TPA | MW [✔]

13. Mingyu/Wonwoo

Mingyu

The stink of diesel fills the air from all the tractors pulling floats. Slowly, I drive the tractor that carries Eric's Studio dancers. Of all the floats I've seen, ours is one of the prettier ones. Wonwoo's vision really came to life.

The entire company and their accompanying orchestra are in the parade, but only five dancers are on the float itself. Wonwoo gets to ride, but he isn't the center, much to my disappointment. A lanky ballerina Wonwoo chats up is the showpiece. She's lovely, with her blonde hair done up in a tight bun. Nothing compares to Wonwoo, though. But I'm biased and Wonwoo is my mate. No one can compare to him.

Today is the parade, and tomorrow is the opening night for the winter ballet. Wonwoo is so excited about all of it, that he's practically vibrating as he's trying to be calm in his spot at the rear.

Everyone is wearing costumes that go with the float theme, pale blue and white glittery leotards with the lone ballerina in a classic long tutu and pointe shoes. Wonwoo is the only male that will be on the float, and he wears a slightly different costume, one without a tutu.

As I drive, the dancers wave from their spots at the barre on the float. The ones walking alongside us show off a few ballet moves every few blocks.

Wonwoo said they practiced for a few weeks and I can tell. The dancers all move in perfect harmony, whether it's simply walking or dancing. I wish I could turn and watch him, but we did a couple of trial runs yesterday to make sure everyone can dance from the float when they need to.

The high school marching band is in front of us, and I can't decide if it's fitting or not. The color guard dazzles in bright holiday colors of red and green with big snowflakes on their blue flags. We hit our first mark to stop and allow the marching band to perform.

It's been so long since I've been to a parade, I forgot how intoxicating the energy can be. The marching band spotlights the drum line and I get caught in the music. The kids are amazing and their dedication to their art shows.

Once they clear out of the space, it's our turn. I get the flatbed in place. The orchestra starts and my—Eric's—dancers turn the space into a winter wonderland of beauty with their turns and leaps. As much as I used to watch Wonwoo dance, I couldn't tell you what anything was called. I just know the performance moves me. It's as if they are calling to the sky for snow. And as if the sky heard their graceful plea, snow drifts upon us.

Not wanting to miss Wonwoo's part, I turn to watch him dance through a few moves. He's breathtaking, with a smile that I swear outshines the streetlamps.

Too soon, our first performance is over. Three more to go before we get to the end. If we're lucky, Eric's Studio will get an interview and be on the news. Wonwoo says they usually snag a spot, so I'm not worried. Eric has such an amazing company. I wish him nothing but the best. Of course, he also took care of my mate when we had our heads up our asses. I want the wolf to have the best life possible, and I may have given him a bit of a discount on all my services, as thanks for his part in keeping Wonwoo safe.

There's a squeal from the side of the road and a child chases us with their parent trailing after him.

"Lee Jungchan!"

I wave at the kid. "Be good," I shout out. That gets him to stop, and he waves frantically with both hands.

"We're going to the ballet tomorrow!" Jungchan yells.

"I'm so glad," I holler back. "Enjoy the parade! See you tomorrow." I give him a smile and he beams back at me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Wonwoo run towards the kid. A few of the dancers engage with spectators and I guess Wonwoo got bored on the float once he saw we had Jungchan to entertain us. The two dance for a few measures before they part, and Wonwoo skips up towards me. Of course, he's elegant and beautiful.