The days after the rooftop talk passed like a quiet storm.
Rumors still floated through the trainee halls, but nobody dared to mention them out loud anymore — not when Rian Vale's name was involved.
Lian tried to stay focused. He practiced until his body ached and his throat went raw. He smiled in front of others, joked with Jinwoo, and told himself everything was normal.
But every time his phone buzzed with a message, a small part of him wished it was Rian.
It never was.
Still, he kept hearing Rian's voice in his mind — "You already belong here."
Those words became his anchor, even on the days he doubted himself.
---
The company was preparing for the upcoming recording — the special trainee collaboration project with Rian Vale.
For most trainees, it was a dream.
For Lian, it felt like standing at the edge of something bigger — something dangerous and beautiful at once.
On the third day of filming rehearsals, the trainees were called into Studio A for stage blocking.
Rian was already there, surrounded by staff. His silver hair gleamed under the studio lights, his sharp posture drawing attention without even trying.
Lian felt the world tilt a little.
"Focus," Jinwoo whispered beside him. "Don't look at him like that. People will think you're in love."
Lian nearly choked. "I'm not!"
"Uh-huh." Jinwoo smirked. "Sure."
"Shut up," Lian hissed, but his ears turned pink.
---
The rehearsal began.
The performance was meant to tell a story — five trainees representing the struggles of chasing dreams, while Rian played the role of the "guiding light," the senior artist leading them forward.
Rian's lines were simple.
But his presence wasn't.
Every time he walked past, every time his voice blended with theirs, the room's energy shifted.
When his gaze met Lian's — even for half a second — it felt like the air thinned.
After their second run, the director called for a break. The trainees rushed for water, chatting and laughing, but Lian stayed near the stage, catching his breath.
"Hey."
He turned, startled. Rian stood a few steps away, holding two water bottles. He tossed one lightly toward Lian. "You look like you're about to collapse."
"Thank you," Lian said, taking it. "I'm fine. Just… tired."
Rian nodded slowly. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
"I have to," Lian replied quietly. "People are watching. I can't afford to mess up."
Rian tilted his head, eyes unreadable. "You're still worrying about them?"
Lian hesitated. "The rumors, you mean?"
"I told you," Rian said calmly. "Noise fades. Talent doesn't."
Lian smiled faintly. "That's easy for you to say. You're already at the top."
Rian's expression softened just a little. "You think it's easier up here?"
Lian blinked. "Isn't it?"
Rian gave a quiet laugh — not cold, but weary. "You'll understand someday. The higher you climb, the lonelier it gets."
Lian looked at him for a long moment, unsure what to say.
Then, softly, he asked, "Are you lonely?"
Rian didn't answer right away. His gaze dropped to the floor, his hand tightening around his water bottle. "Sometimes," he admitted. "But I've gotten used to it."
Lian's heart ached in a way he couldn't explain.
He wanted to tell him — you don't have to be — but the words stuck in his throat.
Instead, he said quietly, "Then I'll sing loud enough for both of us."
Rian's eyes flicked to him again, something bright and unguarded breaking through for half a second.
"Careful, Lian," he said softly. "You say things like that, and people might start believing you mean them."
"Maybe I do," Lian murmured.
Rian froze — just long enough for Lian to realize what he'd said. His face turned crimson. "I–I mean— I just—! I was talking about— music! Yes, music!"
Rian's lips curved, amusement flashing in his eyes. "Of course."
Lian buried his face in his hands. "I'm going to evaporate."
Rian laughed under his breath, and that sound alone made the embarrassment almost worth it.
---
By the end of the day, the tension between them had turned quiet and complicated.
They stayed behind after the others left — Rian reviewing notes, Lian organizing equipment.
When Lian turned to leave, Rian stopped him.
"Wait," he said, holding out a small envelope. "For you."
Lian blinked. "What is it?"
"Your solo assignment," Rian said simply. "You'll record the bridge section next week. Alone."
Lian's eyes widened. "Alone? But— I've never—"
"You can," Rian interrupted. "And you will."
He hesitated before adding, "The bridge carries the emotion of the song. Don't worry about being perfect. Just… feel it."
Lian took the envelope carefully. "I'll do my best."
"I know," Rian said softly.
Their eyes met — steady, quiet, and full of things neither of them dared to say aloud.
---
That night, back at the dorm, Jinwoo was already scrolling through fan forums.
"Your name's still all over the place," he said, waving his phone. "Hashtag LianVale is trending again."
Lian groaned, throwing a pillow over his head. "Why are people like this?"
"Because you two look good together?" Jinwoo teased. "Also because Rian never interacts with anyone, but somehow you're the exception."
Lian peeked from under the pillow, frowning. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Maybe," Jinwoo said, grinning. "But come on, admit it — he likes you."
Lian's heart skipped. "No, he doesn't! He's just… nice."
"Right. And I'm secretly the CEO."
Lian sighed, hiding his smile. "You're impossible."
But later, when everyone was asleep, Lian sat by the window with the envelope in his hands.
He opened it carefully — inside was a printed lyric sheet, and at the bottom, a small handwritten note in neat, slanted writing.
> Don't be afraid of being seen.
Your voice deserves to be heard.
— R
Lian stared at it for a long time.
Then, without realizing, he whispered into the quiet room,
"Thank you… Rian."
Outside, the city lights shimmered softly — like they were listening again.
---
End of Chapter 5 – Between the Lines
To be continued…
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