Chapter 2: Reflections of Doubt

The fluorescent lights of the TOMORROW X TOGETHER's practice room hummed to life as Taehyun walked in, his eyes scanning the space for familiar faces. Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taeyang, and Hueningkai were already seated, chatting and laughing as they waited for him. The atmosphere was lively, but Taehyun's mind was elsewhere. As he took a seat, Soobin greeted him with a warm smile. "Morning, hyung! Sorry to keep you waiting." Taehyun forced a smile in response, trying to shake off the lingering sense of unease. The group began to discuss the new choreography, and Taehyun listened intently, trying to focus on the task at hand. However, his mind kept drifting back to the voices, which had grown quieter but not silent. They whispered criticisms of his movements, telling him he was stiff and awkward, that he would never be able to keep up with the others. Yeonjun, sensing Taehyun's distraction, nudged him with his elbow. "Hey, Taehyun, you okay? You seem a bit off today." Taehyun hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He didn't want to burden his members with his problems, but at the same time, he couldn't shake off the feeling of being lost. "I'm fine," he said finally, trying to brush it off. "Just a bit tired, that's all." Yeonjun nodded sympathetically, but Taehyun could tell he wasn't buying it. As the meeting progressed, Taehyun found himself zoning out, his mind wandering to the darkest corners of his thoughts. He began to question his place in the group, wondering if he was truly worthy of being a part of TOMORROW X TOGETHER. The others started to run through the choreography, and Taehyun reluctantly joined in. His movements felt stiff and uncoordinated, as if his body was moving on autopilot. The voices in his head grew louder, more critical, and for a moment, Taehyun felt like he was losing himself in the mirror. Soobin approached him, concern etched on his face. "Taehyun, what's going on? You're really off today." Taehyun's eyes met Soobin's, and for a moment, he saw a glimmer of understanding. Maybe, just maybe, his hyung could see beyond the façade. But before he could respond, the voices in his head surged forward, drowning out his thoughts. "You're not good enough," they whispered, their words echoing in his mind like a mantra. Taehyun's eyes dropped, and he shook his head, unsure of how to articulate the turmoil brewing inside. The practice session continued, but Taehyun's heart wasn't in it. He went through the motions, his mind consumed by the reflections of doubt that haunted him. As the group finished and began to pack up, Taehyun lingered, lost in thought. Which reflection would he follow – the one that told him he was worthy, or the one that whispered he was not good enough? The answer, much like his own identity, remained shrouded in uncertainty.