Chapter Text
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Muscle memory by definition is the ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, acquired as a result of frequent repetition of that movement. For example; riding a bike, driving a car, ball sports, typing on keyboards, playing an instrument, poker, martial arts and the likes— you learn it once, you do it again and again, then your body never forgets.
Dancing is also one of those.
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Kim Taehyung has been dancing all his life, though if you'd ask him if it's his dream, he wouldn't be able to answer that. As the son of the world-reknowned prima ballerina, Kim Eun-hee, dancing isn't really a dream for Taehyung, because he need not to chase it—it was handed to him; it has always been within his reach.
He need not to chase it— he already has it, but he still has to always work hard for it.
In dancing, hard work doesn't stop; it never will— that until a dancer loses his wings.
...
"C'mon, Chim. Just watch me, okay? Promise, I'll stop once I'm satisfied with my form—"
"That's the thing, Tae! I've been telling you how perfect your routine is for like an hour already, but you're still not satisfied! You're perfect babe, trust me, okay?" Jimin says, removing Taehyung's hand from the barre, turning the latter towards the mirror, hands on his shoulders as he gave his best friend a reassuring look through their reflections.
Taehyung then sighed in defeat. He knows that Jimin means well, he always does, but Taehyung can't help it. Yes, he's one of the best in their school— in the whole country even, but that doesn't mean that he's incapable of feeling nervous— that doesn't stop him from striving for more.
"Ahn Joo-won will be here any minute from now, and you know that I can't mess this up, Chim. I need to make an impression. I need to leave a mark, because you know I'll hear from my mom if she doesn't hear my name from Joo-won's mouth later once we're done." Taehyung says, trying to reason out, because he knows that Jimin will understand. Jimin knows his mother— just like everyone does.
Kim Eun-hee, prima ballerina; 3-time gold medalist at the Korean international ballet competition, 2- time silver medalist at the American grand prix ballet and won the gold next season after. Cinderella, Giselle, The nutcracker, The sleeping beauty, Swan lake and more— Kim Eun-hee carved her name on them all.
Kim Eun-hee, is Taehyung's goal.
"I know Tae, but listen, you'll be fine— no you'll be perfect as always. You got this alright? Just stay still for a while. If I know you've been at it all night again and we don't want Ahn Joo-won to see the exhausted, worn-out version of you, right?" Jimin asks as he gently pushes Taehyung down, then sits beside him on the floor.
"R-right... You're right. I got this." Taehyung says, taking a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, because it's not everyday that Ahn Joo-won; his mother's apprentice, also last year's Youth American grand prix ballet champion will visit their school and shortlist god knows how many of them that he thinks deserves to join the upcoming Dong-A dance competition in a few months from now— and Taehyung needs to make it. He needs to bag a role, then the gold, then move to KIBC (Korean international ballet competition) and hopefully win that too.
He needs it.
He's hungry for it.
That's why he's working hard for it— for this.
"That's what I'm talking about... Now smile, yeah? Breathe in... Good, then smile. Perfect." Jimin says, cupping Taehyung's cheeks as he guides his breathing, smiling all relieved when Taehyung's face lit up a bit, now smiling back at him.
Perfect.
Yes, that's what Taehyung needed to hear. Perfect, nothing more, nothing less.
"God, we're late! I told you we should've dropped the game at midnight, Guk! I can't believe that damn Mario kart could be the reason why I might not get shortlisted this season! Tch." Hobi says, rushing in, dropping his bags and pulling his loose shorts down, keeping his leotards just like all of them here in studio C for practice, before running towards the barre as Jeon Jeongguk follows him from behind; doing the same while his laugh echoes all over the place, washing the smile off of Taehyung's face.
"Tsk, damn Jeon really have to be here, huh?" Taehyung mumbled under his breath, making Jimin giggle silently beside him.
"Pfft, yeah. Like how he's been with us since we're kids. Y'know you can't get rid of him, babe.— Yes, even if you glare at him all day." Jimin says, pertaining to Jeongguk who has been attending the same dance school with them since their childhood years up to now, here in Kyung-Hee, taking up dance.
"Right... He's a pest, really." Taehyung says, rolling his eyes at Jeongguk who naughtily shoots him a wink before stripping off his hoodie, revealing his tattoos and annoyingly toned muscles underneath the fitted black tank top he's wearing.
"A very good one, actually. Pfft... Don't mind me and Hobi, we already had our time last year, so if anything, Jeon might be the only one you need to watch out for today. He's good, Tae— and you know it." Jimin says, not bothering to sugar coat anything, because everyone here already knows how entertainingly good of a dancer Jeon Jeongguk is.
"Still not better than me, though?" Taehyung says, raising a brow at his best friend.
"Hmm... Well, That's true." Jimin replies, nodding in agreement, for yes, it's a fact that Jeongguk is good, but sans any bias, Jimin knows that Taehyung is definitely beyond good— because Kim Taehyung never aimed for being 'just' good. Just like Jimin, they're best friends after all.
"Still, I'm not better than you, Chim. You and Hobi basically earned your spots for your solos, because of last year's gold." Taehyung says, pertaining to Hobi and Jimin's win at the Seoul international dance competition. While Taehyung? Let's just say that he didn't make it because of one clumsy accident that almost caused him his life— and by 'life' it means his whole career as a dancer, that is.
But things are different now. His ankle is healed and now he's back to earn a spot, no matter what category or role it is.
"Tch, you know it would've been you if not because of that—.."
"Let's not talk about 'that', Chim. We both know you deserve it too. You and Hobi both." Taehyung says with a smile, patting Jimin's shoulder as he stands up; once again getting in position at the barre.
"*Sigh* really, you." Jimin just sighed, watching Taehyung dance again without even having at least five minutes of rest.
...
A few moments later Han Dong-Wook came in, banging the glass doors behind him as he steps inside the studio, clapping his hands twice; a signal that means everyone should be in position at the barre before the third; chin up, back stretched like a proud swan ready for a flight. From an outsider's point of view, it's probably funny to see a bunch of people looking almost identical in their skin tight garments while standing and breathing the same way, but for someone who knows ballet, Taehyung's confident that they're spotless. Spotless as they should be— spotless except for one...
Jeon Jeongguk, scratching the back of his neck with a cheeky grin plastered on his face.
"Good morning Mr. Han." Jeongguk says, bowing rather dramatically in front of their ballet master who just eyed him from head to toe.
"I thought I told you to get in position, Jeongguk?" Mr. Han says, now standing in front of Jeongguk.
"Yeah, yeah. I know, sir. But I also thought that Mr. Ahn Joo-won will be joining us today? I don't see him here, though? Why? Change of plans?" Jeongguk asks, sounding so casual that Taehyung had to roll his eyes, keeping his position still, refusing to move an inch from where he is.
"Excited, aren't we? Why? Are you that confident you'll be picked?" Mr. Han asked, raising a brow at his cheeky student, who just clicked his tongue and flashed him a wink.
"Tch, indeed. Ahn Joo-won will be here— just not today, that is. There have been some changes because his flight got delayed, but he'll be here by tomorrow, and he— he'll be judging you individually. One by one and pick 8 of you to master his choreography, then choose the 6 whom we will be sending to compete at Dong-A this year... That being said, let's not waste any more time, shall we?" Mr. Han explains while Jeongguk just nodded his head in response, getting in position, finally.
*Now Playing: Bad guy : Vitamin string quartet*
"Facing the barre in sixth... Three- quarter pointe plié. Rise— test your balance... Right, left. Open to first, then to second, then finish with a four count side bend, right, left— drop that hip! Now do a full rond de corps... Again... Again... Again..." Mr. Han's voice then echoes all over the studio, hands on his back as he eyes them one after another, slightly slapping their parts that need correction as he goes.
