Secret Crush

The Beginning Of Something

The long-anticipated dance competition was just a day away, and Hyun Jae was determined to make her performance flawless. She practiced relentlessly, pouring every ounce of energy into perfecting her routine. Her movements were sharp, her rhythm impeccable, but during an intricate spin, she lost her footing, tripping and falling hard onto the floor. A sharp sting shot through her leg as she glanced down to see a small wound forming on her knee.

Luli and Kyung Mi, who had been nearby, rushed over immediately. "Are you okay?" Kyung Mi asked, her voice filled with concern, while Luli knelt down to inspect her leg.

"I'm fine," Hyun Jae insisted, forcing a smile. "It's just a scratch."

Luli frowned. "You should clean that up before it gets worse."

Kyung Mi nodded in agreement. "We can help you dress the wound."

But Hyun Jae waved them off. "Really, it's nothing. I’ll be fine. I need to keep practicing."

Her friends exchanged worried glances but knew better than to argue with her stubborn determination. Hyun Jae resumed her practice, pushing through the discomfort, driven by her passion and refusal to let anything hold her back.

The next day, the pain in her leg lingered, a dull ache that made every step feel heavier than the last. Yet, when it was her turn to perform, Hyun Jae summoned all her strength, her determination shining brighter than the pain. On stage, she danced with elegance and fire, her movements captivating the audience. Every leap, turn, and step was executed with grace, earning her applause that echoed through the auditorium. By the end of the competition, her efforts paid off—she secured third place.

Backstage, exhausted but proud, Hyun Jae was catching her breath when she felt a light tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she found herself face-to-face with someone she’d never seen before.

"You danced really well—congratulations," said a deep yet gentle voice.

Hyun Jae looked up and froze. Standing before her was Lee Jong Suk, one of the most popular and handsome students at Yonsei University. He towered over her with an easy smile, his presence radiating confidence and warmth.

For a moment, Hyun Jae was speechless. It wasn’t just his looks that caught her off guard—it was the unexpected kindness in his gesture. She had never seen him before, but something about this moment felt special. Her heart skipped a beat, and she found herself blushing as she stammered, "T-thank you."

Unaware of the effect he had on her, Lee Jong Suk simply nodded and moved on, congratulating other participants. But for Hyun Jae, that brief encounter left a lasting impression. For the first time in her life, she felt the unmistakable flutter of a crush.