𝕃𝕚𝕞𝕓𝕠 [LEE KNOW]

1

Prologue

Yumi knew what she wanted. At a young age, she knew she wanted to be an idol. Not a lot of kids her age knew what they wanted, Yumi thought she was lucky that she already has a plan and an idea for her future.

Throughout her childhood, she watched idols perform in big stadiums and sing with hundreds, if not thousands of crowds. She watched as they performed in a place filled with shining light. She made up her mind and decided she wanted to be like them.

Yumi wanted to know what it was like. She liked dancing. She wondered what it was to have hundreds of people supporting her and wanting to see her dance.

Her parents initially refused her wants of becoming a trainee. They did not want her to lose her childhood. They wanted her to be able to enjoy her childhood years freely and without restrictions. They thought that the girl would get over it soon and that wanting to become an idol was only a phase. They knew the risks and struggles of becoming an idol. They knew how scary the industry is.

However, they did not stop their child from participating in dance classes and other extracurricular activities that involved dancing and singing. They always supported her when it comes to those activities, attending and making sure they were present in every competition.

That is how Yumi was shaped for the industry. She knew dancing was her passion. She did not mind whether she'll be part of the vocal line or rap line as long as she's part of the main dancers and she's okay with it. She learned dancing passionately. She learned several techniques and studied it.

She learned from her mistakes and improved herself, working hard to achieve her dreams. When she was finally accepted to SM, her parents could no longer complain seeing as she was in the right age and could decide for herself.

Before she became a trainee, she found herself being part of some sort of underground street dancing club. At first, she was reluctant, and she thought it was dangerous, but the community soon proved her wrong. They did not exchange their real names, but she was more than okay with that.

Yumi met a boy who used a nickname 'Azure'. They never truly explained the meaning behind their nicknames, and they never bothered with it. Yumi used the nickname 'Garnet'. It was her birthstone, and she just liked the color in general.

***

Lee Minho is a passionate boy. He does not shy away from the camera and would not hesitate to speak his mind. He was an only child, meaning, he was alone most of the time. But that didn't mean his parents neglected him.

He grew up filled with love and support from his parents. When he first stated his dreams of being an idol, his parents immediately supported him. They allowed him to enter dance classes and such.

Growing up alone, that meant Minho had to provide for himself at times. He learned to stop trying to ask for help. He learned how to get things his way and learned to achieve things all by himself. He knew it was a toxic mindset, but he can't really do much about it.

When he stumbled across the underground street club, he did not hesitate before joining. He was introduced by a friend to the community, and he knew he could trust him, so he immediately agreed.

He knew his capabilities as a dancer. He knew his body and his talents. He was always complimented by it. Aside from those talents, his looks always managed to garner him some attention. He did not know whether it was a curse or a blessing in disguise.

"Are you new here?" Minho asked as he saw a new face.

A young girl, approximately his age, sitting on a bench and looking around anxiously. Minho decided to approach her first.

It always confused him; he was an introvert. His MBTI proved so, and he knew it himself. However, there was always a part of him that wants to accompany people and make acquaintances. Maybe a result of loneliness he felt while growing up alone. He no longer questioned himself and approached the girl.

Yumi lifted her head and made eye contact with the stranger. She nodded without hesitation. Lying would not get her anywhere, so it was better to say the truth. Based on the way the man dressed, she knew he was an experienced dancer. She looked around and saw the others stretch and practice their routines. From other people's perspective, it really did look suspicious based on where the place was located.

"Yes." She answered verbally, as if the nod wasn't enough. The man merely hummed in response, his eyes bearing holes into her soul.

"What's your name?"

Yumi bit her tongue when she nearly spilled her real name. She better get used to it before she accidentally used it. "Garnet."

"Azure."

"Can I ask? Why aren't we allowed to use our real names?" She asked as they began walking.

Minho took a deep breath before answering. "This place here, is somewhat a safe space. If they wanted to, they could have just joined the clubs outside. They would have earned money when they win."

Yumi just nodded, still not understanding why they needed to keep their names a secret.

"The thing is the people here - most of them - have their own reasons for not revealing their names. Others are doing this in secret. Most did not have approval from their own parents and have to do this in secret. Nevertheless, this place is a safe place for dancers. Or basically just anyone who wants to pursue their passion." He explained in that soft and calm voice he rarely used.

"Isn't that dangerous?" She asked.

"Life is dangerous, Garnet. The thing is, it is up to us whether we take the risk or not. Besides, this place is literally like dancing with a bunch of anyways. The thing is it just has a whole ass building and a system."

Yumi chuckled at that. "You sound like some sort of songwriter or something."

Minho smiled at the woman, already feeling comfortable with her.

"So, is this a non-profit organization?" She asked.

Minho hummed. "Yes. We earn no money and spend money. Basically, we teach each other for free. The dancers here are diverse. Some do contemporary, others do ballet, and the rest does hip hop. It's the experience that matters for these dancers."

Yumi nodded in understanding. Being surrounded by people who understood her passion made her feel at home. At first, she did not understand why people would do this for free but then as the man explained, she soon realized everything.

"By the way, where are you taking me?"

Minho smiled at her. "To the man who funded this. He's the only one whose real name is exposed."

"Who?"

"Taemin. Shinee's maknae."

a/n: First chapter!! This is based off of Minho's song. I hope you guys like and support this fic as well:)

Minho's voice is like a cup of hot chocolate during a cold winter