The Hidden Oath | JHS

3. Ari......................................💕

My heart was still racing as I ran toward Taehyung. I couldn't help myself—I reached out and ruffled his hair like an overexcited kid.

"See? You did it! Now you've got what you want," he said, grinning, but before I could respond, he flicked my forehead.

"Ow! That hurt!" I shot back, rubbing the spot while giving him my best pout.

He smirked, that familiar mischievous glint in his eyes. "Keep your promise, shortcake. Don't make me regret this."

I took a deep breath, my smile fading just a little. "Tae... please don't tell anyone who I really am. Not until I'm ready."

He tilted his head, clearly not thrilled with the idea. "But Hobi hyung knows you."

"Yes, but he doesn't realize it's me here now. And no one else knows I'm the girl in that video with you yesterday," I said quickly, hoping he'd understand.

His expression softened, though I could see the concern behind his eyes. "Fine. Your secret's safe with me—for now."

Relief washed over me, and I gave him a quick smile before heading toward the other dancers. My nerves, which had taken a backseat for a moment, were now bubbling up again. It's okay. You've got this, I told myself over and over.

A while later, as I was chatting with some of the dancers, a staff member approached me.

"Ari?"

I raised my hand slightly. "Yes?"

"You need to come with me," he said, motioning for me to follow.

I nodded, swallowing hard as I fell into step behind him. My fingers played with the hem of my hoodie, and my mask suddenly felt like my only shield against the world.

When we entered the practice room, I immediately felt like a spotlight had been turned on me. The group was there, along with three other crew dancers. The room was filled with an intense energy, one that made my stomach flip.

"Guys," the staff member called out, "this is Ari. Seung-deuk told me to add her to this choreo."

My breath caught in my throat as all eyes turned to me. I froze for a moment, gripping the sides of my mask like it was a lifeline.

I bowed deeply, forcing my voice to sound steady. "Hello, I'm Ari"

Some of them nodded, a few waved, and others just went back to what they were doing. The dancers gave me warm smiles, one even stepping forward to say hi, but I couldn't shake the weight of their stares.

As I moved to join the group, I couldn't resist sneaking a glance at Hoseok. He was stretching in the corner, his expression unreadable. Did he recognize me? If he did, he didn't show it.

****

I kicked off my shoes as soon as I got home and collapsed onto my bed, the events of the day replaying in my mind. My muscles were sore from all the practice, but it was the ache in my chest that hurt more.

Hoseok.

He didn't even look at me after the selection this morning. Not once. I tried to brush it off, telling myself it was normal—why would he notice me? But no matter how much I tried to rationalize it, the sting lingered.

Still, I found a sliver of comfort in one tiny detail. He didn't look at any of the girls, not just me. Somehow, that made it better, as if it meant something. I hugged that thought like a blanket, letting it soothe the disappointment.