Xueer was used to being lonely and disappointed by people, but over the years she learned dancing and performing is where she feels most content. 

After joining a new studio with friends, Xueer had managed to settle into the new routine at the Youth With You dance studios. The first few weeks of classes had flown by with hip-hop and jazz combinations. Making her way down the hallway, Xueer checked the schedule for the next month while doing her best to keep her dance bag from sliding off her shoulder. 

The bright screen’s calendar displays the words ‘Ballet and Modern’ sighing Xueer had never loved dancing ballet. She thought the movements were too standard, almost predictable, and required a certain type of technique that she just lacked. 

She preferred the world of hip-hop, where the dances were raw, unpredictable, and could express emotions without having to say a single word. 

Head down, she focused on searching for the correct studio number. Xueer accidentally ran into someone a bit taller with short black hair and wearing an apologetic smile. “Hey, you okay? Watch where you’re going next time.” 

“Sorry, I-” The mysterious woman gracefully darted off to another studio before Xueer could form the rest of her sentance. 

 / 

Opening the studio door had never felt so complicated. 

Xueer took a deep breath before slowly peeking into the classroom, glancing for anyone with a familiar face. She knew that she was early, but she wanted to get the lay of the land before her first ballet class. 

Youth with You Studio is known for its dance teams and being a hot spot for entertainment companies scouting new talent. The studio encouraged competitive teams to have open practices for student observers. 

Xueer’s dark eyes immediately locked on the dancer in the center; her movements looked as if they were gliding through water. Her bright eyes shone with pride as she watched her team in the mirror.

A fleeting glance in the mirror with the women had sent Xueer’s heart blaze, compelling her to look away, missing the fleeting smirk on the dancer’s face. 

/ 

As the music and routine ended, Lisa Lǎoshī flashed a proud smile. “As expected from our dance captain, Kiki, Jiaqi Xu,” a taller dancer says, her hoop earrings catching the light as she mocked one of the stomping dance moves. 

“With that technique, Liu Lingzi, I’m surprised that you’re not a dinosaur,” Jiaqi states, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she let out a snigger. Lingzi mocked a painful gasp before placing her hand over her heart. 

“Yanni. Xiaotang. Zihan. Can you believe her?” The three girls pause their stretches to look at their teammates before chuckling in amusement.

“All right girls, I’ll see you next class in preparation for the recital; word has it that companies are sending out scouts,” Lisa called as the girls slowly filter out chattering about the day and scouting possibilities.

Jiaqi stopped to change out of her point shoes and into her street shoes. Silently observing the shorter redhead humming to herself while stretching on the sidelines. Cute.

/

Xueer was the first in the studio the next morning; evaluations for the recital were soon, and she wanted to improve her technique, especially her ballet.

She’s is astonished to see another dancer dressed in a faded You With You T-shirt. Xueer didn’t need to see the dancer’s face; she knew the elegant movements could only belong to Xu Jiaqi. 

Gently putting down her bag, she took a seat against the wall and started stretching while watching Jiaqi in her element in awe. The intense ballerina, oblivious to Xueer, continued to practice her routine, only to stop after the third count of eight. Blowing a strain of hair out of her face, Jiaqi lets out a small huff in annoyance.

Jiaqi found that choreographing her dances helps her cope with stress from competitions and university assignments. 

However, she had been working on this combination for hours and still hadn't figured out what to do for the next count. Exhaling, Jiaqi paused the soft music and fanned herself with her shirt, but stopped abruptly in surprise when familiar bright red hair caught her eye. 

Xueer halted her movement mid-stretch when she felt a pair of eyes on her; hesitantly, she lifted her head only to make eye contact with Jiaqi.

Feeling her cheeks flush, Xueer hastily broke eye contact and sent Jiaqi a bashful grin through hooded lashes. Gathering her thoughts, Xueer cleared and broke the silence.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to surprise you.”

“It’s alright,...” Jiaqi casually strolls towards Xueer’s spot in the ground.

Xueer scrambled to her feet in time to reach out her hand. Jiaqi happily returned the gesture, accompanied by a kind grin.“Xueer, Kong Xueer. Nice to finally meet you, Jiaqi.”

“Nice to meet you as well; are you new to the studio? I think I saw you once in passing." Letting out a nervous laugh, Xueer suddenly found the helm of her shirt very interesting. The reason behind her enrollment at the Youth Studios wasn’t exactly a fond one. “Um, I didn’t expect anyone else to be practicing at this time.” 

If Jiaqi noticed the pivot in the conversation, she didn’t mention it. Xueer was thankful that she didn’t try to pry further into the topic.