Taehyung then steadies his breath, emptying his mind to let his body do the work. Like a leaf floating freely on water, following the flow mindlessly— he moves.
He can feel it. He can feel his own body taking over him and his soul as he swallows everything in his thoughts, for his mother often tells him that it's all in the mind. The pain that comes as he feels his muscles stretch and burn as if he's being torn apart, toes jammed inside his shoes, leaving him with blisters and bruises over his skin under the thin layer of clothing he's wearing.
It doesn't matter. The pain and how uncomfortable he feels underneath holds no meaning, for what's important is how he wouldn't let it show.
He should be nothing but beautiful.
Flawless.
Spotless.
Perfect.
"Nice form, Taehyung. Keep it up." Mr. Han says, making a small but still satisfied smile appear on Taehyung's face. He didn't hear him say that he's perfect, but it's still fine; because Mr. Han never says the word 'perfect' unless he's talking about Taehyung's mom, and Taehyung knows that he's not there yet— no, still not yet...
But surely, he's on his way.
"That's good, you rascal! Now do it again— hah! 'Perfect!" Taehyung's smile then quickly faded to a frown, heels dropping on the ground, because that definitely didn't sound right.
Perfect? Did Mr. Han just said the word perfect?
To whom?
Yeah right...
Jeon Jeongguk.
Great.
"Tae..." Taehyung hears Jimin say, glancing at him from the side with a concerned look on his face, while Taehyung's lips quiver a bit, forcing a smile as he gets in position again.
"Hmm? W-why? It's fine babe...I'm fine—always." Taehyung says, taking another deep breath but this time, feeling the air stab him like blades buried in the chest.
***
*Now Playing: Gasoline: Halsey*
Perfect.
'Seriously? How could Mr. Han call that careless, thoughtless, mindless, arrogant little shit, perfect?' Taehyung asks himself, eyes closed as he do the chaînés, before proceeding to do a triple piqué turn; moving across the empty rooftop of their dorms, weight on his toes, hands spread out like a bird, enduring the cold that embraces him whole, eyes reflecting the silver moon.
He knows that he should be sleeping by now, getting enough rest and energy to wow Ahn Joo-won by tomorrow; but he just can't stop. Taehyung had known their ballet master Han Dong-Wook through his mom since he was a child and never did he hear the man compliment anyone like how he did with Jeon Jeongguk earlier, except when he's complimenting— yeah, his mom.
So why?
It's just a simple routine. There's nothing new to it really. They've been doing it everyday for the past three weeks. It's just a damn exercise for god's sake! So how good Jeongguk is exactly for him to impress the ever so picky and strict ballet master earlier?
How?
How, when Jeongguk almost never follows the choreography? He's always adding his little useless tricks and unnecessary spins, that always sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the uniformed movements of their class?
It wouldn't work. It shouldn't have worked, because ballet isn't freestyle. Every move should be calculated cleanly before execution. Every jump, every spin, even how they breathe should be done accurately in order to achieve a flawless performance.
If it's not part of the choreography, then there shouldn't be any room for a damn wink, a cheeky smile, or that damn smirk while pushing a tongue on his cheek, but Jeongguk seems to love all his annoyingly irrelevant tricks and it pisses Taehyung off, because god knows how much scolding he had received and is still receiving from his mother for a misstep that's just slightly off the beat, but Jeongguk always— always gets away with it.
"Fuck." Taehyung hissed, eyes still closed as he proceeds to do a plié on his standing leg, extending the other to his front, whipping it to his side, popping back an en pointe, bringing it back to passé, turning again and again, spinning a beautiful Russian fouetté. Then he felt the cold wind hitting his skin, tempting him to open his eyes again— so he did.
A big mistake really, because here, he was welcomed by the bright flickering city lights below his feet, making him realize that he's just around three steps away from the edge of the building. His knees then automatically tremble, melting to weak jellies as he loses his balance, heart skipping a beat, gasping as the thought of falling from this height consume him from his head to his feet.— "Shit."
"Woah... Easy there, princess. You're not planning to fall before Ahn Joo-won sees what you can do, aren't you?" Jeongguk says, rushing forward just in time to catch Taehyung by the arm, other hand snaking at the dip of the latter's back, turning him around as he steadies him on the ground; their faces about an inch apart, eyes locked onto each other.
From here, Taehyung could feel Jeongguk's hot breath on his skin, hands warming up the cold sweat that's been soaking his shirt, and it ticks him off because it burns.— This shithead's touch always damn fucking burns.
"Fuck off, Jeon. Who says I'm gonna fall?" Taehyung says, shaking Jeongguk's hold off of him, taking a step back to widen the distance between them.
"I don't know? You and your wobbly legs, I guess? What the hell are you even doing out here at this hour— wearing only that? The fuck? Aren't you cold?" Jeongguk asks, eyeing Taehyung's clothes; his thin white shirt, tight black leotards and ballet slippers.
"Shouldn't I ask you the same thing? What are you doing here, huh? Shouldn't you be sleeping by now as well? Or are you already confident that you'll be shortlisted after impressing Mr. Han this morning?" Taehyung asks, completely forgetting the cold and his fear of heights, feeling his annoyance crawl up to his head as he glares at the man in front of him right now.
"Pfft. Impressing who, exactly? Just so you know your highness, I dance to express— never to impress... Why? Bitter?" Jeongguk asks, playfully flicking Taehyung's chin while the latter immediately swatted his hands away from him.
"The only thing that's bitter here is the stench you've been spreading since you came and invaded my space. Mind your own business, alright? Confidence is good, arrogance is poison. Remember that, Jeon." Taehyung says as he walks past Jeongguk, picking up his tumbler from the floor, heading out and slamming the door close.
"Tell that to yourself, princess... Tell that to yourself." Jeongguk says, grinning all cheeky as he drops his jacket and shakes off his shoes, getting on his toes so he could freely dance under the moon.
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Steam then escaped as soon as Taehyung opened his bathroom door after his shower. His body feels sore, but there's nothing new about that anymore.
He and Jimin share a room, but the latter must be in Hobi's room as usual, and Taehyung's pretty sure that the two probably have something going on, but he never bothered to ask neither of them. He's not one to pry after all. Jimin's his best friend and he trusts his decisions; Hobi's fine as well— it's Hobi's best friend that Taehyung has a problem with... Jeon Jeongguk, right... Who else?
Hobi is an exceptional dancer and choreographer. He and Taehyung share almost the same principle. Everything should have a pattern, a number, a sequence; and that order makes each of their performances seamless. That's why Taehyung has no idea how the fuck Hobi got along so well with Jeongguk, when Jeon fucking Jeongguk absolutely abhors following the rules.
Taehyung has known Jeongguk since they're probably 7. Hobi, Jimin and Taehyung have attended the same dance school since they're 5; Jeongguk came 2 years later and immediately wrecked havoc when he started to dance.
Don't get him wrong, Taehyung isn't denying the fact that Jeon Jeongguk knows how to dance. He admits that he's talented, alright? He's flexible, graceful and charismatic— maybe too charismatic that it often disrupts the team's balance every time they have to dance in groups; and that made Taehyung think that Jeongguk isn't meant to dance with anyone.
Jeon Jeongguk's way of dancing is lawless. It doesn't matter if he's in the center or on the sidelines; Jeongguk always tends to capture everyone's eyes, and Taehyung hates him for that. He hates how Jeongguk doesn't even try but always ends up standing out, that's why whenever he made a mistake— that stood out as well; thus ruining their whole performance.
