POISONED YOUTH: TWISTED

CHAPTER 47

"Glide and turn."

The ballerinas gracefully followed the steps, carefully watching one another as they moved across the studio. Every position, every turn, and every change in formation had to be remembered, their bodies slowly learning the routine through repetition until the movements became almost instinctive.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall... who's the baddest of them all~" Yeji rhythmically whispered as she glided behind Yeoreum, clearly more interested in entertaining herself than actually staying quiet.

Yeoreum rolled her eyes but kept her focus on the routine, rising onto her toes and balancing herself before executing a clean turn as naturally as any ballerina would.

"Na, you take the center," Head Mentor Jinri instructed.

Yeoreum immediately moved into position.

The first routine lasted five minutes, and they repeated it three to five times until Jinri was finally satisfied with their performance. By then, the girls were already breathing heavily, their legs aching from the constant movement.

"Alright, ladies. You're making me proud enough," Jinri said as she looked over the group. Her expression softened slightly before she continued. "This is the first show we're having since... you know, that day. So let's continue staying fit and make sure we're ready. I'll see you again on Thursday. Remember the schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. You're dismissed."

"Thank you, miss!"

The girls scattered in different directions, some heading straight for the changing rooms while others dropped onto the studio floor, treating the wooden surface like the most comfortable bed in the world.

"Welcome to my wicked world~" Yeji giggled as she crawled toward her best friend, trying her hardest to look seductive.

Yeoreum barely glanced at her. "I'm not gay enough to fall for whatever flirt-shit you're doing."

Yeji immediately pouted and slumped down in front of her. "I'm r—"

"Rotten to the core, okay! I'm also tired and dead to the core!"

Yeji froze. Her eyes widened slightly as she stared at Yeoreum, who had suddenly become irritated for no apparent reason. The frustration in her voice was much heavier than the playful teasing they usually shared.

"Summer... hey."

"Yeah, I fell into his wicked world. How do you like that?" Yeoreum hissed before standing and grabbing her duffle bag.

She headed straight for the changing room, leaving Yeji staring after her.

Once inside the cubicle, Yeoreum dropped her bag onto the floor and ran a hand through her hair, letting out a long, frustrated whine.

God, she missed him.

She missed Haechan so much that even the smallest thought of him was enough to make her chest ache. She wanted to talk to him, even if it was only through telepathy. If they couldn't meet in person, she would gladly take anything she could get. She wanted to call him over, even if it was only for an hour, thirty minutes, or even fifteen.