“Yeah. I like coming early; it’s quieter, and I can’t imagine any of my teammates, especially Shuxin, getting up this early." Smiling fondly at the mention of a friend, Xueer nodded in understanding. Once the studio was in full swing, it was hard to find quiet between loud tap shoes and blaring speakers.

“Oh. Should I go? I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to practice for ballet class.” Xueer said as she cocked her head to the side to highlight the question. Jiaqi smiles at the action before shaking her head.

“It’s fine. I was thinking about leaving soon anyway; I’ve been working on this piece, and I haven’t figured out how to continue it.” Jiaqi scratched her head in thought, trying to figure what would fit the dance.  

After contemplating for a moment, Xueer silently debated whether to tell Jiaqi that she knew her combination or not. She decided on the former and hopes Jiaqi doesn’t think she’s weird.

“I just started ballet, but maybe you could do an arabesque after the pirouette?” Jiaqi’s eyes widened in surprise before relaxing as a smile grew on her face. 

“You know my routine?” Xueer felt her cheeks heat up and shifted her weight from one foot to the other in hopes that she doesn’t come off as a creep.

“Yeah… I memorize routines quickly.”  

Nodding her head thoughtfully, Jiaqi beamed after running through the dance in her mind.

“That would work perfectly! Thank you.”

Smiling Xueer was about to respond when her phone went off. An email titled Change in the Dance Routine and another titled Debt Payment flashed across the bright screen.

Xueer grimaced at both of the emails; looking up, she’s met with a concerned-looking Jiaqi. “You okay?” 

/

Jiaqi snaps out of her nostalgic daydream and lets the cold claws of reality invade her senses as the crackling sounds of a microphone being fill the airport coffee shop. 

"Attention passengers, the departure gate has been changed to 30B." The static voice booms over the airport speakers, rudely breaking Jiaqi from her daydream. 

Clutching her tea, she relishes the small amount of heat it gives off. She sluggishly plops her head into one of her hands, letting her eyes relax Jiaqi lets the travelers blur together like a Van Gogh painting.

She watches a family try to wrangle their children, an elderly couple help each other up the stairs, and Kong Xueer? Jiaqi knows that hair color too well; it’s the same red hair she once dyed in her university dorm room. 

Jiaqi watched her ex-girlfriend slowly make her way across the airport and all but throw herself at the seat. They may have ended their relationship on terrible terms, but Jiaqi can’t stop her heart from aching seeing someone she once loved exhausted.

She tried to distract herself by thinking about her dance team and the formations in the choreography. However, she couldn’t keep her mind from recalling the first time she and Xueer danced together. It has been years before they signed with their companies, and Xueer was still struggling to make a break through and regain some of her confidence. 

/

Xueer had just revealed that Lisa Lǎoshī decided to change the evaluation dance at the last minute. Jiaqi lets out a low whistle and sympathetic squeeze on Xueer’s shoulder before pulling away with a teasing grin.

“Well then, as Xu Jiaqi dance captain and best ballet dancer, maybe I can help you,” Jiaqi says while bowing. Xueer couldn’t help but giggle at the suggestion; never the less, she quickly agreed to stay for the extra help. 

/

Over the next few weeks, Xueer and Jiaqi fell into their own dance routine. To Jiaqi, it felt like clockwork; she headed to the studio to help Xueer practice and improve her technique. While Xueer would introduce Jiaqi to new songs she liked and make suggestions for her new dances.

Xueer wasn’t sure how to feel about this new arrangement, she knew spending time with Jiaqi was comforting and improved her dance technique. However, she couldn’t help but feel slightly skeptical about how easy it was with Jiaqi. If Xueer’s past had taught her anything, it’s that people always end up leaving and disappointing you.

/

Xueer inwardly winced as she tried to stay in her formation with Lu Keran and Gie Ge; however, focusing on her position, Xueer lost sight of the intention of the dance.

Lisa Lǎoshī’s paused the music, stopping the team's movements. A current of nervousness ran through the practice studio.

“It’s not fluid enough, especially the jacket parts. I need you guys to stay together, give me every step, and don’t rush it.” Restarting the music Lisa watched as the team rushed back to their original spots.

The music began to fill the studio once more, and Lisa analyzed the dance once more. From the corner of her eye, Xueer saw Xinran miss a step and watched her eyes widen as she nervously gulped. She stole a peek at Lisa, only to see her shake her head.

“Hold, I don’t know what to do about you. The dance is so simple that Xinran asks Xueer or Yanni to help you.  Kong Xueer, you’re a good dancer, but I expected more from an ex-JYP trainee. Next time, give me more, okay? Let’s call it for today; I’ll see you later.”

