The rhythmic beats of music filled the air as JL perfected his spins in the spacious dance studio of Rhythm High. With each movement, his shy exterior faded, replaced by the sheer intensity and charisma of a natural performer. His angelic voice might have been his calling card, but here, on the dance floor, he truly came alive.
Ten, the school's director, stood at the back with his arms crossed. His sharp eyes missed nothing, though his faint smile betrayed his approval. "Good. Again, from the top," he said, clapping his hands.
JL nodded, wiping his face with a towel. Though Ten's strict demeanor intimidated most students, JL saw the warmth beneath. It reminded him of his adoptive father, Yangyang, who worked part-time as a dance and music teacher at Rhythm High. Yangyang had been the one to nurture JL's passion for performance and encourage him to attend the prestigious school.
After practice, JL made his way down the corridor when he spotted Steven waiting outside.
"Hey, 3-pick," Steven called out with a teasing grin.
JL blinked. "Why do you keep calling me that?"
"Because you're the only student scouted by the top three schools in the country - Rhythm High, Groove Institute, and Beat Music High," Steven replied, leaning casually against the wall. "It's a big deal."
"I just chose the one that felt like home," JL said modestly, looking down.
Steven chuckled. "And it just so happens that you ended up in the best school for performers. Lucky us."
---
School Rivalries and Legends
Meanwhile, across town at Groove Institute, Changsub, the director, was busy reviewing the upcoming inter-school festival lineup. Known nationwide as "The Voice of the Universe," Changsub was a living legend whose reputation attracted the most gifted vocalists.
"We need to ensure our students shine this year," he said to his assistant. "Rhythm High may have dancers, but they won't out-sing us."
Groove's top student, Park Han, stood nearby, already envisioning the moment he would face Rhythm High's star, JL. He had seen JL perform at a previous event, and the memory of that angelic voice had haunted him ever since.
At Beat Music High, directors Yugyeom and EC were facing a different kind of challenge. Once a powerhouse of music, their school's reputation had suffered after their top talents were poached by rival schools.
"This festival is our chance to show we're still relevant," Yugyeom said firmly, tapping his fingers on the desk.
"We just need the right hook," EC added.
---
Life at Rhythm High
Back at Rhythm High, JL joined his classmates for lunch, sitting next to Shuaibo, whose energy was as infectious as ever.
"So, did you hear the latest?" Shuaibo asked, barely waiting for an answer. "Changsub is bringing his best students to the festival. Word is, he's scouting talent again."
"Why would he come here?" JL asked, puzzled.
"Why wouldn't he? You're here," Shuaibo said with a wink.
JL flushed and shook his head. "I'm not that special."
"Yes, you are," Shuaibo said firmly. "You just don't see it."
From across the room, Chih En quietly observed their interaction. His face betrayed nothing, but the way his eyes lingered on JL spoke volumes.
---
The Dance and the Dream
Later that evening, JL returned to the dance studio to practice alone. He let the music guide him, his movements a blend of precision and emotion. Dancing wasn't just an art form to JL; it was an escape, a way to express what words couldn't.
In the doorway, Yangyang watched silently. Though JL didn't know it, his father often came to see him practice. Seeing JL pour his heart into every step reminded Yangyang why he had fought so hard to adopt him years ago. "We're going to make Korea your second home." He remembered what he said to JL then.
"I never regretted anything," smiling, Yangyang whispered to himself before quietly leaving.
As JL finished his routine, he sat on the floor, catching his breath. His thoughts drifted to the upcoming festival. Competing against schools like Groove Institute and Beat Music High was daunting, but JL was determined to give it his all - for Rhythm High and for himself.