13 Dances (A Seventeen Fanfiction)

-22-

As the tall figure entered the room, I once again had to smile. My good old friend – I liked him. He was genuine and gentle and we had a lot in common. Behind his warm eyes was a sharp mind hidden which one didn't necessarily see at first. Me neither, to be honest. I was surprised even more when I realized it. I almost chuckled out of joy to see him here – My dance partners got closer related to my boyfriend. That was a good sign, wasn't it?

"But why this out of all places?", I sulked. "My friends really wanted to go there, sorry. And I didn't know you were afraid of it yet", my boyfriend shrugged apologetically. "It's okay", I sighed and pecked his cheek, "Just don't expect me to join in on anything too high. I'll be sitting on safe ground watching you guys. And believe me, I'll be absolutely fine with it." "Are you sure?", he asked worried and I nodded firmly. "You go enjoy yourself and I'll have more time to meet your friends – You gotta stop trying to read between the lines when I say something to you only. I am absolutely honest with you, not expecting you to read my mind", I chuckled. "I'll try", he sighed and we finally got out of the car.

We found his friends inside the boulder hall. They waved us over and I felt the nervousness grow. The first time to meet his friends. I so hoped they liked me. My boyfriend grabbed my hand as a reassurance that he was right beside me. And as the day went on, we grew close much faster than I expected. His friends were quite enjoyable company and I was glad I already knew Jihoon. I tried some climbing and grew a bit more courageous, but my fear of heights didn't allow me to go higher than maybe two meters above ground. Which already was a lot for me. Relieved, I realized that none of his friends seemed to be bothered by my fear. I found myself to enjoy it more than expected.

At the end, the guys wanted to challenge the high tower outside of the hall and I kindly refused. One of his friends did too and so I found myself sitting next to him, watching the others climb up. Once my boyfriend reached the top, he waved at me happily. I laughed and showed him a thumbs up before turning back to my company. "You quite like him, huh?", he asked. I blushed. "I wouldn't date him otherwise", I gave back and he laughed. "Naturally so", he admitted and then tilted his head, "But you also seem to be good for him. He can't stop talking about you, it's almost annoying." "Sorry for that", I chuckled and he waved off: "No, it's fine. I was looking forward to meeting you." "Thanks", I gave back, "Me too." I lowered my eyes, suddenly remembering something. "What is it?", he asked. I was almost too shy to say it, but maybe he could tell me more. He was his friend after all.

"Mingyu?", I asked. "Yes?", he wanted to know. "Is my boyfriend... I mean... Would he... Does he expect me to marry and get children right away? He often makes jokes about our future children and how our house could look and all that. I mean... It's not that I can't imagine it, but I... I don't think I am ready yet. And maybe it doesn't work out with us, who knows? Not that I want that to happen, but..." "Hey, you'll be fine", Mingyu gave back, "If I know one thing about that guy up there than it's that he would accept anything you want. He's a gentleman and he would do anything for you. If you are not ready for it yet, then you aren't. He'll be okay with it. If you never are ready for, then he would too. Though it admittingly would be sad for him. He loves children." I smiled weakly. "I can see it happening, I really can", I told him, "But not just in the nearest future. I'm a cautious nature, after all. I need a lot of time for life-changing decisions." "And that is fine. He'll understand. Just tell him", Mingyu encouraged me. "Thanks", I said, "For your words and listening to me." "Don't mention it."

After the eleventh dance I learned that true love means to have someone you can open up to.