It happened way too many times before; when Jeongguk added another two— to too many spins on his 'pirouette en dehors' when he's supposed to stop at four. The fucker ended up getting all dizzy, stumbling towards the next dancer on his side, creating a damn domino fall out on their line, leaving them looking like fools in a showcase they've all practiced for months.
Then there's that instance when Jeongguk added an 'Attitude' to his Italian fouette, knocking off the poor dancer beside him cold with the ruthless swing of his foot. They've been the laughing stock of the dancing community even for weeks after that.
There's still a lot more, and Taehyung could go on and on, if he were to narrate all of Jeongguk's mishaps.
But if there's one event that had stuck to Taehyung the most that involves Jeon Jeongguk, it is when they were 12 and Jeongguk offered to test his overhead lift skills with him; promising him that he already mastered the technique and Taehyung's naive enough to believe him. After all, he did not hate Jeongguk from the get go, so Taehyung hesitantly but still generously placed his trust on him.
Jeongguk broke it, though.
Next thing Taehyung knew, he's already in an ambulance, with blood all over his face, gushing out from the top of his head; Jimin was there crying on his side while Mr. Han's calling his mom and there's no sign of damn Jeongguk being around. Taehyung missed about two months of practice after that.
Truth be told, the pain was okay. Being hospitalized was okay— what's not okay was the look on his mother's face while Taehyung's lying on the hospital bed. She looked at him as if he committed a grave sin.
She looked at him as if he's a big disappointment— as if she was disgusted by him; and for Taehyung, his mother's eyes that day were a damn nightmare in the flesh.
'You're supposed to be perfect.' That's what she said.
Yes, t'was a nightmare indeed, and Jeon Jeongguk was to blame for it all; but Taehyung never heard him say sorry for causing his fall.
...
*ring... ring...*
Taehyung's now here, standing naked in front of his full length mirror, staring at his own reflection. His eyes look empty while his skin looks pale and sick. His lips are chapped, bruises and blisters covering his legs and feet.
"H-hah... Whatever perfect means." Taehyung spits out under his breath, with a bitter smirk curling up on his lips. He pulls his robe close before letting himself collapse on the bed, eyes staring at the ceiling; trying to ignore his phone that keeps on ringing.
— That is until he couldn't ignore it anymore.
"*Sigh* Hello, Jin hyung?" Taehyung says, now answering his brother's call.
'Finally! I've been trying to call you for hours, Tae! How did it go? Did Ahn Joo-won add you to his list?' Kim Seokjin, Taehyung's older and only brother asks.
"Not yet, hyung. His flight got delayed, thus prolonging the damn suspense.—How are you by the way? Still out filming?" Taehyung asks, noticing his brother's tired voice through the phone.
'Mhm... But don't worry, we'll be wrapping up soon. Is it lights out already? Want me to drop by— bring some snacks or something?' Jin asks, making Taehyung suck in another deep breath, for he knows what his brother meant by that.
"No need, hyung. I already ate—"
'Are you sure?' Jin asks again, cutting Taehyung off.
"Yes, I'm sure, hyung. Just go home and rest, okay? I'm fine... Don't worry about me too much." Taehyung says, trying to make his voice sound as convincing as possible, hearing Jin sigh deeply on the other line.
'Okay... But you know I can't do that— you're the only one I got, Tae.'
"You still have mom, hyung... You have us. Once I'm done here, I can go home, then you can come live with us again... That— that would be fun, don't you think?" Taehyung says, lips quivering as he speaks.
'Y-yeah... We'll see. Go rest now, tiger. Goodnight.' Jin says before dropping the call as if he just got burned with their conversation.
"*Sigh* See what exactly, hyung? See what exactly?" Taehyung says to himself, curling up to a ball, hugging his knees as he forces himself to sleep.
***
Their class isn't starting until 10 a.m. and right now, it's just 8 in the morning but Taehyung's already back here in studio C, to do some stretching.
The room's still empty, making the squeaking sound of Taehyung's ballet slippers against the floor ring alongside the mellow music that's playing from the bluetooth speakers connected to his phone.
He managed to get around 4 hours of sleep which is more than good if you'd ask him. His skin now regained a bit of color, but he still had to cover the dark bags under his eyes with concealer.
Seated on the floor, Taehyung proceeded to stretch his hamstrings; left foot under his thigh, right leg extended on his side, he then reached down towards his right foot, holding the position in place as he took a few slow and steady deep breaths.
"It's you again, I see... Good morning, princess." Jeongguk says, stepping inside the studio as well, which immediately ruined Taehyung's day.
"..'m not your princess, Jeon." Taehyung says, rolling his eyes while continuing his stretch.
"Pfft. I called you a princess, yes— never said that you're 'mine'— see the difference there?" Jeongguk says with a rather mocking tone, dropping his bags before walking towards the barre just a few feet away from Taehyung.
"Tch, just shut up, okay? I have no time for you today." Taehyung says, moving on to stretch his other leg.
"Hmm... Does that mean you have time for me—"
"Don't even think about continuing that sentence, Jeon. Do me a favor and stop pestering me for once. You know what today is for all of us here, though I'm not really that sure if you even care." Taehyung says, cutting Jeongguk off, making the latter laugh out loud, throwing his head back as he swings his leg up, stretching it out over the barre.
"C'mon, Tae... Relax! It's not like Ahn Joo-won will eat you alive! Chill, okay? You'll be fine." Jeongguk says, now warming up as well.
"..course he won't. As if I'd ever let him."
"That's the spirit!— oh..." Jeongguk wasn't able to finish what he's about to say when Taehyung got up on his feet; bending one knee while stretching out his other leg behind him, arching his back to a beautiful curve, graciously giving Jeongguk quite a view.
"What?!" Taehyung hissed, glancing back at Jeongguk; immediately rolling his eyes and clicking his tongue in annoyance when he saw the latter shamelessly staring at his ass.
"What— what?!" Jeongguk says, still feigning innocence after being caught red-handed.
"Keep your eyes to yourself, Jeon. Your form looks sloppy, tch." Taehyung says, before continuing his stretches, deciding not to waste his energy on Jeongguk and their petty arguments.
***
Now Playing: Giselle, Act 2: No. 12 Ensemble Dance of the Wilis
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Ahn Joo-won then came and took his seat by the wall without saying a word. He just pointed his finger at each of them and flicked it towards the center— they knew what to do from there.
Almost half of their class are done performing a 2 minute routine from 'Giselle— dance of the willis'.
It's now Hobi's turn and everyone's eyes are on him at the center of the studio. Ahn Joo-won remained silent as he watched him go; moving his body as gracefully as ever, making Ahn Joo-won nod his head for the first time since he stepped inside and took his seat to observe their class.
He'll get a spot.— Everybody's sure about that now.
Jimin then followed; dancing as if he can control all his bones, bending and breaking them at will, then putting it back in place again. He moves like a puppet with himself as his own marionette— and that surely secured his spot with Hobi as well.
Then Ahn Joo-won pointed at Jeongguk who then took a deep breath, wearing a devil-may-care smirk on his face. The music played again as Jeongguk spread his arms wide, moving side to side. The muscles on his thighs contorts then bulges proudly against his skintight black leotards, toes popping up, raising him as if he's weightless before bringing him back on the ground. It's quite a sight to see— that is until he took a leap out of choreography, adding a jeté, then an assemblé before gracefully propelling himself into the air, appearing to do a full split whilst hovering above the ground for a moment, landing with a satisfied smile as he then presented himself again, toned chest puffed out proudly, and Taehyung swore he saw Ahn Joo-won crack a small smile, looking at the other side, hiding his expression at the back of his palm.— Shit.
