Run into Sin | Jikook

Part 29

Jeongguk keeps faltering.
It's obvious that he's focusing on something else, mind wandering far away from the studio he stands in, in front of the big mirror and the blinding lights. His body may be present in the dancing studio but his mind isn't.

Hoseok's trying his hardest to be patient but annoyance leaks into his tone.

"We have our performance in two days, Guk." Hoseok shuffles closer to him, reaching out to wrap an arm around Jeongguk's shoulder and draw him closer. "C'mon, get your head in the game."

"Sorry, hyung."

Jeongguk wishes it was so easy, wishes he can erase every part of Jimin from his mind and focus on the task at hand.

They practice for thirty minutes longer with little to no break, exhausting themselves until their clothes are drenched with the sweat. The song switches up and the seconds break ends, prompting them into rehearsing over and over. Jeongguk's limbs move on their own accord, following the dance steps like he can do it in his sleep.

"Is your family coming to watch the performance?" Jeongguk asks, voice coming out as a high squeak.

The song finishes and before the next audio can play, Hoseok's walking over and halting their CD. He turns to Jeongguk with an almost sympathetic look, like he doesn't want to admit the truth. Jeongguk hates how he makes people feel like they have to walk on eggshells around him, especially concerning the topic of family.

It takes a minute for Hoseok to finally answer, heaving a sigh.

"Parents and sister, yes," Hoseok finally says. "They're travelling from afar for me."

Hoseok has a good relationship with his family, spends most nights talking to his sister on the phone and FaceTiming his mother in the morning when he's eating breakfast. He maintains a good bond, despite the distance and the absence between them.

Jeongguk wants to feel envious. They're travelling from their home city to Seoul, just to see Hoseok perform. They want to support their son in the flesh, want to watch him through their own eyes. It proves their utmost love for their son.

Whereas Jeongguk's family, only residing forty minutes away from campus, won't be attending.

He fails to feel bitter over this fact any longer, though. He has known what his family is like since the minute he had decided to move out of the mansion that no longer held the meaning of 'Home' for him and came to study.

Jeongguk doesn't want his family there.

"That's good," Jeongguk grins. "I bet your parents will be excited."

Hoseok sheepishly smiles. It still looks like he's trying to hold back, to make sure he's not rubbing his fortune in Jeongguk's face. Hoseok is lucky but Jeongguk only feels prideful over this fact.

"Yeah... we've been talking about it a lot, recently."

"I can't wait to see them."

Hoseok hums in approval over this fact. He retreats back to the stereo system and turns the music back on, prompting them to continue with the routine.

In total, they're performing six songs. It'll be a fast-paced, tiring performance that'll consist of them being fast on their feet and little breaks in between. Some many even consider it inhumane. But Jeongguk wants it fast, intense―he wants to prove he can take it and he can make a potential future career out of this dream of his.

Nothing will break his heart harder than not being able to achieve his dream.

Hoseok doesn't need to guide him any longer, both of them familiar with their dancing moves. It continues in the same manner, Jeongguk gaining confidence over his every step and Hoseok's encouraging nods and praises only spuring him on.