𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 | 𝙍𝙄𝙄𝙕𝙀 𝙎𝙤𝙝𝙚𝙚 𝙭 𝙔/𝙉

Chapter 2: Familiarity

Having completed her first day of classes the day before, Y/N reveled in the smooth transition into her academic routine. A testament to her productivity, she efficiently finished her homework on the same day, showcasing her dedication to both academics and her burgeoning dance career.

As Thursday dawned, Y/N woke up early, the first rays of sunlight gently kissing her face. With a sense of purpose, she prepared for the day ahead, adorning herself in a comfortable yet stylish streetwear dance outfit. The fabric embraced her form as she pulled on her favorite sneakers, ready to dance her way into the new chapter.

Heading to the bus stop, the city was still draped in the soft hues of dawn. Y/N boarded the bus, her excitement radiating with every passing street. Arriving at SM Entertainment, she confidently showed her business card to the security guards, who recognized her and escorted her to the second floor—the home of the dance practice rooms. Opening the door to the designated dance room, Y/N was greeted by the sight of her supervisor from the previous day, Eric, and a photographer.

Eric looked up from his phone and warmly greeted her, "Good morning, Y/N. Before we start, can we take a quick photo for your employee ID badge?"

Y/N agreed, adopting a professional pose as the photographer captured the moment. Satisfied, the photographer promised to return with the badge later in the day. Y/N expressed her gratitude, and Eric delved into the exciting details of the day.

"We've assigned you to a group that needs backup dancers for an upcoming awards show performance. They'll be performing 'Talk Saxy' and 'Love 119,'" Eric revealed, watching Y/N's eyes light up with excitement.

Unable to contain her joy, she confirmed, "Is it RIIZE?"

Eric nodded with a smile. "Yes, it's RIIZE. I chose them because you danced to 'Siren.' We loved your performance and can see you blending in." Y/N's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but bow repeatedly, expressing her gratitude. 

As Eric continued outlining the details of her upcoming collaboration with RIIZE, Y/N's mind drifted back to a cherished memory from her childhood in Japan. The flashback unveiled a scene where a five-year-old Y/N walked into her first day of dance class, her mother by her side. Timid, hid behind her mother as they conversed with the dance instructor.

Suddenly, a tap on her shoulder interrupted her quiet observation. Turning around, she faced a cute five-year-old girl with flowing black hair and bangs framing her face like a delicate curtain. The girl extended her hand with a bright smile, introducing herself as Mei. Y/N hesitated for a moment before tentatively reaching out, Mei's small hand enveloping hers in a friendly shake.

Mei, sensing Y/N's shyness, took the initiative and gently pulled her away from her mother. With an infectious enthusiasm, Mei showed Y/N around the dance room, introducing her to every person in the class. The room buzzed with the energy of aspiring young dancers, each one eager to embark on their dance journey.

As they approached a taller child with black hair and bangs, Y/N's eyes met a warm and friendly gaze. The boy's crescent moon-shaped eyes beamed with an inviting smile, and his bunny-like teeth added a charming touch. Crouching down to Y/N's height, he extended his hand in greeting. "Hi, I'm Shotaro."

Shy and hesitant, Y/N kept her hand by her side. Mei, sensing her new friend's unease, grabbed Y/N's hand and nudged it toward Shotaro. Reluctantly, Y/N shook his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch. Shotaro patted her head, calling her cute. Y/N blushed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

As the dance class unfolded, Y/N found comfort in Mei's companionship. When her mom informed her that she would return in two hours, Y/N waved goodbye. Y/N and Mei engaged in stretches, giggling as they confessed their confusion. Mei having started her dance journey only a week ago could relate to Y/N's unfamiliarity with dancing.

Looking around the room filled with girls, Y/N couldn't help but wonder why Shotaro was the lone boy.

"I don't know," Mei shrugged, "he had been in the program since he was five, and it had always been girls. Over time, he became a huge role model." Y/N nodded in understanding as they joined the lineup at the front when the dance instructor called for attention.

As the instructor demonstrated a simple hip-hop dance, Y/N and Mei tried to follow along. Struggling to keep up, Shotaro noticed and turned around. Standing by Y/N's side, he patiently guided her step by step. Y/N gradually caught on, and Mei received assistance from Shotaro's little sister.

Days like that continued for five more years, fostering Y/N's growth as a dancer and strengthening her friendship with Mei. However, as time passed, Y/N became more independent in her dancing, while Shotaro extended his help to newer and younger dancers. Their bond shifted into a one-sided admiration, and when Shotaro transferred to a more prestigious program at the age of 15, they lost touch.

He eventually joined a renowned dancing academy, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his journey. Y/N, still cherishing the memories, followed him on social media, but the gap between them widened. Shotaro opened TikTok and Instagram accounts, and although Y/N followed him, he never reciprocated, likely not recognizing her.

When Shotaro joined NCT, Y/N eagerly supported him from afar. However, she was disheartened when he left NCT to join a new boy group. Despite the distance, Y/N decided to carve out her path in the dance world. Opening her own Instagram and TikTok accounts at the age of 15, she showcased her talent and created a positive public image.