Jeon Jeongguk surely ruined the choreography and shamelessly got away with it again.
"Surely, Mr. Han taught you 'Giselle'— what's your name again? Jeon Jeongguk-ssi?" Ahn Joo-won asked as soon as the music stopped.
"Indeed. Then again, you've been watching the same thing for like half an hour already, so I figured you must be getting bored— one has to step up, y'know?" Jeongguk says, casually dropping the formalities in his speech, and for some reason Ahn Joo-won doesn't seem to mind it.
"How gracious of you, then— now get on the back. Next." Ahn Joo-won says, pointing at Taehyung this time, signaling him to take his place at the center; so he did, taking a deep breath, Taehyung then stepped forward, walking past Jeongguk who's now returning at the back together with the rest of the class.
"Taehyung-ssi. It's been awhile... How's your mom?" Joo-won asks as Taehyung stood at the center like a proud spectacle.
"Fine as always, Mr. Ahn. She's just resting at home. If you have some time out of your busy schedule, I'm sure she'll appreciate a short visit from you." Taehyung says, smiling politely at the older man.
"Of course, I will. Your mom spoke highly of you by the way... Then— show me what you got, Taehyung-ssi. The floor is yours." Joo-won replies, snapping his fingers once to get the music to start. Only to snap it again, just when Taehyung's about to dance.
"I'm sorry?" Taehyung asks, a bit taken aback at being interrupted like that.
"Odile. Can you do 'Odile', Taehyung-ssi?" Ahn Joo-won asks, and if Taehyung was taken aback earlier, now he's beyond shocked.
"O-odile? But—.."
"Oh, I'm sorry. You must be surprised. Y'see because my flight got delayed yesterday, we're now a bit off schedule, so instead of shortlisting 8 of you today, I will now be picking the six whom we will be sending to compete at Dong-A... I have high expectations for you, Taehyung-ssi, and even though I fully respect your mom, I can't be biased. This surely proves that, don't you think?" Joo-won says, glancing at Mr. Han on his side, making the latter change the song for Taehyung's performance.
"Of course... Then, shall I begin?" Taehyung asks, heart pounding hard inside his chest, jaws clenched as he tries to remember the steps to one of the most complex ballet pieces.
*Now Playing: Odile *
Taehyung presented himself with his chin held up high, arms spread out like a pompous swan, closing his eyes to numb out all his senses. He then pictured himself dressed in black feathers, adorned by sparkling glitters and diamonds; lifting himself with his toes, defying gravity as he moved.
One. Two. Three.
One. Two. Three.
One. Two. Three.
Then he stopped counting, letting his own body take over his mind. Now dancing on full muscle memory, Taehyung allowed himself to go dark, all while pretending to be pure white. His movements then flowed freely, going clean and precise, lips involuntarily curling up to a smirk as he continued to dance with elegance and pride.
He hasn't practiced this routine for months, but it doesn't matter, for he's sure he has the steps all memorized. He then spun fast, barely even feeling the floor touching his toes as he covered the whole free space of the studio. Then he leaped, letting his arms serve as his wings— his soul; moving like a leaf floating freely on air; releasing a subtle breath upon landing again.
This is good. Everything's going well and perfect as it should. The song's about to end and Taehyung's getting ready to breathe freely again— that is until he felt a hand wrapped around his waist, making him open his eyes, shooting up a glare.— Hah! It's Jeon fucking Jeongguk again.
"Go on. I asked him to join." Ahn Joo-won simply says so Taehyung won't stop dancing until the music ends.
"Relax. I have no idea what I am doing here, actually. He just asked me to step in." Jeongguk whispers against Taehyung's ear as he guides the latter to another spin.
"You better not mess this up. I don't have any room to cater your fancy tricks, Jeon.— Stick to the damn dance." Taehyung whispers back, gritting his teeth as he speaks.
"Mhm... I'll try— but no promises, okay?" Jeongguk cheekily says, as he spun on his side, letting go of Taehyung's hand, launching him to do his part.
No. No. No. This cannot be happening to him right now. Everything's going smooth so far, so why does it have to be Jeongguk, when the latter played a mere role of a guard the last time they performed Swan lake back in 10 grade. He was a guard— and this damn fucker even messed it up.
But the show must go on. Taehyung only has to endure a few more seconds of Jeongguk being around before he reaches the end of his two minute mark.
"Shit." Taehyung hissed, for here comes probably the most difficult part of this routine.
"Go for it." Jeongguk then says, raising a brow and nodding his head, signaling Taehyung to do his fouettés that takes 32 counts of music.
"Stay fucking still, Jeon. I'm warning you." Taehyung says, taking another deep breath before starting to turn, going one after another in a clean circle around the wooden floors.
25. 26. 27. 28. Taehyung cracks a smile, for things are finally about to be done. 30. 31. 32— Taehyung then gasped, when Jeongguk suddenly caught him by the waist, raising him up to a quick straight lift (totally not in the choreography by the way), then guiding him down, forcing Taehyung to immediately improvise, bending his whole torso back that his hands are almost touching the ground while Jeongguk held him tight, bringing him back up just in time as the music comes to a complete stop.
"Pretty. Good job, Odile." Jeongguk whispers to him with a smug smile on his lips, arms still wrapped around Taehyung's waist, both of them staring at each other's faces while catching their breaths.
"Fuck you... I told you—.."
"Nice! Very nice! Well, it's not perfect, but for an impromptu performance, you two really did the job. Now, you—.." Ahn Joo-won says, getting on his feet before pointing at Hobi on the side, while Taehyung and Jeongguk breaks apart, now standing side by side. "And you. You. You, join Jeongguk and Taehyung in the middle, please." Joo-won continued, pointing at Jimin, Myōi Mina and Yu Aeri this time, thus completing the six, before Taehyung could even speak.
"Jung Hoseok and Myōi Mina, for pair classical. Park Jimin for male solo contemporary. Yu Aeri, female solo classical— finally you two, Jeon Jeongguk and Kim Taehyung... Our last pair for modern contemporary. The rest of the categories are already filled up by the seniors, so I guess that's a wrap?" Ahn Joo- Won says, making Taehyung glance on his side, now meeting Jeongguk's gaze, with an equally shocked expression as his on his face.
Fuck.
🔸🔸🔸
"No, I'm not saying that I'll withdraw my position, Ms. All I'm asking is for you to reconsider my partner! Seriously? Jeon Jeongguk? Why can't it be Jimin? Or Hobi? Or even Mina, I can work with her— but Jeongguk?! Hah... It won't work, Ms. The chemistry's just not there... I—"
"Believe me, it will work, Taehyung-ssi. Jeongguk's a wonderful dancer, and so are you. We need to give them something fresh; something new— something that they haven't seen before, so I strongly believe that your dynamics will bring us the gold." Shin Hana, director of Kyung-Hee's School of Dance says, when Taehyung barged in her office to express his dismay at being partnered with Jeongguk for the upcoming Dong-A dance competition.
"Fine, I get the fresh and new part— that is if you want us— ME in particular to look like a fool for everyone to see! It's modern contemporary for god's sake, Ms.! Not even classical ballet could tame Jeon Jeongguk! Then you're gonna let him dance modern? You're basically giving him crack when he's already so high up with his head in his ass!"
"Language, Taehyung-ssi. Ahn Joo-won already made his pick, and I stand with him on this. It's final. Whether it's you two or none of you. Now, excuse me. I have a meeting." The director says, getting up on her chair, patting Taehyung by the shoulder before walking out and away.
"Oh god, have mercy on me..." Taehyung sighed deeply in defeat. He's been waiting a long time to compete at Dong-A, now the same competition might really be causing him his whole career.
