Authoritative," Ruby remarked from beside Aaliyah, her tone laced with amusement.

"He is," Aaliyah replied, recognizing Ruby's voice instantly.

"Aren't we going to help?" Wren asked, standing on her other side.

"Man's instinct. They wouldn't let you help them for sure," Ruby said, her opinionated nature shining through.

"Sounds right," Aaliyah agreed, grateful for their presence.

Wren, ever practical, instructed the group to place the groceries in the front yard. The tables were already set, the grills prepared, and the villa's cozy charm seemed to impress everyone.

"Ssaem, the place is a sanctuary," The8 commented quietly. He rarely spoke much, but his love for nature made his words feel profound.

"I know," Aaliyah said, trying to steady herself. "Thanks to my friends, Ruby and Wren, who brought me here."

The older boys began unpacking, Mingyu taking charge of the food. His tall frame moved with practiced ease as he organized ingredients.

"Why are you not helping, Gyu?" Aaliyah asked Soonyoung, teasing lightly.

"He is always in charge of the food. He's a good cook," Soonyoung explained.

"Oh. Yeah. That's why you always say Mingyu cooks all the time," she replied, her lips curving into a small smile.