teaser one

" you'll be debuting soon. "

Yuhwan had been practicing, arms and legs moving in natural, yet awkward movements. His eyes were narrowed as he critically observes himself, willing himself  to relax. A quick glance to his side, he could see the other trainees he was working with for the monthly evaluations. It was only a matter of time before they pointed it out to him and scold him. And accuse him of not practicing enough. He could already feel his left eye twitching.

Yuhwan readied himself to be yelled at, the moment his eyes caught the trainee who had choreographed the routine. The dancer turned the music off irritably, heated gaze fixed on Yuhwan.

"Yah, are you really a gumiho?" he hissed. "What's wrong with you?"

The gumiho grit his teeth, but kept silent. He knew he wasn't as graceful as foxes were known for, he knew he wasn't a dancer. He wouldn't let himself get mad at some measly little fairy centuries younger than he was.

"We've gone over this so many times, hyung. Have you even practiced?"

There we go, his accusation. Had he practiced the routine? Well, Yuhwan had only stayed up until the break of dawn going over the moves. Yes, he did practice them, thank you very much.

"Dance isn't a game; we have to work as a team. Don't screw us all over just because you don't want to practice. Get your head on straight."

Yuhwan puffed out his cheeks, wiping the sweat from his forehead, a storm brewing in his mind. Part of him wanted to strangle the little brat (who was centuries younger than he was; Yuhwan couldn't get over this fact), and another was apologetic. He knew it himself; he was bringing the entire group down. But it wasn't exactly his fault he had absolutely no talent for dance.

xx xx xx

The monthly evaluations came quickly; Yuhwan could feel himself sweating even before it was his team's turn. He swallowed loudly, adam's apple bobbing visibly as he bit the insides of his cheeks. It had always been like this. Every evaluation, he would break into a cold sweat.

He didn't think he'd ever been as nervous as whenever the evaluations came by; not even when he had lost his three lives back in the old times.

Yuhwan was brought back into reality as the judges called out 'next'.

The gumiho cleared his throat, exercised his vocal chords. He took a microphone from a trainee of the previous team, nodding in thanks.

Yuhwan didn't remember what happened; he only remembered singing his heart out during the vocals evaluation, and dancing with all he had in him in the dance evaluation. He remembered little moments; moments of provocation to the judges, little ad-libs here and there. Before he knew it, the evaluations were over and he stood stiffly at the end of the line of his team, nervously staring at the judges.

"Yuhwan," the centre judge began.

The gumiho answered in an affirmative, straightening himself up a little.

The judges shared a look, nodding to themselves. "We think you're ready to debut."

Yuhwan could feel himself tense up. He couldn't believe his ears; though he had to. His senses were enhanced to be like a fox's. Even if the man had whispered it, he would've been able to hear it. Yuhwan let his jaw drop open, his eyes bugged wide.

"Your dance could be improved a little, so could the teamwork there, but then you could debut in a different team, so that doesn't matter. I could tell you were nervous; your movement's were quite stiff and awkward. However, your dance could easily pass as natural to fans. As long as you're more confident in yourself and enjoy the dance, you'll be good."

Yuhwan bowed deeply, thanking the man under his breath. Subtly, he pinched himself on the back of his hand, wincing a little at the pain. So he wasn't dreaming after all.

"The main reason we're debuting you is your vocal skills of course. Your singing has gone a long way since you entered Cube. You've gained control of your voice, and your words could be felt. When you first came, although you were singing with various expressions, there never really was emotion behind it.

"So congratulations, Jo Yuhwan. You will be debuting soon."

The gumiho could feel the tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. The ends of his lips quirked upwards unknowingly, and he bowed several more times. Whatever else was said, Yuhwan didn't know. He couldn't hear anything else but those running through his mind on repeat.

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