CHAPTER 83: ETCHED INTO THE HEART AND SOUL

Yesterday, Leonard hadn’t gone back to the dorm. It was the first time he had confessed to someone, and he had been brutally rejected.

He didn’t want to admit that his sudden, impulsive kiss had been disgusting, but maybe Joshua hated him for it.

Afterwards, he could only think about how utterly stupid he was. He’d always told himself he didn’t like Joshua, yet he’d gone and done the very thing he despised most!

He wanted nothing more than to go back in time and punch himself in the face.

He had thought it would be unbearably hard to face Joshua again, but now that he was looking at him, it wasn’t nearly as difficult as he’d imagined.

Although Joshua treated his confession as if it had never happened, it did make Leonard feel frustrated and oddly hollow, at least Joshua wasn’t avoiding him.

Still... the more he thought about it, the worse it felt. Didn’t that only prove Joshua didn’t have even the slightest feeling for him?

So damn annoying!

Why did he have to like Joshua in the first place? Leonard genuinely didn’t understand himself—but his eyes couldn’t help following Joshua’s movements.

Joshua was stretching—his body incredibly flexible. Didn’t that hurt? His leg was raised straight over his head, yet his expression didn’t even change. That flexibility...

Smack!

A loud slap echoed through the room. Everyone turned toward the sound, only to see Leonard lowering his hand calmly, his expression icy. "What?" he said coolly.

Everyone: "..."

The focus soon returned to their upcoming performance song, Blue Star.

"It sounds really refreshing, and the choreography’s pretty upbeat too," Justin said quickly.

Joshua nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but there aren’t that many vocal parts."

"I heard this kind of concept’s trending lately..." Justin murmured.

Henry spoke slowly, "Let’s watch and listen to it again. If there’s nothing we want to change, we’ll start practising."

No one said anything, but it was clear they had all silently acknowledged Henry as the leader.

"I think this part could go like this..."

...

"So what about the concept? What kind of style should we go for this time? Something energetic? Or maybe we should add a unique twist?" Luther asked while scanning through the lyrics.

Lost in thought on the other side, Joshua suddenly said, "Let’s go for a jet-jet style."

Four pairs of eyes immediately turned toward him. Luther lightly tapped Joshua on the forehead. "What the hell does that even mean? Be serious."

Joshua caught Luther’s hand and explained slowly, "Like Leonard’s style—biker jacket, motorcycles, that kind of cool vibe."

Leonard instinctively lifted his chin, then snapped, "You call that style ’jet-jet’? What the hell am I in your eyes, you idiot?!"

As he said that, he pinched Joshua’s cheek—as soft as ever.

Joshua chuckled. "Sorry, but admit it—it fits, doesn’t it?"

Before anyone else could say anything, Leonard waved his hand grandly. "Fine, fine! You want motorcycles? Take as many as you want. Don’t bother with the show’s budget—I have plenty."

Justin stared at him in surprise, while Joshua clapped his hands in delight. "This scene’s going to look amazing in the edit! Leonard, your fans will lose their minds over how perfect you look."

Leonard smirked, lips curling upward. "I’ve always known I’m perfect."

Then why, Joshua, he thought bitterly, won’t you date me?!

Maybe Joshua didn’t like men—but that was fine. Straight guys could be bent, after all. That very question had already appeared in Leonard’s search history. Either way, the first step was to get closer to him!

Leonard’s gaze flicked toward Luther. Yes, just like Luther—he’d stay close, play it cool. One day, Joshua would definitely fall for him! Leonard believed that wholeheartedly.

"To match the concept, obviously we can’t forget this—nail polish!"

As soon as they returned to the dorm, Joshua pulled out five bottles of nail polish in different colours from his suitcase, smiling brightly.

Luther couldn’t help but laugh at the reasoning. "Just admit you like painting your nails already. No matter what the concept is, you always bring it up."

Joshua widened his eyes at him. "But it really does fit the concept this time!"

He stared thoughtfully at the bottles in his hand and said slowly, "This green one’s for you..."

"What? Why do I get that colour? It’s hideous!" Luther immediately protested, storming forward.

Joshua stepped back. "Because it matches your eyes! What more do you want?!"

"No way. Change it. Black, like last time, was better." Luther was firm.

