How do I?

9

JENNIE POV

I came to the auditorium early... and alone. Wendy was supposed to be with me, but she had to attend an urgent org meeting. Rosie, on the other hand, had to drop by the lib and get references for the mini thesis.

I thought of just letting the time pass by but, what a waste, right? I'm here anyway. Might as well review the steps that I can still remember if there are any. I only have my phone with me, so I connected my earphones and decided to watch the recorded dance video of our choreography, trying my best to recall the steps we practiced.

I was in the middle of imitating the dance when she came in – Lisa.

She was wearing differently today, something I haven't seen her in – Sweatpants, loose white shirt, and a duffel bag on her shoulder. Her hair is tied up, too. She was looking down on her phone while walking. I'm not sure if she noticed me but she didn't look bothered by my presence.

I immediately stopped as she placed her bags on the floor almost in front of where I was practicing.

"Why did you stop?" I heard her say without looking up at me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked her.

"College week, remember? Elite DT will practice here, too." The auditorium was big enough for more than 2 groups to rehearse. No wonder a lot of students often stay here to meet.

She put her phone in her pocket and finally lifted her head up, "So, why did you stop, Jennie?"

"Are you allowed to see our class routine as early as now?"

Lisa laughed a little. "Why do we always answer with questions, Ms. Kim?"

"I don't know. Do we?" I answered. She tilted her head up a little and laughed again.

"See? Anyway, go ahead. You can continue practicing. Don't mind me." Lisa said. She walked a little far from me and started stretching.

I was torn if I should continue practicing or just wait for the rest of my class to be here. But I am afraid I'll get scolded by the trainer since I have forgotten most of the steps. We only have a few weeks before the activity and it wouldn't be good if I keep forgetting every after practice.

People will see me dance anyway. Don't need to be shy about it. And Lisa has seen me dance before. Though I wasn't alone that time.

My thoughts were fighting in my head, but I decided that I'd rather be ashamed now than to be called out by the trainer in front of the class later.

I played the video again and continued motioning every step that I can. I tried not to think of another person who was too busy stretching.

A few minutes later, she went to her bag to get a towel and wipe her face, forehead, and her nape. I saw her looking at me again,

"Can I be honest?"

I was trying to focus on the video that I missed out what she said, and I couldn't answer immediately.

"You're too conscious to do every step. Try to relax. Have you warmed up already?"

"Are you talking to me, Lisa?"

Lisa looked to her left and then to her right, "Is there another person here, Jennie?"

I scoffed, "That's easy for you to say. You dance!"

"And you can, too. Trust me. I saw you once during your first rehearsal. You just have to move bigger and enjoy, relax."

"How can I do that? I can't even memorize a single damn step." I said as I sat on the floor.