Dance For Me

11

I hoped that he was joking, but when I woke up the next day the news reports of their airport fashion are already on my feed. Depressed, I pull the pink covers over my face and go back to sleep.

Whn I do get up however, my first action is to call Band PD. If the boys are going to be gone for the next three- four months, I need to know when my work schedule Is going to look like. I stir my tea as the phone rings in my ear, waiting for him to pick up.

I almost give up, but thankfully he answers. "Bora! Hey!" "Hello Si-hyuk," I always smile at his enthusiasm, "I saw that the boys left for their tour this morning." "Yep," he contimues with his bubbly attitude, "I sure hope you enjoy your vacation too. When they get back we're working on a new album! We'll need more of those gorgeous routines you've been practicing."

I can't help smiling at the compliment, "Thank you, sir." "No problem! Ill see you back at work September 8th! Well I have to get going, but you have a great day." "You too!" I wait for a moment before hanging up.

~

"This one is my favorite!" He picks out the ramen in the black and red bowl. "Why because it's the hottest?" I shiver at the thought, "I don't like spice." "Oh okay," he pouts putting the bowl back before reaching for another, this time he grabs a cheese one and I smile.

When we sit down to eat he hands me a pair of chop sticks, all while keeping his eyes on the steaming bowl in front of me. "Do you... always get ramen after practice?" I ask when he peels the lid off the container.

"No," he shrugs, "But I do whenever I have the chance." He stirs the noodles harshly, as if beating the flavor into them. I raise an eyebrow at the annoying boy. "So you live with your grandparents?" He takes the first bite. "I don't see why it's any of your business." I dip my chopsticks in next.

"Hey! I'm just trying to be nice." I keep my eyes down for a moment while I swallow my first bite. "I've lived with them since I was born," I finally admit, "My mother was unwed and didn't want to raise me alone. So my grandma and grandpa took me in."

"I'm sorry.." He cowers down like he is ashamed of asking. "Don't be," I shrug, "I'd rather be with them." He nods before letting go of the tension. "I live with my mom and dad," he speaks up, "With my brother. Do you have any siblings?"

"Probably," I admit, "But I don't know my dad. And I haven't seen my mother since my fourth birthday." It can be a touchy topic, but I rise and drop my shoulders, genuinely not caring about it.

"This ramen is good," I try to clear the air as I take another bite, "Thank you." I whisper the last part, but he hears it anyways. "No problem."

I stare at the little convenience store me and Jungkook would eat in after practice. The colors of the signs faded from the years of sun, but it's still open. I smile at the sight of people walking in and out, but I do not join them.

Instead I turn around and look across the street to the old dance studio both him and I attended. It too is faded and weathered, but still looks beautiful. I look both ways before crossing the street, making my way to the studio.

"Hello," The woman at the front desk waves me down as I enter the building from my childhood, "How may I help you?" "Hello," I smile, "I would like to make a donation." "Oh!" She perks up in her seat, "How lovely!" I look around as she types a few things on her keyboard.

The lobby has been renovated, but the light blue walls remain the same. That is enough to make me reminisce. "How much would you like to donate, Miss?" "L-lin," I smile, "Lin Bora." She stops typing and looks up at me as if she's seen a ghost. "The Lin Bora?" "Yes."

It always feels nice to get recognized in public, especially after my physical transition this last year. "Oh my goodness," She pushes her seat back violently as she stands, "Wait here!" She points to where I stand before running down the long hall cheering happily.

I do as I am told and stay put, but I allow my mind to wander as I wait for her to return. It doesn't take her long to reenter the room, this time with a new figure. I gasp when I see her, my jaw hanging open at the sight. "Mrs. Woo." I would recognize that warm smile anywhere. Its astounding how good she looks. Its as if Im stepping back into class as a twelve year old.

"Ms. Bora how great it is to see you again!" She shamelessly pulls me into a warm hug. Its longer than any hug I've had since I left this place and it feels nice to melt into it. "Its been so long," I smile when we pull away, "Im glad to see you're still here!"

"I could never leave this place! Especially after you and that Jeon Jungkook put us on the map! Have you heard from him? Are you two still friends?" "We are actually," I nod my head sheepishly, "I am actually his choreographer." "Oh goodness," she throws her head back in laughter, "How does he like that? If I remember anything its that he was a rascal! Talented... but a rascal!"

"Still is," I smile, "But we've never been closer." "That's good dear," she pats my hand in hers, "So what brought you out here this time of year?" "Well," I smile proudly, "I would like to make a donation." "How lovely," she clenches my hands tightly, "You are so kind." "A large donation," I tilt my head and her eyes widen. "H-how much?" "Seven hundred million won?"

~

After Mrs. Woo stains my shirt with many many tears, I leave the dance studio, happy with my decision. After spending my morning in my childhood dance studio, I decide to visit another important place from my childhood.

I have to flag a taxi to take me downtown Busan. Every building that I pass brings back more and more memories. From the old post office to the remodeled schools. Its as if I never felt.

My stomach begins to sink when we turn down my old street. The old cracked road breaks my heart, but it only gets worse when we park in front of my grandparents home. The building is smashed between many others and would be completely invisible if it weren't for the bright orange color.

I smile at the color I hated so deeply when I was a kid, but it fades when I notice the door is broken in. The windows are barely standing and are on the brink of collapsing in. I know it's my fault, but I didn't have the heart to sell it, and I can't live in it.

It holds too many memories, too much love for me to go in and remove. The last time I was in this home was when I planned my grandparents funeral. I haven't stepped foot in since.

"Is this the wrong address?" The driver turns around confused when I don't get out. "No it's the right place," I look out the front window at the old tilted road, "Uhm.. can you take me to the nearest airport?" "That's a while away ma'am." "I'll pay the fee."

Thankfully he starts to drive again. I know the toll will be high but I don't care. After a morning spent with so many flashbacks, I can't wait to go home and spend the rest of my birthday in bed.