Chapter 22: Perhaps the Lack of Tension Stems from the Difference in Company

Standing at the entrance of the practice room, leaning against the door frame, Lin Shouxia watched the curious girl in silence. The room’s warm lighting fell upon her, casting a gentle glow over her form. The man’s gaze shifted with her movements, and ripples stirred within his calm heart.

A lonely singer needs a suitable listener. Right now, he felt like a traveler in the desert, finding rain after a long drought. He was uncertain of Liu Jimin’s attitude, and just as uncertain of his own thoughts. For this girl, who was so intent on making him call her "Noona," was what he felt friendship, the joy of finding a kindred spirit, or perhaps the subtle stirrings of a secret crush?

He didn't know. In truth, he knew nothing at all. Perhaps the only thing Lin Shouxia could confirm was that he needed such a listener—someone who could understand his vibrato, grasp his emotional output, and be the listener who would call him in the middle of the night just to hear him sing.

How could he describe his mood when he saw Liu Jimin’s goofy smile? It was like being in the countryside during spring, stepping on lush green grass, enjoying the pleasant scenery while savoring a milk candy that tasted sweet to his very soul.

"Shouxia, you’re finally here. Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for you?"

After tinkering with the equipment in the practice room for a while, Liu Jimin finally noticed the man behind her. She tugged at his sleeve, and her eyes inadvertently met his.

Burning, sincere emotion... Liu Jimin bit her lower lip, remembering the text message she had intentionally left unread.

"I was held up by something, but it's mostly taken care of now."

"Work-related?"

"Of course, it was work."

With the end of the year approaching, a mountain of work had piled up. Although he was no longer under the pressure of music show promotions, he was preparing to perform on even grander stages. Because of that duet project, LOEN and JYP had been constantly coordinating their artists' schedules, striving to secure as much practice time as possible for him and Shin Yuna. He had been delayed by that very matter, but it was fine now; at least the morning hours belonged to Liu Jimin.

"Noona..."

"Let’s start practicing."

Liu Jimin interrupted the question the man was about to ask. "I’ve actually heard this song many times already. Let’s begin now."

Even if one were to look across all of Seoul, perhaps no one could guarantee they had surpassed this girl in the pale blue shirt when it came to the number of times they had looped his tracks. That night, she had been his only listener.

"Hey, relax a little. I’m not going to eat you. It’s your own song; sing it properly."

Watching him, Liu Jimin couldn't help but laugh out loud. The usually languid man was now standing before her, face flushed, stiff as a board, having completely missed the intro. It seemed his old habit had surfaced again. But was she really that terrifying? He could even forget how to sing just by seeing her.

"Yes, that’s my fault."

Lin Shouxia nodded awkwardly, struggling to steady his breathing. The music began to play again, and he raised his head to look into those expressive eyes. Feeling the warmth and trust in her gaze, he opened his mouth, and then...

"Are you doing this on purpose to waste time?"

Liu Jimin was almost laughing out of frustration. She finally understood why he was often scolded so harshly by recording engineers; he was a singer suited for solo performances, and any form of collaboration became a burden to him.

"No... I think I’m just a bit nervous."

He turned his head away subconsciously, frowning. He had wanted to put on a good performance today, but given the current situation, it would be a testament to her good temper if she didn't block him after she left.

"At least you know you’re nervous; there’s still hope for you. Just relax. You weren't this nervous that night, were you?"

"Is it different?"

"How is it different?"

"Maybe it’s because the person is different."

"Pfft..." Liu Jimin bit her lip, pretending not to care as she stretched. She turned to look at the computer on the table, casually clicking on a recording to play back the fruits of Lin Shouxia’s usual practice sessions. That voice, that precise timing—that was the singer she knew.

"Why don't you go take a break for a while? You won't be able to adjust yourself for a bit anyway."

In truth, Liu Jimin felt a little annoyed with the man before her. How had he promised her so confidently that night? He had all the right words, but his follow-through was non-existent.

"Noona, you go rest first. It’s my problem; I’ll keep working on it. We’ll continue in a little while."

Lin Shouxia focused his attention entirely on his work, and inadvertently, he raised his hand and brought it to his mouth.

"Where on earth did you pick up such a bad habit?"

Unable to hold back, the girl grabbed the man’s left hand, pried his fingers apart, and gave his hand a light slap.

"Did Yinglu never tell you to pay attention to hygiene?"

Under the gaze of a clearly startled Lin Shouxia, Liu Jimin sniffled and brought up the older sister who wasn't exactly held in high regard by this boy.

"She bites her own fingers too."

"That doesn't mean you have to follow her example."

Liu Jimin felt quite restless. Seeing a bad habit and unable to invoke the authority of a close friend, she felt she had no status to lecture him.

"Got it."

Lin Shouxia didn't pay it much mind. He nodded and, biting his lip, returned to working on the music.

*This guy,* she thought, *is being quite serious now. If he had shown this much drive earlier, he wouldn't be at zero progress.* She even wondered if he was angry because she hadn't replied to that message, and was now seeking revenge.

However, she wasn't quite sure how to reply to that message either. Fortunately, they had known each other for a long time, and the future was still long; everything could be considered in due time.

"Do you always stay in the practice room?"

"Not always. Occasionally, I appear in the breakroom and the cafeteria."

Lin Shouxia smiled, his attention slightly diverted by the girl beside him. The cafeteria only provided nutritional meals for the artists. Those so-called nutritional meals were essentially large plates of leafy greens drizzled with sauce, with the occasional piece of flavorless boiled chicken breast. He didn't care for such things, so naturally, he went there less often.

"If you're bored waiting, Noona, you can go check out the breakroom next door. I’ll rest for a little bit, and I should have everything adjusted soon."

"Hey, are you telling me to go by myself?"

"Then..."

Lin Shouxia hesitated for a moment, not quite understanding how Liu Jimin, who had been fine just a moment ago, now showed signs of being upset.

"Who makes a guest go get their own coffee!"