Chapter Text
Year - 2008
“Min Sung-Mi, can you see me in my office after the practice?”
Sung -Mi nodded her head, looking at her dance teacher apologetically. She knew the teacher has been eyeing her for 15 minutes because she forgot multiple steps of the choreography. Sung-Mi sighed when she heard snickering behind her and looked down.
Another day of failure.
“Sung-Mi-ah, you know why I called you?”
“Yes Mam”
“I am again suggesting you to look for another academy. Students of this academy go on to join idol groups. They are exemplary dancers. You will only face judgement and criticisms if you stay in this academy.”
“I was admitted here with scholarship, Mam. That’s the proof that I am a good dancer.”
“You were a good dancer. I don’t know why, but you have lost your edge and that’s why I recommend you to leave this academy, otherwise you will fail. Do you want to be called a failure for the rest of your life? Do you know what happens when you fail at this academy?”
Sung-Mi bit her lips.
“Please Mam. Give me a couple more months. I will improve. Please!”
The teacher, who was a beautiful woman in her 30s, leaned back on her chair and said,
“Mi-ah, I know how hard-working you are. I just want you to let yourself loose and learn to express. You can do it, right?”
Sung-Mi nodded fervently.
“I will give you 60 days. There is a national dance competition in 2 months. You will have to prove your mettle by getting selected. Just a selection is enough. Even if you don’t win, I will stilllet you continue your enrollment here. But, if you don’t clear the selections,”
Teacher leaned forward and folded her hands on the table.
“You will have to drop from this academy.”
Sung-Mi bit her lips again.
“I will clear the selections. I promise.”
“Good. I will look forward to it.”
Sung-Mi came out of the office, closing the door behind her. She walked slowly in the deserted corridor. There were posters and advertisem*nts stuck up on the walls of the corridor. She stopped in front of a large showcase containing awards and photos of successful alumni of her academy, Joy Dance & Plug In Music Academy. Peering inside, she read the names of people who are now part of worldwide famous idol groups. She heard a group of girls entering the corridor and kept her attention on the awards hoping that the incoming group doesn’t notice her standing there. She wasn’t in the mood to be a part of their jokes today. Thankfully, the girls were bursting with excitement while talking about some competition.
“I hope the teacher gives us an off. I really want to go!”
“Hoseak-ah is going to be there! Ah I can’t wait to see him win this competition!”
“Of course he will win! Neuron is undefeatable.”
Sung-Mi straightened up and looked at the backs of leaving girls.
So, they are competing again. I hope they lose.
She thought bitterly and headed for the practice room. She will give her all but will not leave this place. After all, she doesn’t have anywhere else to go.
“Ya messy hair! How is your messy dance going on?”
Sung-Mi rolled her eyes and ignored the group of boys sitting at the gate of dance academy, laughing hysterically at her. It was Saturday and although the academy remains open on the weekends, she was expecting not many people would come for practice today. However, her hopes were shattered when she saw “Neuron” hanging around at the entrance, waiting for other members to join them.
Neuron was the name of a group which is famous for underground dancing. They are the most popular group in Gwangju and always won the competitions they participated in.
“I am surprised she is still here.”
She immediately recognized the voice. Without looking up, she passed the group and went inside. As soon as she entered the practice room, she locked the door and threw her bag on the ground.
“UGH! YA JUNG HOSEOK! DO YOU THINK YOU ARE THE GOD OF DANCING!
WHY AM I STILL HERE?” She scoffed and looked at the door disgustingly, her hands on her waist.
“WHY DO YOU CARE? DO YOU OWN THIS ACADEMY???”
From the split between the door, she noticed Hoseok pass by the practice room. She immediately ducked and crouched towards the wall. Remembering that the door is actually locked, she muttered under her breath,
“Agh shincha…why am I such a coward!” She ruffled her curly hairs and took off her hoodie.
Time to focus on dancing.
