We had been practicing for hours; I could barely stand. I pressed my back against the cool glass of the mirror and slid to the ground. I grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled it back into a ponytail.

Standing up, I grabbed two bottles of water and small towels from my bag. He plopped to the ground in frustration and I placed a water bottle and towel next to him.

I shook my head and sat down next to him, “You’re such a perfectionist.”

“You should try it sometime.” He said smirking.

“And be stressed out like you? No thanks." I said hitting his chest.

He raised a dark eyebrow at me, “Remind me why we’re friends again?”

I patted my head with the towel, basking the cool air condition, “In middle school, who saved your twelve year old pride during that flag football showdown?”

"Seriously? That was all luck.”

He sat up, twisted the cap of his water bottle, and took a long sip.

“Fine,” I replied.

I clapped my hands together when I thought of the perfect memory.

“This is something you should definitely remember.”

I folded my arms over my chest. He looked at and took another sip of his water.

“Junior high dance. The dance battle between you and Taemin, which you were losing.”

“You can’t use that, Jae Mi! I was just starting lessons then!” he exclaimed furrowing his brow.

I smirked at him, “Still I saved your from embarrassment and we won.”

“Yeah and ever since then you have the world’s biggest ego and a huge head.” He said leaning back on the mirror.

I silently glared at him and touched my head. He noticed and started to laugh. “You are an evil one, Jong In.”

“Yes, an evil dancing machine.” He said winking, “Besides, you know I’m only kidding. Your big head is beautiful.”

I could feel myself blushing, but then I thought about his comment. I turned to glare at him again.

I pouted and replied, “That was a backhanded compliment.”

Jong In just shook his head and smiled to himself, “You’ve known me since elementary school. I would never say something like that.”

He was always teasing me, but this time it was my turn. I smirked inwardly at my idea.

I rose without another word. I didn’t bother to look back to see if he would follow. Being the person he was he didn’t like conflict, and he got nervous when he thought I was mad at him.

I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the practice room. Jong In called my name, but I didn’t turn around. I couldn’t help but smile to myself knowing that he was probably freaking out on the inside.

I heard Jong In’s hurried footsteps approaching fast. I had to suppress the smile on my face, when I stopped in front of the exit. His footsteps were hesitant, but when he noticed I hadn’t moved he came closer.

I stepped back to turn around, but tripped over one of the potted plants. I became entangled in the plant and landed on the ground with a thud.

I shut my eyes tightly and hoped the lobby was empty. I opened my eyes and saw Jong In’s face inches away from mine. My breath caught in my throat. Jong In and I had been best friends since elementary school.

We were always there for each other, but in this small moment I saw him in a different light. Jong In’s out appearance flowed with charisma; you couldn’t help but notice him. His eyes were powerful when they performed, but I was one of the few people who had seen his soft side.

“Are you alright?”

Although his voice was filled with concern there was something in his eyes that didn’t match up. As hard as I tried I couldn’t look away from him.   

“Are you ok?” he asked again. I slowly nodded and tried to find something else to look at.

“You’re such a klutz.” He said smiling and reaching for my hand.

I grasped his hand; it was like a shot of electricity shot through my body. Jong In helped me up and went to handle the situation with the front desk.

As he walked away I put a hand over my racing heart. I could feel my heart beat loudly in my ears. Until recently I had only seen Jong In as one of my best friends. Was it possible that I was falling for him?

There was nothing wrong with liking someone, but Jong In? Kim Jong In? The same guy that used to chase me with lizards or steal my ice cream? The same guy I was there for when his first girlfriend broke his heart?

Kim Jong In, the one who stood up for me when I was bullied in primary school? The same guy that carried my books when I broke my foot and was in a cast for a month? The guy that had a smile that could melt any girl’s heart? No way.