/

Watching the choreo on her phone for the 9^th time, Xueer grumbled as Lisa Lǎoshī’s voice rang through her ears. “I expected more from an ex-JYP trainee, more feeling, again, one more time.”

Sighing, she hated thinking about her previous company; it only brought pain and terrible heartache. She can't even think about the amount of debt they had over her head. 

“Damnit!” Xueer yelled as she flopped down on her back in defeat. Jiaqi chucked and took out her earbuds while walking over the girl starfishing on the floor.

“Hey, I’m still here. What’s up?”

“I can’t get the right intention.” 

“I’m sure you’re on the right track. Can I see?” Letting out a huff, Xueer reluctantly sticks her hand out for Jiaqi to pull her up. Fondly shaking her head at the childish action, Jiaqi gently pulled the younger girl off the floor. 

Getting back up, Xueer ruffled through her bag for a white jacket and half-hazardly pulled it over her shoulders. Jiaqi made herself comfortable against the mirror-covered wall, waiting to assess the choreography. 

The low hums of a synth filled the room as the music began to build with the addition of rhythemic beats. 

As Jiaqi heard the music, she slowly hid the lower half of her face in her sweater paw, hopefully preventing Xueer from seeing her gulping as soon as she started to move. Xueer’s movements were sharp and precise, always on the beat, and her hair moved gracefully behind her as she danced. Jiaqi was known for being naturally flirty; however, this dance made her flush faster than Yu Yan and Diameng flirting with each other.

As the music ended, Xueer lifted an eyebrow, waiting for Jiaqi’s criticism; however, it never came; instead, she saw a daze of Jiaqi staring far away.  

“Was it bad?” A shy voice dropped slightly at the end; the sudden change in Xueer’s voice snapped Jiaqi out of her thoughts immediately.

“Are you kidding? That was... ing awesome!”

“Really?” A new blush washed over Xueer’s face and climbed up her neck from the ballerina’s praise. Taking a moment to catch her breath, Xueer waited for Jiaqi to finish her thought. 

“Definitely, but I know you can do better.” Pushing herself off the floor, Jiaqi starts to close the gap between them.

“You need to relax more during the last few counts; go back to your position before the last count in the song.”

Doing as Jiaqi said Xueer got into position and started jokingly and rapidly flapping the right side of her jacket. Laughing, Jiaqi walked up behind Xueer and placed a hand on her hip while the other gently settled on her shoulder, correcting her step.

 Xueer couldn’t help but feel tense under Jiaqi’s hands, her skin burning at the contact. Gulping Xueer felt her ears flush a bright red, and it wasn’t from working out. She couldn’t help but stare in awe at the image in the mirror.

Jiaqi couldn’t help but breathe in Xueer’s perfume and stare at her sharp jawline. Like a serious dancer, Jiaqi was very comfortable being in a partner’s space; at that time, she and Sun Rui had to do a couple of dances together. However, it was different with Xueer; it felt dangerous and electric. She found herself almost being more nitpicky with Xueer, trying to find excuses to linger closer.

“Relax your arm, Xueer.” Xueer turned her head to ask why but instead ended up locking eyes with Jiaqi. The room grew quiet, and the tension was almost suffocating; neither one of them wanted to break the moment.

Jiaqi noticed the way Xueer stared and couldn’t help herself from glancing down at her lips before flickering back to Xueer’s gaze. Jiaqi started to slowly lean in; if Xueer tilted her head just slightly, she could kiss her.

The sudden sound of laughter and footsteps made the two fly apart, right before the door flew open to reveal a giggling Xie Keyin and a smiley Xu Xinwen.

“Oops, wrong studio. See you at the evaluations!” Keyin yelled over her shoulder as Xinwen tugged her away while clinging to her arm.

Hearing the footsteps fade, Jiaqi cleared and nervously pulled away from Xueer. “I… I think we should end practice for today.  Xueer was suddenly struck by the moment her bravado asked, “Do you want to maybe grab something to eat? I mean, it’s kinda late.”

Xueer mentally gave herself a hi-five, seeing a flustered Jiaqi nod her head in response to her question. Xueer never thought in 3000 years she'd be able to ask out her... secret crush, but if Keran and Yuxin had taught her anything, it's that people do stupid things for the ones they love. 

“I’d… like that.” It's all Jiaqi could muster before an excited Xueer dragged her by the arm toward the exit. With Xueer clinging to her arm, Jiaqi couldn't help but think "I could get used to this".