The Girl Behind The Camera | A Park Jimin's Story

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90 minutes consecutively of cardio routine - warm ups, 15 laps around the school's colossal gym, jumping jacks, flexings and stretchings, pull-ups, dancing, cartwheels and whatnot - you are finally now given the time to play with the equipments by your own. Brushing your fingers upon the balance beam, you tighten the grip on the plane and lift yourself, bottom not touching the wood as you part your legs, each resting at each side of you. After what you think minutes have passed by, you lift your suspended legs straight upwards, letting your arms supporting your weight as your legs shape a V sign in the air before both of the legs close their proximity. Moving along the balance beam, walking with your hands (because legs are mainstream), you halt your movement and let your legs fall onto the plane, smoothly forming a bridge.

Hauling your body up, fixing your stance straightly on your tiptoes, you lift your chin up, pinning your eyes forwards with a sharp, undividedly focused gaze. Exhaling sharply, you initiate a few small steps before completing two round-offs on the balance beam skillfully, faultlessly and add in an extra aerial cartwheel to land off on the thick layers of mat. You end your stunts with a poised pose, arms straighten up in the air, chin proudfully stuck up as your jawline becomes prominent, a leg bent forward and a satisfying smile gracing your lips.

You drop your acts off when a clapping sound resonates through the spacious gym, only leaving the smile curving into a shy, bashful one. The woman who is clad in pair of sports outfit, who you feel more comfortable to address her as 'Soyeon unnie', throws a water bottle in your direction, receiving a silent 'thank you'.

"Are my movements okay? Are they balanced and well performed?" you shoot her with questions, desperate of validation even when you are in a panting, sweaty mess. Beads of sweat are running of your forehead, making your tanned skin glint under the pendaflour.

"You're not doing okay. You're doing fantastic, y/n. Stop fishing for compliments from me, brat. You know you're good at what you do," Soyeon props her elbow on the balance beam, leaning her weight towards it. You can't help but to chuckle fondly, embarrassed but contented at the same time with her words. You are grateful to have her as your coach for the past few years back till now. Regardless the constant nags and the pressure she keeps exerting during all training sessions, Soyeon still can fill a few gaps in between with complimenting and praising session. You'll never get used to it, nevertheless, you don't hate it.

You put your bottle aside, cracking a few bones while walking back to the balance beam before the woman steps ahead, blocking your way.

"Take some rest, kid. Plus, you have visitors. Come back in 15," Soyeon simply says, sounding more to an order instead of an offer, before walking away instantly.

Cocking your eyebrow inquisitively, you turn to your back where the door of the gym is located, just to find two familiar, jumpy and smiley figure behind the panelled transparent glass door. You bit your lips, trying to hide the grin that is about to grow from your lips but is to no avail. You hop off the thick mat and gingerly amble towards the door, opening it wide.

"I didn't know you wake up early on weekends?" you initiate the conversation first, plastering a smirk on your lips.

The girls scoff in jinx, rolling their eyes off.