Chapter Twelve
•••

HYUNJIN | FELIX

Resting on the studio floor, Yeosang left to go the bathroom temporarily, leaving me alone for a few to catch my breath. While sipping my water from my bottle, I felt a presence approach me, a shadow being casted above which blocked the lighting. Slowly looking up, I saw Hyunjin looking down at me with a blank expression.

"...Is there something wrong..." I asked quietly, diverting my eyes towards my bottle instead of his face.

Hyunjin sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "Just want to say you did a great job and you're really talented...and I really hope you join the dance club."

My head snapped up and I raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "What?"

"Please don't make me repeat myself..."

I giggled, shaking my head in surprise. "Why are you being nice to me? This doesn't seem like you."

"I noticed you didn't come to class yesterday and I feel as though it had something to do with me... so I'm sorry..." Hyunjin muttered quietly. "For what I did in the hallway."

Is this really happening?

"Hyunjin...apology accepted."

Now, his eyes grew wide with shock. "Really? Are you serious?"

I nodded, standing up from the floor with a gentle smile. "I don't see a point of holding anything against you. Also, you shouldn't apologize if you don't know what exactly you're apologizing for..."

"If it wasn't the hallway incident...Do you mind telling me what made you leave school early then...?"

"Why should I?" I leaned closer to him, teasing. "Did you miss me?"

Hyunjin scoffed, laughing sarcastically. "Not at all!"

"By the way, since we're actually talking for a moment, I'm having a party this Saturday at my house at seven." He paused, looking at the floor before mumbling. "You and your friends are officially invited..."

"We know, but thanks for officially inviting me. We'll be there." I giggled.

"Cool, see you then."

I watched as he quickly walked back to across the studio to talk to Ryujin, just in time as Yeosang walked back inside.

Dance class went better than I anticipated, making me somewhat regret missing it yesterday. Instructor Lia wouldn't stop trying to persuade me to join her club, but the idea of joining something that Hyunjin was not only part of but also the leader made me feel uneasy. However, the offer was definitely tempting.

Choosing the song for my audition was extremely easy, as the dance was a routine that was well known to many and a routine that I've practiced so many times before. Despite feeling nervous performing in front of a group of people, I knew I wouldn't have any issues accomplishing a perfect performance. Although, having Hyunjin's eyes on me made me feel butterflies.

Something I noticed while dancing was his eyes were glued onto me, filled with a mixture or surprise and admiration. That was all I needed for an extra boost of confidence to make sure I leave him and everyone speechless. Once done, his eyes never wavered as we learned and practiced the new lesson routine Instructor Lia taught us.

"Lix, you should've told me you were that great! I'm so proud of you." Yeosang smiled, arms linked together. We were walking out of class towards our lockers to grab our backpacks and wait for the others outside.

I blushed shyly. "I don't think I deserve all the praise... I'm still lacking in some areas..."

"Nonsense. You are beyond talented. When the winter dance competition comes, we have to partner up."

"Winter dance competition?" I asked curiously. "What's that?"

Yeosang gasped. "Sorry, I forgot you're still learning things here. The Winter dance competition is held yearly for those who want to showcase their talents to the school. Some have earned scholarships from talent scouts."

"Really? Well...if you truly want me to join and partner up with you, I will."

"This is why I love you."

Reaching our lockers, we saw Hongjoong and Han waiting for us with their belongings already.

"It's about time you two showed up." Han sighed dramatically. "I'm hungry!"

I rolled my eyes, opening my locker. "You're always hungry."

"I. Need. Meat. In. Tummy. NOW!" He whined, hitting me softly with his long-sleeve paws.

Hongjoong giggled. "Let's feed the quokka before he passes out, hmm?"

"Wait, where's Woo?" Yeosang asked.

Han waved his hand dismissively. "He told me he was still working on his art piece and wouldn't be done until later. Apparently, he's thinking of submitting it to an art gallery at the end of the semester."

I nodded, shutting my locker and holding my car keys. "Alright then, ready to go eat?"

The three of them nodded, each of us linking arms together. "Maybe we could go to a Korean restaurant? I want chicken." Yeosang suggested.

Hongjoong grinned. "And I want Spicy Ramen."

We continued our discussion as we made our way out of the school and towards the car.

•••

"Mmm... this is so good!" Han said in a muffled voice, his cheeks full of food as he grilled more meat with a smile on his face.

We were at a Korean Bbq place that Hongjoong recommended, which was conveniently only ten minutes away from school. Inside was decorated with neon lights and glow-in-the-dark furniture. The four of us were seated at a round table with a manual grill in the middle of us. The arrangement of foods includes various slices of meat, lettuce wraps, side dishes including rice and kimchi, and small individual bowls of different ramen for each of us.

For some reason, my mind was still stuck on the small moments with Hyunjin today. The small smile given to me in the lunch one for starters was completely unexpected. It reminded me of my actions when I first did the same to him yesterday, and it made me feel warm that a possibility of getting along was tangible.

Hongjoong sighed, grabbing a napkin and wiping the corner of Han's mouth disapprovingly. "Don't talk with your mouth full, Han. It's impolite and you might choke..."

Swallowing his food, he smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Thanks, dad."

"Aish!"

Yeosang and I giggled, watching the two bicker playfully as we ate our food silently. This was my second meal of the day, and I could tell my mood was uplifted enough to devour a filling meal to satisfy my cravings. Since we were the only people in the restaurant so far, the air was filled with a comfortable hush, with the sound of sizzles creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Suddenly, Yeosang chose broke the silence.

"So, are we really going to the party on Saturday? I'm dreading being stuck in a crowd of sweaty, drunk teenagers..." Yeosang muttered, taking another bite of a chicken leg. "Sounds horrible..."

I sighed. "I'm usually not someone who is excited for parties, but I want to at least go to one this year and say I've done something. Plus, I feel better if you all were going."

"Well, we got you and it's our job to make sure you have a great time!" Han cheered, once again with his mouth full.

"Han Jisung!" Hongjoong scolded.

Yeosang and I, along with the workers in the restaurant broke out into laughter at the scene displayed front of us once more.

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