Mismatched E-Hearts

Ch7. Step Up!

Jimin sat in front of his laptop, a perplexed frown etched onto his face as he stared at the screen. The vibrant images of dancers swirling in traditional Italian attire appear in the video, their feet tapping out intricate patterns on a sunlit piazza. It was the Tarantella, a lively folk dance that he had never heard of before yesterday.

Yoongi lounged comfortably in the background, his laughter echoing through the room as he watched Jimin's bemusement unfold. Jimin sighed, feeling a mixture of regret and embarrassment as he contemplated his predicament.

"So this is what she meant by it!" Yoongi chuckled, unable to contain his laugh. "Jimin, when's the last time you danced? I've never seen you dance since high school prom. Why did you say yes to this?"

Jimin's brow furrowed even deeper as he tried to formulate a response. "Stop laughing! he muttered. " Eotteoke? (What to do, now?)"

"What's there to do? Just tell her you don't know how to dance," Yoongi suggested, his tone laced with a hint of mischief. "It isn't like you were trying to impress her or something."

Jimin shot Yoongi with a disbelieving look. "Why would I do that?"

Yoongi's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Exactly. She insulated your stamps, and you will do Tarantella with her. No way, right?"

Jimin sighed, his shoulders dropping heavily. "Yes, I won't."

Yoongi nodded in mock seriousness. "Yes, you won't."

A playful pout formed on Jimin's lips as he muttered, "But I want to."

Yoongi burst into laughter once more, unable to resist the temptation to tease his friend. "Then stop being a child. Be a man and start practicing the basics. Here, watch these videos." He pushed the laptop closer to Jimin.

"I'm only doing it because I said yes, and a man must not move away from his words," Jimin declared, determination flickering in his eyes.

Yoongi couldn't help but shake his head in sarcasm. "You really are a  ! (idiot!)." He reached over to lightly smack Jimin's head. "You clearly had the option to keep your mouth shut when Sohee mentioned about her friend bailing to go out for these dance classes."

"Tarantella! She said tarantella classes. I thought it was some kind of an Italian dish." Jimin took a deep sigh looking at the video of dancers in colorful dresses...

* * *

A week later, Jimin and Sohee found themselves in a spacious, mirrored dance studio filled with eager beginners, all sporting slightly anxious expressions. They were here for their first Tarantella class, and the air was charged with a sense of adventure.

Their Italian dance instructor, Signor Antonio, was a stout man with a thick mustache and a heavy accent. He stood at the front of the class, exuding an air of authority and enthusiasm.

"Benvenuti, class! (Welcome, class!)" Signor Antonio boomed, his arms gesturing dramatically. "Today, we begin with the basics of Tarantella. It's a passionate dance, filled with energy. You must feel the music in your heart and follow my rhythm. Easy right?"

Jimin exchanged a nervous glance with Sohee as they shuffled into position. The other participants seemed equally unsure, but the promise of learning something new kept them going.

The music started with a lively Italian melody that made everyone's toes tap instinctively. Signor Antonio began demonstrating the first steps, his feet moving with precision and grace. To Jimin, it looked like a piece of cake.