***
"So? How was it? Have you convinced her to reconsider?" Taehyung's eyes then shot up to a glare as soon as he stepped inside his room and found Jeongguk here with both Hobi and Jimin.
"You! This is all your fault! If you hadn't joined my swan lake earlier, then Ahn Joo-won wouldn't even dare think that it's a good idea to pair us both! Now— now I'm gonna be ruined, all because of you, you dumb fucker!" Taehyung hissed, lashing out at Jeongguk, charging forward to go for a punch, only for Jimin to hold him back.
"Tae! Calm down-.."
"Hah! How was it my fault when Ahn Joo-won was the one who asked me to join?! I just complied like the good guy that I am! Who knows, if I hadn't, then maybe your performance must've bored him to death?!" Jeongguk retaliates, pissing off Taehyung more that the latter squirms out of Jimin's hold, now tackling him to the floor, straddling his waist, fists hovering over his face.
"Tae!" Jimin exclaims, holding both of Taehyung's wrists up, for if he doesn't, it really looks like they'll be cleaning a dead body by the end of the day.
"Stop it, you two!" Hobi then joined in, crouching down to grab both of Jeongguk's arms in case the latter decides to fight back.
Jeongguk then tried to shake off Hobi's hold on him, looking so angry as well, but then he met Taehyung's gaze and saw something else.
Something that's not just anger.
Something like fear.
Taehyung looks like he's afraid of him.
"Jimin let go! I really can't stand this fucker!" Taehyung continued to lash out, thrashing all angry at Jeongguk who managed to pull his arms out of Hobi's hold, hands circling around Taehyung's waist as he sat up, keeping Taehyung locked in his arms.
"Just so you know, I can't fucking stand you too— but calm down... I won silver at the junior division of KIBC two years ago, second to you who won the gold. Won bronze at the grand prix back in highschool while you took home the silver.— I got silver again at SIDC back when we're fifteen while you won the gold. Do you get my point Kim Taehyung?" Jeongguk pauses as he removes his hand off of Taehyung's waist, reaching up to cup the latter's face. "D'you get the fucking point?— If there's anyone here who can definitely keep up with you, then it's me... I hate you too, but I want that gold— and I know that you want it too. So it's either you suck it up and stick with me, or drop out. Pick a side. Y'know I'll be fine with anyone and anything." Jeongguk says, eyes glaring mad, gritting his teeth as he speaks; and with their position, Taehyung could feel his rapid heart beat.
"Drop out? Are you fucking crazy?! My mom's judging at Dong-A! Do you really think I can afford to back out?!" Taehyung asks, still yelling in heavy takes of breath, now grabbing Jeongguk by the collar; completely oblivious to the fact that both Jimin and Hobi's now just standing there at the sides.
"H-hah... Then it's settled.— Truce, princess. You're stuck with me now." Jeongguk says, huffing out a lungful of air, leaning close to Taehyung's face; smirking as he pushes a tongue on his cheek, completely ignoring their proximity.
"Fucking hell, you two. Tch, just kiss and make up you will ya?" The two then immediately break apart at the sound of Hobi's exhausted groan; while Jimin laughed, collapsing dramatically on the floor, reminding Taehyung and Jeongguk of their rather awkward position.
"Shit! G-get off me, fucker!" Taehyung hissed, pushing Jeongguk back as he stood up.
"Says you?! You're the one who jumped on me, princess—.."
"Woah, woah. Don't start again, alright? C'mon Guk. Let it go... We all had a long day. Give it a rest, yeah?" Hobi says, helping Jeongguk up as the latter brush the non existent dust off his shirt, watching as Jimin wraps his arms around Taehyung's frame in case Taehyung flicks and attacks him again.
"What?" Jeongguk smugly asks, since Taehyung's still glaring sharply at him as if thinking of a hundred ways to kill him without saying anything.
"Hobs, take that shit away, please. I can't fucking breath with him being here." Taehyung says, removing Jimin's hold on him as he turns away, walking towards the bathroom, slamming the door close, which made both Jimin and Hobi sigh in relief.
"Shit?! Me?! You're the shit!" Jeongguk says with an audible scoff, offended at the tone Taehyung used.
"No, you are!" Taehyung says, head peeking behind the bathroom door.
"Stop. Stop. Stop. C'mon Guk... See you tomorrow, Chim— Tae... G'night." Hobi says dragging Jeongguk out of the room, while the latter keeps on making faces at Taehyung.
"Oh god... You two, really." Jimin says, collapsing back on the floor, breathing freely now that the commotion is finally over, while Taehyung once again slammed the bathroom door shut.
"Fuck." Taehyung mumbled under his breath, sliding down on the floor, leaning the back of his head against the door.
***
"Seriously, Guk? D'you really had to say all that?" Hobi asks, plopping down on the small couch as soon as they step inside his and Jeongguk's shared room.
"What? I got him to shut up, didn't I? Besides, he's the one who attacked me first. I still don't get what his problem is with me.— Does he like me or something?" Jeongguk ays, shrugging as he takes a seat beside Hobi.
"Hah, like you? I'm pretty sure that Tae was about to kill you there, Guk... Look, there's just no way you're not aware that Taehyung already hates your guts, so why do you keep on pissing him off?" Hobi says in a matter-of-fact tone, recalling how Jeongguk just called Taehyung's performance boring for Ahn Joo-won.
"As if he can kill me. Tch, with arms like that? There's just no way that he could beat me—.."
"He always beats you though?" Hobi says again, cutting Jeongguk off, making the latter breathe out a scoff.
"In a fight, dumbass! I'm not talking about dancing this time!"
"Tch, as if anyone in their right mind would dare take you on a one- on -one fight—"
"Damn Kim Taehyung, did! Ugh... I feel like my back's gonna bruise." Jeongguk says as he massages his shoulders.
"*Sigh* Seriously though, do you think you two can work together? I haven't seen you interacting with each other since like what? 6th or 7th grade?— Peacefully, I mean. So why did you do it? Ahn Joo-won didn't ask you to step in— you basically volunteered." Hobi asks, eyes laced with concern this time; knowing full well what the Dong-A dance competition means not only for Taehyung but also for Jeongguk— well, it means a hell lot for all of them here, actually.
"Well, let's just say that I've got scores to settle, Hobs... So I'll do my best. I always do, anyway." Jeongguk says, breathing in deeply, wearing a determined look on his face.
***
The water then keeps on running in the sink as Taehyung stares at his own reflection in his bathroom mirror. Jimin tried to check on him twice already since Hobi and Jeongguk left, but Taehyung still can't seem to calm down— still can't steady his breath.
It has been decided for months already that Taehyung's mother, Kim Eun-hee will be one of the judges for the Dong-A dance competition this year, and since then Taehyung made it his goal to finally show her that he's worthy of her recognition— but now because of Jeon Jeongguk, Taehyung's position is definitely in danger.
Don't get him wrong, he's not doubting Jeongguk's talent. He knows that Jeongguk has the ability to perform. Yes, he can, maybe just not with him.— Seriously, him and Jeongguk? They surely mix like oil and water, so no way.
Their styles are the polar opposite of each other. If anything, modern contemporary may be right into Jeongguk's alley more than Taehyung's. Truth be told, that alone is enough to make Taehyung feel nervous; not to mention the fact that they both hate each other's guts, so right now Taehyung doesn't know if he could even face his mother during the competition.
'm-mom it hurts. I don't think I can dance anymore... My feet really hurt.' Taehyung could still remember when he told his mom these exact words— and he could still vividly remember how she looked at him after. He could still remember the disappointment that's evident in her sharp eyes— the way she balled her fists on her sides, and from there Taehyung could still recall how shamed and vulnerable he felt under his own mother's gaze at that time.
