Between Two Hearts ❤️

Between two hearts 💕 New Beginning 💞

A D O

Chapter 2 – Eyes That Keep Wandering

The practice room was filled with the sound of music.

Leo stood in front of the mirror with his arms crossed.

"One more time from the chorus."

"Yes, hyung."

The eight members quickly took their positions.

Junseo stood at the back, quietly observing.

Gunwoo leaned against the wall, drinking water while waiting for his next part.

Anxin adjusted Xinlong's in-ear monitor.

"It's loose."

"Oh... thanks."

"There. Better?"

Xinlong smiled.

"Much better."

Sangwon watched the small interaction through the mirror.

He didn't think much of it.

Not yet.

"Ready!"

Leo called.

The music started.

The choreography required everyone to switch partners several times.

During one move, Arno ended up beside Xinlong.

Without thinking, Xinlong reached for Arno's wrist to guide the timing of the formation.

"Too fast."

"Like this?"

"Yeah."

They laughed quietly before returning to serious expressions as the cameras continued recording the practice.

Again.

Sangwon noticed.

His eyes stayed on them for a second longer than they should have.

They're really comfortable with each other...

The thought appeared on its own.

He immediately pushed it away.

It's normal.

We're teammates.

---

"Cut!"

Leo stopped the music.

"Let's take ten minutes."

Everyone scattered around the room.

Junseo discussed formations with Leo.

Gunwoo sat in the corner with headphones on.

Sanghyeon opened the snack bag he had secretly brought.

---

Xinlong sat on the floor, breathing heavily.

Arno walked over with two bottles of water.

"You forgot yours."

"Oh..."

Xinlong accepted it with a smile.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

Arno sat beside him.

The two naturally started talking about the choreography.

Sangwon was tying his shoelaces a few meters away.

He wasn't trying to listen.

But...

Their laughter reached him anyway.

He glanced over.

Arno was showing Xinlong something on his phone.

Xinlong laughed so hard that he lightly hit Arno's shoulder.

Arno only laughed with him.

Something inside Sangwon tightened.

It wasn't anger.

It wasn't sadness.

It was...

An uncomfortable feeling he couldn't explain.

Why am I bothered...?

He frowned.

They're just talking.

He looked away.

A few seconds later...

His eyes drifted back again.

---

Anxin walked over carrying a towel.

"Xinlong."

"Hm?"

"Your hair is soaking wet."

He gently placed the towel over Xinlong's head.

"Dry it before you catch a cold."

Xinlong smiled sheepishly.

"You're always taking care of me."

"I know."

Anxin answered with a small smile.

"I don't mind."

Sangwon watched that too.

First Arno.

Now Anxin.

For some reason...

Both scenes stayed in his mind.

---

Leo clapped once.

"Break's over."

Everyone returned to their places.

This time the choreography paired Sangwon with Xinlong.

"Five, six, seven, eight!"

As they danced, Xinlong accidentally stepped slightly too close.

For a brief second...

Their shoulders touched.

Xinlong immediately apologized.

"Sorry."

"It's okay."

Sangwon answered calmly.

But after Xinlong moved away...

He strangely noticed the empty space beside him.

...Why did I notice that?

His concentration slipped for half a beat.

Leo stopped the music.

"Sangwon."

"...Sorry, hyung."

"You missed the timing."

"It won't happen again."

---

Practice resumed.

Everything returned to normal.

Or at least...

It looked normal.

Because every time Arno smiled at Xinlong...

Sangwon's eyes found them.

Every time Xinlong laughed...

Sangwon unconsciously looked in his direction.

He never interrupted.

He never showed it.

He simply watched.

From a distance.

---

As practice ended, everyone packed their bags.

Arno lightly tapped Xinlong's shoulder.

"Let's eat after this."

"Sure."

The two walked toward the exit together.

Anxin followed behind them.

"I know a good restaurant nearby."

"I'm in."

Xinlong replied happily.

Sangwon stood still for a moment, watching the three of them leave.

Junseo noticed his expression.

"You coming?"

"...Yeah."

Sangwon looked away and quietly followed the others.

He still didn't understand the strange feeling in his chest.

But one thing had become clear.

Whenever Xinlong smiled at someone else...

His eyes couldn't help following him.