Hyunjin POV
As I walked into the gymnasium, the echoing sound of sneakers squeaking on the polished floor and the rhythmic thump of music filled the air. It was my first day of practice with the cheer dance squad, and my heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. I took a deep breath, adjusting my grip on my gym bag, and scanned the room.
The squad was already warming up, stretching and chatting animatedly. I spotted a few familiar faces from around school, but most of them were new to me. As I made my way over, I caught sight of Felix, a senior I'd seen around campus. He was known for his incredible dance skills and infectious energy, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration.
Hyunjin: Hey, everyone.
I called out, trying to sound confident. A girl with a bright smile looked up and waved me over.
Girl: Hey! You must be Hyunjin, right? I'm Minji, the captain. Welcome to the squad!
Hyunjin: Thanks, Minji. Nice to meet you all.
The rest of the squad introduced themselves—there was Jisung, the joker of the group, Seungmin, the quiet but talented flyer, and Yuna, whose enthusiasm was contagious. As we chatted, I felt my initial nerves starting to melt away.
Minji: Alright, everyone, let's get started with our warm-up routine. Hyunjin, just follow along and do your best.
Hyunjin: Got it.
We began with some basic stretches and then moved on to more dynamic exercises. I tried to keep up, mimicking the movements as best as I could. Felix was nearby, effortlessly flowing through the routine with a grace that left me in awe.
Time Skip
After the warm-up, Minji gathered us in a circle to explain the plan for today's practice.
Minji: Today, we're going to work on our stunts and formations. Hyunjin, you'll be learning some of the basics and partnering with Felix to get a feel for it.
Felix: Hey, Hyunjin. Ready to give it a try?
Hyunjin: Yeah, let's do this.
Felix and I moved to one side of the gym, and he began showing me the basics of some of the stunts. He was patient, breaking down each movement step by step and offering tips to improve my form.
Felix: Remember to keep your core tight and trust your partner. Communication is key in cheer dance.
Hyunjin: Got it. Thanks, Felix.
As we practiced, I could feel my confidence growing. Felix's encouragement and the supportive atmosphere of the squad made it easier to push through my initial hesitations.
Time Skip
By the end of practice, I was exhausted but exhilarated. We had worked on several stunts and formations, and while I still had a lot to learn, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Minji called us together for a final group chat.
Minji: Great work today, everyone. And Hyunjin, you did an awesome job for your first day. Keep it up!
Hyunjin: Thanks, Minji. I had a lot of fun.
As we began to gather our things and head out, Felix walked over to me.
Felix: Hey, Hyunjin. You did really well today. If you ever need extra practice or tips, just let me know.
Hyunjin: Thanks, Felix. I appreciate it.
Felix: No problem. See you at the next practice?
Hyunjin: Definitely.
As I left the gym, I couldn't help but feel excited about the journey ahead. Joining the cheer dance squad was a new challenge, but with such a supportive team and the chance to learn from people like Felix, I knew I was in for an incredible experience.
A week later
A few days had passed since my first practice with the cheer dance squad, and each session left me feeling more comfortable and connected with the team. Today, as we wrapped up another intense practice, Minji called everyone together.