'So you'll quit just because it hurts a little? I didn't know I raised a failure in my house... What a shame.' She said before she walked away; and Taehyung knew at that moment it wasn't his mom that was speaking to him, but Kim Eun-hee; the ballerina talking—not to her son, but to a mere apprentice.
To her, that's all Taehyung is.
"Three rounds... I just need to make it to the finals. I don't even have to win the gold.— I can do this. I won't fail.— I won't. I promise." Taehyung says to himself, feeling the pressure suck him whole.
***
They have roughly around 3 months to prepare for the Dong-A dance competition. 3 months to master a new choreography and execute it well enough to be worthy of any recognition. That should be easy for anyone in their class, especially since they have both Jimin and Hobi to help them with their choreography; then again, dancing is one thing— building a chemistry with someone whom you don't get along well with is another story.
But Taehyung isn't a quitter, and he most certainly won't let his mother call him a failure.
"Fine. I'll dance with you, Jeon Jeongguk." Taehyung says, now back here in studio C with Jeongguk, first thing in the morning.
"Great. Should I say it's an honor, then?" Jeongguk asks, extending his hand out towards Taehyung.
"Yeah, you better." Taehyung says, eyes still glaring sharp as he finally shakes Jeongguk's hand, only for the latter to bow rather dramatically in front of him, taking his hand and placing a soft kiss at the back of his palm; wearing a mocking look on his face.
"Fuck you, asshole." Taehyung hisses, gritting his teeth as he speaks. Still, he did not pull his hand back— he'll have to endure it, for now.
"Mhm. Ditto." Jeongguk says, with a smirk curling up on his lips.
Ceasefire.
🔸🔸🔸
Shakespeare once said that all the world's a stage; and even as a child, without knowing the full context, Taehyung believed that anyway.
Every day since he first learned how to walk and talk, he knew he had to act in a certain kind of way. Their mother would often bring him and his brother Seokjin to parties, dinners and galas where they would have to clean and dress up nicely— act nicely, talk nicely towards each stranger their mother introduces them to; while he often hear those people tell their mom how sure they were that her kids will be the future of ballet soon.
Taehyung cannot really remember the exact time when it actually started, but he knew he didn't need to be told. He is going to be a dancer, and soon he and his brother will be taking their mother's role, but at some point, Seokjin made a turn and left them both— both Taehyung, their mother and ballet all together.
Seokjin had told Taehyung countless times already that he does not fancy dancing as much as Taehyung and their mom, and that he wanted to be somebody else— someone who isn't walking, following someone else's shadows. Taehyung got the gist of it, but he never really understood what made Jin want it— freedom, that is.
He doesn't understand, because for Taehyung, dancing and freedom are basically the same thing.
Every time he dances, Taehyung feels like he has no control of anything— he lets everything go. His body takes over his soul; then his mind goes blank; the demons that keep on screaming at the back of his head calm down. Everything goes silent and at peace— and that is freedom for him.
So why does he feel constricted now when he's just supposed to dance as usual?
...
"No. I won't dance to that song, Jeon. It's for Dong-A and you want what?— Fucking W.A.P?!" Taehyung says, groaning all frustrated, declining the nth song that Jeongguk has suggested for their first performance.
"What's wrong with it? It's fun! I bet no one has seen anyone dance ballet with that song in the background?! C'mon, it's modern contemporary in case you have forgotten already! Give Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky a rest, for god's sake!" Jeongguk says, getting on his feet, ruffling his own hair, feeling frustrated as well after getting his ideas be rejected for like 5 times in a row in just one sitting.
"So?! It's about the dance, not the song! You know I'm more comfortable dancing along with the classics. Besides, what do you want us to do?— Twerk?!" Taehyung says, still refusing to back down.
"If it suits the choreography, then why not?! Y'see, that's the problem with you—.."
"Shut it! The problem is, you two just can't back down and compromise!" Hobi says, getting in between the two who are about to get into another heated conversation. "Tae, you want to go with the classics, am I right?" Hobi says again, turning towards Taehyung this time.
"Y-yes." Taehyung says, a bit taken aback since he rarely sees Hobi get riled up like this.
"Then no. I mean, sans any bias, Jeongguk has a point. Your entry will be for the modern contemporary division, Tae. It's about time you step up and out of your comfort zone for once. You said it yourself, ballet is about the dance, not the song; but still you can't possibly choose an 1800 song when the category is modern, right?" Hobi says, making Jeongguk grin proudly, thinking that he already won; only for him to take it back when Hobi turned towards him with the same frown he gave to Taehyung.
"W-what?" Jeongguk asks, raising both his hands up, feigning surrender as he steps back.
"You! Can you be serious for once? If you wanna suggest something, then can't you pick a song that isn't about sex, drugs or gambling?! Damn! Your song choices fucking suck, Guk! You surely know better, right?" Hobi says, now making Taehyung smirk on the side, glaring mockingly at Jeongguk who just subtly raised his middle finger at him to fight back.
"*Sigh* Let's just meet in the middle, alright? Ahn Joo-won asked us to choose three songs for our own performances, probably to have an idea what kind of music we want to dance to— so here." Hobi says, pausing as he sends both Taehyung and Jeongguk his playlist from his phone. "Guk, sleep in Tae's room, Jimin will stay with me tonight." Hobi says again, making both Taehyung's and Jeongguk"s eyes turn wide.
"What?!"
"What?!" Both of them exclaims at the same time.
"In case you have forgotten already, Jimin and I have our own performances to think about, and we can't possibly focus on that while you two keep on trying to kill each other at the same time... I sent you my playlist. I don't care if you take all night, but make sure to decide on something by tomorrow morning. Tae, please pick something within our generation, and Guk, pick something decent, please.— Now, shoo. Both of you. I'll be calling Mina over since she's my partner and we don't want to traumatize the poor girl, right?— Good luck. Bye." Hobi says, as he and Jimin push both Taehyung and Jeongguk outside of the latter's room; locking it close before the two could even dare refuse.
"Park Jimin!"
"Fuck, Hobs! Open up!" Both Taehyung and Jeongguk yell as they bang on the door, going at it for around a minute before realizing that Hobi has no plans of letting them back in anymore.
"Fuck!" Jeongguk hissed, slamming his fist against the door again before stepping back, running his fingers over his hair, trying to calm himself.
"Shit... I can't believe this is happening right now." Taehyung then breathes out a groan, now leaning all defeated against the wall.
"Now what?" Jeongguk turns to Taehyung this time.
"You heard him. So unless you wanna stand here and punch the door all night like the barbarian that you are, then follow me." Taehyung says before walking away, ignoring Jeongguk's not so silent protests and snide remarks.
...
"Are they gonna be okay?" Jimin asks, when he notices that the commotion outside has died down.
"They're not babies anymore, Chim. They're basically professionals at this point. They'll know what to do." Hobi says, letting himself collapse on his bed, feeling exhausted after dealing with both Taehyung and Jeongguk's shit the whole day.
***
"You're seriously considering this, huh?— Me? Sleeping here? With you? All night?" Jeongguk asks as soon as they step inside Taehyung's room.
"Ugh... Can you stop making everything sound so stupid and sexual? Aren't you the one who's been acting so high and mighty by agreeing to be my dance partner? So why are you complaining now?" Taehyung asks, huffing all annoyed as he grabs his bluetooth speakers, connecting it to his phone.
"Who says I'm complaining?— Well, maybe I am? I mean, who knows if you have plans of killing me in my sleep?" Jeongguk says again, backing out a bit as Taehyung suddenly walks towards him.
