⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺
Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you.
. ✦ .

Jungkook

“Aahhh…” Areum groans, “Yes, right there…” Her toes curl and her eyes draw closed in pleasure and relief as my fingers work softly on her with just the right amount of pressure.

“You’re so good at this,” She purrs in praise, making me laugh softly.

My gentle massage is most certainly giving her some relief to her aching feet. Little did I know that preparing the foot before a dance had so many intricate steps involved. Areum, though she has beautifully toned legs, has feet that are narrow on the whole, and her toes are also small—the features bearing testimony to a life of dedicated ballet dancing. Despite her feet being soft as feathers, the nails on her big toes are a little bruised, there are some callused parts and some blisters as well in various stages of healing.

“Does this happen a lot?” I ask her, tenderly running my fingertips over the blisters that are about to be wrapped up in some tape.

“Yeah, especially if I haven’t been dancing for a long while.” She smiles despite the discomfort, slightly flexing her cute little toes back and forth.

Sighing, I brush my thumb over her toes before I pick up the tape and hand it over to her. She then wraps her big toe up and then all her other toes together using the tape. Afterwards, she positions some cut up bits of toe spacers before placing a piece of soft wool over her toes and wearing her toe pads. 

Tucking her feet inside the footing of her tights, she then proceeds to wear her pointe shoes in a well-practiced manner. There’s so much meticulousness in her movements, and it makes me admire her dedication for what she loves to do.

I can relate so much to her because this is precisely the level of dedication and passion that I have for my game, and Areum just keeps proving that she fits my ideal type in every possible way.

Ever since university classes started about six months ago, she has been caught up in the middle of classes and project work, with barely any time to practice ballet. Nevertheless, she still remembered the time I expressed interest in learning ballet, and now that she’s having her mid-semester summer break for a couple of weeks, she has decided to act upon that little wish of mine.

As for me, I haven’t yet received an admission in any university, and, at this rate, I don’t have hopes for even the fall semester which begins in a little over a month. It is depressing, but I’m trying to cope, and, on the bright side, I’ve recently started giving basketball coaching for children at a sports academy nearby. It keeps me busy throughout the day which is a good thing. In addition, I get paid for it and I also get to practice everyday.

Once she’s ready, Areum stands up on her feet and gracefully walks over to a cupboard in one corner of the studio. She opens it and begins to file through a large plastic box from which she picks out a pair of ballet slippers for me to wear.

They’re similar to her pointe shoes, but with cross-fitted elastic straps and no ribbons. I put them on, and they fit reasonably well, except for the slight feeling of my toes being squeezed together. None of my shoes cling on so tightly.

Smiling, Areum then walks over to the stereo and turns on the music. The soft strains of soothing piano music fills the studio, the notes floating in the air like a whisper, setting a peaceful, intimate tone. Areum stands at the front of the room, watching me with a quiet intensity as I try to mirror her movements. My broad frame, usually so confident and steady on the basketball court, looks out of place as I attempt the delicate, fluid positions of ballet. I’m struggling and a little nervous too, I know, but my determination is undeterred.

“Relax, Jungkook,” Areum says softly, her voice gentle but firm. She moves closer to me, stepping into my personal space without hesitation. “Ballet isn’t just about strength. It’s about control, grace... and feeling the music…with your body.”

Despite her proximity giving me a wave of goosebumps, I give her a sheepish grin; my eyebrows furrowing as I try to bend my knees just right in the plié position. “I’m trying, but this is harder than it looks.”

Areum gives me a heart warming smile, appreciating me for my earnestness. She moves even closer, close enough for us to feel the heat radiating from one another. She places a hand on my arm, guiding me into position. Her touch is light, but I can feel the firmness in her fingertips as she adjusts my posture, and it makes my heart race.

“Focus on your center,” she murmurs, her voice low and soothing as she gently places her other hand on my waist, guiding me. “Feel where the energy flows from your core.”

My breath hitches at the closeness, my body responding to her touch before my mind could catch up. I could feel her soft breath against my skin, the faint scent of her perfume lingering in the air. Her hands on my waist and her fingers brushing against my muscles, seem to send a warmth spreading through my entire body.

