Chapter Text
Jimin stood in the middle of the floor, sneakers planted, shoulders loose, eyes focused on the mirror as he counted under his breath. The kids filtered in slowly—some early, some late, some pretending not to be nervous. Jungkook arrived first, as usual, energy already buzzing under his skin. He dropped his bag and immediately started stretching like his life depended on it.
“Easy,” Hoseok laughed, clapping once. “We’re not performing for Beyoncé.”
“Yet,” Jungkook shot back, grinning.
Jimin smiled, adjusting the speaker. He loved this part of the day—the before. Before the music, before the movement, before the world outside crept back in.
The door opened again.
Taehyung bounded inside, followed by two men. One tall, broad-shouldered, with an air of calm authority. The other dressed head-to-toe in black, hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie, eyes sharp and observant beneath the brim of his cap.
“I told you, it’s not that impressive-,” Taehyung said loudly, then spotted Jimin and broke into a grin. “Jimin!”
Jimin smiled easily. “Hey Tae! Did you bring more dancers for me?”
Taehyung threw an arm around the taller man’s shoulders and laughed shortly. “Absolutely not, these boys aren’t made for the way of dance. This is my brother, Namjoon. And this is Yoongi-hyung.”
Namjoon and Yoongi nodded politely at Jimin.
Jimin smiled bright. “Nice to meet you guys!”
“We were around the corner when we ran into Tae,” Namjoon said easily. “Tae mention you teach here?”
“I do,” Jimin replied, “I teach dance to anyone willing to come and learn!”
Taehyung leaned closer, stage-whispering. “They’re not dancers.”
“That’s okay! Everyone learns somewhere,” Jimin winked.
“Unfortunately, I will not be learning today,” Namjoon sighed.
“Or any day,” Yoongi said.
Jimin laughed brightly. “And that’s okay too! You guys are free to hop in the back or watch from the side!” Then he turned back to the kids and clapped his hands. “Alright, class. Warm-ups.”
The music started. Jimin focused forward, on the beat, on the bodies moving behind him. Yoongi didn’t know much about dance, but he had to admit there was something about Jimin that pulled him in. He couldn’t take his eyes away.
Jimin moved like he belonged to the sound. Like the music was something he carried around inside him and let out only when it was safe.
Yoongi leaned against the wall, arms crossed, face carefully neutral, watching…
Cute, his brain supplied, unhelpfully.
Annoying.
After class, the room buzzed with noise. Jungkook practiced spins in the corner. Hoseok corrected him gently. Taehyung hovered nearby, pretending to care about practicing while very obviously watching Jungkook.
“You’re staring,” Jungkook muttered, cheeks already pink.
Taehyung smiled, slow and confident. “I know.”
Jungkook nearly tripped over his own feet.
Jimin laughed, shaking his head, then turned to find Namjoon and Yoongi, thanking them for not leaving despite not dancing. Yoongi stood a little to the side, hands carefully still in his pockets.
“Good class,” Yoongi said suddenly.
Jimin looked at him with an easy smile. “Thanks.”
Their eyes met—briefly. That was it. Nothing else.
Still, Jimin felt it linger.
Hobi bounded over with Taehyung and Jungkook following closely behind. “Did you guys enjoy?”, he asked.
“Yeah.” Yoongi and Namjoon shrugged at the same time. “It’s just not really our thing.”
“But you guys are still good,” Namjoon complimented. “I don’t know anything about dance, but you guys looked super cool.”
“Aww, thanks hyunggg,” Taehyung whined with a grin, wrapping Namjoon in a hug. Namjoon chuckled while patting Taehyung’s back.
“Do you guys want to go get something to drink? I think there’s a bar nearby.” Jungkook asked.
“There’s always bars nearby.” Taehyung rolled his eyes.
“True.” Jimin laughed gently. “Sorry ggukie, I need to go get ready for work.”
“Where you gonna work now?” Hoseok asked.
“At some bar around here. It’s my first day tonight, I don’t wanna leave a bad impression by being late.” Jimin responded.
“Hey, me and Yoongi were just heading to his work too. He works as a bartender at a place down the street. You guys can come with us, I don’t work there so I’ll be drinking too.” Namjoon said.
“Cool!” Jungkook said. “Can you text Tae the address, I want to go shower and change if we’re gonna go clubbing!”
“Me too!”, Hobi’s voice rang out. “Need to make sure I’m the best dressed there,” he laughed.
“Oh honey, no one’s gonna be better dressed than me,” Taehyung replied with a sly smile.
“Well you guys have fun,” Jimin grinned.
“C’mon bestie, lets go get dressed up in our sluttiest outfits.” Tae pulled Jimin towards the door.
“Tae! I’m gonna be working!” Jimin laughed.
“Doesn’t mean you can’t look hot. Plus, extra tips,” he winked.
“Bye Jiminie!” Hobi waved, “text me the address later Tae!”
“I will!” Tae called out without looking back.
Jimin laughed and waved goodbye.