"Believe me, Jeon. If I really want to get rid of you, then I'll make sure to execute it when you're wide awake so you would feel everything while I cut you... Now, take this and play a damn song." Taehyung says, pushing his own phone against Jeongguk's chest before taking a seat on the couch, while Jeongguk breathes out an audible scoff, sitting as well as he scrolls through Taehyung's phone.
...
It was said that contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation. It's the type of dance where the dancers could explore the freedom of their movements; letting their own bodies express their feelings to tell a story. Now Taehyung and Jeongguk need to find songs where they could fully maximize their potential as dancers without sacrificing the technique and without sullying what contemporary dance means.
If you'd ask Taehyung, of course he'll pick classical ballet in a heartbeat, but he knows why Ahn Joo-won put him in the modern contemporary division. His mother will be one of the judges in classical this season, so naturally, Taehyung cannot be in the same category because she's his family. Though, honestly speaking, people just don't know that his mother will never dare think of being biased towards him and if anything, Kim Eun-hee might be more critical when it comes to his own son's way of dancing.
That's why Taehyung's eager to win. Kim Eun-hee might not be judging in the category that he's in; but still, she'll be there. She'll see him dance in front of an audience for the first time in years.
With Jeongguk being his partner, Taehyung already accepted the fact that he might not get the gold, but silver sounds good. Surely, he won't get praised by his mother if he doesn't come in first, but if he wins second or third at least, she won't be too disappointed either.
'Just until finals.' That is Taehyung's new goal.
***
"No. Not that one— next. Next... Nope... Next, Next... No, that's too bland. Next—.."
"Seriously, Tae? It's now 2 in the fucking morning and we still haven't selected a song. *Sigh* At this point, I won't even argue. Just pick what you like. I don't care." Jeongguk says, cutting Taehyung off as they go through every song in Hobi's playlist.
It's been hours already since they sat in peace; playing random songs to get the vibes of it, but still Taehyung cannot see himself dancing to any of it.
"I... I can't." Taehyung mumbled under his breath. He won't admit this out loud, but he kinda feels a bit guilty, seeing the dark bags that are now evident under Jeongguk's eyes.
"God! What do you mean, you can't?! Can't what, exactly?!" Jeongguk breathes out another groan. He's already feeling sleepy and tired from dancing all day, making him unable to deal with Taehyung's indecisiveness.
"I don't have any experience in modern contemporary, Jeongguk.— I don't know what to do." Taehyung admits as he releases a deep sigh.
"Huh?! You're kidding me, right?" Jeongguk asks, scoffing in disbelief at Taehyung who just looked away from him.
"Do I look like I'm joking?— That's it... I'm screwed-.."
"Hah!"
"Yes, I'm really screwed... I was hoping to be paired up with Jimin or Hobi, since I know they can help me... But look who's my partner now? Fuck this, really." Taehyung groans, leaning his head back as he massages the bridge of his nose.
"Tch. You're underestimating me too much, princess.— Just sleep. You'll have your songs by tomorrow morning." Jeongguk says, clenching his jaws as he speaks. He doesn't understand why, but he feels annoyed for some reason.
Taehyung has always been so pompous and proud, so hearing him admit his flaws and what he's lacking, feels a little bit off for Jeongguk.
It doesn't sound right.
doesn't look right.
No, it most certainly doesn't feel right.
"And what? Let you make a fool out of me by your ridiculous songs? Give me a break, Jeon and just play— mmph... What the fuck?!" Taehyung then hisses when Jeongguk suddenly shoves his palm over his face, pushing him down on the couch before throwing a pillow at him.
"I said sleep. I know you have no time to pay attention to me, but newsflash— I've been dancing modern contemporary longer than both Jimin and Hobi. That's basically my forte before Ms. Shin insisted that I focus on classical. Trust me for once, yeah? I won't fuck myself over because of you." Jeongguk says; speaking a bit more firmly this time, because it's the truth. Whether he likes it or not, Taehyung is his partner now, so if he goes down, Jeongguk will go down with him for sure.
"Trust you, huh? You wish... But fine, I'll take a nap. I seriously can't tolerate you right now." Taehyung says, throwing the pillow back at Jeongguk's face as he gets up, heading towards his bed, tucking himself under the blankets.
"Tch. Yeah, yeah... Whatever. G'night, princess." Jeongguk says, taking his earbuds from his pockets before going through the whole playlist again.
***
For someone who isn't comfortable with having somebody else in his room beside his roommate and best friend, Jimin; Taehyung surely slept rather comfortably.— That is until his alarm went off, making his eyes shoot open and saw Jeongguk sleeping soundly beside him; arms around his waist, face less than an inch away from his, snoring with his morning breath hitting Taehyung's skin.
"Oh god, fuck!" Taehyung groans, pushing his whole palm on Jeongguk's face, making the latter fall out of bed, jolting up with a horror filled expression on his face.
"W-what? What happened?!" Jeongguk asks, waking up on pure adrenaline, posing like damn Bruce Lee that's ready to attack his enemies, before realizing that he isn't in his room and that there's another person here with him.
"Ugh... What the hell is your problem now, Taehyung?!" Jeongguk asks, clearly annoyed at being woken up harshly, glaring at Taehyung who's looking at him with a disgusted look on his face.
"Who the fuck told you to sleep with me?!" Taehyung asks, pulling the blankets over his chest as if he isn't fully clothed underneath.
"Sleep with you?!— Hah! Excuse me, I did not?! I slept beside you, not with you! Mind the difference there, you're giving me a fright!" Jeongguk says as he angrily picks up his shirt from the floor; making Taehyung breathe out another offended scoff. "See? You even took off your shirt! Pervert." Taehyung says again while Jeongguk lazily rolls his eyes at him as he gets dressed.
"T'was hot! And just so you know, I did not want to sleep in your bed, alright? I was planning to wake you up and let you hear the songs I've picked, but then I fell asleep.— Why? Because I was tired, okay? I stayed up late, unlike someone here who slept early." Jeongguk says with a mocking tone as he tossed Taehyung's phone towards its owner.
"Check it. I made another playlist. You can add or change some later if you want. Ahn Joo-won said that we should give him at least three, he never told us that it'll be our final pick." Jeongguk says, now walking towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Taehyung asks, stopping Jeongguk from his tracks.
"Tch, don't be clingy, princess. I need to take a shower. See you at the studio in about half an hour." Jeongguk says, smirking rather menacingly at Taehyung before heading out.
"Hah... Asshole." Taehyung says, rolling his eyes at his now closed door, before plopping back on the bed again.
***
It's now 10 in the morning and both Taehyung and Jeongguk are here in studio C again together with the rest of their class, while Ahn Joo-won reviews the songs they have submitted so far.
"How's the songs? Did you listen to it?" Jeongguk whispers as he nudges Taehyung on his side.
"Yeah... I did. T'was fine." Taehyung flatly says, and it's true. Jeongguk really picked some decent songs to dance to this time.
"Mhm, see? Do you trust me now?" Jeongguk asks, and judging by the look on his face, Taehyung could clearly see that his chest's swelling with pride.
"Don't let it get to your head. It's about the songs you picked; dancing with you is a different story." Taehyung says, making Jeongguk scrunch his nose in annoyance before turning towards the center of the studio where Ahn Joo-won is.
"Hmm... Alright. I get it now." Ahn Joo-won says, flicking his wrists towards the side of the studio, signaling the Dong-A participants to line up; so they did.