Joshua replied, "Of course, it’s not just plain green. I can add some design, or only paint one or two fingers for a bit of flair."

There it is again, Luther thought, rolling his eyes. Joshua’s idea of "flair" always involved earrings and nail polish. He knew full well how much Joshua adored Will’s ridiculous collection of earrings.

Joshua, however, ignored him and started focusing on his "work."

Luther stood to the side, watching. Whenever Joshua got too focused, the tip of his tongue would poke out a little as he licked the corner of his left lip. "You look like a cartoon character when you do that, Joshua," Luther remarked.

Joshua shot back, "Then you’re like a sitcom."

His forehead was immediately flicked in response. But even then, Joshua didn’t care and kept painting intently.

After a pause, Luther said, "You can paint mine later, too."

Joshua’s head snapped up instantly, eyes sparkling even brighter. "Okay!"

Luther had no idea what was so fun about it, but as long as Joshua was happy, he let it slide.

Just then, Joshua’s phone began ringing nonstop.

He glanced at the screen—it was an unknown number.

Joshua frowned slightly, then directly declined the call and switched his phone to silent mode.

Seeing that, Luther asked, "What’s wrong?"

Joshua replied casually, "Probably a scam call."

In truth, he could already guess who it was, but he didn’t care. Consider it a small punishment for someone who spent all day threatening him.

Joshua stretched out his hand to admire the small flower he’d just finished painting, completely satisfied.

Luther commented dryly, "So this is your ’cool concept,’ huh?"

Joshua responded, "...It’s just a touch of colour. Besides, that kind of contrast—if fans notice it, they’ll love it."

"You really care about your fans, huh?" Luther chuckled.

"Of course, they’re my best friends," Joshua replied.

Hearing that, Luther couldn’t help but squeeze Joshua’s cheeks. "Say that again."

Joshua struggled. "There’s a package—let me go!"

"Don’t make excuses."

"There really is a package!"

Seeing Joshua frown, Luther finally released him. Joshua jumped from the bed, silently thinking how unfair it was—Luther could bully him without climbing up the bunk. How hateful these tall people were!

Joshua quickly confirmed the delivery and returned with the parcel in his arms. Suddenly, someone threw an arm around his shoulders, making him startle. He turned to look. "Justin, why do you walk without making a sound?"

Justin grinned. "I wanted to surprise you."

Joshua was speechless, but since Justin was right there, he tugged him over and pushed him down to sit on a stone bench. Justin looked confused but obediently sat down, giving Joshua a puzzled look.

"I got something for you. Take off your shoes," Joshua said as he opened the package.

Justin blinked in surprise. His mouth opened slightly as if to say something, but Joshua seemed impatient with his slowness and crouched down himself.

Flustered, Justin’s face turned red. "N-no, wait, I’ll do it myself!"

Joshua glanced up at his panicked expression and said lightly, "What, it’s not like I’m going to eat you."

As he spoke, he pulled out a brand-new pair of white sneakers. Justin instantly recognized the brand—he couldn’t help but gape. Before he could get a word out, Joshua said, "Last time you splurged on me without hesitation, Justin. Don’t be so stingy with yourself."

"Oh, perfect fit! I knew it—my taste never fails me," Joshua said proudly.

Justin stared at him in a daze, his throat tightening.

Before he could say anything, Joshua bent down again and tied the laces on the shoe Justin hadn’t finished. Under the moonlight, Joshua’s voice sounded softer, almost tender:

"A great pair of shoes will take you to great places, Justin. Remember to cherish yourself before you cherish anything else. Those who love you will be happy to see that."

Joshua looked at the neat bow on the laces, then hugged his knees and looked up at Justin with a gentle smile. "Remember that, okay, Justin?"

Justin lowered his gaze to meet Joshua’s. In that instant, it felt like even the moon was partial to him—its light fell perfectly on Joshua’s face, making his smile glow, softening his eyes until they shimmered. The light carved Joshua’s image deep into Justin’s vision and heart, branding this moment into his soul.

I already have a great pair of shoes, Joshua. What I want... is to walk beside you forever. Because, like you said, a great pair of shoes will lead me to great places. And wherever you are—that’s the most wonderful, most beautiful place ever.