Fate

17

"That looked amazing." I complimented as soon as the group was allowed a quick break for the managers and Hoshi to monitor the performance. Vernon nodded a quick thanks and grabbed his water bottle while trying to catch his breath.

"I just hope it's okay for tomorrow." He chugged almost half of the water bottle, and I noticed the others were doing the same.

"In a carat's eyes, your performances are always perfect, so you have nothing to worry about." Vernon smiled, but I could tell it was a thought that wouldn't go away no matter what I said.

"Would you like to go up on the stage?" I hesitated, but Vernon was already walking towards the stairs.

"Come on, Doe!" He waved for me to start walking, and I hesitated once again before I found myself at the bottom of the stairs. I took a deep breath and tried to walk up the stairs since it isn't something I have tried before. Not that I've even had the chance.

"You're making me nervous. Let me help you." I sighed, but gave up and let Vernon guide me up the stairs. That's when I realized just how many there were.

"Thanks." I muttered and Vernon just seemed happy that I was able to get up the stairs. Some days I just have to take baby steps.

"You have to come to the center of the stage, that's where it's the best." Vernon walked over to the center of the stage, and I followed behind him. Once I looked out into the empty audience, I knew exactly why he loved performing. It's astounding up there with the lights.

"Yeah Doe!"

"Woo!"

The boys cheered as soon as they saw us up there, and I wanted to back away. Vernon put his hand on my back so I wouldn't run away, and he leaned over to whisper into my ear.

"They want you to perform. Do you know the hand motions to the chorus or something of a song?" I nodded and lowered myself to the ground and let my crutches clatter down. Vernon stood off to the side with a smile on his face, and the boys cheered louder.

"Heck yeah, Doe!" Joshua screamed out, and I sheepishly hid my face into my elbow.

"Do you want us to sing the song?" Vernon offered, and I shook my head since I figured they would do it anyways even if I didn't tell them what song I was dancing to.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before diving into the chorus of their most recent song since I knew that one better. As expected, Seungkwan immediately started singing and the others joined in. Almost immediately after I did the chorus, and helped myself up and motioned to Vernon that I wanted to get off of the stage.

"I think the staff want me off so you can keep practicing." I explained, and Vernon watched me carefully while I made my way off of the stage. I went back to where I was previously standing and S.Coups came up to me.

"Vernon-ah is really happy to see you again." I smiled, half because of what he said, and the other half because dang, that accent.

"I'm glad I get to see him again too. Thank you for letting me come along." He smiled and nodded before getting called away by one of the staff members. I watched the remaining time of their practice, and it amazed me how long they could keep dancing with that energy.

As soon as their practice was over, they piled off the stage and drank the rest of their water while trying to catch their breath. They were all sweating and exhausted, and it concerned me on a level.

"Let's go, Doe. We still have to check over our outfits with our stylists, and then we can leave." Vernon said, and I nodded and followed along behind them. Joshua and The8 noticed I was slacking a bit since Vernon was caught up in a conversation with one of the staff members about something, and they joined me.

"What did you think?" Joshua asked, and I smiled.

"That was amazing, I don't know how you just did that!" I turned to The8 and he tilted his head slightly.

"And you are so good at dancing! Oh my gosh that was just-" I made an explosion sound, to even try to convey my emotions since words weren't helping me, and Joshua translated. The8 smiled brightly and messed with my hat before calling something out to Jun. Joshua immediately groaned, and I was left confused.

"Who's better?" Jun asked me as soon as he joined us, and I gasped.

"I can't choose between the China line! I mean, I can't choose between anyone. Heck, I don't even have a bias anymore because you all made it impossible when I actually got to know you in person, like dang. And now you want me to choose who is the greater dancer between you two, when you both have unique styles? Nope, no can do." I stopped myself from rambling, and Joshua busted up laughing at my mini outburst. The two Chinese members kept walking in confusion until Joshua finally translated for them. Jun ended up extremely flustered, and The8 started laughing.

"Who was your bias?" The8 asked, and I froze up for a second.

"You." I muttered, and I kept my head down while walking. The8 immediately started cheering and teasing Jun, which only made Joshua laugh even more.

"Why did I agree to coming again?"