“Like this?” I ask, trying to bend my knees deeper, but my movements are stiff, too rigid.

Areum steps closer, placing her hands on my arms, her fingers grazing my skin as she subtly shifts my weight. “Not quite,” she says, her voice like a caress. “Relax your shoulders, let the tension melt away.” She reaches up, gently adjusting the angle of my chin, bringing my head into a more graceful alignment. “Think of it like flowing with the music. Let it carry you.”

I close my eyes for a moment, focusing on the feel of her hands guiding me, the warmth of her touch grounding me in the moment. When I open my eyes again, I catch her looking at me, a softness in her gaze, a hint of something deeper flickering in her expression.

Areum lets out a breath, her hands still on my body, guiding me with a practiced, almost intuitive touch. “Better,” she says quietly, her lips curving into a small, encouraging smile. “Now try the tendu. It’s all about extending your leg, stretching it out with elegance.”

She steps back, allowing me space to move, but her eyes never leave me. I nod, determined to get it right this time. I lift my leg slowly, but my balance wavers, and I almost lose my footing. Areum is quick to reach out, one hand steadying my back, the other on my arm, guiding me back to the proper position.

“Easy,” she whispers, the closeness between us sending a jolt through my chest. Her fingers brush against my skin as she helps me steady myself, and it is as if time slowed. She is so near—I can feel the softness of her touch, the warmth of her body, her gentle presence.

“You’re doing fine,” Areum reassures me, her voice calm and soothing, but it holds a tenderness that makes my heart skip. “Just breathe.”

I swallow, my breath hitching as my chest tightens. “It’s harder than I thought,” I say, my voice softer than usual.

“It’s okay to struggle,” Areum replies with a gentle smile. “No one gets it right the first time. Ballet is about patience… and trust. Trust in yourself, and trust in me.” Her words linger in the air between us.

I nod, the weight of her words settling deep within me. I ain’t just learning ballet; I’m learning how to be vulnerable, how to allow someone else—her—to guide me. The thought of it makes me feel something I hadn’t expected, a quiet warmth that spreads through me, growing stronger with every passing second.

The urge to hold her close to me and kiss her passionately begins to swirl within my chest.

Areum steps closer again, her hands drifting to my shoulders, guiding me into a better posture. Her fingers linger on my skin in the lightest touch, sending a shiver through me.

“Let’s try again,” she says, her voice soft, almost playful. “This time, try to feel the stretch, feel the fluidity in your leg.”

I nod again, my heart pounding with anticipation, not just for the next step in the dance, but for whatever it was that was slowly unfolding between us. My undivided focus is set entirely on her. Extending my leg again, this time with more control, I feel the tension of my muscles as they stretch. My movements aren’t perfect, but they are more graceful than before. Ballet, as foreign as it was to me, is now becoming a beautiful shared experience between us.

Areum’s eyes soften as she watches me, a quiet pride in her gaze. “There you go,” she whispers, her voice barely above a breath. “See? You’re doing it.”

I turn to face her, my heart thudding a little faster as our gazes lock. There is something there, an unspoken connection between us. My eyes search hers, and, for a moment, everything else seems to fade away—the studio, the music, the dance itself.

The way she was guiding me—not just through the dance, but through my own hesitations, my own walls—meant more than I could express with any words.

“Areum…” I begin, my voice hushed, almost tentative.

“Yes?” she replies, her gaze holding mine, as if she knew exactly what I was thinking, feeling.

Her words hang in the air between us, her sincerity reflected in the warmth of her smile. I feel my pulse quicken, the space between us narrowing as I stand there, drawn to her, feeling something shift in the quiet moments we shared.

In the silence, we both somehow clearly know that it isn’t just about ballet anymore. It is about trust, about learning to move together in a way that goes beyond the music, beyond the steps, into something deeper. Something undeniable.

“I think I’m in love with you.” I say, wanting to sound confident but my voice comes out sounding like a weak croak.

