The next few days passed in a blur of practice, sweat, and sleepless nights.
The showcase results had been posted. Lian ranked in the top five trainees of his division. It wasn't number one, but it was higher than he had ever reached before. For the first time since joining the company, he felt like he had taken a real step forward.
And yet—
No matter how hard he tried to focus on training, Rian Vale kept appearing in his thoughts.
That calm, unreadable gaze. The quiet tone when he said "You sing well."
Even now, Lian could still hear it.
He didn't mean to think about him so much.
But he did.
---
It was a Friday evening when the company announced something new — the top five trainees would be chosen for a special performance video.
A collaboration with a real artist.
When the names were called out in the meeting room, everyone held their breath.
"Jinwoo. Hana. Daeyun. Minho… and Lian."
Lian's head snapped up. "Me?"
The producer smiled. "Congratulations. You'll be joining Rian Vale for the project."
The room went silent. Even Jinwoo's chips froze halfway to his mouth.
"Rian Vale?" someone whispered. "Like the Rian Vale?"
Lian's pulse skipped. "Wait— I… I'm working with him?"
"Yes," the producer said calmly. "He personally asked to mentor this project."
Personally asked?
Lian's mind went blank. He couldn't decide whether to scream, faint, or run.
---
That night, back in the dorm, Jinwoo almost exploded.
"Do you even realize what this means?" he said, shaking Lian by the shoulders. "He's Rian Vale! The Rian Vale! And he asked for you!"
"I don't think he asked for just me," Lian said weakly, trying to hide his blush.
Jinwoo narrowed his eyes. "Oh no. Don't you dare play humble. He remembered your name. He remembered your performance. You're totally his favorite."
Lian groaned. "Please stop talking before I die of embarrassment."
Jinwoo threw a pillow at him. "Fine! But if you end up married to him, I'm the best man."
"Jinwoo!"
The rest of the dorm burst out laughing, but inside, Lian's heart was a storm.
He asked for me.
Those four words refused to leave his head all night.
---
The next day, the trainees chosen for the project were gathered in Studio B — a massive room with lights, cameras, and recording equipment everywhere.
Lian arrived early, trying to calm his nerves.
He didn't expect Rian to already be there.
The idol stood near the window, sunlight slipping through the blinds and brushing against his silver hair. He looked calm, like always — perfectly untouchable.
"Morning," Rian said without looking up.
Lian bowed. "G-good morning, Rian-ssi."
Rian turned then, his eyes briefly meeting Lian's. "You're early."
"I didn't want to be late."
"Good habit," Rian said simply, checking his notes. "We'll start vocal warmups soon."
He spoke professionally, but his voice carried that same quiet weight that made people listen without realizing it.
Lian tried to stand still, but his fingers kept fiddling with his sleeve. Every time Rian glanced in his direction, his stomach did a small flip.
---
The session began with harmonization practice.
Rian listened to each trainee's part, giving light corrections.
"Your pitch drops here."
"Try to feel the emotion, not just the melody."
"Good. Again."
When it was Lian's turn, Rian moved closer.
"Start from the bridge," he said.
Lian nodded nervously, then began to sing.
The song was slow — a gentle mix of pop and R&B, full of longing.
Rian's gaze stayed on him the entire time.
Halfway through, he stopped Lian with a raised hand.
"Don't hold back," he said softly. "You're singing like you're afraid of breaking something. But music isn't glass, Lian. It's alive. Let it hurt a little."
The words hit deeper than Lian expected.
He nodded, took a breath, and sang again. This time, his voice cracked slightly on the high note — raw, imperfect, but real.
Rian's lips curved. "Better."
He reached out and adjusted Lian's mic gently, his fingers brushing against Lian's collar for a brief second.
The touch was light — almost nothing — but Lian's heart skipped anyway.
---
Hours passed. By evening, everyone was exhausted, but Rian looked the same as ever — composed, focused, a little distant.
When the session ended, most trainees left quickly, but Lian stayed behind to pack up his notebook.
"You did well today," Rian said suddenly.
Lian looked up. "Thank you."
"You still overthink when you sing."
"I know. I just don't want to make mistakes."
Rian gave a small laugh, the kind that felt too rare. "Mistakes aren't the problem. Fear is."
He glanced at him again, eyes softer this time. "Don't let fear control your voice."
Lian nodded quietly. "I'll try."
As Rian turned to leave, he stopped by the door.
"Lian."
"Yes?"
"You said before… you wanted to belong here."
Lian blinked. "Yes."
Rian's expression shifted — something almost like pride flickered there. "You already do."
Then he walked out.
---
When Lian finally stepped outside, the sun was setting. The streets glowed orange, and the sky looked like melted gold.
He stood there for a moment, breathing in the air.
Every time Rian spoke to him, something inside him felt different — like a door quietly opening somewhere in his heart.
He didn't know what it meant yet.
But he knew one thing for sure:
He didn't just want to stand on the same stage anymore.
He wanted to stand beside him.
---
That night, as the city lights blinked far below the dorm window, Lian opened his phone and played Rian's old debut song — the one that had made him dream in the first place.
He smiled faintly, whispering to himself,
"Thank you… for seeing me."
Outside, the stars shimmered quietly — like they understood a secret even the two of them didn't yet.
And somewhere far away, in another apartment across the city, Rian sat alone at his piano, replaying the day in his mind.
He remembered the way Lian sang — unpolished, honest, and full of something he hadn't heard in a long time.
His fingers brushed over the keys as he murmured under his breath,
"Lian, huh?"
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
Maybe fate was teasing him, too.
---
End of Chapter 3 – Rain and Starlight
To be continued…