Punches and Pirouettes |NOMIN|

Chapter 10

Jeno's grip on him loosened, the tension in his arms dissipating as he took a step back. "Take it," he said, his voice gruff. "I'll wait."

Jaemin nodded, his hand trembling as he swiped to answer the call. "H-Hyuckie?" he stuttered, his eyes never leaving Jeno's.

"Jaemin, where are you?" Donghyuck's voice was tight with concern.

Jaemin took a shaky breath, the intimate moment with Jeno still echoing through his veins. "I'm at the dance studio," he said, his voice a little too high.

"I can hear someone in the back" Haechan asked, "Who are you with?"

Jaemin's heart skipped a beat as he looked at Jeno, who was now leaning against the mirrored wall, his arms crossed over his chest, watching him with an unreadable expression. "It's no one," he said into the phone, trying to keep his voice calm. "Just a friend."

Donghyuck's voice was sharp. "Jaemin, you know I don't like it when you lie to me."

Jaemin's stomach twisted. He had promised to tell the truth, but now the words felt like lead on his tongue. "I'm with Vernon," he improvised, hoping his voice didn't betray the racing of his heart.

Donghyuck's sigh of relief was audible even over the phone. "Wait, actually It's perfect. Jisungie wanted to dance with you"

"What?! My Jisungieee is back?" Jaemin's voice brightened, the tension from moments ago dissipating like a forgotten dream. He hadn't seen Jisung in months, because he was in China.

"Yeah, he arrived today," Donghyuck said, "And he's dying to see you dance."

Jaemin's eyes widened in shock and joy, the image of Jisung's bright smile flashing through his mind. "Really?" he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Yes, really," Donghyuck chuckled on the other end of the line. "He's waiting for you at the apartment. Get over here quick, before he starts to think we forgot him!"

Jaemin's eyes lit up at the mention of Jisung, his best friend and former dance partner. "I'll be there as soon as I can," he promised, his heart racing with excitement. He hung up the phone and turned to Jeno, the warmth of their kiss still lingering on his lips.

Jeno studied him, his expression unreadable. "Your Jisungie?" he repeated, his voice a low rumble.

Jaemin nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes," he said, unable to keep the smile from his face. "We used to dance together. He's like a brother to me."

Jeno's expression remained stoic, but the tension in his shoulders was palpable. "Is he the reason you started dancing?"

Jaemin nodded, his excitement tempered by the sudden shift in the atmosphere. "Yes," he said softly. "We were inseparable when we were younger."

Jeno's eyes narrowed slightly, the mention of Jisung clearly hitting a nerve. "I see," he murmured, pushing off from the wall. "Well, you should go to him."

Jaemin nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of their unspoken conversation. "I will," he said, taking a step towards the door. "But Jeno..." He turned back, his voice trailing off.

Jeno met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "What is it?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.

"Thank you," Jaemin said, his voice thick with emotion. "For everything. For understanding me, for supporting me, for...this." He gestured between them, his cheeks flushing.

Jeno's expression softened, and he took a step closer, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that had escaped Jaemin's eye. "You don't have to thank me," he murmured. "I'm just happy to be here."