Run into Sin | Jikook

⋆Part 2⋆

Jeongguk walks alongside Hoseok as they make their way to the dance studios.
They aim to practice their new routine until they drop from fatigue.

The choreography is still fresh in Jeongguk's mind, his limbs automatically moving to their own accord as the beat of the song resonates in his mind on a continuous loop. To say he's overworking himself is an understatement but he has a point to prove, a talent he has to prove he didn't just buy his way into with his fortune.

Hoseok looks over to him, offering a wavering smile.

"You okay, Guk?" He questions, tilting his head to the side.

Curiosity lingers in Hoseok's eyes, always attentive to his every need. Jeongguk had never struggled to make friends in university, though the process had been hindered due to his 'rich kid' status, but he had failed to maintain true, meaningful friends.

But Hoseok had walked into his life and refused to walk out.

Upon meeting him for the first time at the dance studio, Hoseok had simply stated that they're here to have fun, to improve and learn on their skills and their private lives were to remain outside of the four walls of the studio. But as time had progressed and they had become closer, a tighter bond had been established between them. Now, Hoseok doesn't hesitate to ask if he's aware something is wrong.

"I'm fine."

"You seem lost in thought."

"Aren't you a mind reader?" Jeongguk teases, softening as he looks back at Hoseok. "Honestly, I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Let's just practice."

Hoseok seems more than okay to oblige.

There's always a sense of calamity when he enters the studio, it washes away his troubles with every beat of the music that envelops the room. With Hoseok by his side, guiding him through every step, Jeongguk feels more relaxed here than anywhere else.

They start their dance routine, standing in front of the mirrors as the hip hop music plays loudly on the speakers. Jeongguk attempts to follow Hoseok's movements but falls short a few times.

"Ah, Guk." Hoseok steps into his space, guiding his hands into position. "There we go. Now try."

Jeongguk attempts the hip thrust motion with his hands moving in the right direction, tilting upwards, trying to pin the choreography down.

Hoseok's patient with him and he doesn't push nor belittle, simply humming at the appropriate times and providing constructive criticism when necessary.

When they take a half an hour break after dancing non stop since they arrived, they order greasy takeaway food—much to Jeongguk's dismay—and sit cross legged on the unforgiving, hardwood floor together. Hoseok slurps on his noodles, staring at him intently.

"There's something wrong." He's not prying, simply stating what he's trying to decipher.

Jeongguk shrugs as he stirs the rice around his plate with his chopsticks, no intentions of actually swallowing down the calories. He has to process the words a few times, his mind sludged before he sighs, placing the takeaway box down on the floor.

"Maybe..." he says. "It's nothing I can't handle. Money problems, y'know?"

He knows Hoseok is all too familiar with money problems. Who isn't? They're all students in the same university, all swimming in the same realms of issues.

Hoseok glances up as he sucks on his bottom lip thoughtfully.

"I guess so. Do you need help, or anything?"

"Nah... not really. It's just, Jimin's really unimpressed with how little I'm helping."

"Well, it's not really your fault."

"It is, hyung."

"No," Hoseok says firmly, putting his food down as well so he can provide his undivided attention to Jeongguk. "It isn't, d'you hear me? You're focusing on your dreams, against everyone's will, and you're handling everything all at once. It's not your fault you can't give much."

"It's just hard. I don't even get student loans."

Due to his family's fortune, the amount of loan he's entitled to decreases significantly. Even if his inheritance is frozen. From all ends, Jeongguk's hands are tied.

"Maybe you should fight your case to the university?" Hoseok suggests tentatively, always skirting around the issue of his family. "They should understand if you're not really in contact with your parents, you don't really associate with them."

Jeongguk considers this. He could, indeed, go to the university finance office and lay out his dilemma. But he knows it'll only cause a hysteria he's not prepared to deal with. His family is a situation he likes to bury down, pretend it doesn't exist. He engages with countless people on numerous occasions per day and he can talk endlessly, but his family has never been a topic with anyone except Hoseok and occasionally Taehyung.

He bites his lip as he picks up his takeaway food again, taking a bite of the rice and chewing until it turns to mush and it's distasteful.

"I don't know." He sighs. "I guess, I'll just have to research around and see what I can do with my current timetable."

Hoseok nods. "That sounds like a good idea."

"You don't need to worry, y'know?" Jeongguk glances over to him with a sincere smile. "I know you care but it's fine. As bad as my relationship with my parents is, they'll help in the end."

"They'll make you drop out."

Jeongguk's eyes turn to steel as he stares hard at his food.

"I can't live with no money, hyung."

"So, you'll give up your passion, your dreams for it?" The man's voice becomes harder, no coddling behind his tone. "You joined this university against everyone's wishes, you're thriving here, we're the top performers. Don't you dare give up on this now, not when you've made it so far."

Jeongguk takes a deep breath as he allows the words to sink in.

He has to take the liberty to look around the dance studio he sits in. It's quiet, nearing nighttime, hence the empty room. It's a spacious studio, containing all their equipment, spare change of clothes, shoes—they've designed the room as their own. Jeongguk has spent countless nights here when he refuses to go back to the apartment, wanting to perfect his routine.

Insomnia is a slow killer. But in Jeongguk's case, he uses it to good. He takes advantage of his sleepless nights, his hazy state of constant sleep deprivation and dances until exhaustion drains him.

After coming so far, achieving so much in a short space of two years—going back on his dream only makes Jeongguk's chest constrict tightly.

"Sorry," he mumbles as he brushes his fringe off his forehead, heaving a sigh. "You're right. I can't give up now."

Giving up his family, his fortune, his luxurious life and his high ceiling mansion house has to come to some good.

Hoseok looks over to him with a reassuring smile, speaking volumes more than his words ever could. He reaches over, clasping a hand over Jeongguk's shoulder and squeezing down.

"C'mon. Let's dance."

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Sorry if the part might be a little short - but there is a lot to it- I hope you liked it and leave a Vote and a comment :)) thankyou
Ps. Don't worry Jikook moments will happen, just wait