My confession makes my legs feel like jelly, and if it thuds any harder, then my heart might explode within my chest. Areum’s eyes sparkle when she hears me, and her expressions turn dreamy as she takes a step closer to me.

“I think I’ve always been in love with you, Jungkook.” Her eyes flit between mine, and her voice is barely above a whisper.

Without a word, I pull her to me, my hands winding around her slender waist and my lips meeting hers with such precision and ferocity that it takes our breaths away for a moment. I kiss her with so much love and passion, every little move of my lips and tongue against hers feeling so much more meaningful and deeper now, more than ever before.

Her one hand is around my neck, and her other is on my chest; her soft body is flush against mine, both of us feeling every muscle on one another’s body while her audible breaths fill the air. Gently taking hold of her hand that is on my chest, I lace our fingers together and hold them tight, making her draw me in even more closer with her other hand.

Many minutes later, we pull back breathlessly, but I use one hand to keep her stuck to me at the hips. Areum blushes a furious pink, biting down on her lips, and I take a moment to memorize this beautiful appearance of hers—the colors of which were painted by me.

Leaning closer to her once again, I gently place my lips on her eyelids that fall shut out of reflex. The kiss sends a wave of electric current surging through various parts of my body. I then kiss her other eyelid and lean back with a satisfied smile.

I take a breath, my heart racing in my chest. “Thank you,” I say quietly, my voice filled with something deeper than gratitude.

Areum smiles, her gaze softening with a tenderness that makes my chest tighten. “No. Thank you,” she says gently.

We kiss again, more deeply this time, and I boldly allow my hand to glide over to her breast. Areum gasps into my mouth when I curl my fingers, feeling up the flesh that’s unreachable to me under a few layers of clothing. I almost tip over into the enticing cauldron within my polluted mind that holds the bubbling concoction of love and lust; my mind leaning heavily towards the vile idea of ripping off all our clothes and pouring all my love deep into her right here right now. I want us to be proper adults, as per her definition.

But I force myself to stop because I’m very much aware that I have goals to reach and places to be before I can declare myself fully deserving of her love. Before I can claim her. I’m not disappointed that I stopped myself, and Areum doesn’t ask me anything as well because there’s no one who knows my insecurities more than her.

We step back from each other, licking our lips. She then fixes her hair a little and gives me a shy smile that makes me regret my decision from a moment ago.

“Ready for the next move?” Areum asks, her voice low and inviting.

I smirk, nodding. “Ready.”

The soft thrum of the music fills the room as I stand at the barre, attempting another plié, my legs trembling slightly under the unfamiliar stretch and my body tensing slightly as I try to balance. My reflection in the mirror shows my concentration, brows furrowed as I struggle to find the right form, my demeanor displaying a blend of focus and hesitation. I don’t want to give up or be playful because ballet dancing means so much to Areum, and I want this to be a meaningful experience and memory.

However, I have never been one for such guided formal dancing—my natural rhythm lay in other things—but beside me, Areum stands with a gentle yet firm presence, guiding my movements with the ease of someone who has spent years in the world of ballet.

“Your plié is a little shallow,” Areum says, her voice gentle yet firm. She places a hand on my lower back, guiding me into a deeper bend. “Try to open your hips more and keep your weight centered. Imagine you’re a piece of art, always moving with grace.”

My face scrunches in concentration. My legs are starting to feel weak and wobbly, but I trust her—have always trusted her. She has a way of making everything seem like it could be achieved, no matter how difficult. I exhale sharply, trying to follow her advice, but the movements still feel awkward, my body betraying me.

I glance over at Areum, noticing the way a few strands of her hair fall softly around her face, her poise effortless as she glides across the floor. She is a vision of fluidity while I feel like a clumsy bear trying to be graceful.

But I’m not Jeon Jungkook if I give up.

“Like this?” I ask, trying to mirror her elegant form as she demonstrated once again.

“Exactly, but remember, don’t let your knees collapse inward. Keep them open.” She smiles as she watches me, probably proud of my effort, but her gaze softens with affection as she steps closer to correct my posture.

