SHIN HYE WAS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME BREATHING AS SHE WAITED IN THE WINGS. Her heart was pounding and palms were sweating. Every second that brought her closer to end of the show made her even more on edge. Her finale number was coming up next and she had just gotten word that Min Ho was just dropped off at the venue. 

It's almost funny how she always assumed that she’d be okay, that she’d be brave enough to do the number. In front of all these people. In front of her family. In front of him. She was so focused on learning the steps, perfecting the number, that she forgot to worry about how Min Ho would react to the real thing.

That is, until that very moment. 

She wiped her palms on the towel she still had in her hands. Her coordi was putting on the final touches of make-up and checking on her dress. 

“U-unni.”

Ji-yeun knew Shin Hye was nervous. Hell, she was just as nervous as she was. 

“Take a deep breath Shin-Hye. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.” When she did as she was told, Ji-yeun rubbed her back. “Gwen cha nah Would you like some water?” When Shin Hye shook her head, Ji-yeun resumed her last minute checks and retouches.

“Listen carefully Shin Hye, look at me,” her coordi began after she’d swept a final of setting powder over Shin-Hye’ face. She waited until Shin-Hye’s gaze was focused on her.

“You look amazing. Partly thanks to my God-given talents, but seriously, you look and you are beautiful. I cannot imagine a luckier guy than Min-Ho-ssi right now. 

As for your number, why don’t you do this. Forget everyone else. And forget whatever those fears you have about these unfounded rumors and suspicions. Remember every look her gave you, every smiled you shared, every kiss--” Ji yeun stopped, thinking she’d gone too far. But at Shin-Hye’s expectant face she breathed a sigh of relief and continued. “You know in your heart that it was all real, and that it still is.”

“Picture him dancing with you. And you know that words are never enough to let him know how you feel.

This is your chance. Go out there and show him. Arasso?”

Shin Hye was moved by Ji-yeun’s passionate pep talk. She nodded. She remembered everything. 

“De, Unni. I will.” Just then the PD’s voice came through the monitor in Shin Hye’s ear. 

Twenty seconds Shin-Hye. I know you know what to do but I’ll say it anyway. On my cue you will come out, do your introduction and your farewell spiel. Once that’s done, the spotlight will go out and someone will get your microphone. You will stay in position until your dance partner does his solo as he walks towards you. Got it?

Okay. her PD continued. Oh and no matter what happens, try to keep your composure and finish the dance. And have fun. 

Composure? What? Something must’ve happened to my regular partner, she thought. Earlier that day, he had pulled a muscle during rehearsal. He said he was fine but the PD said, they may have a substitute ready just in case that the doctor won’t clear him for the performance. 

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