Chapter 32: Chapter 30

Balancing Acts with Love

Time Skip: Two Weeks Later

As life edged closer to the start of the tour, Y/N found herself balancing more than just rehearsals and preparations. Her budding relationship with Kenan had grown in subtle yet meaningful ways. His steady presence was a grounding force, and while Y/N wasn’t the type to openly express her emotions, Kenan had a way of drawing her out of her shell, one small moment at a time.

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Morning at the Apartment

The morning light streamed into the apartment as Y/N sat at the dining table, scrolling through her schedule while nibbling on a bowl of overnight oats topped with fresh berries. Rosé and Duru chatted nearby as Rosé made a smoothie.

Rosé: “You’re going to burn yourself out before the tour even starts, Y/N. Put the schedule down and eat.”

Y/N: “This is me eating.”

Duru: “And overthinking. Seriously, you need a break.”

Before Y/N could reply, the doorbell rang. Rosé opened it to find Kenan, Barış, and Arda, all carrying grocery bags.

Kenan: “Morning. Figured you could use some proper breakfast.”

Barış: “You mean we figured Y/N eats too healthy and decided to balance it out with muffins.”

Arda: “And by ‘we,’ he means himself. The rest of us are here for moral support.”

Kenan placed a container of fresh granola and yogurt in front of Y/N, smiling.

Kenan: “For you. Thought you’d like it.”

Y/N: softly “Thank you. You really didn’t have to.”

Kenan: “I wanted to.”

The others exchanged knowing glances, but no one said anything.

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At the Studio

The studio was a hive of activity as Y/N, Rosé, Lisa, and Madison rehearsed their choreography. Kenan and Arda leaned against the wall, watching as the girls executed a particularly challenging routine.

Barış: “You know, it’s almost unfair how good they are.”

Arda: “It’s not unfair. It’s talent.”

Kenan’s eyes never left Y/N as she moved across the room with precision and grace. She caught his gaze during a break and raised an eyebrow.

Y/N: “What? Do I have something on my face?”

Kenan: smirking “No. Just admiring the view.”

Y/N: rolling her eyes but smiling “You’re impossible.”

After the session ended, Y/N walked over to Kenan, wiping sweat from her brow.

Kenan: “You’re incredible, you know that?”

Y/N: “You say that a lot.”

Kenan: “Because it’s true.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, pretending to check her water bottle.

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Ayla’s Announcement

Toward the end of the day, Ayla arrived with her clipboard and an air of excitement.

Ayla: “Okay, team. We’ve got some news. You’ve been invited to perform at a pre-tour industry showcase next week.”

Lisa: “Another performance? Already?”

Rosé: “Why do I feel like this is going to be high pressure?”

Ayla: “Because it is. But it’s also a great opportunity to preview the tour and connect with industry folks.”

Y/N: “Do we know who’ll be there?”

Ayla: “Producers, PR reps, and a few reporters. Just keep doing what you’re doing, and you’ll be fine.”

Kenan: “Sounds like a great chance to shine.”

Y/N gave him a faint smile, her nerves already starting to build.

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A Quiet Evening

That night, the group gathered at the apartment for dinner. Duru had made a simple but delicious pasta dish, and the atmosphere was relaxed. After dinner, the group scattered—Barış and Arda played video games, and Rosé and Duru chatted in the kitchen.

Y/N sat on the balcony, sipping tea and staring out at the city lights. Kenan joined her, carrying a blanket.

Kenan: “You looked like you needed company.”

Y/N: “I’m fine. Just thinking.”

Kenan draped the blanket over her shoulders and sat beside her.

Kenan: “You’re worried about the showcase, aren’t you?”

Y/N: “A little. It feels like... a lot is riding on it.”

Kenan: “It’s one song. You’ve performed hundreds of times. This is just another stage.”

Y/N: “I wish I had your confidence.”

Kenan: “You don’t need mine. You’ve got your own. Even if you don’t see it right now.”

She turned to him, her eyes soft.

Y/N: “How do you always know the right thing to say?”

Kenan: smirking “It’s a gift.”

Y/N laughed, her shoulders relaxing for the first time that day. Without thinking, she leaned her head against his shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her.

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Ending Note

The pre-tour showcase loomed, but with Kenan’s steady presence and her friends’ unwavering support, Y/N felt ready to take on the challenge. In the quiet moments with Kenan, she found a strength she hadn’t realized she needed. For the first time in a long while, she felt like everything was going to be okay.