A shiny box sat in the middle of the practice studio. Everyone eyed it like it might explode.
“Ugh, what if I end up with Taeo again?” Haneul muttered. Sujin immediately elbowed her.
“Why, got a problem with that? Or is it a secret wish?” Sujin grinned. Haneul felt her ears burning.
A staff member held up slips of paper. “This time, it’s random. You’ll all pick and reveal your partner on the spot!”
Taeo shot a glance at Haneul. She quickly looked away—only to lock eyes with Woo-seok instead, which somehow made her more flustered.
Jimin was up first. He stuck his hand in the box. “Fate, be kind!” He read his slip and cackled.
“Whoever’s my partner, raise your hand!” he called. Woo-seok sheepishly raised his hand. Sujin burst into applause.
It was Haneul’s turn. She reached in, heart pounding. Her slip had Taeo’s name in bold letters.
Immediately, all eyes landed on Haneul and Taeo.
“Is this destiny or just lousy luck?” Sujin teased. Haneul’s cheeks went red as cherries.
“Don’t overthink it. I’ll lead you through the dance,” Taeo said in a suddenly soft voice.
Haneul nodded, trying to ignore the thumping in her chest.
Music started. As the first beat hit, their fingertips touched.
Suddenly, a hazy memory—dancing together in another life—flashed in Haneul’s mind. She glanced at Taeo, unsure.
“Is it weird if I feel like we’ve done this before?” she whispered.
“Not weird. I feel the same,” Taeo replied with a small smile.
Right then, Sujin and Jimin started laughing.
“Here we go with the past life stuff again! What are you fighting about this time?” Sujin snickered.
“It’s not like that!” Haneul and Taeo blurted out together. Laughter erupted in the room.
As the first verse ended, the staff suddenly halted the music.
“Pause! Now, each pair will confess something they’ve always wanted to say—on stage, in front of everyone!”
Haneul’s eyes widened as she looked at Taeo. He looked just as startled.
“Wait, for real? Out of nowhere?” Haneul whispered.
“Everyone, take your place on stage!” the staff called.
Everyone rushed toward the stage. Haneul and Taeo clung to each other’s hands with nervous smiles.
With hearts pounding and spotlights blazing, the first on-stage confessions were about to begin. The music rose once more, and anything could happen next.