Catch 22 - JJK (21+)

Chapter 9 - Aria

JUNGKOOK

As I headed back in the direction of the changing rooms, I took note of how upscale and aesthetically appealing the studio was. It seemed whoever owned the establishment wanted to create an unforgettable experience for every person who entered their doors, and I felt that they'd definitely accomplished that. The more time I spent in that beautiful, tranquil ambiance, the more relaxed and comfortable I felt.

I was captivated by every elaborate detail of the opulent decor from the cool earth tones and bamboo to the massive wood-carved mandalas and lotuses adorning the walls, to the cascading water feature that centered the lobby as a main focal point. I loved how it all made the studio feel warm, inviting and very... zen.

I giggled to myself as I tried to decide what was more insane, the fact that I had just used the word 'zen' to describe something, or the fact that I was currently in a space that could be called 'zen'. I didn't know shit about yoga or 'zen-ness', if that was even a word. I was completely out of my element, but somehow I'd ended up here, and I was actually looking forward to whatever Dr. Taylor had in store for me.

Besides, there was no way in hell I was gonna back down from her taunts and playful threats. While changing into my workout gear, I recalled her cute little statement. Did she really say she was gonna kick my butt... with yoga? The hilarity of it literally made me laugh out loud.

I'd never considered yoga to be a real workout anyway. From what I'd seen, it was extremely slow paced and low impact, especially compared to my usual workouts, and it definitely didn't appear to be anything strenuous or physically taxing.  To me, it was nothing more than some deep breathing and stretching. I doubted that it would even make me break a sweat. Shrugging my shoulders at the thought, I left the changing room.

By the time I'd made it back to the classroom, there was soft music playing and quite a few students had arrived. Somehow, I'd failed to notice before, but now I could see that there were various colors of looped fabric hanging from the ceiling all around the room.  I guess I'd been so distracted earlier when I located Dr. Taylor, I hadn't paid much attention.

As I surveyed the room, I realized everyone had already claimed one of those fabric things and also had a yoga mat placed underneath their feet. Then it hit me that I didn't have one. Dr. Taylor, who had taken her place at the front of the room once again on her own mat must have read my thoughts.

"If you don't have your own yoga mat, you're welcome to use one of the ones over here to my left," she announced, gesturing toward the array of yoga mats all rolled up neatly in a holder that hung from the wall. I wouldn't have even noticed it had she not pointed it out.  I quickly grabbed a mat, placed it under an unoccupied fabric, and with anticipation, awaited further instructions.

She began the class by introducing herself with her palms together against her chest, smiling and bowing gracefully. "Hello, and welcome to aerial yoga. My name is Aria, and I want to thank you all for joining me this evening."

At the sound of her name, I completely zoned out, swept away by my own thoughts as her sultry voice echoed in my head. I was taken aback because I didn't expect her to introduce herself as anyone other than Dr. Taylor. I'd never given her first name much thought before, but now that I knew what it was, I absolutely loved it. It was fascinating and unique, just like she was, and hearing her say it did things to me.

Once I'd finally tuned back in to what Aria was saying, I realized I'd missed some of her safety instructions. I wish I'd been listening because I assumed that this was going to be a simple yoga class, but now that I had this... contraption in front of me, I had no idea what to expect.