Minji x Reader x Hanni

ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ｎｉｎｅ

I can't do this Minji..." beads of perspiration glisten on Hyein's forehead as her labored breathing echoes the physical strain. Both of her hands are on her knees, the dance clearly taking a toll on her.

The practice room buzzes with activity. Hanni is talking with a choreographer, discussing whatever it is you discuss with one. Meanwhile, Danielle and Haerin warm up their muscles and joints on the hardwood floor, their bodies gracefully flexing and extending.

Your attention, however, was captivated by the duo of Minji and Hyein.

"You can," Minji comforts Hyein, her voice carrying a soothing assurance as she speaks words of encouragement. "I know you can." Her words were more than just platitudes; they were proof of the group's unwavering support for one another.

The girls have only just arrived, quickly filing in one after the other in a timely fashion. Today is an important day, with much more significance than the routine practices. Today marked a dance evaluation. Despite the undeniable progress the girls have made, the true test awaited them– the piercing scrutiny of the label's discerning eyes. With their backs to the dark wall, a group of people congregate, mingling in inaudible conversation. This group of people had significant sway within the industry– people whose opinions could change someone's life, especially the girls'.

The air is charged with a different energy than usual.

"Now, again," With a tender yet authoritative grip, Minji corrects Hyein and brings her back to a straight posture and into position. "1... 2, 3—"

Minji's movements flow with an almost hypnotic momentum– manifesting mesmerizingly. Her moves seamlessly synchronize with the rhythmic pulses of her own shouts– a commanding count that punctuates the room.

With each choreographed step, Minji's shouts– rhythmic and commanding– intensify as she takes notes of Hyein's mistakes reflecting on the mirror.

You do nothing but stand still and watch with a detached curiosity, passively observing the energy radiating from the girls. Despite that fact, a subtle twinge suddenly traverses your back, making you wince involuntarily. The discomfort reminds you of the other night, choosing now to reveal its less-than-ideal consequences in the form of a physical protest. You wish you could ignore it, but it– like the girls– demands your attention with every movement.

"Are you okay? You don't look so good..." Manager Park asks with concern, gently placing a hand on your shoulder. They come up from behind you, facing the same direction and at the girls that are busy working away.

"Yeah, umm— Actually, I've been meaning to upgrade to a new mattress for my apartment," You spontaneously fabricate on the spot, hoping they won't notice your lie. "The one I have now is so stiff and uncomfortable. It feels like sleeping on a slab of concrete."

Given the awkward nonchalance in your voice, Park responds with a skeptical look. "Oh, alright..." they say, not sounding convinced but still giving a wry smile.

You feel a bit uneasy under their gaze, so you try to change the subject. "What about you?" you ask in turn. "Something on your mind?"

They hesitate for a moment, then turn away from the girls and face you. They look into your eyes, as if searching for something. "You know, sometimes I wonder about you," Park begins, their words carrying a hint of curiosity. "You're here so early in the morning sometimes. It seems like you sleep in here– or even outside the door..."

You almost follow up with a "HA!" before catching the exclamation and transforming it into a more composed chuckle. Chuckling nervously and hoping to avoid their probing, you feign ignorance. "Nah, I'm just a real bore. I don't have anything else to do, so... yeah—"

"Alright then, should we get started?"

Fortunately, the commencement of the dance evaluation saves you just in time. The person that just spoke is one of the individuals from the group that has 'significant sway,' their commanding presence shifting the atmosphere as they take charge of the proceedings.

The girls swiftly comply and assume their positions. The air is thick with anticipation, each of their faces uniquely revealing blends of nerves, excitement, and determination as they await the first notes of the instrumental to signal the onset of the performance.

You and Park line up against the black wall, assimilating into the company of those not actively participating in the dance.

A hush blankets the room as the music finally begins.

With a sudden burst of energy, the group snaps into motion. Their execution of the meticulously choreographed routine is proof of the countless hours of practice. The dance is contagious, a blend of their catchy moves with drums and percussion that seem to fill the entire beat.

...You could sense it coming, and it unfolds as Hyein falters, a misstep breaking the seamless flow of the routine. She quickly recovers, pasting a positive expression back on her face.

You look to the main cluster of spectators, worryingly waiting to see their responses to her misstep. Instead, you are the only one with the indifferent expression.

Their stone-like, stoic expressions betray nothing; their eyes are all drawn to Hanni's figure. Despite her own small mistakes, she stands confidently– exuding an effortless sensuality, a magnetism that draws the spectators gazes like moths to a flame.

You couldn't help but notice the way they looked at Hanni, thirstily drinking in every marketable aspect of her– how much they'd profit off of her. Whether she moves her hips or flashes her inviting eyes, their eyes light up at every move she makes– ignoring everyone else as though oblivious to their presence at all. It made you uncomfortable, knowing she was surrounded by powerful people who see her as nothing more than a pretty object. Yet, there she is, seemingly unfazed by the objectification, reveling in it even.

Throughout the performance, they maintain an unwavering focus on Hanni, and even Hyein at some points– it would also be unfair to say the other girls weren't receiving the same treatment. Even when the girls falter, the gazes remain fixated on them, a disturbing persistence.

The instrumental fades off and the performance ends with one of those ending poses you always see in K-Pop. The spectating crowd erupts into applause as the girls smile and bow.

You look at them approaching your direction, feeling a mix of awe and pride. You have been watching them practice for weeks, and you know how hard they worked to perfect this routine. After a day of being an introvert, you get ready to talk and congratulate them on their amazing performance.

The prep isn't needed though. Each girl quickly finds their respective managers or whoever and immerses themselves in conversation. You stand there with Park, awkwardly waiting for whatever is next on the agenda, unsure of what to do.

"Aghhh, I can't believe I—" The sound of Hanni's distressed voice catches your attention as she walks past you. Frustration is evident in her tone as she berates herself for her performance.

"You did great, Hanni!"

But before she could finish her sentence, you overhear someone else interject, probably one of the other staff members. He inaudibly continues to coddle Hanni, even as she adamantly shakes her head and states she messed up. You cringe when he puts a hand on her shoulder– knowing you can't intervene, and that Hanni wouldn't want you to. She was an expert dealing with 'assholes' like him, as she told you. Yet, it pains you to see her subjected to this type of treatment, knowing she has to endure this day after day– all while maintaining a façade of professionalism.

You wish you could do something to protect them, especially Hyein. She was way too damn young to be having to deal with this industry, with its incessant demands and pressures.

Then, you remember her performing and rethink the aforementioned sentiment– your doubts dissipating. Her smile radiated pure joy, and her expressions were like that of a seasoned model, all while she had to conform to the choreography. It was almost hard to believe that she was only the youngest.

As much as you wanted to protect her, and the others, you also couldn't deny the fact that she was meant for this life. She had a talent that surpassed most. She can make people love her, even if that shining expression is all a lie.