Haneul was just minding her own business in the hallway when her manager suddenly called out to her.
“Haneul, today’s mission is a couple dance. You’re with Taeo, so both of you go straight to the practice room.”
Her heart nearly popped out of her chest. Dancing with Taeo—alone? She spotted Taeo at the end of the hall, and they awkwardly walked toward each other.
“Did you hear? Couple dance, us,” Taeo said, forcing a grin.
Haneul scratched her head, not quite sure where to look.
“Can you believe I’m your partner? It’s kind of weird.”
Taeo smirked.
“Weird? I bet we’ll be the best pair.”
Inside the practice room, syrupy music poured out of the speakers. Taeo immediately held out his hand.
“So, uh… I guess we have to hold hands?”
Haneul hesitated, then eventually put her hand in his. Instantly, flickers of their past life flashed behind her eyes—echoes of old memories, and an unfamiliar racing heartbeat.
“Haneul, are you okay? You’re totally blushing.”
She turned away, mortified.
“Let’s just practice. We have to finish the mission.”
They tried their first steps together, but immediately tripped over each other’s feet, dissolving into giggles.
“Hey! You stepped on me!”
“You stepped on me first!”
Their bickering had a familiar, playful sparkle. As the music swelled, they fell into a better rhythm. Both started to move together, almost naturally.
Suddenly, another wave of past-life memories crashed in—dancing together, laughing, hand in hand, just like now. Haneul’s eyes widened.
“Wait… did you just remember something too?”
Taeo looked shocked but didn’t finish his sentence. At that moment, the door burst open and Sujin and Jimin barged in.
“Whoa, what’s with the pink air in here? Just say you’re in love!”
Startled, Haneul and Taeo let go of each other’s hands at once, blushing hard as all four exchanged awkward glances.
“You two ready for this couple dance mission?” Jimin grinned.
Nervous and bashful, Haneul and Taeo looked at each other, not knowing what to do with this butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling—or what tomorrow’s mission might bring.
Soft music kept playing in the practice room, as the sun dipped behind the city outside.