The courtyard buzzed with energy as the nine members laughed and danced. Then, the sound of footsteps behind them made them turn. A figure emerged from the shadows at the edge of the courtyard, moving toward them.
A familiar figure arrived, hands in his pockets, lips curled into a knowing smile.
Ten.
For a moment, there was silence - then chaos.
"Ten, Sir!"
JL was the first to bolt forward, wrapping his arms around Ten in a light hug.
Steven, Shuaibo and Juwon quickly followed, tackling their former Rhythm High director with an enthusiastic embrace. Even Woongki and Park Han, who had once competed against Rhythm High, hesitated only briefly before stepping in.
"Okay, okay, you guys grew stronger, but I still need to breathe," Ten chuckled, gently prying them off.
JL grinned, stepping back. "We missed you, hyung!"
Ten gave them a knowing look. "I can tell. You all look exhausted."
The group laughed.
Then, Ten's sharp gaze landed on Park Han.
The last time Ten had seen him, Park Han had radiated confidence - practically challenging Ten when he visited Rhythm High to observe their training.
But now?
There was something different.
Park Han was quieter, standing slightly behind the others.
Ten made a mental note of it but didn't say anything just yet. Instead, he clapped his hands together.
"I come bearing good news."
All eyes turned to him.
"I spoke with Jay Park and the National Performing Arts director this morning. Starting next week, I'll be joining your dance training from time to time."
The reaction was instant.
"Seriously?!"
Steven fist-pumped the air. Juwon practically did a backflip. Even Chih En, usually composed, let out a small pleased hum.
"Finally! Someone who actually knows how to push us without making us feel like we're dying," Woongki said dramatically.
Ten raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Don't test me, Woongki. I can still make you all suffer."
Woongki immediately straightened. "I meant it as a compliment, sir."
The others burst into laughter.
Then, Ten smirked. "That's not all. There's more."
JL tilted his head. "More?"
Ten crossed his arms, clearly enjoying dragging it out.
"As a reward for making it this far… all nine of you will be going on an all-expense-paid trip to Jeju Island for a whole week."
Dead silence.
Then -
"WHAT?!"
Shuaibo tackled JL. Steven grabbed Daisuke and spun him around. Chih En, caught off guard, just blinked while Woongki practically screamed.
"You're kidding, right?!"
"Nope."
"Jeju Island!"
JL couldn't believe it. A real vacation in Korea? After a week of non-stop grueling training?
"You guys deserve it," Ten said, watching their excitement with a rare, fond smile.
JL was grinning - until something in his mind clicked.
The text.
A cryptic message from an unknown number.
"Meet me on the rooftop. I know what you're hiding, JL."
His stomach twisted. He hadn't done anything wrong… right?
But someone wanted to meet him.
Quietly, while the others were still celebrating, JL slipped away.
--
A Secret Meeting on the Rooftop
The cold rooftop air hit JL's skin as he stepped out. His heart pounded.
"Who is it…?"
Then -
"You actually came."
JL turned sharply - only to see a grinning Galee.
"Wait… Galee hyung?" JL blinked in confusion.
Before he could ask anything, Galee hugged him.
"I'm so proud of you, JL."
JL stood frozen. He had been expecting a confrontation - not warmth.
"W-Why the cryptic message? You scared me!"
Galee chuckled. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't know how else to get your attention without making it obvious."
JL let out a deep breath. Relieved, but still confused.
Galee leaned against the railing, his expression still playful.
"I had to be professional. Can't let the others think I have a favorite."
JL laughed lightly. "You seemed so strict, hyung. I thought you hated me."
"Please. I'm just keeping up an image," Galee said, flipping his hair dramatically. "But between us Filipinos - of course I was cheering for you."
JL smiled. There was an instant comfort in speaking their native language.
Then, Galee smirked.
"So… which one of them do you like?"
JL nearly choked. "What?!"
"Oh, don't play dumb," Galee teased. "You have at least three people hovering around you at all times. Spill."
JL sighed, rubbing his temples. "Hyung, I don't think of anyone like that."
"Mmm-hmm. Except?"
JL hesitated before sighing. "…Chih En, I guess. We've been getting closer."
Galee grinned. "Oh, good. Because I have my eye on someone else."
JL blinked. "What?"
Galee stretched. "Steven. He's cute."
JL's brain short-circuited.
"What - ?"
Galee laughed at JL's face, clearly enjoying himself. "What? He's my type. Energetic. Playful. Kind of hot"
JL shook his head, chuckling. "I did NOT expect that."
They kept chatting until JL's phone buzzed again.
Chih En: "Where are you?"
"I should go," JL said.
Galee nudged him. "Go before he gets jealous."
JL rolled his eyes, but his cheeks felt a little warm as he hurried back downstairs.
--
Meanwhile, in the restroom, another unexpected interaction was taking place.
Park Han stood by the sink, drying his hands.
Steven, ever energetic, strolled in, greeting him casually. "Yo, Park Han!"
Park Han nodded, saying nothing.
Steven, unbothered, washed his hands and moved beside him to use the hand dryer.
Then -
Their hands accidentally touched.
A small zap of static electricity sparked between them.
"Ow - !" Steven flinched.
Park Han blinked, shaking his hand slightly.
Steven laughed. "That was weird."
Park Han glanced at him, then dryly said, "It's just static."
Steven smirked. "Guess we have some electric chemistry, huh?"
Park Han gave him the most deadpan stare ever - then turned and walked out.
Steven stared after him.
"Man, tough crowd."
As he left the restroom, Steven shook his hand again, mumbling -
"Still… that shock was kinda strong."