Chapter 3: Dance Lessons
Chin-Sun woke up early, her muscles already aching from the previous day's rehearsals. She groaned as she stretched, wincing at the soreness. Today was going to be another intense day, and she had to be ready. Jong-Su, known for his playful nature but also for his dedication to perfection, had promised that today’s dance lessons would be particularly grueling.
As she entered the rehearsal studio, she found Jong-Su already there, warming up with a series of intricate stretches. He flashed her a cheerful grin, his energy seemingly boundless.
"Morning, Chin-Sun! Ready for another day of dance torture?" he joked, though his eyes held a serious glint.
"Ready as I'll ever be," she replied, trying to muster enthusiasm despite her fatigue.
"That's the spirit!" Jong-Su clapped his hands together.
"Alright, let's start with the basics again. Remember, Min’s style is all about fluidity and effortless cool. You need to make every move look like it's second nature."
They began with some basic moves, Jong-Su demonstrating each step with grace and precision. Chin-Sun followed his lead, trying to mimic his movements. Despite her determination, she often found herself stumbling or missing the beat.
"Relax, Chin-Sun," Jong-Su advised gently. "You're too tense. Dance is about feeling the music, not just moving to it."
"I'm trying," she said, frustration creeping into her voice.
"It's just... hard."
Jong-Su nodded sympathetically.
"I know it's tough, but you're doing great. Let's take it slow. We'll break down each move until you get it right."
For the next few hours, they practiced relentlessly. Jong-Su was patient, breaking down each move into smaller, more manageable parts and giving her tips on how to improve. His encouragement kept her going, even when she felt like giving up.
During a short break, Jong-Su handed her a bottle of water.
"You're improving, you know. I can see it."
Chin-Sun took a grateful sip.
"Thanks. It’s just... there's so much to remember. And I don’t want to let you all down."
"You won’t," Jong-Su said firmly.
"We believe in you, Chin-Sun. And remember, we’re in this together."
Encouraged by his words, Chin-Sun felt a renewed sense of determination. They resumed practice, this time focusing on a particularly challenging routine. Jong-Su showed her how to blend sharp, precise movements with smooth, flowing transitions.
"Watch my feet," he instructed.
"It’s all in the footwork. Once you get that down, the rest will follow."
Chin-Sun nodded, concentrating on his feet as he moved. She mimicked his steps, stumbling at first but gradually finding her rhythm.
"There you go!" Jong-Su cheered.
"Now, try adding some more energy to it. Feel the music."
As the music played, Chin-Sun lost herself in the rhythm. She felt the beat pulse through her body, guiding her movements. She danced with more confidence, her steps becoming more fluid and natural.
"That's it, Chin-Sun! You're getting it!" Jong-Su encouraged, his voice filled with genuine excitement.
They continued practicing until late in the afternoon, each session bringing her closer to mastering the routine. By the end of the day, Chin-Sun was exhausted but proud of her progress.
"Great work today," Jong-Su said, giving her a high-five.
"You’ve come a long way."
"Thanks, Jong-Su. I couldn’t have done it without you," she replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Just remember, dancing is as much about having fun as it is about technique. If you enjoy it, the fans will see that and they’ll love you for it," he said with a warm smile.
As they packed up for the day, Jong-Su's playful nature reemerged.
"Hey, do you want to grab some food? I know this great place nearby. Consider it a reward for your hard work."
Chin-Sun’s stomach growled at the mention of food.
"That sounds amazing. Lead the way."
They left the studio and headed to a small, cozy restaurant just a few blocks away. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the delicious smell of grilled meat and spices filled the air.
"This place has the best samgyeopsal in town," Jong-Su said, his eyes lighting up. "You're going to love it."
As they sat down and placed their order, Chin-Sun felt a sense of camaraderie with Jong-Su. Despite the intense training, he had always managed to make her feel comfortable and supported.
"So, what made you want to become a dancer?" Chin-Sun asked, curious to learn more about him.
