the first step | opening act

Pulling her bag over her shoulder, Minji lifted her eyes towards the sky and let out a puff of air. It was but another dull day reaching its end.

Slamming her car door closed, the gravel crunched underneath her feet as she walked through the car park. As she did so, she took in the absence of the sun and the heavy brew of clouds above. The earthy scent of the green around her filled her nostrils, signalling a drizzle later. In a matter of months, the rain will soon turn into snow.

Automatic doors parted for her entry, revealing the hallways of Seonu Academy. The lack of sunshine created a forlorn ambience, still shadows and chilling walls despite the hum of the heaters.

The fact that there were no students around didn’t help. This was because it was late, the day shifting to evening in just a few hours. Who would come to the Academy at this hour and weather? Only her.

And him.

From a few halls down, Minji could hear music playing. She was on time.

She halted outside a door, one very familiar to her. As per routine, she lifted herself on her toes and peeked, then, there he was. Beginnings of excitement sparked inside her chest, her heart in sync with the bass that was trembling the room.

His hands sliced through the air, swift but graceful. His form was firm but he was able to bend and stoop at will. His body was sturdy and he carried himself fiercely but his footfalls were light. His whole flow was agile and yet it was powerful and precise. He embodied passion and Minji has never seen anything so incredible.

This person has yet to disappoint her and she swore he wouldn't at all. She gave a smile as his dance slowed down to halt and he plopped himself down on the ground, sweat dripping. She caught the final moments of his practice, just like always.

Eventually, he stood and grabbed a water bottle from the bench and chugged it down. Sensing the end of the show, Minji began to pull away. Just before she did, she was granted a sight of him pulling his tank top over his head and she immediately jumped away, face burning.

That was not what she came for.

She began walking away from the room and reluctantly made her way to her own. Something sank inside her.

Was it shame? For being a regular but secret visitor? Watching and admiring him from a distance? Saddened because she hated him not knowing how much she was enthralled by him?

She was about to turn the doorknob of her own studio when she heard him close the door of his. Minji looked back. He was leaving, his worn backpack hanging on one shoulder. He was wearing his outside clothes, a hoodie and faded jeans.

Normally, she would’ve quickly ran into the room to avoid being caught but he couldn’t have this time, his studio is much closer to the exit. Oblivious to her presence, he walked the way she had come from.

Minji pitied herself. She had come to know little things about him, fascinated by each detail yet he never spared her much a friendly glance. She smiled bitterly as he disappeared around the corner.

Well, what can she do when Kim Jongin hated her very existence?

Every day after her class, Minji would practice.

You could say it was her only hobby. Coming from a high-class family, the expectations on her shoulders were demanding so things like maintaining perfect grades were her utmost priority—or so she was told.

Normally, people assumed academic brilliance to be part of the deal but no one ever really understood the rigours of the commitment and intense revision. It was easier to think the 'perfect daughter' had everything handed to her, natural as the air they breathed.

For Minji, this wasn’t the case at all and yet she allowed herself to be swept away by the currents of these expectations because it was easier to do so.

What she only sought in return was one thing, and that was dance.

Minji danced and she danced like there was no tomorrow because