She wondered if Shotaro ever noticed her through his secret accounts, motivating herself to work harder. The admiration persisted, and as Y/N danced her way through the virtual world, she hoped that one day, the paths of her and the boy who once guided her steps in dance class would cross again.

Back in the present, Y/N's mind snapped back to reality as the dance room door swung open. The familiar sound brought her back to SM Entertainment. The room's atmosphere shifted as her supervisor, Eric, greeted the members of RIIZE. The vibrant energy of the group filled the space, and Y/N's eyes widened with anticipation. Eric gestured toward Y/N, introducing her to the members.

"This was the new dancer I was talking to you guys about yesterday," he stretched out an arm to showcase Y/N. 

As the members of RIIZE entered the room, Y/N couldn't help but take in each of their reactions, capturing a moment that would forever be etched in her memory. Seunghan's lips parted in an 'o' shape, a subtle expression of intrigue that mirrored the interest reflected in his eyes. "Ohhh," he uttered, a sign of curiosity at the new addition to their dance team.

Eunseok nodded with a stoic face, his features unreadable yet acknowledging her presence. His demeanor was akin to stone, revealing little about his thoughts, and leaving an air of mystery. Wonbin, arms crossed, nodded nonchalantly, his casual approval evident as he observed Y/N with a calm demeanor. It was a gesture that spoke volumes despite its simplicity.

Anton greeted her with a little warm smile, a friendly wave accompanying the genuine warmth that emanated from his demeanor. His welcoming gesture set a friendly tone, putting Y/N at ease. Sungchan, with a huge smile, waved enthusiastically, radiating positivity and excitement. His infectious energy filled the room, creating a vibrant atmosphere that lifted everyone's spirits.
Sohee's eyes widened, his lips parting in a shocked expression as he took in Y/N's presence. The unexpected encounter seemed to catch him off guard, adding an element of surprise to the room. Shotaro, with his familiar gummy smile, greeted her warmly. His eyes, reminiscent of crescent moons, conveyed a familiarity that sparked a sense of connection. Y/N couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia as she locked eyes with the boy who had once guided her steps in dance class.

A mix of excitement and nervousness pulsed through her veins as she prepared to collaborate with the very group she had admired from a distance.  As the door closed behind RIIZE, sealing the moment of their arrival, Y/N's heart raced. 

"Hello, my name is Y/N, nice to meet you," Y/N respectfully bowed as she introduced herself.

"Wow! You are Boo Heejoo, I am a fan," Seunghan reached his hand out for a handshake, which Y/N took graciously.

"I told them yesterday that Boo Heejoo is joining our team, Seunghan and Sohee were the most excited," Eric mentioned, gesturing towards Seunghan and Sohee, who wore a bright smile of anticipation.

"Your name, Y/N... It sounds familiar," Shotaro said, his gummy smile widening as if a distant memory tried to resurface. Y/N felt a subtle flutter of excitement at the thought that perhaps, in the vastness of their shared past, Shotaro might recognize her.

"We used to dance together; I started when I was around 5 years old," she explained, hoping to evoke any lingering memories in Shotaro's mind. The room held a palpable mix of anticipation and curiosity as the members of RIIZE familiarized themselves with their newest teammate.

"OH!" Shotaro clapped his hands together, a sudden burst of realization lighting up his face.

"You were friends with Mei-san! Oh my god, haha, yes, I remember you. Wow, you are so much older," Shotaro chuckled.

Y/N, pleasantly shocked that he recalled their shared past, smiled, "Yeah, Mei quit dancing a while ago, though," she sighed.

"Aw, that's unfortunate. People have different paths. What is she doing now?" he asked curiously.

"She is majoring in International Studies at a women's university in Japan," Y/N informed Shotaro.

"Wow~," he said, genuinely pleased. "Good for her! How about you? Are you in University here?" he inquired.

"Yeah, I go to Seoul University. I'm majoring in linguistics," she happily shared.

Eunseok, seeming amused, interjected, asking about the languages she knew. Y/N listed the languages she was proficient in, prompting Eunseok to express, "すごい" (amazing in Japanese), which elicited laughter from the room at Eunseok's unique sense of humor.

A group of dancers, clad in stylish outfits, entered the room, exuding an air of confidence that mirrored their skills. Greeting Eric with familiarity, they acknowledged Y/N's presence as he introduced her to the team.

"Y/N, meet your dancing team; team, meet Y/N. She is new here, a great dancer," Eric announced. The dancers bowed gracefully to Y/N, and she reciprocated with a touch of awkwardness. Despite the initial hesitance, a sense of camaraderie began to weave itself among the dancers.Eric then declared that he would escort RIIZE to another dance practice room, leaving Y/N in the capable hands of the backup dancers. The room buzzed with anticipation as Y/N prepared to immerse herself in the intricacies of the choreography for "Love 119" and "Talk Saxy."

