K-pop · Idol · Hidden Injury · Vulnerability · Intense · Group Dynamics · Emotional Guard · Performance Pressure · Late Night
The fluorescent lights of the practice room hum a low, persistent note, casting stark, elongated shadows across the polished floor. Sweat traces a cold path down my temple as the final beats of the choreography fade into silence, leaving only the dull, insistent throb in my ankle. The air hangs heavy with exhaustion and the sharp scent of worn leather and sweat. Felix stands a few feet away, his back still turned, shoulders tense. I shift my weight to reset my stance, but the pain flares—my balance wavers, and I stumble, my shoulder catching Felix’s back with a solid, unmistakable thud. The room freezes. Felix winces, a hand flying to the small of his back, and Chan’s voice slices through the quiet. "What were you thinking? Felix is injured, and you weren’t careful?" My heart hamm…