In Hearts in the Hallway Kang Haerin Senior year at Hanlim Multi Arts High School begins like any other: filled with the usual stress of grades, friendships, and the ever-present tension with Marsh Danielle, her longtime rival. Danielle is the golde...
The dance was in full swing now, but the moment Haerin and Danielle stepped onto the dance floor, it felt like the world around them faded. The chatter, the music, even the flashing lights—they all seemed distant, overshadowed by the unspoken energy between the two of them.
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Danielle's hand was warm on her waist, and even though Haerin was nervous, she did her best not to show it. She wasn't the type of girl who liked to be in the spotlight, and definitely not the type who would willingly dance with the most popular girl in school. But tonight, it felt... different.
"You're doing great," Danielle said softly, her voice cutting through the low hum of the music.
Haerin glanced up at her, surprised. She had that easygoing smile on her face, but there was something in her eyes—something more vulnerable than the usual cocky grin. It made her stomach flutter, and she quickly looked away, focusing on keeping her steps steady.
"I thought you said you weren't much of a dancer," she teased, trying to hide the awkwardness creeping up her neck.
"I'm not," Danielle replied, a glimmer of humor in her eyes. "But you're a pretty good partner."
Haerin smirked, her confidence growing a little with Danielle compliment. "You've got a 'lot' of nerve, Danielle. But I guess it's only fair if I let you lead for a little while."
"Only a little?" Danielle teased, stepping in closer, her hand slightly more secure on her back. "I thought you might like being swept off your feet for once."
Haerin rolled her eyes. "If by 'swept off my feet,' you mean not falling flat on my face while trying to waltz, then sure."
Danielle chuckled, her face lighting up. The playful banter between them felt oddly natural, and Haerin couldn't help but enjoy it more than she'd expected. She had imagined this moment so differently—more awkward, more distant. But instead, it felt... 'easy'. Too easy. And that scared her a little.
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For the next few minutes, they danced in silence, the rhythm of the song keeping them in sync. But even though they weren't speaking, Haerin couldn't ignore the tension building between them. It wasn't just the dance anymore. It was everything—the way her fingers brushed against the small of her back, the way Danielle seemed to hold her just a little closer than necessary, the way their eyes kept meeting as though they were both testing the limits of something unspoken.
