"Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Thank you..."

Xueer lets out a dark chuckle, remembering the moment it all seemed to be falling into place: she was undeniably deeply in love with Xu Jiaqi. Jiaqi clutches her jaw, thinking about how bittersweet it was—so many good memories, so many painful memories.

Taking a sip from her drink, Jiaqi glances at Xueer, sitting across from the window. The airport's crappy fluorescents seemed to rain down on Xueer and bathe her in a halo of light. 

Jiaqi feels her heartstring clutch at the memory of when she first saw Xueer on stage.

/

The day of evaluation had finally arrived, and Jiaqi relished in the buzz of energy that filled the recital hall. Dancers across disciplines mixed in a sea of bright colors, accompanied by the smell of hairspray. 

The backstage wings were cramped, but rays of light bled through across the old wooden floorboards. 

/

Jiaqi enjoyed her seniority as part of the elite dance team, a title that allowed her to remain backstage during the whole show. Squinting Jiaqi was just able to make out the run sheet on the wall. The hip-hop group was next, with a new member nicknamed Hair Flip Queen. 

Jiaqi tilted her head in confusion and almost leaped out of her skin. When a pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind. Jiaqi was about to break the hug when a flash of red locks appeared. 

Melting into the hug, Jiaqi rested her hands on top of Xueer. Before interlacing them together, give them a gentle squeeze. Xueer found comfort in hiding between Jiaqi's shoulder blades. Exhaling, Xueer felt her breath hitch multiple times before finally inhaling. 

Simultaneously, Jiaqi blushed at the contact, but she realized she had more pressing issues. Turning around Jiaqi, gently pulled Xueer into a warm hug. Tucked underneath the ballerina's chin, Xueer relaxed, took a deep breath, and enjoyed the smell of perfume. 

“Don't be nervous. You are going to be amazing.” As Jiaqi whispered words of support, Xueer lifted her head enough to leave a peck on Jiaqi's cheek. Blushing at the sudden affection, Jiaqi rewarded Xueer by gently playing with loose strands of red curls. 

/ 

They watch as Yu Yan and Yuxin scramble blindly offstage after the blackout. Reluctantly having to pull away from the warm hug, Xueer made her way over to the hip-hop group backstage. 

She wasn't able to get far before Jiaqi grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her back. Before Xueer could get a word out, Jiaqi leans down and presses a brief kiss to her forehead. 

“Break a leg. I am so proud of you.” Jiaqi murmured, before giving Xueer a gentle push towards her teammates. 

/

Xueer looked radiant in her black costume. The red lighting only added to her red hair. Jiaqi watched in awe as Xueer became one with music, her moves crisp and sharp.

Jiaqi had seen her fair share of hip-hop dancers, but Xueer is by fair one of the best. Jiaqi swore she felt the hairs on her neck stand when she realized why Xueer was nicknamed the hair flip queen. 

/ 

Finally, offstage, Xueer watched from a distance as Jiaqi got ready to go on stage. Compared to Xueer’s costume, Jiaqi’s was a chic white blazer accented with a black belt harness. Jiaqi caught Xueer staring from across the dark backstage and sent her a flying kiss before taking center stage. 

/ 

Jiaqi did her best to follow Keni off-stage during the blackout. However, she miscalculated her steps and ended up stumbling back into a shorter dancer. Jiaqi apologized and tried to release the other dancer, but was surprised when they held tighter. 

“You were incredible. I hope you know that the scouts would be idiots not to hire you.” Recognizing the soft voice immediately, Jiaqi relaxed and nuzzled into the red head's shoulder. 

“I still can’t see, but you looked amazing on stage. There is no way a company would pass on you.” Jiaqi replied in hushed tones. Xueer couldn't help but cup Jiaqi’s face and brush back loose strands of hair that had escaped bobby pins. 

Jiaqi let her gaze drop to Xueer's lips before looking back up to see warm brown eyes staring back, drawing her in. Jiaqi leaned toward and waited for Xueer to close the gap. Shuffling closer and craning her head up, Xueer finally captured Jiaqi’s lips in a burning kiss. 

It was slow, soft, and passionate. The two slowly found their rhythm. Jiaqi was first to break the kiss, leaning against Xueer’s forehead while letting out pants.

“Like I said, you are amazing, Will you be my girl-“ Instead of an answer, Xueer captured her new girlfriend’s lips once more. The lights backstage were enough to see flushed faces with love-struck grins. 

/

Finally leaving the dark backstage, the new couple made their way to the dressing rooms. Jiaqi let out a dramatic hiss when the ugly fluorescent light greeted her vision. Xueer could only laugh and shake her head at the taller dancer’s antics.

The room was humming with friends and dancers being congratulated for their performances. Some dancers were speaking with scouts, offering them a trainee spot at their companies. 

Jiaqi reached down and gave Xueer’s hand a squeeze of encouragement. Xueer gripped Jiaqi’s hand like a lifeline, physically shaking as the agents made their way across the room. Jiaqi intertwined their fingers and let her thumb paint silent love letters across Xueer’s hand. 

So proud...can’t believe... mine... kiss... my girlfriend...will you...me...I love you. 

Xueer couldn’t help but feel her stomach flutter at the sweet words, even if they were only fragments. Jiaqi continued to draw characters until two scouts approached them. 

“Hello, I’m Kim Jisoo. I’m from 7Senses Entertainment. This is Park Chayoung... from the other company.” The taller woman with blonde hair rolled her eyes before shoving Jisoo to the side and reaching to shake Jiaqi’s and Xueer’s hands. 

“Hi, I actually go by Rosé Park at work. I’m from Bee Entertainment, and Jisoo is just jealous that my company recruited more than her’s last ye-“ Jisoo jumped in and cut off Rosé, leaving Rosé flustered. 

“Park Chayoung, shut up! You're just jealous. I got a bonus later. Anyway, Xu Kiki, on behalf of 7Senses, please consider auditing for us.” 

Rolling her eyes and shoving Jisoo out of the way, Rosé took a step closer to Xueer before continuing.  “Xueer, I was very impressed with your performance. Please think about joining Bee entertainment.”