The sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor echoed in Practice Room A. It was the advanced trainees’ session, and Yuna had been assigned to observe. It was supposed to be an opportunity to learn from the best, but watching Kim Hyunwoo glide across the room with effortless precision made it feel more like an exercise in self-doubt.

Hyunwoo led the group through an intricate routine, his movements sharp and fluid, his presence commanding. He didn’t miss a beat, didn’t falter—not once. The other trainees followed him like he was already a leader, even though they were all technically equals.

“Show-off,” muttered Minhee from beside Yuna.

Yuna tilted her head. “He’s… really good, though.”

“Yeah, but does he have to look like he’s enjoying it that much? It’s intimidating.” Minhee crossed her arms. “Don’t let him get to you. Hyunwoo’s practically untouchable. But just because he’s the favorite doesn’t mean we can’t shine too.”

After the advanced practice wrapped up, Ms. Jung called for a short water break. Yuna took the opportunity to grab a bottle from her bag. But as she turned, she nearly collided with Hyunwoo, who was standing right behind her.

“Careful, rookie,” he said, smirking as he steadied her.

Yuna stepped back quickly, feeling her face heat up. “Sorry.”

Hyunwoo studied her for a moment, then leaned casually against the wall. “Song Yuna, right?”

Yuna blinked, surprised. “You… remember my name?”

He shrugged. “You’ve got potential. Messy, but potential.”

“Messy?” she repeated, narrowing her eyes.

He grinned, clearly amused by her reaction. “Relax. It’s not a bad thing. Everyone starts somewhere.”

Yuna clenched her jaw, torn between gratitude and irritation. “I’ll get better.”

“You’d better,” Hyunwoo said, his tone teasing but firm. “This isn’t the kind of place where you can coast by.”

With that, he pushed off the wall and strolled toward the exit, leaving Yuna fuming silently.

During lunch, Minhee and Yuna joined a few other rookies in the cafeteria. The conversation naturally drifted toward Hyunwoo.

“Did you see him today?” one girl gushed. “He’s perfect. Like, literally perfect.”

“I heard he’s already being considered for the debut lineup,” another said.

“That’s just a rumor,” Minhee interjected. “Besides, it’s not like Hyunwoo doesn’t have flaws.”

“Like what?” the first girl challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Minhee opened her mouth, then closed it, clearly struggling to think of anything.

Yuna, still annoyed from her earlier interaction with him, muttered, “He’s arrogant.”

The table fell silent.

“Arrogant?” someone repeated, as if Yuna had just committed a cardinal sin.

“Well, he is,” Yuna said defensively. “Just because he’s talented doesn’t mean he gets to act like he’s better than everyone.”

Minhee leaned closer, whispering, “Careful, Yuna. Criticizing the ‘golden boy’ is practically forbidden around here.”

Yuna sighed, regretting her outburst. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Hyunwoo than his flawless exterior.

Later that evening, Yuna stayed behind to practice alone. The studio was quiet, the mirrors reflecting her every move as she worked through the day’s choreography.

“You’re rushing again,” came a familiar voice.

Yuna whirled around to find Hyunwoo standing in the doorway, his arms crossed.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, startled.

“Helping you,” he said simply, stepping into the room.

“I didn’t ask for help,” Yuna replied, her irritation flaring.

Hyunwoo smirked. “You don’t have to. It’s obvious you need it.”

Before she could protest, he walked over and stood beside her. “Start from the top,” he instructed.

Reluctantly, Yuna obeyed. As she moved through the routine, Hyunwoo stopped her several times, correcting her angles and pacing.

“You’re focusing too much on speed,” he said. “Slow down. Hit the beats properly. Precision is what makes it impactful.”

Yuna bit her lip, annoyed by how much sense he made. She tried again, this time following his advice.

“Better,” Hyunwoo said, nodding approvingly. “See? Not so messy now.”

Yuna glanced at him, half expecting a smirk, but his expression was sincere. For a moment, she saw a different side of him—one that wasn’t just cocky and self-assured.

“Thanks,” she said quietly.

He shrugged, heading toward the door. “Don’t mention it. Just… try not to embarrass yourself tomorrow.”

Yuna rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips.

As the door closed behind him, she turned back to the mirror, her reflection now filled with renewed determination.

Maybe Hyunwoo wasn’t so untouchable after all.