After rehearsal, Haneul stepped outside, her head buzzing.
The night air was cool. Taeo waved from a distance and walked over.
“What are you doing out here?”
Haneul hesitated before answering.
“Just needed some fresh air.”
Taeo stood by her side. The silence between them was awkward, but there was a hint of anticipation.
“Thanks for earlier in rehearsal,” Taeo suddenly said.
Haneul turned. “For what?”
“When Wooseok kept messing around. You had my back.”
Haneul gave a half-laugh. “I was just trying to keep things light.”
Taeo flashed a shy smile. “It’s weird, but I feel calm when you’re around.”
The words hung between them, sparking something new.
Haneul bit her lip. “Are you hiding something from me? You’ve been acting strange.”
Taeo looked taken aback, avoiding her gaze.
“I wanted to tell you something, but the timing keeps getting messed up… I’ll say it tonight.”
Haneul stared him down.
“Why not now?”
As Taeo opened his mouth, a voice cut through the air.
“Haneul! You out there? Come here a sec!”
It was Sujin.
Haneul sighed, turning away.
Taeo muttered, “Missed my chance again.”
Haneul grinned back at him.
“There’ll be another chance. I’ll listen next time.”
Taeo nodded, watching her walk away. Under his breath, he whispered,
“I’ll definitely tell her, this time.”
Their little secret just got a bit deeper in the night air.