𓍯12𓂃

A week after Dove returned to class, the school was buzzing with excitement about the upcoming auditions for the national interschool singing competition. It was all anyone could talk about-who would represent KISS and bring home the win. Stella, of course, had already announced to her clique that she was planning to take part. She acted like it was already hers to win, boasting about how she'd been practising and how there was no one else who could possibly compete with her.

But Hyejin had other plans.

She starts subtly manipulating the narrative through the school blog. Instead of mentioning Stella at all, she focuses on Dove. She writes about how KISS needs a truly exceptional singer to represent them-someone with raw talent, a voice that's unforgettable. She never says who that singer should be, but the way she describes this perfect contender sounds a lot like Dove.

People start getting curious. They remember how Dove sometimes hums to herself in class, how her voice is soft but beautiful. Then, someone digs up a video from her old school-a recording of Dove performing in a competition back home. The moment the video starts circulating, the whole school is hooked. Dove's voice is stunning, powerful, and completely effortless.

That's when the requests start pouring in.

"Dove, you have to audition."

"You'd totally win! You're way better than anyone else here."

"KISS needs you. Please, just try!"

Dove's

"Dove, you should totally sign up for the singing competition!"

I blinked, my hand frozen mid-sentence on the page of my notebook. I hadn't even noticed my classmates gathering around me until they spoke.

"Yeah, your voice is amazing. It'd be a waste if you didn't."

I gave them a tight smile, the kind I always gave when I didn't know how to explain why I didn't want to do something. "I appreciate it, but I'm not really interested."

"But you'd be so good! Come on, just think about it," another one urged, leaning closer.

I swallowed. I could feel the pressure rising in my chest, the same feeling I always got when too much was expected of me. It wasn't that I couldn't sing-everyone seemed to think I could, and I didn't want to disappoint them. It was just... standing up there, everyone watching, the spotlight...

"I just don't want to," I said quietly, trying to keep my tone light, but something in me still felt heavy.

They exchanged glances, clearly trying to process that I didn't want to do something they thought I should. But then, they let it go. At least they didn't press further.

I wanted to escape the weight of it all. Without thinking, I stood up and excused myself, slipping out into the hall. The cool air felt like a relief against the warmth of the room, but I still felt tangled in my thoughts.

I was trying to push it all out of my head when I turned a corner-and saw him.

Minho.

Our eyes met. I froze.

For a moment, everything seemed to slow down. I could see the surprise in his eyes, the way his mouth parted like he was about to say something.

And then I panicked.

It wasn't that I didn't want to hear what he had to say. It wasn't even that I didn't care. It was just-too much. There were too many feelings I couldn't put into words. The hurt, the confusion, everything from before-it felt like it was all rushing back in one painful wave.

I couldn't deal with this right now. Not with him. Not like this.

So without thinking, I turned quickly, walking away. It wasn't running, but it was fast enough. I didn't even glance back.

"Dove-wait!"

I heard his voice, but it felt like it came from a distance. I kept walking, ignoring the tightness in my chest, the way my heart beat faster with every step.

I wasn't ready. Not yet.

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Minho's

"Dove-wait!" I shout, my voice desperate, raw with the need to stop her, to make her listen. "Just stop for a second, please! I need to explain. Please, just hear me out!"

But she doesn't slow down. Her shoulders tense, her jaw set like she's already made up her mind. She shakes her head without looking back.

"No, Minho!" Her voice cuts through the air, and I hear the finality in it-sharp, like a door slamming shut. "I can't hear you out right now!"

My chest tightens, panic seeping in, but I force my legs to move faster. I push myself harder, my breath coming faster as I close the distance between us. I'm so close now, I can almost reach her. One more step, one more-

But then she picks up speed. Like she's determined to outrun me, to make sure I don't catch her.

"Dove!" I shout again, a plea in my voice as I watch her slip further away, her form blurring against the dim streetlights.

She's too fast. She's always been too fast for me.

I push myself harder, my legs burning, my chest aching. I won't stop. I can't stop. Not until I make her understand.

And then, just like that, in the blink of an eye, she's gone. The space between us widens, and in that instant, I realize-she's not slowing down. I can't catch her anymore.

I stop in my tracks, my body shaking with exertion. My breath is coming in sharp, uneven gasps, but it feels like the air has been sucked out of my lungs. I look around, but there's nothing. Nothing but the emptiness of the corridor stretching out before me.

The truth hits me like a slap-everything I've done, everything I've said to her, it's all still out there, hanging between us. I hurt her so badly, and I can't take it back. The words I threw at her, the way I pushed her away when she needed me... I can't change that.

But that doesn't mean I don't need to apologize. I can't just let her walk away thinking that's it. She deserves better than how I've treated her.

I will apologise.

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You better.

😭