Look What Time Has Held True

A/N: To set the mood, I invite you to listen to/watch Xin Dong (embedded below) and pay attention to the lyrics (the video is subbed). Treat it as part of the fic. :D

Yibo stands in the hallway, foot lightly tapping on the ground as he follows the beat of the song that only he can hear. With eyes closed, he bops his head to the music, grooves his body to the rhythm, and extends his limbs for as much as what the limited space in the hallway would allow without distracting the other applicants who are also there with him.

It's been two years since he packed his things and moved out of his hometown; since he explored the opportunities that would possibly come his way, since said opportunities really came his way, since he was made to realize just how big the world actually is.

It's only been two years; way less time than the years that he'd spent coddled in the comfort of the familiar city that he grew up in, and yet Yibo finds that it was in these past two years that he has learned the most. how a great deal of what he was taught in school and at home were only simplifications of what life really was, what it really felt like.

The audition room's door opens, and out comes the applicant that preceded him, eyes downcast and head low. Not long after the previous applicant exits, Seungyoun's head peaks out the door.

"Yibo!" Seungyoun beams, eyes twinkling, as if he didn't just follow out someone who has failed the audition. "You ready?"

Yibo peels himself off the wall where he'd been leaning on.

"Play any music right now and I can freestyle to it, no problem." It's a cocky statement, but it's also true. However, Yibo wouldn't be so much of an ass to say it in front of the actual panel. Right now, he only says it because it boosts his confidence. And Seungyoun's, too. (And it's true.)

Seungyoun makes a tortured face, places a hand on his chest. "Yibo! You wound me! My efforts!"

"I'm kidding." Yibo grins and pats his friend's shoulder as they both enter. "You're the best."

Only the fluorescent light tube at the center of the ceiling is open, hence the dim ambiance in the entirety of the spacious dance room. It serves as a spotlight of sorts to whoever would be dancing in the middle of the floor, Yibo conjects. There are speakers on one side where the studio mirrors end, much larger than the ones that are usually used for dance practices. Connected to the speakers and on top of a table is a laptop setup, to which Seungyoun jogs over and busies himself for a total of ten seconds before an assistant replaces him and Seungyoun goes back to the middle of the floor to accompany Yibo.

Seungyoun nods at him, and Yibo takes it as the cue to introduce himself.

"Hello. My name is Wang Yibo. Twenty years old." he starts, addressing the panel. "I major in Dance in a conventional university. However, I would like to join your specialized school because I know I could learn better there." He pauses, but does not hesitate. "And I deserve it."

Seungyoun snorts softly beside him, and Yibo has to purse his lips to prevent a smile.

"Hello. My name is Cho Seungyoun." his friend says, tone much chirpier than Yibo's had been. "I am a Dance major in your school. However, I wish to add Music Production in my specialty. The director said I can't have double majors unless I pass the test, so, I'm here." he glances at Yibo, then back to the panel. "I definitely deserve it."