To See The Moon

Depends on Life

     There was a reason Hyunjin had set 6 as his meeting time with Felix.

     Because at 5, Hyunjin was off to a new location texted to him by his new dance teacher. He could hardly wait!

     It wasn't a place Hyunjin had ever seen in Nila. It was more in the backstreets, hidden by the neon signs and colours of the stores on the main street. The first thing Hyunjin noticed was that the space was dark, only a few spots illuminated by lightbulbs. The place showed signs of maintenance but clearly not enough.

     But it was a huge upgrade to Hyunjin's usual practice space, so who was he to complain?

     Minho was already inside. His eyes turned towards the door as Hyunjin entered. "You're on time."

     "It was 5, right?" Hyunjin said, already worried that he had done something to disappoint his new instructor.

     "Yes, it was, just didn't really expect you to be punctual," Minho said.

     Hyunjin didn't know whether to take that as an insult or compliment. "I'll always be on time, Minho hyung. I'm serious about this!"

     "I'll see about that," Minho said, his face not showing even a single acknowledgement of Hyunjin's determination. "Get to stretching and I'll see what you've got."

     "So, what is this place?" Hyunjin asked midstretch.

     "The place where I took lessons obviously," Minho said.

     "Here!?" Hyunjin never meant for his tone to sound so judgemental. After all, he was in no place to judge. He was just surprised.

     "Yeah, well not everyone can afford luxurious facilities. If you want to reach the top, you make do with what you have." Minho's voice held no venom to that statement. That was all it was, a statement. "Anyways, can you freestyle?"

     "It's the only thing I've ever done," Hyunjin said.

     "Then show me your skill level."

     "Got it!" Hyunjin gave one last bow. "Thank you for teaching me again, hyung!"

     "Yeah, yeah, you have Jisung to thank for that," Minho said, waving off the gratitude.

     "Kind of cool how Jisung was able to convince you,' Hyunjin said, not being able to resist a smirk. He had to add some lightheartedness to this tense environment.

     "Are you here to dance or talk?"

     "Right, got it! I'm ready!" Hyunjin took his place in the center of the room, waiting for the music. He tried to calm his nerves. He could do this.

     The music began.

     He was right, he COULD do this. If there was ever a moment in his life where Hyunjin felt like he had so much to accomplish, it was when he was dancing.

     The music ended and Hyunjin held back a breath, waiting for Minho's judgement.

     The boy's stern expression finally took on a hint of expression. Minho's eyes were wider, examining Hyunjin, putting together an analysis.

     "Your... footwork is amazing."

     Hyunjin felt himself flying at that. He hadn't expected such a high compliment in his first class. His sense of accomplishment wasn't just in his head.

     Minho wasn't one to sugarcoat words. But he really had no better way to describe Hyunjin's movement. "Your feet don't stumble, they land perfectly in position. They navigate the dance floor like... they have a set route for them and it's the only way they can go. You dance almost as if..."