Chapter 30 : Echoes in the Hallway
Later that morning, the group dispersed—some to their rooms, others to the studio. But the energy lingered like thick humidity.
Hana stayed behind to wipe down the counter, her movements slower than usual. She couldn't stop thinking about the way Taehyun avoided her gaze… or the strange look Soyeon had when the mug slipped.
Jisoo passed by, paused in the doorway, and leaned against the frame.
"You okay?" he asked.
She glanced up, startled. "Yeah. Just… thinking."
He stepped in, tapping his fingers lightly on the counter. "You don't have to fix everyone, you know."
"I'm not trying to."
He gave her a knowing smile. "You always do."
She bit her lip. "Is it that obvious?"
Jisoo shrugged. "Only to someone who's paying attention."
Their eyes held for a beat longer than they should have. Then his phone buzzed. Saved by the bell.
"Duty calls," he said, stepping back. "But if you ever want to talk—about anything—"
"I know," she said softly. "Thanks."
After he left, Hana sighed, leaned her head against the cabinet for a moment… and didn't notice the quiet footsteps behind her.
Soyeon stood in the hallway, out of sight, arms crossed tightly.
She heard everything.
Upstairs
Taehyun sat on the edge of his bed, earbuds in but no music playing. His thoughts were too loud.
Family.
Why did that word echo the way it did?
Why did it bother him when Hana said it?
He tugged out the earbuds and stood abruptly, walking out just in time to see Soyeon at the top of the stairs, staring into the kitchen.
He paused.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
She jumped a little, then smoothed her expression. "Nothing. Just… thinking."
Their eyes met.
There was something unreadable in hers. Then—
"Do you want to go for a walk?" she asked.
Taehyun raised an eyebrow. "Now?"
She shrugged. "Fresh air helps. Besides, I figured we could talk."
He hesitated, then nodded slowly.
Behind them, down in the kitchen, Hana finally looked up… and saw them walking off together.