Geonu's heart skipped a beat because of the young boy infront of him. His eyes traced Haneul's soft facial features. A strange protective instinct rushed into his heart out of nowhere.
His heart shaped face was glistening with sweat , his dark brown eyes shone brightly with a hint of boyish innocence in them.
Geonu finally responded, "what were you practicing?"
Haneul turned the music on and performed the choreo.
Geonu frowned slightly looking at the young boy's stiff movements.
A faint memory surfaced in his mind-
A 15 y.o. Geonu's stared at his reflection, tears blurring his vision. Yet another rejection, yet another failed audition. "Not talented enough" kept echoing in his mind.
His self confidence hit rock bottom. What was the use of having good looks if you aren't talented enough? What's the use of getting praised for just looks?
He came out of the bathroom and crouched on the sofa.
His father soothed his back and said "I believe in you, son. Start believing in yourself." He had then stretched his body and asked "shall we get some icecream?"
Geonu had thrown himself into practice completely from then on. He would take lessons from YouTube and learn on his own. If no one accepted him as trainee this year, he will try next year again.
*2 years later* 17 y.o. Park Geonu stood trembling in anticipation infront of a famous kpop producer. That day, he not only was chosen as a trainee; but also selected in the debut lineup of an upcoming boygroup of BD Entertainment.
Geonu stepped forward and stopped Haneul. "What you are trying to do now is blindly memorize what step comes after what, you are not feeling the music at all. Look at me closely, okay?"
Haneul was once again mesmerized by his idol's dancing. It felt like Geonu and the music were actually one entity. The power, the core strength, the swiftness, the aura : everything about Park Geonu captured his attention. Suddenly something dawned on Haneul. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before starting to move again.
"Relax, Haneul. Feel the music," Geonu whispered. Park Geonu adjusted Lee Haneul's pose, their bodies inches apart. Haneul's heart skipped a beat as Geonu's warm breath brushed against his ear.
Haneul's cheeks flushed. He couldn't help but notice the way Geonu's eyes crinkled at the corners or the gentle way his hands guided him.
As they danced together, Haneul felt an unfamiliar sense of comfort and excitement. Geonu's proximity made his pulse race.
"Why do I feel this way? It's just Geonu hyung... But why does my heart flutter when he's near?"
"You smell good, hyung" Haneul spoke without thinking.
Geonu's expression softens, his eyes locking onto Haneul's. For a moment, they just stared at each other before Haneul began practicing again breaking the awkwardness in the air around them.
A small smile tugged his lips as he saw Haneul dancing, lost in the music this time.
After another couple of hours or so, Haneul stopped practicing. He bowed deeply and said "Thank you so much, hyung. I will practice hard! If I pass the assessment test, I will treat you icecream!!"
Haneul smiled, feeling grateful for the mentorship. As they shared a warm good night, their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world around them melted away.
Geonu smiled back at the silly looking puppy in front of him. "Then.. I will be waiting for the icecream." He said.