The next two days were an awkward symphony of subtle avoidance and fragile normalcy. Ben did his best to act normal around Daniel, just enough to convince the casual observer that things were fine. Vibes intact. Nothing to see here. But inside, his stomach felt like it was performing an interpretative dance in slow motion.
Daniel was mostly his usual playful and over-the-top self, often draping himself over people like a human blanket. Except, every now and then, he'd fall uncharacteristically quiet. He'd glance at Ben with a look that hovered somewhere between confusion and a deeply buried question. Like he wanted to talk, but didn't want to step into Ben's space either.
Terrence noticed everything and would occasionally send Ben a stern glare from across the room, like a warning not to make things worse. Kai, thankfully, stayed in his own cheerful bubble, though sometimes he'd tilt his head and squint like a dog sensing bad weather. What Ben had completely forgotten, however, was that Sean, the one person he'd actually confided in, was also quietly observing the tension simmering between him and Daniel.
The evening before the NDC rule announcement, Ben lingered after practice until Daniel had left, making sure he wouldn't have to walk back with him. Once the coast was clear, he stepped out of the studio only to come face-to-face with Sean, who stood by the door as if waiting.
Ben blinked in surprise, but before he could speak, Sean said, "We're on the same route."
"Family work?" Ben blurted.
Sean gave him a look that said 'obviously' and nodded.
He started walking first, and Ben followed. Neither of them spoke for a while. Ben quietly let the cool night air ease the heat from practice when Sean suddenly dropped a bomb.
"So, the person you talked about before was Daniel hyung?"
Ben froze, turning to him with wide eyes. His heart nearly leapt out of his chest. He knew Sean was blunt and observant, but not this much. Sean stopped too, his expression unreadable.
"Wh–what makes you think that?" Ben stammered.
Sean's reply was as direct as ever. "You weren't exactly subtle.
Ben held his breath, half-expecting judgment, but Sean's face stayed unreadable. Ben instinctively wanted to deny it, but there was no point. Sean already knew enough, and also… he'd been honest with him before.
Ben exhaled slowly, voice low. "Yes. It's Daniel hyung."
He didn't look up, unsure what else to say. He could feel Sean's gaze on him, the silence stretching, heavy with things unsaid. Ben fidgeted with his fingers, wishing it would end.
Finally, Sean's quiet voice broke through. "Are you hurt?"
Ben looked up, startled. Sean's expression hadn't changed, but his eyes were intense, cutting straight through him. For a moment, Ben felt exposed.
His shoulders sagged, eyes dropping. "…Yeah."
Sean stepped closer and rested a hand on his shoulder. His grip was firm, yet steadying in a way that anchored Ben.
"I don't know what's going on," Sean said, calm and even, "but you should talk to hyung. Avoiding it won't fix anything."
Ben met his gaze. He couldn't explain it, but it felt like Sean was speaking from experience.
Suddenly, Ben realised how close Sean was standing. As if sensing it too, Sean withdrew his hand, his fingers brushing Ben's hair and cheek.
Ben stepped back quickly, rubbing the back of his head to ease the awkwardness. "Thanks," he muttered.
Sean nodded once.
And they continued walking in silence. The conversation did not really change anything, but somehow, Ben felt a little lighter.
***
Finally, the NDC Day arrived.
On the walk to the venue, Ben and Kai kept their nerves at bay with a game of "Guess That Note." Ben would pluck a random string on the guitar, and Kai had to guess the note.
"Was that supposed to be B flat?" Kai asked, his frown only slightly judgy.
Ben winced. "I'm no expert, chingu-ya!" he snapped, bristling like a porcupine despite knowing he'd butchered it. (friend)
Kai chuckled but didn't push. "You're improving. No te preocupes, ¿sí?" [Don't worry, okay?]
Ben muttered, "Your standards are dangerously low."
Kai shrugged. "Still better than my grades."
They kept playing for the rest of the route. Kai's ear was ridiculously sharp, and Ben was increasingly convinced the guy had chosen the wrong major.
Who studied Economics with that kind of musical instinct?
"You ever thought about switching to music?" Ben asked, slinging Kai's guitar back over his shoulder. "Seriously, you're kind of wasted on graphs and GDPs."
Kai just laughed and shook his head. "Nah. I didn't think that much when I chose my honors. I just wanted to be with my friends."
Ben blinked. "That's it?"
Kai shrugged. "Yeah. Everyone else was doing Eco, so I just tagged along."
Ben gave him a sideways glance, eyebrows drawn slightly. "But what about the future? I mean, you're not exactly killing it in academics, and friends are cool and all, but this is your life, man."
Kai slowed for half a beat, his usual grin dimming. He looked ahead, but said nothing.
Ben noticed the silence and instantly regretted the weight of his words. "Mianhae. That came out heavier than I meant." [Sorry]
Kai gave him a quick smile, but didn't say anything else.
So Ben let it go.