The other backup dancers, sensing Y/N's eagerness, began to guide her through the dance routines. Y/N, a quick learner with a keen eye for detail, absorbed the choreography like a sponge. The movements flowed seamlessly from her, each step executed with precision and grace. Her interactions with the team were marked by a blend of focused determination and a touch of developing friendship. Despite being new to the group, Y/N's natural talent and dedication to the craft quickly earned her the respect of her fellow dancers. The dance practice room became a vibrant canvas where Y/N painted the air with her movements, seamlessly merging into the rhythm of the professional ensemble.

As the music played, Y/N's body became an instrument, translating the beats into a dance that told a story of passion and skill. The bond with her new team strengthened with each synchronized step, creating a harmonious dance that would soon grace the stage alongside RIIZE. After a few hours of nonstop practice, everyone was breathless, agreeing to take a much-needed lunch break. 

Y/N headed to the cafeteria alone with her tray of lunch. The room buzzed with the chatter of various idol groups enjoying their meals. Noticing NCT, Aespa, and RIIZE spread out across different tables, Y/N hesitated, debating whether to join her fellow backup dancers or sit alone.Her decision was made when the backup dancers informed her they would be eating out. Opting to save money, Y/N settled at an empty table in the cafeteria, appreciating the chance to recharge.

The room echoed with the clatter of trays and the murmur of conversations. To her surprise, a familiar face approached her. Shotaro, accompanied by Seunghan and a shy-faced Sohee behind him, greeted Y/N with a warm smile.

"Hey, Y/N! Mind if we join you for lunch?" Shotaro asked. Y/N, touched by the unexpected company, agreed with a smile.

Shotaro took a seat next to her, Seunghan in front, and Sohee awkwardly seated beside Seunghan. Shotaro, with a smile, pointed at the rice and kimchi on Y/N's tray, "Do you like the rice and kimchi?" he asked. Y/N nodded, savoring the flavors. "It's good," she replied, appreciating the taste of the meal.

Seunghan joined the conversation, his curiosity piqued, "How was practice?" he inquired. Y/N responded with enthusiasm, sharing that she had learned both "Talk Saxy" and "Love 119." The revelation prompted shocked expressions from Sohee and Seunghan, while Shotaro clapped in delight.

"Wow, that's impressive! Can you show us a bit after lunch?" Shotaro asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Y/N, feeling a bit flustered, hesitated, "I don't feel comfortable dancing in front of you just yet."

Shotaro chuckled, his laughter resonating with warmth. "I've seen you dance before, and I would love to dance with you," he insisted. Despite the invitation, Y/N stood her ground and declined. Shotaro respected her decision, suggesting she could show him on Saturday when she comes back. Y/N nodded in agreement.

Sohee, who has been shy and quiet, cleared his throat to interject. His eagerness to join the conversation was evident, though his nervousness lingered beneath the surface. He confessed to Y/N, "I, uh, wanted to say that, I am a huge fan of you." Y/N's face warmed up at the unexpected compliment, and she thanked him sincerely.

In return, Y/N admitted, "I'm a big fan of your vocals and dance, especially your part in 'Talk Saxy.'" The atmosphere between them shifted, both sharing a shy and awkward moment. Their faces mirrored one another – warm, shy smiles and a hint of awkwardness that added a touch of endearing charm to the exchange. The air around them was filled with a shared admiration that transcended the boundary between fan and artist.

"Sohee showed me your work during our trainee days," Seunghan admitted. Y/N, eyes wide, asked if that was true. "Yes, he was so obsessed with how you dance. We have been fans for years."

"Wow, I feel so honored," Y/N smiled, placing her hand on her heart.

Shotaro admitted, "I saw some of your videos a year ago for the first time. I thought you were cool, but I never really looked into you deeply. I should have, I feel so bad now," his voice hinted at sincerity and regret.

"Ah~ it's okay, Shotaro. I am just happy you recognize me now," Y/N gave him a reassuring warm smile. Her heart began fluttering as her eyes focused on the small details of his face. The wrinkles near his eyes, as he smiled, set her heart on fire, tracing her back to her childhood with Shotaro. She felt herself admiring him again like in the past, as she watched him from afar. It was unreal to her how she could see him up close again. 

Seunghan's eyes wandered back and forth from Y/N to Shotaro and grew a grin, "It's crazy how you guys know each other from childhood days," he pointed out.

"Yeah, it's like a string of fate bringing us back together," Shotaro said jokingly.

"Haha, yeah," Y/N said, with a little chuckle.

Sohee, quietly observing from the sidelines, noticed the way Y/N looked at Shotaro. The sparkle in her eyes betrayed a lingering affection, a connection that surpassed the passage of time. Sohee, with keen observation skills, acknowledged Y/N's unmistakable interest in Shotaro. As he witnessed the unspoken connection, Sohee found himself admitting defeat within his own heart as a fan. The way Y/N looked at Shotaro, the warmth in her gaze, hinted at a familiarity and affection that went beyond the surface.

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author's note: fun fact, i am using my old crush on this girl i met in college to characterize mei, y/n's old friend from dance. and i am also describing shotaro as this boy i had a crush on during my karate days. i used to admire him while doing karate, he was like a couple years older than me and i started karate around 5 years old, so it's similar to this story haha.