My Sleeping Partner | P. JM

Like An Angel

Jimin sounds genuinely afraid.

"....Minah? Why did you bring me here?"

I smile encouragingly as I look at him, my own shyness beginning to show in my cheeks. There's a lot of people here— a lot. But this was the only way he could overcome his stage fright.

"Dance, Jimin."

Horror widens his eyes as he slowly shakes his head, starting to back away from me. His voice is shaky as he replies a firm no.

"Don't do this to me, Minah."

"I know you love dance. I also know a paid trip to World Dance Academy is something you really want. Come on, Jimin— you can do it."

"Forget that they're there."

"I...I can't." He whispers, his eyes flickering at the people bustling around. "There's too many. There's no music— I can't."

"Oh— I can take care of that, actually." I say brightly as I unsling my backpack from my shoulders. Jimin just keeps shaking his head and backing away.

"I can't street dance."

"Yes, you can. I believe in you."

"Please, Minah." He begs, when I suddenly snap my fingers together.

"I'll do it with you." I offer, and to my relief, he stops backing away. "I'll do it with you, Jimin. You won't be alone."

He swallows, before taking my hand.

"Let's do the dance you choreographed." I say to him, forcing a smile when my own heart is beating out of my chest. Unlike Haeun, I was on the introverted side as well.

But this was for Jimin.

"Don't be scared," I tell him, but he doesn't even seem to have heard me. His eyes are flashing back and forth, and his face looks pale.

I cup his face and meet his eyes as I prepare to start the music.

________________________

When the music starts, Jimin looks like he's about to die as people instantly shoot glances towards us. His face flushes, and my heart begins to race...

"Focus on me, Jimin."

His hands aren't certain as he grips me tightly, and I can tell no matter what I say, he's too distracted with the judging stares the people are giving us.

This won't do.

"You memorized the routine, right?" I ask, and he nods. "Close your eyes. You don't have to look at them."

"It's just us, and no one else."

________________________

I can't believe my eyes.

Jimin is dancing— and even when I gently break away from him and blend into the awed crowd that surrounds him, he doesn't stop.

But he does open his eyes in surprise, and I share an encouraging look at him as he does the impossible.

He really dances like the stars.

I can't help the uncontrollable smile on my face as I hear the rousing murmurs from the people gathered around, their eyes all fixed on the boy who I'm so proud of.

"Who is he?"

"I don't know— but he's damn talented. Looks super young, too."