Black Rose ~ A Taemin Fic Pt. 2

Chapter 8

The next day

"Morning, Yuki—"

"Morning!" I dash past an NCT member. I don't even know which one it is, I'm running so behind. I was supposed to be at rehearsal for Amusement Park at 8:30. It's 8:40 and I can only imagine the look Manager Won will give me when I not only show up late, but also in front of everyone during rehearsal.

      I open the door without peering in, expecting the worse. Baekhyun, from the front wearing a black T-shirt and pants, turns immediately, greeting me with a grin. Our dinner was called off. Taemin comes home in just over 2 weeks. Everything is fine. Nothing happened.

      "Hey, you made it," he says in greeting. I quickly bow to the other dancers before tossing my bag beside his. I'm out of breath, he chuckles. "Sleep in?"

      'No, I had nightmares in that empty bed in the big house and was up all night on the couch surrounded by the dogs and Netflix in hopes of feeling normal for once.' "Yes, sorry," I murmur, leaving my thoughts to repeat in my mind. I stand before the mirror, eyeing the high ponytail and grey sweatpants, a set I've been using since debut. The T-shirt is all that's new. It's Taemin's.

      "Is it hard?" I ask, pulling out my phone and reviewing the sample clip sent by the choreographer. I've watched it over 50 times last night.

      Baekhyun just chuckles. "Will it be a problem if it is?"

      I huff a sigh. "No, I'm just worried the others won't catch up." Every time I'm in this practice room, I can only think of Talia and Wooseok, how we'd gather to stretch like a bunch of middle schoolers at lunch. I miss that. The familiarity in knowing it didn't matter that I didn't have debt, as long as I was doing the thing I loved with the people who supported me.

      I haven't talked to Wooseok since the engagement. Even now, the ring glares at me, as if telling me not to reach out, to rekindle that bond with my best friend.

      I glare back at it.

      "Alright people!" The choreographer claps once as he enters, black mask on to match his cap. We all bow, a smile tugging at my lips. 'Just like old times.' "Nice to see you! We have to film a music video in 3 days. I've sent you all the choreo so it should be somewhat familiar. Let's work on solidifying that, okay?"

      Baekhyun whispers behind me, "don't worry about it. You'll be fine."

      "And the ten percent?" I whisper back, readying myself towards the side with Baekhyun a pace in front of me. Stealthily, he turns and shakes his head jokingly. Then holds up crossed fingers. 'Always playing with me,' I say to myself as the music cues.

      It's a mid pace vibe full of fluid moments than anything. We have to work together to create this image Baekhyun wants to portray: falling in love. As he sings, I work my hips and arms to their capacity, making subtle, flirtatious expressions at the mirror. It's already not bad.

       The choreographer stops. "That's a great start!" He cheers, but my eyes are on the body beside him. She's gorgeous, oh my god. With black, inky hair that goes down to her ribs and dark, eyeliner that pulls my attention to her shimmering eyes. She's slim, wearing black joggers and a white crop top. I'm quickly pulled back into whatever the choreographer was talking about. "This is Soyeon. She is a newly debuted dancer with 2 years of training with Hong Rozz."

      'Holy shit,' I think, my eyes widening with the others. That choreographer is known all over the U.S. and Korea for producing idols. He trained the pop stars who've won Grammys and even BTS. Sure, I got the best at SM, but she got the best in the world.

     Suddenly, I feel sick.

     "Yuki," he gestures, my heart dropping as I pull to his invisible string away from the mirrors. "That was a great run you did. Manager Won was thinking of debuting her in this song with the main female part. So that take was recorded and now we're gonna record Soyeon's and I'll have a answer by this afternoon—"

      "Woah woah, wait, I thought Baekhyun hired me. I-I signed the contract—"

      "Baekhyun makes the contract that Manager Won co-signs and polishes. Baekhyun could ask for Jungkook from BTS and it wouldn't be cleared until Manager Won signed it," he explains, my eyes unintentionally going from her to her and his crossed arms. She smiles wildly before holding a hand out, nails dazzling under the lighting. I stare at my naked ones as I shake her hand.

      "It's a pleasure to meet you," she says coyly. "I really look up to you as a dancer," her eyes dart to the ring, "good luck!" And off she walks, shrugging me off as she saunters to my spot. Baekhyun, to my surprise, hurries over to me, concern written all over his face.

      I usher him to the side, our backs turned to the 12 chatting background dancers. "What the hell, Baekhyun," I mutter between barred teeth. "You could've told me that was my one shot to getting on your team. That could've been my worst run! It was my first and I didn't even know—"

      "I know I know," he ushers, putting his arms out to calm me. "We don't know what's going to happen. I didn't know any of this either. I heard of Soyeon in a meeting but she was supposed to debut after Taemin got back for his return comeback—"

       "I'm sorry, what?!" He shoots me a look that tells me to shut my mouth before drama stirs. For once, I listen, but not before muttering, "Taemin already chose her for his comeback? What about me? His wife!" I point to the ring on my finger. Baekhyun doesn't even bat an eye at it.

"No one was supposed to know until he came back—"

"Then why do you know?!"

He heaves a sigh. "Cause he told me, but let's discuss this later. I understand your anger fully—"

I let out a deep breath, at the same time, tears well in my eyes. I'm smiling. I feel crazy. "Why won't anyone give me a chance? I didn't even know I was auditioning for this role until a minute ago. And now Taemin..." I drag off just as the choreographer signals Baekhyun to return to his spot.

He looks at me once more with heavy regret, whispering, "I'm sorry," and then leaving. I'm forced to sit and watch as this girl with more height, thinner thighs, and long arms performs the part perfectly. Then, I'm forced to wait as the managers make their "tough" decision.