If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 53

Chapter 53

The sunlight spilled through the gauzy curtains of the villa, painting the breakfast table in soft gold. Aaliyah sat with her hands wrapped around a mug of coffee, the steam curling upward like a quiet reminder that the world was still steady, still warm, even after the whirlwind of last night. Ruby was perched across from her, hair tied up in a messy bun, while Wren leaned lazily against the back of her chair, spooning yogurt into her mouth with the kind of casualness that only came after a night of nerves finally dissolving.

Aaliyah exhaled, her chest loosening for the first time since she had walked into that room full of Seventeen members, no longer just their choreographer but Soonyoung's girlfriend. The word still felt foreign, heavy with meaning, yet sweet in its simplicity. Girlfriend. She had been terrified of how they would react, afraid that the professional lines she had drawn for years would blur into something complicated. But instead, they had smiled, clapped Soonyoung on the back, and welcomed her with warmth that had left her blinking back tears.

Ruby broke the silence first. "You know, I was watching Mingyu's face when Soonyoung introduced you. He looked like he was about to tease, but then he just grinned and said, 'Finally.' Like they'd all been waiting for this."

Wren chuckled, setting her spoon down. "Honestly, I think they knew before you did. The way Soonyoung looks at you? It's not exactly subtle."

Aaliyah groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Don't remind me. I was so nervous I thought I'd forget how to breathe. I kept thinking, 'What if they think I crossed a line? What if they don't trust me anymore as their choreographer?'"

Ruby leaned forward, her voice gentle but firm. "But they didn't. They were happy. You saw it. They weren't just accepting you—they were celebrating you. That's rare, Aaliyah. You should hold onto that."

The words settled into Aaliyah's chest like a balm. She lifted her head, her eyes softening. "I know. It's just... I've always been the one behind the scenes, making sure they shine. Being in the spotlight, even in such a personal way, feels strange."

Wren smirked. "Well, get used to it. You're dating a performer. And speaking of spotlights, they invited us to their party tonight. Which means we're officially part of their circle now."

Ruby's eyes lit up. "I still can't believe it. Us, at a Seventeen party. Do you think it'll be casual, or full-on chaos?"

"Knowing them?" Wren said dryly. "Both."

Ruby tapped her fork against her plate thoughtfully. "You know what struck me? They didn't just welcome you. They welcomed us too. Like we weren't just your friends tagging along—we mattered."

Aaliyah smiled. "That's because you do. You've been with me through everything. They saw that."

Wren stretched, her voice teasing. "Well, I'm not complaining. If tonight's party has karaoke, I'm taking the mic. I want to see if Seungkwan can handle my vocals."

Wren was known for being demure outside, but somehow, Seventeen was able to push out Wren's silliness, especially Seungkwan.

Ruby laughed. "Oh, he'll handle it. He'll probably challenge you to a duet."

The three girls dissolved into laughter, the villa echoing with their voices. For the first time in days, Aaliyah felt the knot of anxiety in her stomach unravel completely. She wasn't an outsider anymore. She belonged.

As the day stretched on, the girls busied themselves with preparations. Ruby laid out outfits, debating between a sleek black dress and a more casual jumpsuit. Wren insisted on something bold, pulling out sequined tops and statement earrings. Aaliyah, however, lingered by the mirror, her reflection staring back at her with quiet uncertainty.