"Jimin and Aeri, stay here in studio C. Hoseok and Mina, take studio A; Taehyung and Jeongguk, you two in studio B. I'll meet you there in a bit.— Now scram." Ahn Joo-won says again, making the dancers glance into each other in slight confusion before doing what he just said.
...
"Now what?" Jeongguk says, dropping his bags on the floor when he and Taehyung arrived at studio B as per Ahn Joo-Won's instruction.
"Now, we wait." Taehyung nonchalantly says. He already saw his mother do this to her past apprentices; isolating them in a room where they could focus on their routine until they're worthy to be seen. So he isn't really that surprised that Ahn Joo-won adapted this.
For Kim Eun-hee, no one should see the ugly parts of dancing. No one should see the struggle of learning a new routine. A dancer must always be flawless in front of the audience— yes, that's what she said, and that made Taehyung believe in the same thing.
"Did he come up with a choreography already? Is he gonna teach us that? Like right now?" Jeongguk asks, completely clueless as to what will happen. During their past performances, whether it's a solo, group or duet, their previous dance instructors usually have them watch a couple of videos for inspiration, then go from there— and usually they do it after hearing the whole class's opinion. After all, their win will be another trophy added to their school's prestige, so being isolated here with his partner is totally a new experience for Jeongguk.
"Who knows? But what I do know is that we'll be spending the next 3 months training here. Away from the others, that is." Taehyung says, dropping his things as he sits on the floor, staring at Jeongguk before sighing in defeat.
"What?" Jeongguk asks in total disbelief.
"You heard me. Besides, didn't you say it yourself? Now, I'll say it back... Suck it up, Jeon. You're stuck with me." Taehyung says, using Jeongguk's own words against the latter.
***
After exactly 15 minutes, Ahn Joo-won arrived at studio B while Taehyung and Jeongguk stood all silent in front of him.
"You, what's your weight?" Joo-won asks, pointing at Jeongguk with the pen that he's holding.
"Around 70 kg, I guess?" Jeongguk says. He hasn't checked on his weight lately, but knowing his own body, he never really weighed higher than 70.
"Good. And Taehyung, how about you?" Joo-won asks again, turning towards Taehyung this time.
"Me? Uhm... I— maybe around 66." Taehyung says, avoiding the older dancer's gaze with his fists balled tightly on his sides; something that Jeongguk didn't fail to notice, without understanding what it means.
"Hmm, I see. So I guess that settles who will be lifting who." Joo-won says, writing down something on that little notebook he's holding; while Taehyung feels his blood be drained off of his face. Sure, if he swallows a bit of his pride, dancing with Jeongguk might really be possible, but letting the latter lift him again after his failed attempt before is a different thing.
He can't and most certainly won't do it.
He can't take a risk like that again.
"No! I can lift him. I maybe lighter, but I swear I can manage. I can do the lifting, sir." Taehyung firmly says, making Jeongguk furrow his brows at both Taehyung and Ahn Joo-won.
"No you can't?" Jeongguk butts in, with an 'are you serious?' look, written all over his face.
"Yes I can! C'mere." Taehyung said in panic as he moved towards Jeongguk's back, slightly bending his knees down before wrapping both of his arms around Jeongguk's waist; face turning red as he tried to lift him up— instantly failing on his first attempt.
"See?"
"Shut up."
"Oh god. Fine, do what you want." Jeongguk says, scratching the back of his ears; letting Taehyung try again. He held him tighter this time, grunting as he pulled out every fiber of strength that he had left, now managing to lift Jeongguk up, with the latter's feet floating awkwardly, barely an inch from the floor.
"*Sigh* stop, stop. I've seen enough, Taehyung. Thank you." Ahn Joo-won says, shaking his head as he speaks, making Taehyung rush towards him, instinctively grabbing the man's arm to plead.
"I did it. I lifted him up. Please... Just let me do the lifting, okay—.."
"Fish dive, grand jeté, overhead. Are you sure you can do those without injuring your fellow dancer?" Joo-won asks, cutting Taehyung off, which made Taehyung shoot a glare at Jeongguk.
"I'm sure I can learn it! Look, I know this sounds silly, but I seriously can't trust this guy! He injured me—.."
"Oh, not that again! We were 12, Taehyung! I made a mistake-"
"And you never apologized for it! You never said sorry to me!" Taehyung lashes out, charging towards Jeongguk with his angry eyes, digging his index finger against the latter's chest.
"Woah, woah. Cut it out you two! I didn't come all the way here just to watch you guys act like damn kids!— Lift him, Jeongguk. Nothing fancy, just your good 'ol arabesque press lift, then finish it with a fish. " Joo-won says, watching as Taehyung and Jeongguk stare at each other, with Taehyung shaking his head, looking so terrified and lost.
"Jeon Jeongguk, I... I swear to god." Taehyung says, voice trembling as he speaks, sweat dripping on his back as he moved away in cold feet— only for Jeongguk to pull him by the hand, then he placed both his palms on Taehyung's shoulders, holding him still as he looked at him straight in the eyes.
"Leave if you really don't want this. I'll count to three, princess." Jeongguk whispers under his breath, feeling his own guilt swallow him whole, because for the first time since it happened, he's seeing the fear in Taehyung's eyes, due to the accident his one clumsy mistake caused.
"I don't want to quit... I—"
"One."
"Fuck..."
"Two." Jeongguk continued to count, still not breaking their eye contact.
'So you'll quit just because it hurts a little? I didn't know I raised a failure in my house... What a shame.'
'You're supposed to be perfect.'
His mother's own words then ring inside of Taehyung's head as he then releases a deep breath. Jeongguk's still looking at him with such determination; once again luring him to believe in those dark doe eyes, and Taehyung should know better. He should've already learned his lesson, but he already came this far.
He still can't trust Jeongguk, but he also can't afford to quit and back down.
"Oh god..." Taehyung then relents, taking another deep breath, before he steps back, lifting one leg up, holding his center strong in a pique, first arabesque position; while Jeongguk supports him by holding his hand; like how it's usually done in grand pas de deux.
'Just so you wait... I got you, Kim Taehyung.' Jeongguk says to himself, determined to prove himself.
"Three." Jeongguk says, letting go of Taehyung's hand once he felt that the latter's already on his balance. Then he moved towards Taehyung's back, bending his knees as he held Taehyung under his rib cage with one hand, then on his inner thigh with the other. "Close your eyes... I promise I won't drop you this time." Jeongguk says, before lifting Taehyung up over his head— and from there, Taehyung then held his breath.
"They say that dancers don't need wings to fly... Lucky for you, you have me... I'll make you fly.— Open your eyes, princess." Jeongguk says with a proud smile, lifting Taehyung up with much ease than the last time when he failed at doing just this.
"O-oh, fuck." Taehyung then curses out loud, heart pounding fast inside his chest upon seeing himself floating less than a few feet away from the ceiling. It's been a while since he felt like flying this high, he almost forgot about it— but he's here again now, feeling the cold air coming from the open windows of the room that they're in hit his skin. Then he gasped as Jeongguk tossed him up, catching him perfectly on time, finishing it up in a beautiful fish dive position that Taehyung acted on, moving his arms and hands as gracefully as ever, impressing Ahn Joo-won who's watching them with a satisfied smile.
"See? I caught you this time." Jeongguk says as he brings Taehyung down, feet now steady on the cold ground— and for some odd reason, Taehyung suddenly thinks that maybe it's fine to put his trust again on this man.
"Yeah... And you better do it all the time." Taehyung says, before tearing his gaze off of Jeongguk, as they both turn to face Ahn Joo-won.
"Well, that's more like it. Now we can start." Joo-won says, marking the beginning of Taehyung and Jeongguk's official training as partners for the upcoming dance competition.
...