Perfect Holiday Gone Wrong

Chapter 3: Step and drop

Suri had offered to go get drinks to help me calm down.

As she left, I hurriedly went online and checked for simple dance challenges. Then I stumbled on a pretty interesting one; OMG by Newjeans.

As I struggled to master the "OMG" dance, Yoonjae appeared beside me, a smirk on his face.

"Still can't dance, huh?" he teased.

I glared at him. "Mind your own business."

Yoonjae chuckled. "I'm making it my business. You're going to embarrass yourself in front of Jaemin."

My face flushed, but I refused to back down.

"Help me, then," I challenged.

Yoonjae raised an eyebrow. "You want my help?"

I nodded, gritting my teeth.

Yoonjae shrugged. "Fine. But don't expect miracles."

He took my hand, guiding me through the steps.

At first, his teasing continued, but as we danced, his critiques turned constructive.

"Relax your shoulders... feel the beat... good!"

With Yoonjae's help, my movements improved.

As we practiced, our banter turned into comfortable silence.

For a moment, I forgot Yoonjae's annoying comments.

But as the music stopped, he grinned mischievously.

"Don't think this means I'm going easy on you."

I rolled my eyes. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Just then, Suri arrived with drinks.

"Wow, Aeri, you're actually dancing!"

Yoonjae smirked. "I taught her."

Suri raised an eyebrow. "You two make an unlikely duo."

I shot Yoonjae a warning glance.

Suri then all£handed me a drink, juggling three cups.

"Where are you going with all those drinks?" I asked.

Suri winked. "Bribing Jaemin and the dance club executives. They'll go easy on you."

I rolled my eyes. "Seriously, what kind of best friend are you? Can't even encourage me."

Suri chuckled. "Just trying to help, relax."

As she walked off, Yoonjae and I stood alone.

"Problem?" Yoonjae asked, noticing my worried expression.

"The dance is only 20 seconds long. Dance club protocol is at least a minute," I admitted.

Yoonjae smirked. "Double Disaster, indeed. Figure it out yourself. I already helped you once."

I glared, but he just laughed.

"Maybe try some freestyle?" I muttered to myself.

Yoonjae stepped closer, his breath tickling my ear. "Could it kill you to ask for help?"

I spun around. "Yes, it might kill me. Asking you for help is like cutting 50 years off my life."

Yoonjae chuckled. "I'll help you for Jaemin's sake."

He took my hand, guiding me through the remaining 40 seconds.

"Repeat steps. Step and drop, step and drop. Make it look like you created the choreo."

Surprisingly, I enjoyed his guidance.

For the second time that day, Yoonjae wasn't annoying.

When he left, I continued practicing.

"Bye, good luck!" Yoonjae called out.

I smiled, feeling more confident.

But as soon as he was gone, my inner voice kicked in.

'Remember, he's still the most annoying person you've ever met.'

I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the audition. I had practiced the "OMG" dance with Yoonjae's help, but I still felt uncertain.

As I walked into the audition room, I spotted Jaemin chatting with the other dance club members. He smiled at me, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

The audition began, and I watched as each person showcased their dance skills. When it was my turn, I took a deep breath and started dancing.

My hands trembled slightly, and I stumbled over a step, but I refused to give up. I remembered Yoonjae's advice - "step and drop, step and drop" - and focused on the rhythm.

As I finished my dance, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. Had I done enough?

Jaemin approached me, a warm smile on his face. "You did great, Aeri! I'm impressed."

I beamed, feeling a surge of happiness. Maybe, just maybe, I had a chance with Jaemin after all.

But as I turned to leave, I caught Yoonjae's eye. He was watching me with an intense gaze, his expression unreadable.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What was Yoonjae thinking?

Suri turned to me with a bright smile. "You did great, Aeri! I'm so proud of you!"

I blushed, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. "Thanks, Suri... but I don't know if I'm good enough. There were so many talented people auditioning."

Suri chuckled. "You're being too hard on yourself. You enjoyed the dance, didn't you?"

I rolled my eyes. "That's not the point. And besides, I'm focused on our perfect holiday plan, remember? I'm going to get Jaemin's attention before Christmas."

Suri teased, "Oh, I see. So you're saying you only enjoyed the dance because Jaemin was watching?"

