𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 | 𝙍𝙄𝙄𝙕𝙀 𝙎𝙤𝙝𝙚𝙚 𝙭 𝙔/𝙉

Chapter 9: Sohee's Discovery

a/n: this is a short chapter from sohee's past! we will get to the date next chapter :) you can skip this if you want to jump to the present time, but i think this chapter would help understand why sohee admires y/n so much! plus, it's kind of cute. so i recommend it :p

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Sohee arrived back to the dorm after crocheting with Y/N. Sohee sat in his room, a dim glow casting shadows on the walls, as he scrolled through his phone. Memories from a few years ago resurfaced, a time when he was just a trainee filled with dreams and aspirations.

In the quiet solitude of his dorm room as a trainee, Sohee stumbled upon Y/N's Instagram, a treasure trove of mesmerizing dancing videos. He found himself captivated by her performances, each movement emanating a unique rhythm that resonated with his soul. Y/N's dancing wasn't just a series of steps; it was an expression, a vibrant celebration of music.

As he scrolled through the videos, he couldn't help but admire her body isolations, the smooth transitions, and the joy she exuded in every motion. Sohee, still finding his footing as a trainee, often found solace in practicing along with her videos. It became a ritual, a dance of connection between two souls separated by screens yet linked by the universal language of movement.

The admiration grew into a silent dedication, a commitment to perfect the steps she effortlessly executed. Sohee, in the secrecy of his room, felt a connection with Y/N that transcended the digital boundaries. 

On one occasion during his trainee days, he was faced with an incident that pushed Sohee closer to Y/N. He was practicing in the SM dance practice room with his dance instructor, he was receiving solo lessons because he needed more practice than the others.

The atmosphere in the dance practice room was tense as Sohee tried to keep up with the intricate choreography. The dance instructor's stern gaze bore into him, and the air hung heavy with expectation. Sohee, determined to prove himself, pushed through the moves, albeit with a hint of stiffness.

The dance routine unfolded, and Sohee struggled to match the fluidity and grace demanded by the choreography. The instructor's dissatisfaction was palpable, and the criticism cut through the air.

"You're too stiff, Sohee," the instructor remarked sharply, his tone holding a disappointed edge. "Dancing is not just about hitting the steps; it's about embodying the rhythm, feeling the music in your bones."

Sohee's shoulders slumped, his confidence waning with each critique. The instructor continued, "You need to pick up the dances faster. The industry demands versatility, and your current pace won't cut it. All you've got going for you is being a vocalist, but idols need more than that. You lack the agility, the natural flair for dance that sets idols apart."

The words stung, and Sohee felt a weight settle in his chest. Being a vocalist had been his strength, the foundation upon which he built his dreams of becoming an idol. He dedicated his youth to becoming the best vocalist in the industry, even the world. He worked multiple part-time jobs to afford the cost of vocal lessons, which led him to become a trainee under SM Entertainment. However, he put so much effort and focus on vocals, that he hasn't had the proper training and time for dance. The harsh reality of his dancing limitations echoed in the room.

The instructor's gaze bore into Sohee, challenging him to prove otherwise. It was a pivotal moment, a crossroads where Sohee had to decide whether to succumb to the criticism or channel it into determination. Amidst the tension, Sohee took a deep breath, acknowledging the areas where he fell short. It was a turning point, a moment that fueled a silent resolve to overcome his dancing shortcomings. 

Determined to improve his dancing skills, Sohee turned to an unexpected source of inspiration – Y/N's dance videos. Late at night, in the privacy of his room, he pulled up her Instagram profile, scrolling through a treasure trove of dance clips showcasing her seamless movements and captivating expressions.

As he watched her performances, Sohee found himself captivated not only by her technical prowess but also by the joy and passion she infused into every dance. The rhythmic beats and fluid transitions seemed to emanate magnetic energy, drawing him into a world of movement and expression.

"I can learn from this," Sohee murmured to himself, eyes fixed on the screen. The intricate footwork, the graceful arm movements – each detail became a roadmap for him to navigate through the intricacies of dance.

With dedication and perseverance, Sohee began practicing along with Y/N's videos. The mirrored reflections in the practice room echoed with the sounds of music and the swish of his movements. Gradually, he found himself internalizing the rhythms and nuances that had eluded him before.

