Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

26. Sensual

・゜゜・．

A multitude of outfits lay before Nabi, each one more revealing than the last. However, in her opinion, they all crossed a line of modesty she wasn't comfortable with. As she surveyed the options, she couldn't help but wonder how much more daring the other, even more revealing outfits might be.

Sighing in contemplation, Nabi resolved to make her outfit decision after a bit of practice. She made her way to the room Keeho had indicated earlier, inserting the key he had given her into the lock and entering the room. With a determined click, she locked the door behind her, creating a private sanctuary where she could focus on her preparations.

As her gaze shifted from the door to the room's interior, a soft glow of neon lights caught her attention. The LEDs lining the walls emitted a vibrant and inviting aura. Taking in the surroundings, Nabi's eyes settled on the central feature of the room—a large mirror spanning an entire wall. Positioned in the room's heart was a sleek pole, beckoning her to confront the challenge that lay ahead.

In one corner of the room, a set of speakers awaited her command, poised to fill the space with the rhythm that would guide her movements.

With a newfound sense of comfort settling over her, Nabi began to believe that perhaps this room could be a sanctuary for her practice. Taking a precautionary glance around, she ensured there were no prying cameras, her privacy protected.

With that assurance, she took a deep breath and began to shed the layers of her inhibitions, removing her hoodie and leaving herself in her bra and sweatpants. In this private space, she was free to express herself without judgment or scrutiny.

Selecting a song that resonated with her emotions, Nabi let the music wash over her. As the melody enveloped her, she closed her eyes, allowing the beats to guide her movements. In that moment, she drop out the control to her body, letting it sway, twist, and flow in harmony with the rhythm.

This was the start of her journey toward self-expression and empowerment.

Consciously avoiding her reflection in the mirror, Nabi danced with her eyes tightly shut. She was acutely aware that facing her own image might unleash a torrent of emotions she wasn't yet prepared to confront.

Instead, she focused solely on the music and the movements of her body, allowing herself this moment of freedom and release, shielded from the reality of her scars and insecurities.

With the passage of time, Nabi gradually felt a sense of readiness wash over her. Glancing at the clock on the wall, which displayed 7 o'clock, she realized that the time had come for her to prepare for the show ahead.

As she turned off the music and took a deep breath, a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirled within her. It was time to choose an outfit, apply her makeup, and step into a new role that she had never imagined herself in before.

"Jeonghan-ah, have you seen Minghao?" Joshua's voice cut through the air as he emerged from the kitchen, his gaze locking onto Jeonghan in the living room. A flicker of concern danced in his eyes. "I assumed he came along with you to the bar," he added, his brows knitting together.

"He was with me," Jeonghan began, his voice carrying a certain weight. "But he chose to stay there," he explained.

Joshua furrowed his brows, confusion deepening. "Why?" he asked, seeking clarity.