POISONED YOUTH: TWISTED

CHAPTER 3

The grand theater was ready for the night's performance.

Golden chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting warm light across the walls. Gold wreaths and glittering details decorated the railings, while rows of glowing bulbs lined the halls. Guests slowly filled the seats, their voices blending into a low hum of excitement.

At the front, the spacious stage was hidden behind thick maroon curtains.

Behind them, the ballerinas waited.

Backstage was an entirely different world.

Staff members from Seoul Ballet High rushed from one side to another, while the event coordinators checked their lists and made sure everything was in place. Dancers stretched wherever they could, some fixing their hair and costumes while others quietly went over their routines in their heads.

In the middle of all the chaos, Yeji suddenly glided across the floor. She spun once, then twice. She dramatically extended her arms before stopping directly in front of Yeoreum.

"Come on, Summer. Dance with me."

Yeoreum stared at her. "No."

"Please?"

"No."

Yeji grabbed both of her hands anyway. "Come on!"

"Yeji—"

Too late. Yeji pulled her into a ridiculous little dance, spinning them around between the other dancers.

Yeoreum couldn't hold back her laughter.

"You look stupid."

"So do you!"

"Girls!" Jinri's voice immediately cut through their laughter.

The two froze.

"Prepare yourselves."

"Yes, Miss!"

Yeji quickly released Yeoreum, both girls trying to suppress their laughter as they returned to their places.

A sudden screech from the microphone made everyone flinch.

Several dancers covered their ears.

Jinri winced. "Can someone please fix that?"

The backstage crew hurried to deal with it while the girls took their positions.

The lights in the theater slowly dimmed. The audience fell silent.

On the stage stood the host of the evening, dressed in a sharp white suit. He held the microphone confidently, his eyes sweeping across the packed theater.

The main doors had already been closed, with two security guards stationed at either side.

Everything was ready.

A man seated in the VIP section gave a small nod.

The host immediately caught the signal. He straightened his suit, smiled, and raised the microphone.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to tonight's special performance."