J9 One Shot

Dancing Partner

The sudden change of the music from upbeat to a soft one, caused me to feel out of place because my fiancée couldn't make it for today's class. She was stuck in the office even though our wedding would be held in less than a week, because her company suddenly got a huge new client, and she was part of the team that was tasked to handle that account. As I was about to step out of the of dance floor, someone tapped my back, causing me to turn in surprise.

"Nine! What are you doing here?", I asked, since Nine used to come along to this dance class with us. But, after my engagement about three months ago, he said that I should spend more time with my partner rather than being with him most of the time. I couldn't help it. We'd been best friends since University, and now it's been almost ten years of friendship. In actuality, I was the clingy one, venting everything to him, every heartbreak, every new love, every stress and worry. Nine was more matured in a lot of way, elegant and also very caring. Ah, gorgeous too. But, that was only in my head, he would feel awkward if I said so; just liked how he was uncomfortable when people called him beautiful.

"You told me that Ava won't be able to come, so knowing you who have two left feet, if I'm not here, someone else will have a swollen toe to be partnered with you", Nine said while smiling teasingly.

"Arghh, I know! I'm doing this for the sake of the wedding dance, what with her voluminous wedding dress and everything, I'm afraid of even taking a step looking at it when she tried it on at the shop!". Nine nodded, and held my hand and put it on his waist, his hand was on my shoulder and both our palms matched together for a slow dance. I smiled nervously.

"Joong, you should lead. Don't worry, I'll match you, step by step", Nine said for me to hurry, the instructor was looking at us that hadn't moved for long, the other couples were in chaos trying to escape from bumping us and also each other, for their learnt steps were hindered by two stones in the corner. I sighed and started, as soon, Nine hissed meaning I moved too fast that he couldn't step away fast enough to follow me. "Slowly Joong, give me hint which way you'll start, or else we will cross each other rather than steps together".

"Sorry...", I said and tried again. This time, I used some hand's pressure and eye's movement to connect with Nine on our steps. Maybe because Nine was obliging, and also very patient with all the small mistakes that I did, after a few minutes, the dance became smooth and steady. My tense muscle and nervousness slowly dissipated, and a smile bloomed on my face. This was very comfortable indeed, and it made a difference when your partner really put a trust on you. Suddenly the music was off. Everyone in a mess, some misstep and some were confused.

"Now, everyone just listen to the music...", the instructor said. We were confused, the only sound was the blasting cold air from the air conditioner, he continued, "there must be a special music that rang inside your head, one that only you and your partner could hear. You don't even need to hum it, but somehow it's there. So, be as close as you can, together, looked deeply into each other's eyes, connect and listen. The steps will come to you. Try it". Though everyone started off laughing while trying to connect with their partner, after a while, the buzzing sound quietened, and just liked the instructor said, feet were moving in tandem, each couple with their own kind of music that nobody cares, nor hears.

Nine was looking at me steadily, the closeness let me heard the rhythm of his breathing, consistent, calming. The blink of his eyes, seemed liked a slow motion, where I could see his eyelashes were not that long; but paired with kind, understanding eyes that shimmered with light, it made my heartbeat raised up somehow. Am I crazy? Maybe because I never purposely stare at him this way. His natural curve, pink and moist lips, looked too tempting when coupled with an endearing smile he'd shown at me, encouraging, trusting and also, obviously, he liked this. Unconsciously, my hold on his waist tightened and I pulled him in, a little bit more, so close that I could cross my arms behind his hips. He looked up and pulled his upper body a little away, trying to put a space in between or else I'd already be kissing his cute button nose.

The world around us cease to exist. It was just me and him, and the slow steps that we took. I could hear a music in my head; one that Nine used to sing; a bittersweet melody; of love that used to be so strong, but circumstances pulled them apart; and in the end both went their separate ways. He always told me, even if the end was imperfect, the love that started it all won't easily be erased and would always be part of one's memory too. Maybe he heard the same song too, because that calm eyes somehow getting shiny, an indication that they were damp. What have made you feel sad while looking at me, Nine? My eyes were darting, worrying.

"Alright...that's it, everyone was too infused in their feeling that this room became too quiet. You all did very well, very good indeed", the instructor was so satisfied with everyone's performance. And that voice, broken whatever answer that I was trying to get from Nine. Nine who always could read me so well, pulled my hands off gently, just shook his head, took a deep breath and gave me a smile. Why am I suddenly feeling liked it is a parting gift, when it was just a dance?...or so I thought...

On my wedding day, I waited nervously, somehow not for my bride, but because the seat that I reserved for him, still not occupied when the wedding would start in a minute. When the door was opened, and still Nine was not in, I now knew, the reason for all the unanswered call, unread messages and the avoidance to see me.

He had given me his last dance; and we, had come to that imperfect ending.

The End