Stockholm {j.h.s}

The First Night

Hoseok's POV

As I sat in the silence I stared at my phone in anticipation. Suddenly, I heard a familiar tune play along with a buzz and I didn't hesitate a second to pick it up and answer.

"Hello?" I spoke eagerly only followed by grouchy Taehyung on the other end of the line.

"Why did you have me call you?" He hissed as if he had woken up for me. I didn't care. My eyes scanned the dark and empty small janitors closet.

"I need you to tell me something," I spoke slowly only for silence, initiating me to continue. "Where does Rose live?"

-

Rose's POV

I plopped onto the hardwood dusty floor of the dance room and groaned before laying back and staring at the well-lit ceiling in silence. My face scrunched up in frustration as my hand hit down on the floor next to me to get out the anger.

I couldn't do anything now. I felt like I was a bad dancer. I was working too hard for perfection and I only went the other direction. My head turned slightly over to the clock on the wall; it read 11 at night. My eyes shifted to the large window, looking out on the well-lit city ten stories below. I sighed and slowly picked myself up after some much-needed coaxing. I couldn't bring myself to do anything, I was so tired.

It had been a long time since Hoseok left, saying he had homework to do at home. I didn't believe a word he said. It was just a bunch of excuses. He wasn't the type to do his homework ever, saying school meant nothing to him, like the rest of the students would say. Thinking I was the odd one out for doing as much work as possible on time, no matter how hard it was for me.

I wanted to get into a prestige dance academy college and become a dance and ballet major. Even though biology and American history would have no effect on my future. I was already thinking about how to write out my college applications. I was going to compete in just a few months so that I can have more to put on my application. It was a stressful time for both me and my mother, so I could understand her strictness.

I decided it was only right for me to head home. I slowly pulled off the shoes once more, grabbing my bag, and waddling my way to the changing rooms. I set down my things before changing out of the leotard and tights. I stretched a bit before running my fingers through my hair. My hands pulled on my flowy dress and flat shoes. I packed my bag, cautious of any small noise. I was still quite jumpy, and even a settling noise freaked me out, even if I knew I was alone.

My shaky feet carried me out. The outside hall was now dim as some lights had been turned off. I tapped the power button on my slim phone and watched it light up to display the time. 11:30 pm. It wasn't safe to walk home alone but I didn't have much of a choice. I took the keys out of my bag as I waited for the elevator, placing each key between my knuckles for defense.

A tip taught to me by my aunt the last time I talked to her. That was several years ago. She moved to Thailand and I hadn't seen her since. She never stayed in touch with my family, not even a postcard. My mother told me not to worry about her. She is either avoiding us, or she is dead. I had to be calm about both explanations. My mother wasn't optimistic.

The elevator dinged as the large metal doors slowly slid open. I stepped off hesitantly and looked both ways. The lobby was completely empty aside from a woman at the front desk on the computer. I didn't bother saying a goodbye as I slithered out of the building to avoid possible conversation. I exhaled, watching my breath in the air, my form shivering at the sudden cold as my sore legs carried me down the dark and empty sidewalk. Every time a person would pass, I would keep watchful eyes on them and move faster.