Run into Sin | Jikook

Part 25

Really long part...

Guilt.

Jeongguk feels an overbearing sense of guilt, weighing down on his conscience and filling his lungs up, making it hard to focus upon anything else. He's not sure why he feels guilty. It's not like he and Jimin are in a commitment, they're not bound to each other and they hold no expectations from each other. Yet leaving the girl's house after fucking her only an hour after fucking Jimin—Jeongguk feels guilt.

He has dance rehearsals today, performing the routines he's done so far with Hoseok in front of his coach and choreographer. It's nerve wracking to show two important figures his progress so far, how he's evolved since the last time he had worked with them. They both seem pleased, though.

His coach's eyes linger on Jeongguk for longer than necessary towards the end of the fifth song.

He analyses Jeongguk all over, sizing him up under his unforgiving gaze. It's like he's trying to implore into Jeongguk's body, trying to draw out his deepest, darkest thoughts. It causes Jeongguk to falter a few times, feeling himself fluster under the look.

Hoseok seems to notice because he tries to protect Jeongguk's body as much as possible, standing in front of him whenever possible and speaking up any chance he gets. Jeongguk's grateful and at the end of the performance when they give the two of the men give their final verdict, they receive praises.

"You both seem ready for the performance," the choreographer says, a proud smile stretching out across his face. He stands up from his seat, nodding at them approvingly. "Just a few mistakes here and there, nothing too concerning. Do you both feel ready?"

Jeongguk stands on the stage, sweating under the bright, blinding lights. He's still trying to collect his breathing, resume to a normal level heartbeat. His palms feel sticky and his clothes are clinging to his skin. Hoseok, besides him, seems way more composed and put together.

Hoseok hums. "Yes. I think we've done really well and worked hard, too. I think we're ready."

"It's in a week time," he continues. "I hope you're working harder than ever now."

Working 'harder than ever' is an understatement. Jeongguk isn't sure he's seen anything besides the four walls of his dance studio for the last few days. He's barely had time for himself, barely able to make time in his week to eat his meals efficiently—he's completely tied down.

It's not as burdening as he had expected it to be. Despite the tight schedule and preparing for the final performance, trying to prove his worth and breaking his way into the dancing industry—he's adjusting well. Dancing is all he has wanted to do for as long as he can remember, mesmerised by the idols he'd see on his TV when he was younger. Now, he has a shot and he's reaching out for it. He's never backing down.

The coach is still watching him warily, a knowing look flashing across his features. Nonetheless, he doesn't say anything, not providing any words of his own. He merely nods, dismissing them.

Hoseok and Jeongguk gather their belongings and walk off the stage, climbing down the stairs and into the back.

Once he's away from their hard gazes, Jeongguk feels like he can finally release a breath he hadn't realised he had been holding. Tension evaporates off his body, rolling off his shoulders. His body slumps and his organs relax. He sighs, looking over to Hoseok.

"That coach..." Hoseok says as he's ripping the shirt off his body, revealing a slim, muscled stomach. "He knows something."

"Knows something? What do you mean?" He repeats, dumbfounded.