I'm Real (B.A. x E.H.)

three

Dance rehearsal was always painful. Edwin wasn't exactly the strongest dancer of the group, which would be fine if he didn't have to watch Brandon, Nick, and Austin dance circles around him. He and Zion were always left behind.

Their choreography always tried to accommodate the different levels, and left plenty of room for freestyle. But Edwin was sure he hated free styling the most. He didn't hate it because everyone's eyes were on him as he had to make an effort to feel the beat, but because he had to watch one beautiful boy completely in his element.

Edwin sat on the ground by the mirror as the choreographer, Ana, talked Brandon through a freestyle. She had all the boys taking notes on each other, pointing out which moves worked and which ones didn't. Edwin looked down and realized his latter column was empty.

"So what do you guys think?" Ana turned to the boys. "Which looked better, the isolations or the footwork?"

Nick was the first to speak up, his background in dancing always giving him a lot to say. "The footwork was good, but a little messy. I say either clean up the footwork or just stick with the isolations. You know isolations make the girls go crazy."

Brandon nodded, taking the critique seriously as he ran a hand through his slightly sweaty hair. Edwin gulped, looking down almost guiltily. He was thankful when Zion spoke up next.

"We all know that footwork is my thing," All the boys laughed. "But also I think the isolations are just tight. It looks good to have a mix of kind of the sharp hits and smooth movements. I think you did that well."

"True. There's something about the push and pull quality that you have that's really nice. It will look really good on stage." Ana interjected. "What do you think Porter?"

Austin shrugged. "I guess I'm the only one who thinks the footwork was better. Like the isolations look cool, and they're solid, but I feel like the foot work is more exciting. It's unexpected even if it is a little sloppy."

Edwin nodded in agreement, finally confident in what he was going to say. "I agree. There's something so typical about isolations, but the footwork just kind of adds a new element to it. I honestly think you should keep both in there, but if it came down to it, I'd pay more attention to the footwork."

Brandon nodded, looking as if he were pondering all of the feedback equally. He didn't have a chance to respond due to Ana clapping her hands together.

"Alright, lets try it again and see how it goes. After this, boys, I expect you to have even more notes, specifically small and detailed things for Brandon to focus on."

The boys all nodded, settling in their seats as Ana started the music from the beginning. Edwin watched in awe as Brandon went from move to move smoothly. There were a few times where he messed up, either missing an important beat or using the wrong arm. Edwin was puzzled, though, about how he still made it look good. There was a flawless quality to his dancing even though he messed up. Edwin was amazed.

When the song ended, everyone in the room broke out into applause. Even Ana, who was never impressed, looked happily surprised at the boy's freestyle.

"That was pretty awesome, B," Austin pointed out. "That was about the best I've seen you do it."

Ana cleared her throat. "I agree. There were still some things that we definitely have to fix, but that was definitely the most you it's ever been. Good job. Zion, you're up."

Edwin couldn't help but tense up as Brandon sat down next to him. He was so close that Edwin could feel the heat radiating off the boy. Edwin just closed his eyes, counted to three and took a deep breath. He had to learn how to compose himself better.

"How was it, Ed?" Brandon initiated, turning to the smaller boy.

Edwin swallowed thickly. "It was great. You were great, as always."

"Thanks man. Honestly I can't wait until you go." He leaned closer and lowered his voice into a whisper. "You're always my favorite to watch."

Edwin couldn't fight the smile that emerged onto his face. He just nodded slowly, sitting back and watching Zion perform. But if he happened to perform the best freestyle he had ever done, that was just coincidence.