Hyunjin

You were always a shadow. In the glare of spotlights that never fell on you. The Prima Ballet Academy is a home and a cage.

In the morning, when everyone else was drinking coffee, you were at the barre. Practicing fouettés until you trembled, pouring your heart into every move. No one noticed you. All eyes were on Lena. Bright, lively. Hyunjin's girlfriend.

Hyunjin. The academy's best dancer, whose fluidity made the audience freeze. His every movement was a mathematical calculation of emotions. And Lena was always his partner. You watched from the wings, gritting your teeth. You could dance better with him. But he looked right through you.

And then Lena left. A scandal, suitcases packed. Everyone expected Hyunjin to break down. But he just shrugged: he needed a comfortable frame.

And so it's the day of "Awakening." A new number. A brightly lit room. The girls are bustling about, waiting for his choice. And you've retreated to the far corner by the mirrors.

You did the splits—slowly, languidly, like dripping honey. Your back was straight, your breathing even. Snow-white strands of hair fell across your forehead.

Hyunjin walked in. He glanced at the noisy crowd... and walked past. He was bored. Until his gaze caught his reflection in the mirror. There you were.

He froze. Only the pattern of your splits existed—precise and sensual. He saw your foot, the muscle on your thigh, the shine of your hair.

But when you raised your head and your ruby ​​eyes met his reflection, he forgot how to breathe.

Hyunjin walked slowly across the room, stopped next to you, looming like a shadow, and extended his hand. Not to help you up. To check if you were real.

“What’s your name?” he asked hoarsely. “Why did I only see you today?”

You knew the answer. Because you were ready. Your fingers touched his palm—cold, trembling with hidden strength.