Park Han's arrival had stirred quite the buzz around Rhythm High. It wasn't every day that the star student of Groove Institute stepped foot in their school.
Ten entered the room. "Everyone, meet Park Han. He's here to observe our facilities. "Steven, guide him for a short tour around the campus."
Steven, who had been wiping sweat off his face, nodded confidently. "Sure thing, Director."
But then, Park Han spoke up. "Actually... I'd prefer if JL showed me around."
A collective gasp filled the room. All eyes turned to JL, who froze mid-drink from his water bottle.
"Me?" JL asked, pointing to himself, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Steven stepped forward. "Director Ten, I don't think-"
"It's fine," JL interrupted, offering a small, unsure smile. "I can do it."
Steven looked unconvinced but stepped back. Shuaibo leaned over to JL, whispering, "Good luck. That guy looks like he's here to spy on us."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," JL muttered, grabbing his towel.
---
JL led Park Han through the campus, starting with the practice rooms. The silence between them was almost suffocating. JL didn't know what to say to someone like Park Han-Groove's star, someone he was supposed to see as a rival.
"So..." JL finally broke the silence. "Why'd you ask for me to guide you?"
Park Han chuckled. "Because you're interesting."
"Interesting?" JL raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're the only student who got scouted by all three schools. That's not something you see every day."
JL scratched the back of his neck, unsure how to respond. "Uh, thanks... I guess."
As they walked, JL noticed something surprising-Park Han wasn't as intimidating as he thought. In fact, the guy seemed genuinely curious about Rhythm High.
"Your practice rooms are nice," Park Han said, running a hand along the soundproof walls. "Changsub would probably call this his second home if he saw it."
"You and Director Changsub seem close," JL noted.
"I owe him a lot," Park Han admitted. "He taught me everything I know about vocals. But honestly..." He grinned. "The real reason I applied to Groove was because my mom likes him. She used to play his albums on repeat when I was younger."
JL couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously?"
"Dead serious," Park Han said, laughing along. "She cried when I got accepted. Not because of me-because she'd get to meet him during parent orientations."
JL felt his guard lowering as they continued the tour. By the time they reached the rooftop, he realized he wasn't just guiding a rival-he was enjoying the company.
Under the starlit sky, Park Han leaned against the railing, his gaze on the universe above. "Funny, isn't it? How small we are compared to all this?"
JL followed his gaze, the endless expanse of stars reflecting in his eyes. "Yeah... it kind of puts everything into perspective."
"That's why I love looking at the stars," Park Han said softly. "They remind me that no matter how big our dreams are, the universe is always bigger. Makes failure seem less scary."
JL found himself nodding, surprisingly comforted by Park Han's words. For the first time, he felt at ease with a stranger.
As they prepared to leave, Park Han turned to him. "JL, would you be my partner for the upcoming event?"
JL blinked. "Partner? What event?"
"You'll find out tomorrow," Park Han said with a teasing smile. "But I'd like it to be you."
Before JL could respond, Park Han was already walking away, leaving him with more questions than answers.
---
The Big Announcement
The next day, the gymnasium buzzed with anticipation as Jay Park and the top school directors gathered to make an important announcement.
"Before the year ends," Jay Park began, "we'll be hosting a special Year-End Event here at Rhythm High."
Cheers erupted among the students. Jay Park continued, explaining the event details: workshops, sports competitions, and a talent show where students from all three schools would perform together.
"And," Jay Park added, "students will be staying in a special guest dorm for three nights. This is your chance to collaborate, make new friends, and show your best selves."
---
New Bonds and Fun Performances
The events were a whirlwind of excitement. New friendships formed, like Shuaibo and Woongki, who bonded over their love for K-pop girl group dances.
"I can't believe we were elementary classmates!" Woongki exclaimed.
"Small world, huh?" Shuaibo grinned as they rehearsed a synchronized routine that left everyone laughing and clapping.
Meanwhile, Juwon's group performed a lighthearted performance, but he almost forgot his lines when Steven mischievously teased him. "Steven!" Juwon hissed, struggling not to laugh.
However, the highlight of the evening was JL and Park Han's duet. Their powerful harmonies sent chills through the audience, leaving them in awe.
"They're the best," someone whispered.
"3-pick!" Steven cheered proudly.
Chih En, sitting quietly in the crowd, noticed JL's genuine smile towards Park Han. He got struck by a sharp feeling of jealousy but buried it, clutching the earring he still couldn't gather the courage to give.
---
As the last night ended, Juwon spun the raffle cylinder. "And the first winner for a theme park date is..."
Everyone looked forward to winning these tickets since it was very difficult to get them during the holidays.
"JL!" Juwon shouted, slightly jumping with joy.
The crowd cheered as JL walked to the stage who's looking both shocked and amused.
"Even in raffles, JL's the first pick!" Steven joked, earning laughs.
Juwon spun again. "And the second winner is...
"Chih En!"
Gasps and teasing roars erupted. Chih En hesitated, his knees weak from sitting too long. As he stumbled toward the stage, laughter echoed around him.
JL reached out instinctively, steadying him. "You okay?"
Chih En looked up, his cheeks flushed. For the first time, he smiled-a wide, genuine smile that lit up his entire face.
JL's breath caught. In that moment, surrounded by cheers and laughter, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them.