Stay - Yang Jungwon 양 정원

𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

December 2020

"One more time, Chae?" Jungwon asked as I sat on the floor once the music stopped. Jungwon and I were chosen to do a dance intro for our NYEL stage. It'd transition after NiKi's solo, so they liked the idea of having our dance line introducing our stage.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. For some reason Jungwon's been determined to keep us here. I think we were doing just fine but Jungwon's been nitpicky. Which I don't blame him. Our instructor was different than our usual choreographer, and a lot more strict. Overly strict according to Heeseung. But Jungwon and I put up with it since it was a one time thing.

"Chae?" Jungwon said again reminding me to answer. His brows furrowed and his voice was on an edge of impatience.

I looked at him through the mirror, "Don't you think we've practice enough? We still have tomorrow afternoon, and the next day," I said, wanting to go home. It had been a long day for all us and everything was just starting to thrum in my ear. I just wanted to put on headphones and sleep in until next year.

Jungwon shook his head, "I want to get my timing during the break in music. And your footwork isn't that polished yet," He added with a slight frown. I raised an eyebrow. I thought my footwork was pretty good. Even our instructor thought so.

I leaned back on my hands, "Okay, one more time, I guess," I grumbled. Jungwon saw no problem with it and went to turn on the music when suddenly the door opened.

"Oh, hyung?" All the boys had filed into the practice room. "I thought you guys were recording today?" We were starting to prepare for our first comeback. They had a track list put together and wanted us to start recording so we could film promptly after our end of year shows.

"We did.  It was just one song.  Not for Sale, and they're just waiting on you and Chaeri's vocals," Jay explained waving his hand.  "And NiKi and Jake wanted to see your guy's dance."

Jake grinned, "First couple dance.  How romantic," He joked making me and Jungwon laugh.

"It's really not.  He has to flip me," I pointed out, getting up.  "Which surprisingly, he hasn't dropped me yet," I said with a teasing smile.

"I'm just strong like that," Jungwon said proudly, putting his arms up to flex.  "Do you guys want to see us go through it?  Chae and I were going to do it again."

NiKi excitedly jumped in place, making his blonde hair bounce, "Yes!"

I smiled but internally I was going crazy.  If I had to head that music one more time I was going to lose it.  I just wanted to go home.  Or even do recording in the studio.  I was fucking done.  But I couldn't say no when Jungwon just wanted to work hard for this. 

Jungwon and I got into our places while the boys sat against the mirror to watch us.  Heeseung hit play on the speaker.  Once the music started, we fell into sync on the beat. 

"Chae, you're off beat," Jungwon said as we were half way in.

"I'm not," I said through clenched teeth, trying not to trip up on my footwork.

"You're too ahead," He said again as we transitioned our formation. 

"I'm perfectly on beat," To make a point, I stomped my foot louder on the beat than I needed to.  In fact, it was Jungwon behind on the beat.  His steps were always just half a second behind mine. 

"Hyung, stop the music," Jungwon said, just as I was ready to do the flip.  "Chae, can't you listen to me? I said you're off beat.  Are you that tired?" He asked, not even waiting for Heeseung to click pause.  He stared at me, waiting for an answer with his jaw clenched.