Chapter Seven
Smoke & Mirrors
✤ Hana
I woke up somehow happy the next day, finally had a peaceful night with no nightmares or waking up every 10 minutes. And when I recalled yesterday’s event and Kai’s magical appearance made me feel good for a day. The weather was getting colder every day, and I expected snow falling anytime soon. On a chilly Wednesday morning, as I arrived at the front gates, I found Kai leaning on the wall next to the gates waiting for something. We haven’t talked that much since the last time. When he saw me he straightened his pose and smiled, I smiled back and walked up to him. “I don’t feel like learning today, let’s ditch?” he said rubbing the back of his neck, something I noticed him doing when he’s embarrassed. “And when do you ever feel like learning?” I said sarcastically, this kid doesn’t show up half the week. “Just shut up, I’m a brilliant guy just for the record. I just don’t like it here.” He said seriously and I started to laugh “Yeah brilliant my .”
“Okay forget it.” He said and turned to get inside but I caught his hand before leaving and smiled “I don’t really like it either. So where to go?” he smiled, actually smirked. “There’s something I want to show you.” I nodded and let him lead the way.
After 30 minutes we arrived at a 4 storey building, I gave Kai a wary look but he only gave me a comforting smile. We climbed the stairs till we reached the fourth level, he snatched a key from his bag and opened the door. “Ladies first.” He stepped aside and stretched his arm pointing inside, it was so ridiculous but I couldn’t help but laugh a little. I need some time to adjust to Kai’s personality switch. As I got in I realized that it was a dance studio, with a mirror covering the wall, wooden floor and a couple of speakers and there was nothing else in the room. Kai followed me and grabbed his laptop from his bag and started doing some things with the speakers. When he finished he looked at me and seemed to be a little hesitant. “What?”
“Umm… well, I wanted someone to see my choreography… and you said you’d love to see me dance again and I took it to heart.” He grinned at the end, it made me smile then I nodded at him. “Well then have a seat… and don’t laugh alright?”
“I promise I won’t.” I went to sit on the ground behind him, so I could see his reflection in the mirror. He took off his jacket, and that left him only in a sleeveless t-shirt, I couldn’t help but stare at his muscular arms. He then wore a cap that hid his face and started the music. It was an upbeat song, and as he danced he seemed to pour all his power and emotions into the dance as he flowed perfectly with the rhythm. Of course, his arms distracted me a couple of time through the dance, but he was so beautiful while dancing he looked almost free.
The song ended so fast much to my disappointment, he was panting and leaned to his knees taking his breath. I got up from where I was still amazed, gave him a bottle of water. “That was... amazing.” It seemed like “amazing” was an understatement to his skill, he was indescribable. “Really?” he asked after taking a sip from the bottle still panting a little. I nodded eagerly. “Yeah, it was really beautiful.” He gave me a satisfied smile. He went to sit down at the same spot I was sitting at and I did the same. We sat there for a while talking about his choreography and how he started dancing.
“Actually you’re the first one outside my family that saw me dancing.” He said and seemed to be embarrassed a little “But you’re awesome! Like a pro or something, I’m sure everyone would love to see you dance.”
“Well, it was my dream actually, making everyone see me dance.”
“And… what happened?” I asked carefully afraid I might trigger him like before. “My parents wanted me to work in business like they used to, to take over their company or whatever.” He paused looking down, he took a breath then continued “I wish I fought for it back then, but I didn’t, I gave up dancing just like that. But then they didn’t want me to be sad about it so they bought this place for me to dance all I want in my free time, but still do business.” He paused again, as he talked he never looked at me, he was playing with the water bottle in his hand:”It was the last thing they gave me before passing away.” He said in a soft sad voice, that made my heart clench
“What happened?”
“Car accident.” He said and his expression hardened but
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