Parallel Lives | BBANGSAZ

N I N E

M I N J I
—

Hanni places the box of cupcakes in the middle of the table after we take a seat in the back of the library. There are a few people here—no one wants to actually study on a Saturday evening—but I guess we aren't studying either. There are no books, no pens, not even a laptop on the table. I have no idea how we're supposed to be doing this in the first place.

Hanni stares out the window like she's looking for something—someone. Maybe she's feeling just as nervous as I am. I can't help but stare at her rosy cheeks dusted with soft freckles. I wonder if her lips are as soft as they look—God, what am I doing?

Hanni seems uncomfortable, her hand fiddling with the golden bracelet she's wearing. I notice the little 'H' charm on it when she turns it around.

"Want some coffee?" she whispers so softly that if we weren't in a quiet place, I wouldn't have heard her. "There's a coffee shop right there, I could—"

I shake my head. "No, I'm fine. Thank you." I say, tilting my head as she continues to stare out the window. She seems alert, looking and waiting for something. "I, uh... I've been going back and forth with my phone. You know, looking for a song, but nothing sounds ballet-worthy."

She laughs, the sound bringing butterflies to my stomach that I try to ignore. Her soft brown eyes finally meet mine. "I know I only do ballet performances, but I'm a contemporary dancer, too."

Contemporary dancer, got it. I'll have to Google what that means. She chuckles again. "You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?"

A smile forms on my lips. "No, I'm sorry."

Her face lights up, the corners of her eyes wrinkling when she smiles. "It means I'm great at improvising movements. Contemporary dance incorporates multiple styles, giving me the freedom to express my feelings with my movements. While ballet is more structured... delicate, elegant," she explains, making me notice how she also uses her hands when she talks, expressing herself with her body—making her even more beautiful.

"Oh, so..."

"So, I can dance to whatever you like. Don't worry about it." Her nose wrinkles.

"Even sad songs?"

"Oh, especially sad songs," she grins. "Wanna show me what you have?"

A loud sigh escapes my lips. "I... honestly don't have much. None of my songs are finished, and I don't think they'll be good enough for us to win."

"Oh, shut up." She rolls her eyes with a playful smile. "You've been selected for the winter program. Not everyone gets that chance. I'm sure your songs are great."

"I'm not saying I'm not talented—I know I am—" she raises her brows at me. "What? It's a fact." I shrug, smiling when I hear her laugh. "What I'm saying is that I need to make something better for the winter showcase—and for you, obviously."

She runs a hand through her hair, the sparkle in her eyes making it impossible to look away. "We'll come up with something. We have time, right?"

"Three months." I nod, watching her open the box of muffins and place one in front of me—but not herself. "What about you?"

Her eyes flick to the muffin in front of me. She hesitates for a few seconds before wrinkling her nose and shaking her head. "I already ate."

"You brought these just for me?"

"And for your friend, if you want to share." She giggles.

My heart flutters at every sound she makes, but I completely ignore it. "Oh, no. Haerin's not seeing these." I say, grabbing the chocolate-chip heaven in my hand. "Too precious for me to share."