The morning sun broke over the horizon, painting the city in golden hues. JL sat by Chih En's bedside, watching him sleep. After the chaotic night, JL had insisted on taking Chih En to the infirmary back at Rhythm High. The nurse assured him it was just exhaustion and mild dehydration, but JL couldn't shake off the sight of Chih En collapsing in his arms.
Chih En stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked a few times before realizing where he was.
"JL?" he rasped, his voice hoarse.
JL leaned forward, a relieved smile softening his features. "You scared me, you know that?"
Chih En chuckled weakly. "I'm fine. Really."
"Fine?" JL raised an eyebrow. "You passed out in my arms, Chih En. That's not 'fine.'"
Chih En's cheeks flushed, but he quickly turned his head away. "Thanks… for finding me."
JL sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You don't have to thank me. Just… don't scare me like that again."
---
The Unspoken Rift
At Groove Institute, Park Han stood by the practice room window, staring blankly outside. The events of the previous night replayed in his mind - the way JL had held Chih En so protectively, the look of genuine worry on his face.
"Focus," he muttered to himself, shaking off the thoughts. But when he turned to face the mirror, his usual sharpness seemed dulled.
Kyungho walked in, immediately picking up on Park Han's unease. "What's wrong with you? You're spacing out like a rookie."
Park Han shot him a glare but said nothing. Instead, he grabbed his towel and wiped his face, avoiding Kyungho's gaze.
Kyungho crossed his arms, his tone sharp. "If you're going to brood, do it after practice. We have a performance to prepare for."
"I'm fine," Park Han snapped, though his voice lacked its usual bite.
Kyungho raised an eyebrow but didn't push further.
---
Later that afternoon, JL walked into the Rhythm High cafeteria, spotting Steven and Shuaibo at their usual table. Chih En trailed behind him, still looking a little pale but determined to act normal.
"Look who's alive and kicking," Shuaibo teased, nudging Chih En as they sat down.
"Very funny," Chih En muttered, rolling his eyes.
Steven smirked. "Don't let JL baby you too much. You'll never hear the end of it."
JL shot him a look. "I wasn't 'babying' him. I was - "
"Being a worried boyfriend?" Shuaibo interrupted, waggling his eyebrows.
Chih En nearly choked on his water, his face turning red. "What?!"
JL groaned, rubbing his temples. "Can you not?"
Before the teasing could continue, a notification buzzed on JL's phone. He glanced at the group chat for the top students from all three schools.
National Basketball League Opening Ceremony: Joint Performance Announcement.
---
A New Challenge
The announcement detailed the event: a joint performance by selected students from Rhythm High, Groove Institute, and Beat Music High to open the National Basketball League. It was a massive opportunity, but the stakes were high.
The three schools were expected to work together to create a performance that would represent unity, despite their fierce rivalry. For JL, it meant facing Park Han again - and working alongside him.
---
The Stage Awaits
The first rehearsal was held in a large auditorium, with all three schools arriving one after the other. Rhythm High entered first, their students walking in with quiet confidence.
Beat Music High arrived next, their group exuding a more playful and relaxed vibe. Shuaibo immediately started chatting with Woongki, breaking the tension.
Finally, Groove Institute entered. Park Han led the way, his confident stride faltering slightly when he saw JL and Chih En standing together.
"Let's get started," the choreographer announced, clapping her hands. "You'll need to work as a team if we want this performance to be a success."
The room buzzed with energy as the students began discussing ideas, but underlying tensions were impossible to ignore - Park Han's conflicted feelings toward JL and Chih En, the simmering drama between Kyungho and Woongki, and the pressure to impress in front of a national audience.
---
Chih En's Resolve
Back in his dorm that night, Chih En stared at the choreography notes in his hands. He felt the weight of the upcoming performance, not just as a representative of Rhythm High but as someone who wanted to prove himself.
Steven's teasing words echoed in his mind: "Don't let JL baby you too much."
He frowned, determination hardening his features. He didn't want to be a burden - not to JL, not to anyone. If he wanted to stand beside JL as an equal, he needed to step up.
Grabbing his notebook, Chih En began mapping out ideas for their segment. He wouldn't let his inexperience hold him back anymore.