I swallow, my heartbeat quickening slightly under the intensity of her proximity. It is moments like these—when we are together, so close, so focused—that I felt a desirous warmth, a kind of need spread through me. The need to truly become one with her—mind, body, soul and everything in between.

“Don’t think so much about it,” Areum adds with a reassuring smile, wiping off my distracted thoughts. “Your body will know what to do if you trust it.”

I hum in agreement, determined to improve, but as I shift my weight, the phone in my pocket buzzes, interrupting the calm rhythm of the moment. My first instinct is to ignore it, but the vibration persists, growing more insistent. Hesitantly, I glance at Areum as she continues demonstrating a pirouette.

Should I check it?

“Go ahead,” Areum says, glancing over her shoulder as she adjusts her posture. “It’s fine.”

I reach into my pocket, pulling out the phone; my eyes still glued to Areum’s graceful movements as my fingers slip over the screen to unlock it. The moment I catch a glimpse of the email notification on the screen, my breath hitches, and I almost choke on air. The subject line reads: Admission Confirmation – University of Seoul. My stomach flips in a mix of excitement and nerves as I tap open the email.

“Jungkook?” Areum stops mid-spin, her voice pulling me back to the present, her brows furrowing slightly in concern. “Are you okay?”

I don’t answer immediately, my fingers trembling as I open the email, my heart pounding faster with each word I read.

Dear Jeon Jungkook,

We are excited to inform you that you have been accepted to the University of Seoul for the upcoming fall semester. We are thrilled to welcome you to our community, and we look forward to seeing you in class.

The world seems to pause around me as I process the news. My vision blurs slightly as the weight of the words sink in.

I have done it. I am officially going to the same university as Areum. The same university I had dreamed of attending but had kept quiet about.

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, my eyes wide with disbelief. I feel a rush of emotions—elation, relief, and something deeper, more intimate, something that tied me to Areum in this very moment.

Areum notices the change in my expressions immediately. She steps closer, her voice quieter, more tender, her face a portrait of focus and care. “Jungkook… what is it?”

I turn to face her, holding up the phone with a shaky laugh. “I... I got in. See this.” I laugh even as a drop of tear hangs from my lower lashes.

Areum’s eyes widen in surprise, and then her face breaks into a joyful grin. “What? You’re serious? Oh my God! That’s incredible!”

Her hands reach out, grabbing my phone in excitement, her fingers trembling with happiness as she reads through the email.

I laugh, running a hand through my hair, a little in awe of the moment. “I didn’t even think I’d get in… but I did.” My voice cracks slightly with emotion as I stare at her, feeling a strange, almost surreal connection to her. “Now, I get to go to school with you, once again.”

Tears glimmer in Areum’s eyes as she wraps her arms around me, pulling me into a warm and tight embrace. “I can’t believe it. I’m so happy and I’m so so proud of you, Jungkook.”

I chuckle into her shoulder, holding her back warm and close, my chest tight with affection. “This is insane… but I feel like everything’s falling into place. It just… feels right.”

Areum pulls back, her hands cupping my face as she gazes at me with so much love it almost takes my breath away. “I’m so excited... so happy. We’re going to be together, at the same university…” She trails off, her voice thick with emotion.

I look down at her, my heart swelling with an overwhelming tenderness. “I’m just glad I get to do it all with you,” I whisper, my voice soft as I tuck a few strands of hair behind her ear.

The music continues to play in the background, but now it feels as though time itself has slowed down. Everything feels in sync, like our lives are finally aligning in perfect harmony. And for the first time in a long while, I feel like I am exactly where I’m meant to be.

With a deep breath, we both then return to the barre, my movements feeling a little lighter and my heart a little fuller as I move in sync with the rhythm of the music and the promise of what’s to come.

Thank you for reading Redamancy. I hope you enjoyed the story. If you missed voting for any of the chapters, please do it now because it’s motivating to receive votes and comments.

Thank you all for your continued love and support. I hope to meet everyone in my future works.

Take care!

Lots of love
Candy 💖

Published on : 01/11/2025