Haneul continued practicing the couple dance with Wooseok.
“Like this, Haneul. Got it?”
Wooseok kindly guided her hand. Haneul nodded, trying to focus, but her eyes kept drifting to the door. She thought it would be easier to concentrate without Taeo around, but her mind kept wandering.
Suddenly, the door swung open with a dramatic creak.
“What are you guys doing?”
It was Taeo. Arms crossed, he scanned the room with a cool expression. Wooseok awkwardly let go of Haneul’s hand.
Trying to act nonchalant, Haneul replied,
“Can’t you see? We’re practicing the couple dance mission.”
With a sly grin, Taeo stepped closer, making the space between Haneul and Wooseok shrink with tension.
“You two look pretty good. Am I interrupting?”
Flustered, Haneul shot back,
“No, you’re not interrupting. We were just practicing.”
Taeo glanced at Wooseok.
“Wooseok, I noticed Haneul is still a bit stiff with her hand movements. Mind if I demonstrate?”
Wooseok hesitated, then nodded, “Go ahead, Taeo,” retreating a step.
Now facing Taeo, Haneul had no choice but to let him take her hand. A strange spark ran through her, and suddenly, fragments of their past life surfaced. Her heart raced, and even breathing felt unnatural.
Taeo leaned in and whispered,
“Doesn’t it all feel familiar?”
Haneul flinched but couldn’t answer.
Outside, Sujin and Jimin were peeking through the glass, giggling. Wooseok noticed and chuckled quietly.
Now, Haneul and Taeo stood alone in the practice room. The tension and awkwardness grew thicker, especially since Taeo didn’t let go of her hand this time.
“When we’re done, let’s talk.”
Haneul hesitated, unsure of his intention.
Strangely, letting go of his hand felt harder than before.