A year passed by since then. The three of us, Taemin, Jonghyun, and I have been busy training. And let me tell you, I’d almost rather be working in the museum right now.

“OK, stop.” Our dance teacher called. He got up from the bench and paused the music. By this time, I felt like I was going to drown in my own sweat.

“Kibum, it’s like this. One, two, one, two, one, two, three. Don’t drag your arm like that. Keep your head up at all times.”

“Yes, teacher.”

“Follow Taemin’s example. Taemin.”

“Huh? Oh.” Taemin danced the part for me. I seriously doubt I can match that level of dancing.

“Alright, I’ll give you guys a little break. I’ve gotta go to the washroom.” The teacher said, and left.

“Kibum! Want water?” Jonghyun called from a corner of the room.

“Yeah.”

“Catch.” He tossed a bottle to me.

“Thanks.” As I was gulping down the water, he came up to me. Taemin was busy practicing.

Jonghyun placed his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t get discouraged.”

“I’m not.”

“Really? This is the seventh time we had to stop the music because of you.”

“Well gee, thanks for making me feel better.” I put the lid on the bottle and made a face at him.

Our teacher came back just then. “Guys, I have some news for you,” He said.

“What’s that?” Taemin asked.

“You guys all came from the audition last year, correct? We’re having another one in a few days, so expect some new trainees that you will practice with.”

“Ah, really?!” Taemin exclaimed. “It’s more fun with more people.”

“You’ve got a problem with us, Taeminnie?” Jonghyun questioned.

“No, hyung…” he muttered, and quietly returned to dancing.

Jonghyun chuckled and turned back to our teacher. “How many trainees will we get, teacher?”

“Probably two or three in this group. Other trainees will go to other groups.”

“Okay then. We’ll look forward to it.”

“Yep. Until then, let’s turn up the music!”

I groaned.

--

A few days later, two trainees joined us. In all honesty, one of them looked like a frog.

“One two, one two three, one two…” a knock came on the door.

“Alright guys, hold on for a second.” Our teacher said, and went to get the door.

He spoke with someone for a minute, and then returned with the two trainees.

“Guys, these two will be joining you from now on. Please introduce yourselves.”

The frog guy spoke first. “Hello, my name is Choi Minho. I’m sixteen. Please take care of me.”

The guy next to him spoke. “I’m Lee Jinki, and I’m seventeen. Let’s work hard together!”

The teacher clapped. “Alright! Taemin, will you teach these two what we’ve been learning so far?”

“Sure!”

Jonghyun walked up to me. “What do you think of them?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Don’t know. I haven’t heard their voices or seen their moves yet.”

“True.” He glanced at them and then looked back at me. “Say Kibum…” he looked down to his feet.

“What?”

“Do you want to go on a date with me?” Jonghyun said, smiling.

“HUH?” I was surprised. “Is he coming out of the closet already?!”

“Well, we’ve been working hard for over a year, so don’t you think we deserve a little break time?”

“What are you suggesting…?”

“Let’s go play in the amusement park tomorrow!”

“But we need to train tomorrow too.”

“Please?”

Jonghyun proceeded to make puppy eyes at me, while pouting.

“Argh… Fine. But we have to be on time for training.” I sighed.

“Thank you honey!” he wrapped his arms around my neck and made a kissy face, aiming for my cheek. Embarrassed, I tried to back away from his lips, and accidentally bumped into Minho.

“Ack! Sorry.” I said while looking up, as he was a lot taller than I am.

“You guys should stop fooling around.” Minho said arrogantly, and walked away.

“Yeah, well, you’re a real charming frog prince, aren’t you?” I muttered.

I then realized Jonghyun was listening to me.

“HAHAHAHAHAH!! REALLY, KIBUM?!” He clutched his sides and leaned on the wall.

I blushed. “But doesn’t he look like one?” I asked.

“Actually…” he took a moment to get the giggles out. “Now that you mentioned it, he does.” Jonghyun started to laugh again. “If he looks like a frog… Then what do I look like?” Jonghyun asked.

“You? Hm…” I looked at Jonghyun carefully. He looked at me with curiosity.

I made up my mind.

“You look like a dinosaur.”