The days following Yeseo's accidental post one she hastily deleted left ripples that Kairo couldn't ignore. Though she claimed it was a mistake, her actions since then told a different story. Subtle shifts in her behavior had started to catch Kairo's attention, making him wonder if he had overlooked something significant all this time.
It began during rehearsals for their next performance. Yeseo's usual composure seemed slightly off. She was more attentive to him than usual, laughing at his jokes a little too enthusiastically, lingering by his side during breaks, and offering him water before he could even ask. While Kairo initially brushed it off as Yeseo just being kind, it became harder to ignore.
One particular moment stood out. The group was gathered in the studio, going over their choreography. Kairo had been struggling with a particularly complex step, his movements stiff and unnatural. Yeseo was quick to offer her help, stepping in front of him with a bright smile.
"Here, let me show you," she said, placing her hands lightly on his shoulders to guide his movements.
Her touch lingered a second too long, her gaze searching his face for something Kairo couldn't quite place. He offered her a grateful smile, but the interaction left him with an inexplicable sense of unease. It wasn't the act itself that bothered him, but the way she seemed to be trying too hard to make an impression.
Later that evening, the group gathered for dinner. Yeseo took the seat beside him, her laughter ringing out a little too loudly whenever he spoke. The others didn't seem to notice, but Kairo did. As the night went on, he found himself observing her more closely. He noticed the way her eyes seemed to follow him, the way she adjusted her hair whenever he glanced in her direction. It was subtle, but undeniable.
Back at the dorm, Kairo lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His mind replayed the events of the day, piecing together the small but telling signs. Was it possible that Yeseo's feelings for him ran deeper than he had realized? The thought made his chest tighten with both discomfort and guilt. He had always seen Yeseo as a close friend, a trusted teammate. If her feelings were indeed romantic, it complicated everything.
The next day, the group was scheduled for a photoshoot. As they posed together, Yeseo seemed to gravitate toward Kairo, her smiles brighter when she was near him, her energy more vibrant. The photographer even commented on their chemistry, causing Yeseo to blush and Kairo to awkwardly chuckle.
During a break, Kairo decided to confront her, albeit cautiously. He found her sitting alone, scrolling through her phone.
"Hey, Yeseo," he began, sitting down beside her. "Can I ask you something?"
She looked up, startled, but quickly composed herself. "Of course. What's on your mind?"
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Lately, I've noticed some… changes. In how you act around me. Is everything okay?"
Yeseo's eyes widened, her cheeks tinging pink. "Oh, um… What do you mean?" she asked, her voice a little too high-pitched.
"You've just been… different," Kairo said, his tone gentle but probing. "If there's something you want to tell me, you can. You know I'm here for you, right?"
For a moment, Yeseo looked as if she might say something, her lips parting as if to speak. But then she shook her head, forcing a laugh. "You're imagining things, Kairo. I've just been stressed with work, that's all."
Kairo wasn't convinced, but he decided not to push further. "Alright," he said, standing up. "But if you ever need to talk, I'm here."
Yeseo watched him walk away, her smile fading as soon as his back was turned. She clutched her phone tightly, her mind racing. She had been so careful, but it seemed Kairo was beginning to notice. Her plan to subtly make him see her in a new light was working, albeit slower than she had hoped. She'd have to be even more strategic moving forward.
As the petals of Yeseo's intentions began to unfold, Kairo found himself caught in a delicate dance of emotions and uncertainties. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing, something that could change the dynamics of their group forever.