Chapter 7: Growing Closer
Chin-Sun walked into the practice room the next morning, feeling a mix of determination and trepidation. The past few days had been intense, filled with rigorous training and relentless critiques. Despite the challenges, she felt herself growing stronger, thanks in no small part to the support of Ye Joon and the budding camaraderie with the other members.
As she entered the room, she saw Jong-Su practicing some dance moves. He looked up and gave her a nod of acknowledgment.
"Morning, Chin-Sun," he said, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Morning, Jong-Su oppa," she replied, returning the smile.
They started their warm-ups together, and Chin-Sun felt a sense of ease in his presence. Jong-Su had been tough on her, but she was beginning to see that his harshness came from a place of genuine concern for the group’s success.
"You're improving," Jong-Su remarked as they practiced.
"I can see the hard work paying off."
"Thank you, Jong-Su oppa," Chin-Sun said, feeling a swell of pride.
"I’m trying my best."
Jong-Su nodded.
"Just keep pushing yourself. You’re stronger than you think."
Their practice session continued, with Jong-Su offering tips and encouragement. His demeanor was still serious, but there was a warmth in his eyes that reassured her.
Later in the day, during a break, Chin-Sun found herself sitting next to Jong-Su. They chatted about the upcoming performances, their hopes, and their fears.
"Do you ever feel overwhelmed?" Chin-Sun asked, her voice hesitant.
"All the time," Jong-Su admitted with a chuckle.
"But that’s part of the job. We push through it because we love what we do."
Chin-Sun nodded, feeling a deep connection with him.
"I guess that’s what I need to remember."
Jong-Su smiled.
"You’re doing great, Chin-Sun. Just keep believing in yourself."
As the day progressed, Chin-Sun found herself gravitating towards Jong-Su. He was becoming a pillar of support, someone she could rely on amidst the chaos. Their conversations grew more personal, and she found herself opening up to him in ways she hadn’t with the others.
One evening, after an especially grueling practice, they sat outside the studio, watching the sunset.
"Beautiful, isn’t it?" Jong-Su said, his voice soft.
"Yeah," Chin-Sun replied, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
"It’s moments like these that make everything worth it."
Jong-Su turned to her, his gaze intense.
"You know, you’re not alone in this. We’re all here for you."
Chin-Sun felt a surge of emotion.
"Thank you, Jong-Su oppa. Your support means a lot to me."
He smiled, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "We’re a team, Chin-Sun. We’ll get through this together."
As their bond deepened, Chin-Sun couldn’t help but feel torn. She had always harbored a crush on Ji-Yeong, the group’s charismatic leader. But his stern demeanor and relentless critiques made her feel like she could never measure up in his eyes.
One afternoon, during vocal practice, Ji-Yeong’s sharp tone cut through her thoughts.
"Chin-Sun, you’re still off on that note," he said, his eyes cold.
"Again."
She swallowed hard and tried again, feeling the weight of his scrutiny.
"Still not good enough," Ji-Yeong snapped. "You need to listen more carefully."
Chin-Sun felt her frustration building but tried to keep her composure.
"I’m sorry, Ji-Yeong oppa. I’ll work on it."
Ji-Yeong’s eyes narrowed. "You need to do more than just work on it. You need to get it right."
After the practice session, Chin-Sun felt drained. She walked out of the studio, trying to hold back tears. As she rounded a corner, she nearly collided with Jong-Su.
"Whoa, you okay?" Jong-Su asked, steadying her.
Chin-Sun nodded, but her emotions got the better of her, and tears began to spill down her cheeks.
"Hey, what’s wrong?" Jong-Su asked, his voice full of concern.
"It’s just... Ji-Yeong oppa is so harsh," Chin-Sun admitted, wiping her eyes.
"I feel like I can never be good enough."
Jong-Su sighed, guiding her to a bench nearby. "Ji-Yeong has high standards, but don’t take it personally. He wants the best for the group."
"I know," Chin-Sun said, her voice trembling. "But it’s hard."
Jong-Su wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering comfort. "You’re doing great, Chin-Sun. Don’t let his harshness get to you. Focus on your progress."
