Chapter 11

Katseye’s rehearsal studio was tucked in a quiet corner of the city, all concrete walls, high ceilings, and the low, constant hum of equipment always warming up or cooling down. The band had been there since mid-morning, working on set transitions, tightening harmonies, and adjusting choreography for an upcoming mini-tour.

The floor vibrated faintly under the weight of baselines. Instruments leaned in corners. Sweat glistened on foreheads.

Dani was locked in, focused, and slightly out of breath – dark sports bra clinging to her skin, low slung joggers hanging loose on her hips, a single curl stuck to her temple.

She looked… dangerous.

You watched from the doorway for a moment before stepping in, unnoticed – leaning against the wall with a small smirk, arms crossed.

Manon caught sight of you first and did a double-take mid-step.

“Okay, hold up,” she said, waving a hand. “We’ve got a visitor.”

Dani, mid-spin with a mic in her hand, paused and turned – spotting you immediately.

That look passed over her face.

Eyes narrowed. Lips parted. Tension coiling beneath the surface.

You gave her a little wave, casual. “Hi.”

She blinked like she’d forgotten where she was for a second.

The rest of the girls looked between the two of you knowingly.

“Oh no,” Megan said. “She’s gone.”

Yoonchae just sighed. “That’s it. Practice is over.”

Sophia tossed a water bottle at Dani. “Wipe the drool.”

Dani caught it without taking her eyes off you. “Shut up.”

You slowly walked towards the centre of the room, past amps and mic stands, until you reached the edge of the taped ‘stage space.’ You didn’t step in. You just stood there, letting her look at you.

“Didn’t know you were coming.” Dani said, still holding the mic loosely in one hand, her voice slightly rough from singing.

“Thought I’d surprise you.”

“Yeah,” she muttered, eyes dragging over you. “You did.”

Behind her, Manon groaned. “Alright, let’s get through one more run please. Dani, try not to make out with your girlfriend in the middle of ‘Touch.’

You grinned. “No promises.”

The music started again. The girls launched into their positions, bodies in sync, voices rising. Dani moved through the first verse without missing a step – but every few beats, her eyes flicked toward you.

By the chorus, it was obvious.

She was off.

She missed a harmony cue. Her steps lagged behind. Her fingers fumbled her mic.

Sophia called it out first: “Dani. Come on.”

“Sorry,” she muttered. “I’m- yeah.”

You didn’t move – but the next time she glanced at you, you bit your lip, slow and deliberate. Just enough to send her reeling.

You saw it happen – her composure cracked like glass

“Dani,” Manon snapped. “What the hell’s going on?”

Dani stopped mid-step, turned to you with a frustrated half-laugh, and said, “She’s doing it on purpose.”

“Doing what?” you said innocently, your tone a perfect cocktail of smug and sweet.

“Existing,” Dani muttered.

Lara tossed her mic onto a stool. “Okay, ten-minute break before Dani combusts.”

Everyone dispersed, groaning and laughing. Sophia gave you a mock glare as she passed. “I swear you’re a menace.”

“Thanks,” you smiled.

And then Dani was in front of you. Her arms slid around your waist like it was the only place they belonged, pulling you against her as the music faded behind you.

“You really showed up looking like that?” she whispered.

“Just wanted to watch.”

“You’re not just watching.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

She leaned in, lips brushing your ear. “You’re in my head, baby. I can’t think straight when you’re around.”

You smiled. “That’s the idea.”

“You wanna be helpful?” she murmured.

“Always.”

“Then stay right here… and keep doing exactly what you’re doing.”

You tilted your head. “You like being distracted?”

She looked you in the eyes, her voice low, rough, wrecked. “By you? Always.”

———-

Not you distracting her on purpose…

Okay don’t kill me I know this one’s short but the next chapter is a continuation of this one.

My attention span is practically non-existent, which is why most of the chapters aren’t too long for you – just in case you also suffer with low concentration 🙂