Chapter 15: A Tour of Growth
The road to success had been a whirlwind for Hana, Eclipse, and their fans. Now, on tour throughout Korea, the group was living the dream they had worked so hard for. Crowds screamed their names, and the buzz of excitement followed them everywhere. Eclipse was no longer just a group; they were a phenomenon.
The schedule was packed with performances, meet-and-greets, photoshoots, and fan interactions. Hana was constantly running between the different events, helping the group prepare and ensure everything ran smoothly. She had grown accustomed to the frantic pace, but that didn't mean it was easy.
Today, after an exhausting shoot, the members of Eclipse had a short break. They were at a popular tourist spot in Seoul for a quick photo op, surrounded by fans hoping to get a glimpse of their idols.
As Hana stood by the side, organizing a few last-minute details with Soyeon, she couldn't help but smile. The members were scattered around, taking pictures with fans, signing autographs, and basking in the love from the crowd. Jisoo and Taehyun, as usual, were the center of attention. Fans screamed their names, some even begging for pictures. Hana had grown used to it by now. But today, something felt off.
Soyeon, normally sharp and attentive, was distracted, lost in her phone as she checked the schedule for the next event. Hana was about to remind her to stay alert when, out of nowhere, a large group of fans surged forward, shouting Jisoo's and Taehyun's names. They weren't aggressive, but their excitement was overwhelming, and Hana felt a pang of discomfort as she saw how close they were to the idols.
One of the fans, particularly enthusiastic, rushed forward, nearly knocking Hana over as they attempted to get close to Jisoo. In the chaos, Hana stumbled backward, her ankle giving way beneath her as she fell to the ground with a loud thud.
The next few seconds felt like they stretched on forever.
A few fans started shouting apologies, but the damage was done. Soyeon finally snapped out of her distraction, but by then, Jisoo and Taehyun were already rushing over.
"Are you okay?!" Jisoo's voice cut through the noise, his eyes wide with concern. He immediately knelt down beside Hana, his hands gently reaching out to help her up.
Taehyun was right behind him, his usual aloofness gone. His eyes were filled with worry as he scanned Hana's condition.
"I'm fine," Hana said quickly, trying to stand up, but her sprained ankle throbbed painfully, and her hairline was burning with a sharp sting from the fall. She winced.
"Let me help you," Jisoo insisted, his voice full of guilt. He reached out again, this time supporting her weight as she leaned on him.
Taehyun was just as insistent, his voice quiet but firm. "We'll take you to the medical room. Don't move too much."
Soyeon, finally back in control, quickly ushered the fans away, her professionalism taking over as she calmed the situation. But Hana couldn't help but notice the way she shot a glance at her, as if this incident was just another thing to put her down. It didn't matter—Hana was too focused on the two idols beside her, who were now acting almost protective, in a way she hadn't seen before.
Later That Night
Back at their hotel, the members of Eclipse had all gathered in their shared suite. The night had been long, and Hana was exhausted from the fall earlier. The pain in her ankle had dulled with some ice, but she couldn't help but notice the concern in both Jisoo and Taehyun's eyes.
"Let's get your ankle elevated," Jisoo suggested, gently helping her onto the couch. His hands were surprisingly gentle as he adjusted the pillows to make her comfortable.
Hana flashed him a small smile. "I'm okay. Really."
But Jisoo wasn't convinced. "You've been hurt twice because of us, Hana. I—I feel responsible," he confessed quietly.
Hana looked up at him in surprise. "You don't have to feel guilty, Jisoo. It wasn't your fault."
But Jisoo shook his head, his brow furrowed. "Still. I should've been more careful."
Taehyun, who had been silent until now, spoke up. His voice was softer than usual. "We were all distracted. It wasn't your fault, Jisoo. It could've happened to any of us."
His words were more reassuring than Hana had expected. Taehyun, who always kept his distance from emotional matters, seemed genuinely upset by what had happened. He took a step closer, his usual aloofness softened as he gazed down at Hana.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Taehyun asked, his tone gentler than she had ever heard it.
"I'm fine, really," Hana reassured him, trying to ignore the lingering pain in her body. "It's just a sprain. I'll be okay."
The two idols exchanged glances before silently agreeing to help. Jisoo moved to her side, while Taehyun took a seat at the other end of the couch. Neither of them seemed ready to leave her alone, which made Hana feel strangely touched. It was almost like they were fighting over who could take care of her more.
The Awkwardness Begins
As the hours passed, the group settled into a somewhat awkward routine. Hana wasn't used to being so coddled, especially not by the two most popular idols in the group. They insisted on keeping her company, despite her protests, and eventually, it became a kind of competition between Jisoo and Taehyun.
"I'll wake up first to check on her," Jisoo declared, flashing a grin at Taehyun. "She'll need someone who knows what they're doing."
Taehyun narrowed his eyes slightly. "We'll see about that."
It was a strange but heartwarming dynamic. Jisoo would bring her ice packs and snacks, while Taehyun would check on her ankle every hour, making sure she was comfortable. Both of them were surprisingly attentive, and it wasn't long before Hana felt the tension building between them.
As the night wore on, Hana lay on the couch, her ankle propped up on pillows, trying to sleep. She couldn't help but smile to herself as Jisoo and Taehyun took turns keeping watch. The two idols, normally so guarded and distant, were now acting like concerned older brothers.
In the midst of the gentle banter between Jisoo and Taehyun, Hana found herself feeling a sense of warmth and gratitude. For once, she wasn't alone in the chaos. She was part of something, a team that cared for each other. But as the night wore on, she realized that this wasn't just about the group—it was about them, too. Jisoo and Taehyun had changed, and she wasn't sure where this would lead, but she was beginning to wonder just how deep the bond between them really went.
End of Chapter 15