ᖇн𝐘т𝓗𝓶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 Ʀɨ⩔♬ɭƦƴ 【𝗝-𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰】

EPISODE-3

As you resumed your practice, the tension was palpable, with each movement charged with unspoken words. You both knew things had shifted, but neither was ready to acknowledge how or why. And so, the dance continued—an intricate mix of steps and emotions that neither of you could fully control.

After an hour of intensive practice, you both decided to call it a day. While leaving, you felt that strange feeling again. You looked away from J-hope, grabbed your stuff, and moved out without saying anything. You were not going to come here again—never, ever again! Not only because of what had happened but also because of what he had said. You could never forget his words.

Why does it hurt? He's not my friend!

You walked away as fast as you could, not even looking back once. And that's how your first practice day ended.

TWO DAYS LATER

You were on a phone call with Irene, lying on your bed and munching on chips as you listened to her excited chatter.

IRENE: (on call) We're making great progress! I didn't realize Yeonjun was this talented. His moves are incredible! I'm so thrilled to be his partner.

Y/N: (enviously) Wow, Irene. You really lucked out. Sir, I paired you with a star... (sighs)

IRENE: Why are you saying that? J-Hope is more talented than Yeonjun. You two should be an amazing team. Remember what Sir said? Perfect chemistry, perfect dance!

Y/N: (in a bad mood) Forget chemistry. We don't even have the basics down.

IRENE: (chuckling) I feel for you, Y/N. If only Sir had paired you differently...

Y/N: Too bad... I don't think it's going to work. Listen, I need to call, sir. I'll talk to you later.

IRENE: Okay, talk to you later. Bye!

You hung up the phone and set it aside. After talking with Irene, your mood worsened. These two days have been bizarre for you. You couldn't think or do anything; your focus drifted off to J-Hope. After that incident, you two never met and were never going to.

You had decided yesterday that you would change partners. It would be beneficial for both of you, you reasoned, as you tossed and turned in bed, unable to shake off the events of the past few days. The tension and awkwardness were too much to bear, and the idea of spending more time with J-Hope was daunting. The way he looked at you and the words he said kept replaying in your mind like a broken record. You couldn't focus, couldn't dance, and couldn't think straight. This partnership was a disaster waiting to happen, and you needed to get out before it imploded. With a heavy heart and a resolve to speak to Sir, you kept the packet of chips aside and went downstairs, hoping a change in scenery might clear your mind.

As you passed by the living room, your mom called you.

MOM: (smiling) Look who's here, sweetie! Come over and say hello.

You turned around to see him?! Sitting beside your mom, he looked so happy and bright—completely opposite of how he behaves in front of you. But that wasn't the problem here. His presence was itself a problem. You stood there, frozen in your spot, confused about what to do.

MOM: Y/N, what is this? Will you not even say hi to your friend?

Y/N: Hi, Hoseok.

HOSEOK: (acting like a good boy) Hi, Y/N!

What an actor! you thought bitterly. In front of my mother, he wants to show his best side. You couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment at the sight of his bright smile and polite demeanor. It was such a stark contrast to the cold, dismissive attitude he had shown you during practice. Watching him charm your mom with his friendly banter made your blood boil. You had seen the other side of him—the one who made it clear he didn't want to work with you. And now, here he was, playing the role of the perfect gentleman. It was infuriating. You stood there, arms crossed, glaring at him, unable to hide your disdain.

MOM: You two catch up. I'll bring some snacks.

As soon as your mom left, you rolled your eyes. Only you knew the amount of anger you were holding inside.

Y/N: (coldly) What are you doing here?

J-Hope looked a bit hesitant and uncomfortable. He looked around for a bit and then turned towards you.

HOSEOK: (hesitantly) I'm sorry about the other day.

From his expression, you knew he was sincerely apologizing, but this wasn't enough. The hurt and anger you felt from his previous words were still fresh in your mind. You could see the genuine regret in his eyes, the way his shoulders slumped slightly, and the nervous way he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He seemed almost vulnerable, a far cry from the confident, aloof persona he usually presented. But an apology couldn't erase the sting of his earlier rejection. You wanted more than just words; you wanted to know why he had treated you that way. The silence stretched between you, thick with unresolved tension, before you finally found your voice.

Y/N: I will talk to Sir and tell him we need new partners. This isn't working out.

HOSEOK: But we signed a contract...

Y/N: Contracts can be broken. It's not end of the world.

HOSEOK: I don't break my promises. I have my principles.

Y/N: So, you want to keep practicing together? Even after you said you didn't want to be my partner.

HOSEOK: I know it's not ideal. But this competition means a lot to me. I can handle the discomfort, even if it means working with you. (smirking)

Y/N: (rising an eyebrow) What's that supposed to mean, J-dull? (smirking)

HOSEOK: Nothing, witch. It's time to get back to work.

TO BE CONTINUED