Chapter 22: Apologies, Bruises, and Stirring Feelings
Back at the Eclipse house, the atmosphere felt tight, like a balloon waiting to burst. The tension between Soyeon and Hana hadn't gone unnoticed. While their sisterly bond had grown since the shocking reunion, old habits and lingering insecurities still lingered—especially where Taehyun was concerned.
Earlier that day, during rehearsal, Soyeon had accidentally bumped into Hana during choreography practice. The impact wasn't severe, but Hana had stumbled backward and slipped, hitting the side of her head lightly against a prop case. The room had gone silent. Hana brushed it off, saying she was fine, but Jisoo had seen her wince and quietly watched her for the rest of practice.
Now, Hana sat alone in the quiet kitchen, pressing a cold can of soda against her temple.
"You should be resting," a gentle voice said.
She looked up. Jisoo was standing there, a frown of concern etched across his face. He walked over, took the soda from her hand, and replaced it with an actual ice pack.
"That was careless of her," he said. "You didn't have to pretend it didn't hurt."
"I'm okay," Hana muttered, though the throb in her head betrayed her.
"Just because you're strong doesn't mean you have to be invincible." Jisoo pulled out a chair and sat beside her. "Let me help you. Lean back a bit."
Hana hesitated but allowed him to gently guide her back. He lifted her hair and pressed the ice against the tender spot.
"You didn't have to do this," she murmured, her cheeks warming from the closeness.
"I know," he replied, his voice low. "But I wanted to."
Just then, Soyeon walked in, saw the scene, and froze. Jisoo glanced at her but didn't say anything. Hana sat up slowly, holding the ice pack.
Soyeon cleared her throat. "I... wanted to talk to you."
Jisoo gave Hana a look, as if asking if she was okay to be left alone. She nodded, and he got up, leaving the two sisters together.
Soyeon stepped forward, arms crossed tightly. "About earlier... I didn't mean to push you like that. I just wasn't paying attention."
Hana tilted her head. "I know."
Soyeon hesitated. "And... I guess I've been acting out. About Taehyun. About everything. I don't want to ruin this... whatever we're building. Us being sisters."
There was a pause. It wasn't the most heartfelt apology, but it was a start. And Hana knew how hard it must be for Soyeon to be vulnerable.
"You still like him, don't you?" Hana asked softly.
Soyeon's lips twitched into a bitter smile. "But he likes you."
"That's not true you've liked him since hmm childhood,I'm sure there's something right there in him ," Hana said truthfully. "But I know I don't want it to ruin us."
Soyeon sighed and walked over to the fridge, pulling out a juice. "I'm trying, okay? But sometimes, it's hard not to see you as competition. And I hate that I do."
"You're not alone in trying," Hana said, setting the ice down. "Let's figure this out. Together."
Soyeon gave a small nod. "Alright. Just... don't expect me to get all mushy."
"I'd be worried if you did."
That earned the tiniest chuckle from Soyeon.
Later That Night
Hana sat on the couch, blanket draped around her shoulders, sipping warm tea. Jisoo came by again and gently checked her head.
"Still hurting?"
"A little."
"Want to lie down? I can get your pillow."
She shook her head. "This is nice."
Taehyun passed by briefly, glancing their way, expression unreadable. He didn't say anything, but Hana noticed the way his gaze lingered a little longer than necessary.
End of Chapter 22