Chereads / The Scandal Queen / Chapter 16 - Chapter Fifteen

Chapter 16 - Chapter Fifteen

The studio is quiet, the echoes of today's classes still lingering in the air. I unlock the door and slip inside, glancing around to make sure everything is as it should be. The familiar scent of sweat and determination fills my lungs, grounding me. I hear a soft knock at the door and my pulse kicks up.

"Hey, come on in," I say, opening the door to reveal Jaewook and Seonho standing there. Jaewook's a cool breeze, and easy smile hanging off his lips, black hair pushed back so casually over his brow in a way that is effortless but leaves him looking damn sexy. Seonho's a ball of energy, bouncing on his heels, grinning from ear to ear, dark eyes shining with anticipation.

"Ready to learn some moves?" I tease, leading them into one of the dance rooms. The mirrors lining the walls reflect our images back at us, a trio.

Jaewook takes a seat on the floor, leaning against the mirrored wall with an easy grace. "Front row seats," he says, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Seonho rolls his shoulders and stretches his arms above his head. "I hope you're ready for this," he says with a wink. "There's a reason they picked me as a center."

I laugh, shaking my head. "Well, it wasn't for your humility, that's for sure." I walk over to the sound system and plug in my phone, scrolling through my playlist until I find the track we're going to work on. The beat pulses through the room as I take my place in front of Seonho.

"Alright, let's start with something simple," I say, starting the first verse of the choreography. Seonho watches intently before mimicking my movements. He's a quick learner, his body moving with a fluidity that surprises me.

"There we go," I say, giving him an approving nod. "But you missed a step just here." I place my hands on his shoulders and give them a gentle shake.

Seonho smirks. "Like this?" He exaggerates his movements, making me laugh.

"Exactly like that," I say, rolling my eyes playfully. We go through the steps again, this time going a little faster. Seonho keeps up admirably, his focus unwavering.

As we dance, we fall into an easy rhythm of banter and flirtation. "You know," Seonho says between steps, "I think you just like bossing me around."

"Maybe I do," I reply with a grin. "But someone has to keep you in line."

Jaewook chuckles from his spot on the floor. "Good luck with that," he says dryly.

We move through the choreography seamlessly, our bodies syncing with the music and each other. Every now and then, Seonho's hand brushes against mine or our eyes lock for just a moment longer than necessary. It's intoxicating and distracting all at once.

The music pulses through the studio, wrapping around us like a living thing. I can feel Seonho's energy buzzing next to me, his movements quick and eager as he mirrors my steps. The dance is intimate, sensual, each movement designed to draw us closer together.

"Alright, Seonho," I say, my voice a mix of teasing and instruction. "This part's all about the connection. You need to really feel it."

Seonho grins, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Like this?" He grabs my waist, pulling me close in a suggestive angle that makes my heartbeat stutter. His hand slides down to the small of my back, holding me against him.

I laugh, pushing him away playfully. "Quite being handsy."

Jaewook's voice floats over from his spot against the mirrored wall. "Focus, Seonho," he warns, a smile tugging at his lips. "You're going to get yourself in trouble if you keep that up."

Seonho just winks at him before turning his attention back to me. "Trouble's my middle name," he says with a cocky grin.

I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my lips. "Alright, let's try that again," I say, stepping back into position.

We move through the choreography again, this time with Seonho following more closely. His hands are firm on my hips as we sway together, our bodies moving in perfect harmony. The music swells and I can feel the heat between us building with each step.

"You're getting it," I say breathlessly as we spin together.

Seonho's grin widens. "Told you I was a quick learner." He dips me low, his face inches from mine. "But maybe we should practice this part a few more times."

I laugh, feeling the flush of warmth spread through me. "Only if you promise to behave."

He smirks, lifting me back up smoothly. "No promises."

We go through the routine again and again, each time getting more comfortable with the movements and each other. Seonho's playful nature keeps things light and fun, even as the dance grows more intense.

"Like this?" he asks for what feels like the hundredth time, grabbing me in another suggestive angle.

I shake my head, laughing despite myself. "You're impossible."

Jaewook chuckles from his spot on the floor. "Don't encourage him," he says with mock seriousness.

Seonho just shrugs, pulling me close again as we move through another sequence of steps. His hands are warm on my skin, and I can't deny the thrill that runs through me every time we touch.

The music changes tempo and we shift into a slower part of the dance. Seonho's movements become more deliberate, his eyes locked on mine as we sway together. There's a softness in his gaze that catches me off guard and for a moment, it feels like we're the only two people in the world.

"You're really good at this," he murmurs as we move together.

"Thanks," I reply softly, feeling a flutter of something deeper in my chest.

We continue dancing until the music fades out and we come to a stop, our bodies still pressed close together. There's a charged silence between us and I can feel Seonho's breath against my cheek.

"Not bad for a first try," I say finally, stepping back reluctantly.

Seonho grins, but there's something softer in his eyes now. "Not bad at all."

Jaewook claps from his spot on the floor. "Alright lovebirds, break it up," he teases.

I roll my eyes and a wide smile spreads across my face. Dancing with Seonho has been exhilarating and I can't wait to see the final product in motion.

"Let's take five," I say, walking over to grab my water bottle. As I take a sip, I catch Jaewook's eye in the mirror and he gives me an approving nod.

"That was great. You're a great choreographer," he says warmly.

"How would you know?" I reply with a little laugh, but not with any malice. "Do you have any experience with dance?"

Jaewook shakes his head. "Not a bit. I'd trip over my own feet, and if you ask me to dance with you I'll refuse to save us both grievous injury."

I giggle but squeeze his arm in thanks before turning back to Seonho who is already making faces at himself in the mirror.

"Ready for round two?" I ask playfully.

Seonho straightens up and salutes me dramatically. "Always ready."

The music starts up again and we dive back into the choreography with renewed energy. This time there's an ease between us that wasn't there before—a sense of trust and mutual understanding that makes each movement feel effortless.

As we dance together under Jaewook's watchful eye, I can feel the excitement building in all of us—we're creating something here, together. What comes after, well, that excites me as much as it terrifies me.