Jong-Su leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I’ve always loved music and movement. Dancing just felt natural to me. When I dance, I feel free, like I can express myself in ways words can’t."
Chin-Sun nodded, understanding the sentiment.
"I never thought I’d be doing this. I mean, pretending to be someone else and learning to dance like him. It’s surreal."
Jong-Su smiled.
"Life has a funny way of surprising us. But you’re doing an incredible job. And who knows? Maybe this experience will open up new opportunities for you."
Their food arrived, and they dug in, savoring the delicious flavors. As they ate, they shared stories and laughed, the conversation flowing easily.
"You know," Jong-Su said between bites,
"I was really worried about how this whole situation would turn out. But seeing you work so hard and how you’ve adapted, I feel more confident that we can pull this off."
Chin-Sun felt a warmth spread through her at his words.
"I’m just glad I can help. And I’m grateful for all the support from you and the others."
After dinner, they walked back to the studio, the night air cool and refreshing. Jong-Su’s playful nature resurfaced as they strolled along the sidewalk.
"Race you to the corner!" he suddenly challenged, taking off at a sprint.
Caught off guard, Chin-Sun laughed and chased after him. Despite the soreness in her muscles, she pushed herself, determined to catch up. Jong-Su’s laughter echoed through the street as they ran, the friendly competition lightening the mood.
Out of breath, they reached the corner, both laughing and panting.
"You’re fast!" Chin-Sun said, hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.
"And you’re not bad yourself," Jong-Su replied with a grin.
"Maybe we should add running to our training routine."
Chin-Sun groaned playfully.
"No thanks, I think dancing is enough for me."
They arrived back at the studio, still smiling from their impromptu race. Jong-Su turned to her, his expression serious once more.
"Chin-Sun, I know this is hard and that you’re under a lot of pressure. But remember, we’re all in this together. You’re part of The Prism now, and we’ve got your back."
Chin-Sun felt a lump form in her throat at his words.
"Thank you, Jong-Su. That means a lot to me."
"Now get some rest. Tomorrow’s another big day," he said, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Chin-Sun nodded, feeling a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. As she headed home, she reflected on the day’s progress and the bond she was forming with the members of The Prism. Despite the challenges and the danger, she felt a growing sense of belonging and purpose.
The next morning, Chin-Sun arrived at the studio feeling more confident. Jong-Su greeted her with his usual cheerful demeanor.
"Ready for round two?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Ready," she replied, feeling a newfound determination.
They began their warm-up routine, and Jong-Su introduced some new moves. "Today, we’re going to work on some of Min’s signature spins and jumps. They’re tricky, but I know you can handle it."
Chin-Sun nodded, focusing on his instructions. Jong-Su demonstrated a spin, his movements fluid and precise. She tried to mimic him, stumbling at first but quickly finding her balance.
"Good! Now add a jump at the end," Jong-Su instructed, showing her how to land gracefully.
Chin-Sun practiced the spin and jump repeatedly, each attempt bringing her closer to mastering the move. Jong-Su’s constant encouragement and constructive feedback kept her motivated.
"Remember, it’s all about timing," he said, clapping his hands to the beat of the music. "Feel the rhythm and let it guide you."
They practiced for hours, taking short breaks to rest and hydrate. Despite the intense training, Chin-Sun felt a growing sense of accomplishment with each successful move.
By the end of the day, she had mastered the spin and jump, and Jong-Su looked genuinely impressed.
"You did it, Chin-Sun! You’ve got the moves down," he said, giving her a high-five.
Chin-Sun beamed with pride. "Thanks, Jong-Su. I couldn’t have done it without your help."
Jong-Su smiled warmly. "You’re a natural. I knew you could do it."
As they packed up for the day, Jong-Su’s playful nature once again made an appearance. "How about another race to the corner?" he suggested with a grin.
Chin-Sun laughed.
"You’re on!"