One evening, as Sohee immersed himself in a particularly challenging routine, a voice broke through the silence of the room. The dance instructor, who had once critiqued him for his stiffness, stood at the doorway, observing the transformation.

"Sohee," the instructor remarked a hint of surprise in his voice, "you seem more fluid, more in sync with the dance. What changed?"

Sohee, catching his breath, couldn't help but smile. "I found inspiration," he replied, gesturing to the screen where Y/N's dance video played on repeat. Sometimes, he would find himself accidentally focusing too much on how charming Y/N looks in the videos, that he would have to restart the videos to channel more focus on her dance skills. However, he didn't let anyone know that.

The instructor, recognizing the resilience and growth in Sohee's dancing, nodded approvingly. "Sometimes, the key to unlocking your potential is discovering what inspires you. Keep pushing, Sohee. She is indeed a great dancer and a good inspiration for you."

As Sohee continued to draw motivation from Y/N's dance videos, the room became a testament to his determination and the transformative power of inspiration.

Sohee, as a trainee, wasn't just a fan of Y/N's dances, but also a fan of her as a person. He delved deeper into Y/N's Instagram, navigating through the highlights that unfolded like chapters of her life. The scenes painted on her profile showcased not just the dancer he admired but the person behind the art.

As he swiped through the highlights, he discovered that Y/N was from Japan. The vibrant snapshots of her exploring the streets of her hometown, studying at charming cafes with an iced americano in hand, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of amusement parks with her friends provided a window into her world.

Each highlight felt like a page from a novel, revealing the chapters of Y/N's life beyond the dance studio. Sohee found himself captivated by the simplicity and authenticity of these moments – the laughter shared with friends, the joy in celebrating birthdays, and the playful antics of her adorable cat.

Intrigued by the personal anecdotes woven into Y/N's online presence, Sohee couldn't help but feel a connection growing beyond the realm of admiration for her dancing skills. He marveled at the idea that behind the polished performances and intricate choreography was a person who relished the ordinary pleasures of life.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, Sohee found himself drawn not only to Y/N's artistry but to the essence of who she was as an individual. The transition from a fan inspired by her dance to someone curious about her experiences and daily life marked the evolution of his connection with Y/N – a journey that hinted at the possibility of a deeper bond waiting to be explored.

On one given day, in the dimly lit practice room, Sohee and Seunghan found themselves engrossed in their dance routine. As the music echoed through the space, Sohee's improved dance moves caught Seunghan's attention.

"Hey, Sohee, your dance has improved lately," Seunghan complimented, a genuine smile forming on his face.

Sohee, catching his breath, returned the smile. "Thanks, Seunghan. I've been enjoying it more lately."

Curiosity sparked in Seunghan's eyes. "What changed? How did you suddenly start enjoying dance more?"

Sohee's gaze lit up as he took out his phone. "I discovered this amazing dancer on Instagram. Watch this." He handed his phone to Seunghan, who eagerly looked at the screen.

The video showcased Y/N's mesmerizing dance cover, her graceful movements, and expressive style captivating both trainees. Seunghan's first comment echoed in the room, "Wow, even though she is wearing a face mask, she definitely is pretty."

Sohee nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and her dance skills are incredible. I've been trying to learn from her videos. It's like she adds a unique flavor to every move."

Seunghan grinned, sharing Sohee's enthusiasm. "You know what we should do? Let's try recreating one of her dance covers. Maybe we can learn something new and incorporate it into our dance."

Sohee's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds like a great idea! Let's give it a shot and see if we can capture some of her dance magic."

And so, inspired by the artistry of Y/N's dance, Sohee and Seunghan began imitating her moves, aiming not only to enhance their dance skills but also to infuse a bit of Y/N's unique style into their dances. Seunghan would occasionally keep up with Y/N's dances on Instagram, but he wasn't as interested as Sohee. Y/N, to Sohee, was a breath of fresh air, a hand to lift his spirits when he was at a low point during his trainee days. She opened up a new world to him, the world of dance. 
As Sohee revisited those trainee memories, he couldn't help but marvel at the serendipity that led him from being a fan of her virtual dance performances to someone who would share real moments, laughs, and even the prospect of a date with the very person who unknowingly influenced his dance journey. The past held secrets that were now unraveling, creating a dance of fate that neither of them could have predicted.