Encore of the Heart: A Boys' Love K-pop Romance

Jace leaned against the mirrored wall of the dance studio, sweat dripping from his brow and soaking into the collar of his black oversized T-shirt. He caught his breath in ragged intervals, eyes fixed on the reflection of five young men who looked just as exhausted as he felt. “Again, from the top!” barked their choreographer, a no-nonsense woman with a perpetual frown. Groans echoed through the studio. “Seriously?” Jace muttered, raking his fingers through his damp hair. “Come on, hyung,” teased Hyunwoo, the group’s main vocalist, his voice soft yet playful. “We’ve only done it… what? Ten times?” Jace shot him a glare, but Hyunwoo just laughed and winked, all charm and mischief. That was Hyunwoo in a nutshell—always quick to smile, always ready with a comforting word. Jace, on the other hand, had a reputation to uphold: the brooding bad boy with the sharp tongue and even sharper dance moves. Their choreographer clapped her hands sharply. “Positions!” With a resigned sigh, Jace pushed himself off the wall and took his place at the center. The studio lights glared overhead, illuminating every drop of sweat and every flex of muscle. Their new single was intense—layers of footwork, sharp spins, and jumps that tested even the strongest of them. But they had to be perfect. ECLIPSE wasn’t just any K-pop group—they were the K-pop group. “Five, six, seven, eight!” The music crashed into the room like a tidal wave, bass rattling the glass panels. Jace’s body moved on instinct, muscle memory guiding him through the steps as the beat pounded in his chest. He caught Hyunwoo’s eyes in the mirror, a quick flicker of encouragement, then focused forward, jaw clenched. Halfway through the chorus, his right foot skidded on a slick patch of sweat. He stumbled, the beat rushing ahead without him. “Dammit,” he hissed under his breath. “Stop!” The choreographer’s voice cut through the music like a whip. “Jace, you’re off-beat. Again.” Jace’s fists clenched. “I know,” he muttered. Hyunwoo stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Jace’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay. We’re all tired. Let’s take five.” Jace jerked away. “I don’t need your pity, Hyunwoo.” “It’s not pity,” Hyunwoo replied, unshaken. “We’re a team, remember?” Jace scowled but said nothing. Their choreographer sighed, massaging her temples. “Okay, everyone, five-minute break. Grab some water. I’ll be back.” Jace stalked over to the bench by the window, dropping down with a huff. He pulled off his sweat-soaked shirt and used it to wipe his face, the cool breeze from the cracked window a small relief. His chest still heaved from the exertion. “Mind if I sit here?” Jace’s head snapped up. Hyunwoo stood there, bottle of water in hand, a small smile on his lips. “Do what you want,” Jace muttered, looking away. Hyunwoo sat down beside him, close but not too close. “You’re pushing yourself too hard,” he said softly. “You’ve barely slept since the showcase.” Jace glared at him. “You think I don’t know that?” “That’s not what I—” “Save it, Hyunwoo. I’m not in the mood.” Silence stretched between them, taut and uncomfortable. Hyunwoo sighed, uncapping his water bottle. “You know… the fans love you, right? They think you’re this unstoppable force. But even unstoppable forces need to rest.” Jace scoffed. “Spare me the therapy session.” Hyunwoo’s smile turned sad. “You’re more than your stage persona, Jace. I wish you’d let people see that.” Jace’s jaw tightened. “Yeah? And what do you know about me?” Hyunwoo hesitated. “More than you think.” Before Jace could reply, the studio door swung open, and their manager poked his head in. “Five minutes are up! Let’s get moving, boys.” Jace shot to his feet. “Showtime,” he muttered. They gathered at the center, forming a tight line. The choreographer clapped her hands again. “Energy up! One last time.” The music started, and Jace threw himself into the routine with a fury that surprised even him. Every beat slammed into his chest like a defibrillator, sparking something alive in him. He was unstoppable. He had to be. By the time they finished, his shirt was clinging to his skin, his breath coming in harsh, uneven gasps. “Better,” the choreographer said, a rare smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “That’s the fire we need.” Jace nodded curtly, swallowing the exhaustion that threatened to buckle his knees. “Wrap it up for today,” she announced. “We’ll do individual practice tomorrow. Good work, everyone.” The group dispersed, chattering and laughing, but Jace hung back, his gaze drifting to the door as it opened again. In stepped a man he hadn’t seen before. He was tall, lean, with perfectly styled hair that framed a sharp, elegant face. His black turtleneck hugged his slim frame, and his hands were deftly arranging brushes and palettes in a small, worn makeup kit. “Excuse me,” the man said, bowing slightly. “I’m Minho. I’ll be working as your makeup artist for the next few weeks.” Jace’s eyes narrowed. “Another one?” Minho met his gaze calmly. “Yes. Nice to meet you.” “Yeah, whatever,” Jace muttered, grabbing his towel. Hyunwoo’s voice, soft and warm, floated in from behind him. “Hi, Minho! I’m Hyunwoo. Welcome to ECLIPSE.” Minho’s smile was like a sunrise—bright, gentle, and disarming. “Thank you, Hyunwoo-ssi. I look forward to working with you.” Hyunwoo beamed. “If you need anything, just ask. We’re all pretty easygoing—except maybe Jace.” Jace glared at him, but Hyunwoo just laughed and gave Minho a conspiratorial wink. Minho chuckled, eyes twinkling. “I’m sure I’ll manage.” Jace’s chest tightened unexpectedly. There was something about Minho’s calm presence that felt different from the usual stylists and makeup artists they cycled through. Hyunwoo leaned in and whispered, “Be nice, hyung. He’s good.” Jace grunted, then turned away, but not before stealing a glance at Minho as he set up his brushes with practiced precision. There was an elegance to his movements, a quiet confidence that made Jace’s chest tighten again in a way he couldn’t quite name. He shrugged it off and grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. “I’m out,” he muttered. “See you tomorrow!” Hyunwoo called cheerfully. “Yeah, whatever,” Jace mumbled, already halfway down the hall. But even as he walked away, he couldn’t stop his mind from drifting back to the new makeup artist—the calm in his eyes, the grace in his hands. Something about him felt like a storm waiting to break.