Haneul and Taeo found themselves alone in the practice room thanks to the manager’s mysterious text.
“So… why just the two of us?”
Haneul looked at Taeo, half-worried, half-curious. Taeo shrugged as he closed the door.
“Probably wants us to practice our duet. You know, before tonight’s joint event.”
A weird silence stretched out. Haneul fiddled with her phone, pretending to check notifications.
Taeo finally spoke up.
“Hey… did you, uh, feel something weird on stage last time?”
Haneul glanced at him, then looked away quickly.
“I thought it was just nerves. Didn’t you?”
Taeo sighed and sat at the piano.
“I don’t know. This whole ‘past life’ thing just messes with my brain.”
Haneul smirked, trying to act casual.
“Anyway, which song are we doing?”
Taeo held out the new duet sheet. They sat across from each other, piano between them.
A few lines in, Haneul accidentally brushed Taeo’s hand.
Both froze.
“Uh… sorry.”
She pulled her hand back as if she’d touched a cactus. Their cheeks were on fire.
Taeo grinned, mischief in his eyes.
“Why is hand-holding scarier than the singing part?”
Haneul flailed her hands in the air.
“T-That’s because you keep looking at me like that!”
Taeo laughed.
“You’re not saying you care about me, are you?”
Haneul turned even redder.
“Of course not!”
Just then, the door burst open.
“Oh? Are you two lovebirds already this close?”
Sujin poked her head in, smirking. Haneul and Taeo jumped apart.
“No! We’re just practicing!”
Taeo rubbed his neck, flustered.
Sujin grinned wider.
“Well, hurry up and rehearse before tonight! Jimin’s coming soon~”
She left, leaving a fresh layer of awkwardness.
Haneul sighed.
“Geez. Can’t we ever have a normal practice?”
Taeo smiled sideways.
“It’s more fun with you anyway.”
Suddenly, Jimin’s voice echoed from the hall.
“Skinship practice starts soon! Get ready, lovebirds!”
Both froze, eyes wide.
Something told them this was only the beginning.