I playfully pushed Suri. "Come on, have you forgotten our plan? I told you I was going to get him before the 25th of December. It's still December 2nd; I'm making progress!"

Suri held up her hands. "Okay, okay! Let's leave Jaemin's sorry personality out of this for now."

Just then, Jian walked by, catching our attention. Suri and I couldn't help but admire her striking features. With her wolf cut and baggy clothes, Jian exuded a confident, tomboyish charm.

Suri whispered, "I'm going to let Jian top me."

I raised an eyebrow, understanding the naughty implication. Suri was being her usual dirty-minded self, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

I had seen Jian around campus before, and I couldn't help but admire her confidence and charisma. She was the only girl in the dance club's executive team, and she had earned the respect of the three boys. They seemed intimidated by her boldness and intelligence.

Suri and I were still chatting when I said, "Suri, I think what you're experiencing is the Jian effect."

Suri raised an eyebrow. "The Jian effect?"

I chuckled. "Yeah, it's like the Bada effect. You know, when Bada Lee dances, people go crazy? They call it the Bada effect. Well, people on campus have started calling it the Jian effect when they see Jian."

Suri nodded, understanding. "I see. So, it's like a trend."

Just then, Jian walked back into the room, commanding everyone's attention. The other auditioners stood up, and Suri and I followed suit, looking straight ahead.

Jian announced, "The results for the audition are out. Mind you, a lot of you didn't make it, but for those who did, good luck joining the club."

The juniors who had auditioned applauded, and Jian continued, "The list of people who made it into the club is here."

As Jian started calling out names, I felt my anxiety build up. My name wasn't on the list, and I was starting to feel discouraged.

But then, Jian said, "And there's one more person accepted into the club by our hidden executive."

The room erupted into whispers, with everyone wondering who the hidden executive was. Jian smiled and said, "Well, since many of you have gotten in, I think you should know that the dance club doesn't just consist of four executives. There's a fifth hidden executive who is our trump card."

Jian explained that the hidden executive didn't accept people based on talent, but rather on their mood. The room was abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

And then, Jian said, "The special person accepted into the club is... Aeri. Jin Aeri"

I couldn't believe my ears. Me? Accepted into the club by the hidden executive? It was surreal.

Suri's eyes widened in surprise, matching my own. "Aeri, did you hear that? You got in!"

I was still in shock, trying to process the news. Suri turned to me, a thoughtful expression on her face. "If Jaemin was the hidden executive, people would already know he's an executive. Obviously, we knew that he was an executive... Jaemin, Jian, Hyun, and Shin are all our seniors, so who is the hidden executive? And why did this person choose me?"

Suri shrugged. "Maybe it's a random choice. Remember, it says based on mood. Maybe your dance was funny, and they were like, 'Oh, nice one!' and then chose you."

I rolled my eyes at Suri's attempt to make light of the situation. She was still focused on Jian, who was now addressing the group.

Jian continued, "Okay, so club meetings officially start in a week. I would like for you guys to go prepare your schedules, everything, to make sure you can meet up with club practices. And after this, you're dismissed. Also, remember, Christmas is coming up, and the dance club always has to represent in the school's Christmas party."

The juniors who had gotten in cheered excitedly, and Suri and I exchanged a look. Jian added, "Okay, now, this year, there's also a twist. There will be a special performance..."

The room erupted into whispers, with everyone wondering what the twist could be. Suri and I looked at each other, trying to guess, but no guesses were coming up.

Jian continued, "Well, an executive and a normal club member from the freshmen will perform together. One of your additional dances will be chosen, and you'll get to perform with an executive."

The room cheered again, and Suri turned to me with a mischievous grin. "This could be your chance, Aeri. If you get to perform with Jaemin, it'll be a great opportunity."

I felt a flutter in my chest as I imagined dancing with Jaemin under the Christmas lights. Suri tapped me, pulling me out of my daydream.

Jian dismissed the auditioners, and Suri and I joined the crowd of people leaving. As we walked away, Jian approached us, a smile on her face.

"Hey," she said, and Suri immediately became weak in the knees. Jian's eyes sparkled with amusement as she turned to Suri. "Can I talk to you?"

I noticed that Jian seemed to want some privacy, so I started to bow and excuse myself. But Jian stopped me, saying, "You guys are best friends, right?"

I nodded, curious about what Jian wanted to say.