Chin-Sun leaned into his embrace, finding solace in his words. "Thank you, Jong-Su oppa. I don’t know what I’d do without you."
"You’re stronger than you realize," Jong-Su said softly. "And we’re all here to help you see that."
As the days turned into weeks, Chin-Sun’s feelings for Jong-Su grew stronger. His constant support and encouragement were a balm to her soul, helping her navigate the challenges of her new role. But her long-time crush on Ji-Yeong still lingered, creating a conflict in her heart.
One evening, after a particularly tough rehearsal, Ji-Yeong pulled her aside.
"Chin-Sun, I need to talk to you," he said, his tone serious.
She braced herself, expecting another critique. "Yes, Ji-Yeong oppa?"
"You’re improving," Ji-Yeong said, his expression unreadable. "But you need to push harder. We can’t afford to have any weaknesses."
Chin-Sun nodded, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. "I understand. I’ll keep working hard."
Ji-Yeong’s gaze softened slightly. "Good. We’re counting on you."
As he walked away, Chin-Sun felt a swirl of emotions. She longed for his approval, but his constant harshness made it difficult to see beyond his stern exterior. Her heart was torn between her admiration for Ji-Yeong and her growing affection for Jong-Su.
Later that night, Chin-Sun sat on the rooftop of the dorm, staring up at the stars. Jong-Su joined her, his presence a comforting balm.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Jong-Su asked, sitting down beside her.
"It’s just... complicated," Chin-Sun replied, her voice soft. "I’ve always had a crush on Ji-Yeong oppa, but..."
"But?" Jong-Su prompted gently.
Chin-Sun sighed. "But he’s so harsh. It’s like I can never be good enough for him."
"And me?" Jong-Su asked, his tone teasing but with an undercurrent of seriousness.
Chin-Sun turned to him, her heart pounding. "You’re always there for me. I don’t know what I’d do without you."
Jong-Su smiled, his eyes warm. "You’re stronger than you think, Chin-Sun. And you’re not alone. We’re in this together."
As they sat together, watching the stars, Chin-Sun felt a sense of peace. Despite the challenges and the complicated emotions, she knew she had a friend in Jong-Su, someone who believed in her and supported her unconditionally.
The next morning, practice resumed as usual. Ji-Yeong’s critiques were still sharp, but Chin-Sun found herself handling them better, bolstered by Jong-Su’s support.
During a break, Chin-Sun and Jong-Su sat together, chatting and laughing. Ji-Yeong watched them from a distance, his expression unreadable.
"You two seem to be getting along well," Ji-Yeong remarked, his tone neutral as he approached them.
"Yeah, Jong-Su oppa has been really supportive," Chin-Sun replied, smiling at Jong-Su.
Ji-Yeong’s eyes flicked between them, his gaze lingering on Chin-Sun. "Good. We need to work as a team."
As Ji-Yeong walked away, Jong-Su nudged Chin-Sun playfully. "See? Even Ji-Yeong can see we’re a good team."
Chin-Sun laughed, feeling lighter. "Thanks to you, Jong-Su oppa."
As the days went on, Chin-Sun continued to navigate her feelings. Her bond with Jong-Su grew stronger, their shared moments filled with laughter and support. Yet, her heart still fluttered whenever Ji-Yeong was near, his stern critiques and rare moments of softness creating a confusing mix of emotions.
One evening, after a particularly intense rehearsal, Chin-Sun found herself alone with Ji-Yeong. He watched her as she practiced a particularly difficult routine, his gaze intense.
"You’re getting better," Ji-Yeong said, his voice softer than usual.
"Thank you, Ji-Yeong oppa," Chin-Sun replied, feeling her heart race.
Ji-Yeong stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "Just remember, we need you to be perfect."
"I will," Chin-Sun promised, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
As Ji-Yeong walked away, Chin-Sun felt a whirlwind of emotions. She admired him deeply, but his relentless pressure made it hard to feel close to him. Her bond with Jong-Su, on the other hand, was growing stronger every day, filled with genuine support and understanding.