O p I a

n. the ambiguous intensity of looking someone in the eye, which can feel simultaneously invasive and vulnerable

—their pupils glittering, bottomless and opaque—as if you were peering through a hole in the door of a house,

able to tell that there’s someone standing there, but unable to tell if you’re looking in or looking out

source

“

“Donghae, c'mon. Lets go over this one bit some more.” Hyukjae noticed Donghae had retreated into his thoughts again, and suggested one of the easier parts of choreography for them to practice together. “You know this, right?”

He nodded, a small mumbled yes coming from his lips. The sound of the music compelled his limbs into motion, almost mechanically. Each note played and each syllable sung directly related to a particular movement that had been drilled into him over the last six months. He was sure he could dance this choreo in his sleep. The members often joked that he did.

Donghae had worked hard, and could dance well - but when they practised on a real stage, he was blinded by the talent of others. He couldn't help but watch when Ryeowook stepped out to belt a high note, or when Kibum controlled the audience as easily as breathing. They were overwhelmingly talented, of course. But Donghae's favourite person to watch was Lee Hyukjae. 

”