A/N: I wrote this while studying for finals... =_=

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“Let’s take it from the top again,” the dance instructor announced to the small group in the practice room.

Jaehwa nodded silently, taking her place with her backup dancers as the music started again.  However, a minute into the choreography, the idol accidentally tripped, landing hard on the ground.  Jaehwa stared at the wooden floor for a moment, not moving from her fallen position.  “Jaehwa, are you alright?  You have been having trouble concentrating all practice.  Is something wrong?” one of her dancers questioned concernedly.

Jaehwa shook her head, slowly getting up and bowing to the irritated teacher.  “Mianhae, I won’t mess up again,” she apologized monotonously.

The choreographer noticed something was off with the girl’s usually-energetic voice.  Sighing, he reluctantly said, “Alright then.  Everyone, practice is over for tonight.  I’ll see you all again tomorrow morning.”

The dancers nodded obediently and quickly filed out of the room to get some rest.  Jaehwa bowed to the instructor again before solemnly trailing the others.

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Beast faced the mirror as they practiced dances from their previous singles.  Their dance instructor, Hyunsu, watched them intently, monitoring for even the most miniscule mistakes.

“Hyung!” a voice called out from the door.

Mid-dance, all six members turned to look for the owner of the voice.  It was another one of Cube’s choreographers, and he looked very concerned about something.  “Daejung?  What’s wrong?” Hyunsu asked.

“You know Son Jaehwa, the new singer?” Daejung inquired quietly.

The members heard and immediately turned their attention to the conversation.  Hyunsu noticed this and motioned for the younger to follow him outside where they could talk in private.

Once a soft click was heard, the boys immediately left their positions in front of the mirror and scrambled to the door.  Dujun gestured to his dongsaengs with a finger to his lips, saying Be quiet.  Even so, the muffled conversation was barely audible.  “What happened?” Hyunsu asked.

“The girl…only a week ago she was so passionate about the dancing.  But just recently…I don’t know.  Something must’ve happened.”

“Is something wrong with her dancing?”

“No, it’s not that.  She seems to have lost the will to continue.  It’s almost like she’s not trying anymore like…it’s not worth it anymore.”

Yoseob’s eyes widened.  The words were familiar.  Leaving the eavesdropping members crouched beside the door, Yoseob silently left the room and breathed a sigh of exasperation before he began his search for Jaehwa.

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“Oppa, it’s not worth it anymore,” Jaehwa said.

“What do you mean it’s not worth it?” Yoseob asked, “Jaehwa, you have to come back!”

“My parents were right.  It isn’t the right path for me.”

“What?  No!  You can’t let go of everything we’ve worked for!” Yoseob exclaimed in disbelief.

“It’s okay, oppa.  You’ve accomplished your goals.  That’s all I need to know to be happy.  I’m proud of you,” she answered, smiling sadly before turning to leave.

“Yah!” Yoseob angrily shouted, grabbing her hand to keep her from leaving.

Jaehwa froze, shocked at his sudden outburst.  Yoseob spoke, “Jaehwa, look at me.”

She turned around, meeting his pleading eyes.  “Oppa–”

“I’m not going back to Cube alone.  Either you come with me or I’m tearing up my contract.”

“Oppa, don’t throw away your dreams for me.”

“Son Jaehwa, stop being such a hypocrite!  You always tell me to never give up and to always go for my dreams.  So why are you giving up so easily on yours?”

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He finally found her curled up in a chair, fast asleep with her notebook resting on her lap.  Yoseob gazed at her for a moment, remembering what had happened a few years before.  “Aish, Jaehwa.  How could you let them bring you down again?” he mumbled to the sleeping girl.

Yoseob took his eyes off Jaehwa when his phone buzzed in his pocket.  A text from Dujun said, Yah!  Where are you?  You can’t just disappear in the middle of practice!

Yoseob rolled his eyes at his leader.  “I left ten minutes ago, and he notices now?” he muttered, looking up at the clock.

Hyung, I’ll be right there.  I just had to check on something.

Just before he stepped into the hallway, Yoseob took one last glance at Jaehwa, as if he had forgotten to do something.  He went back to her side and hesitantly placed a kiss on her forehead, just like he always did in the past.  “Stay strong, Jaehwa.  Don’t give up like last time,” he whispered.