抖阴社区

11 - More Than a Game

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By the time practice ended, my entire body ached.

Jungwon had pushed us harder than usual, and even though I appreciated his leadership, I could feel the exhaustion settling deep in my muscles. The rest of the group looked just as drained, Sunoo was draped across the floor like he had fully given up on life, Ni-ki was sprawled out with his head resting on his bag, and Sunghoon was dramatically fanning himself as if he had just run a marathon.

"We need food," Jake announced, grabbing his water bottle. "Like, immediately."

Heeseung groaned from where he sat, leaning against the mirror. "I second that. But someone else decide where. I have no brain power left."

Jay, who had been sitting silently, wiping sweat off his forehead, finally spoke. "There's that cafe near the studio. It's not too far, and it's usually quiet."

I glanced at him, surprised he was the one to make the suggestion. He had been distant for most of the practice, and I wasn't sure if it was exhaustion or something else.

"Cafe sounds good," Sunoo mumbled into the floor.

Ni-ki sat up, suddenly alert. "Only if they have desserts. I need sugar."

"You always need sugar," Jungwon pointed out, shaking his head as he packed up his things.

Within minutes, we were heading out, pulling on hoodies and hats to avoid attention. The walk to the cafe was peaceful, the cool evening air soothing against my skin. I found myself walking between Jake and Sunghoon, both of whom kept the conversation lighthearted, teasing each other about messing up choreography earlier.

"You totally stepped on my foot during the second run-through," Sunghoon accused, nudging Jake.

Jake scoffed. "That was you stepping in the wrong spot, not me."

Sunghoon turned to me. "Y/N, be honest. Who do you think messed up more today?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're not dragging me into this."

Jake leaned down slightly, giving me a pleading look. "Come on, Y/N. You know I was flawless."

Sunghoon rolled his eyes. "Unbelievable."

Ahead of us, Jay was walking slightly apart from the group, hands stuffed in his pockets. He hadn't joined the conversation, and I caught him glancing back at me once before quickly looking away.

By the time we reached the cafe, the tension in the air had settled just beneath the surface, subtle but noticeable.

We slid into a booth near the window, and for the first time since practice ended, the mood seemed to lighten. Ni-ki immediately grabbed the menu, eyes scanning for the dessert section, while Sunoo was already texting someone, probably updating his social media.

I rested my elbows on the table, taking in the calm atmosphere of the cafe. It was cozy, warm lighting casting a soft glow across the wooden interior. The faint sound of coffee machines humming in the background mixed with quiet conversations from other customers. It was a nice change from the high energy pace of practice.

Jake leaned over slightly. "You okay?"

I blinked, realizing I had been staring off into space. "Yeah, just tired."

His eyes studied me for a second before he nodded. "Same."

Before the conversation could go any deeper, Sunghoon clapped his hands together. "Since we're all sitting here pretending not to notice the obvious, how about we just play a game?"

Jake looked up. "What kind of game?"

Sunghoon's lips curved into a slow smirk. "A simple one. Truth or dare."

Ni-ki perked up immediately. "Yes! I'm in."

I groaned. "Are we seriously doing this right now?"

"It's the perfect time," Sunghoon said. "We're all relaxed, and I think we could use a little fun. Or chaos. Either works."

Sunoo finally looked up from his phone, shrugging. "As long as I don't get dared to do something ridiculous, I'm fine with it."

Jake leaned back, glancing at me. "What do you think?"

I hesitated, but Ni-ki was already clapping his hands together. "That's a yes! Let's start."

Heeseung, who had been quiet up until now, chuckled. "This is going to end badly."

Jungwon shook his head but didn't stop us.

Sunghoon's eyes sparkled with mischief as he pointed at me first. "Truth or dare, Y/N?"

I sighed. "Truth."

Sunghoon pretended to think before grinning. "Alright. Who in this group do you think is the most attractive?"

A wave of groans and laughter erupted around the table.

Jake chuckled. "Wow. Going straight for the kill, huh?"

I rolled my eyes. "You're so predictable, Sunghoon."

"But you still have to answer," Ni-ki added, looking way too excited.

I looked around the table, stalling for time. My heart pounded. If I answered honestly, things would only get more complicated.

Finally, I sighed. "You're all attractive. That's why we're idols."

Ni-ki groaned. "Boring answer. Disqualified."

"Pick one," Sunghoon pressed, smirking.

I was saved by Jay suddenly standing up. "I'm getting more coffee" he muttered, leaving the table before anyone could stop him.

Jake watched him go, his expression unreadable.

Sunghoon raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."

I ignored him and quickly turned to Ni-ki. "Your turn. Truth or dare?"

Ni-ki grinned. "Dare, obviously."

I smirked. "I dare you to compliment Jay in the most dramatic way possible when he gets back."

The table burst into laughter, and Ni-ki sighed, shaking his head. "Fine. But you guys owe me."

When Jay returned, holding a fresh cup of coffee, Ni-ki clutched his chest dramatically. "Jay. Hyung. I just want you to know that your existence is a gift to humanity. Every move you make is art, every word you speak is poetry. If I could be even half as cool as you I would be unstoppable!"

The table erupted into laughter as Jay blinked at him, looking genuinely baffled. "What..?"

"It was a dare," I explained between giggles.

Jay shook his head, sighing as he sat down. But the tension in the air had eased, and I was grateful for it.

As the game continued, I tried to ignore the way Jake's leg rested lightly against mine under the table, or the way Jay would glance at me whenever someone asked a risky question. Sunghoon, of course, was having the time of his life stirring the pot.

But I knew the truth.

This wasn't just a game.

And sooner or later, someone was going to make a move.


end ;)

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