The Last Dance - Chapter 1
Title: The Last Dance
Chapter: 1/?
>> Trailer || Character List ||| Chps: Prologue | 1
Rating: PG-13 for this one. (some chapters will be NC-17)
Genre: Angst, Romance
Pairing: 2MIN, onesided!MinYul, JongYu, DongKey
Disclaimer: Only own the story (sadly).
Summary: Dancing is what brings them together. But what if it's also what takes Minho away from Taemin?
A/N: Sorry for the long wait (:
**CHAPTER ONE**
“This is Minho.”
Taemin blinked as a boy slightly older than him (and taller) smiled at him politely.
“You have big eyes.”
“I know.”
They both stared at each other, studying each other’s features. The choreographer chuckled as he proceeded.
“You guys will be dancing together for an item. It’s rather popular in America - a couple dance with both guys.”
“Eh… Did you say couple dance…?”
“Yep. Are you up to it?”
Minho glanced at Taemin and nodded silently. Taemin hesitated for a moment before murmuring, “… I guess it can be pretty interesting… and challenging…”
“That’s great. Let’s not waste time and get started.”
“Let’s do our best, Taemin-ssi.” Minho grinned at him. For some reason, Taemin’s heart fluttered slightly.
“Please guide me along!” Taemin returned the smile with an equal amount of sincerity.
Taemin’s hand traced the frame of a picture taken with Minho two years ago. They were both wearing white shirts with a black vest - the picture was captured right after their first performance together.
One would be surprised at how fitting Taemin and Minho were. Their chemistry was really strong; Minho complimented Taemin’s moves and vice versa. It was their first time dancing together but it seemed as if they had danced together since forever.
“Hyung.” Taemin whispered as he tightened his grip on the photo frame. “What should I do?”
-*-
Taemin tried hard to concentrate on the beat he had to follow, but his mind wasn’t in the studio at all. He tried not to think about the dream he witnessed the night before, but it was impossible.
Key shot him a curious, almost concerned look from the other side of the room as they did a twirl. Hyoyeon looked like she was ready to pull all Taemin’s hair out and rip his scalp if he were to continue dancing halfheartedly.
“Stop.”
Taemin straightened himself as the fuming Hyoyeon gave a five minutes break. The instructor motioned him to come, so he did, mentally gulping and preparing himself for a round of scolding.
“Are you feeling unwell today? Why are you dancing so…so…” Hyoyeon tried to come up with a word. Taemin knew well that she was trying not to say ‘horribly’, because, as fierce as she was, Hyoyeon was very kind-hearted.
So, before she could continue trying to scold him, Taemin gave the best puppy look he could muster and completed it with a sorry smile. “I’m so sorry, noona, I was really feeling under the weather today… I’ll do my best to not drag everyone down.”
The frown in Hyoyeon’s face immediately disappears as she chuckled, ruffling the maknae’s hair. “Aigo kyeopta. Make sure you get some good rest later, arasso? Go and drink some water now.”
Taemin thanked her before heading out of the studio, walking along the corridor towards the water cooler. Coincidentally, Minho was refilling his water bottle.
“Hey.” Minho greeted him friendly.
Under normal circumstances, Taemin would beam at him, jump at him even as he squealed ‘Minho hyung~~~~’. But his mind couldn’t work properly and his mood darkened even more as Minho shot him a charming smile.
“Hey hyung.” He replied. Minho stepped aside to let Taemin drink some water, but not without giving him a confused look.
“Are you feeling okay?” Minho asked, puzzled. Taemin hummed to show that he was fine, and then, without saying anything else, he left.
Minho stared at Taemin’s retreating back. He could tell something was wrong, but didn’t dare to push it.
-*-
The rest of the day passed without any significant event. Taemin was not focused at all but Hyoyeon let him off, deeming that he needs to “get some rest, I’m sure you’ll dance better tomorrow”, so Taemin simply thanked her again before he grabbed his backpack and left.
“Hey, wait up!”
Key caught up with him at the lobby (their dance school was located on the fifth floor of the building) and Taemin slowed down his pace. Key was wearing a light pink baggy shirt with red track pants.
“Shall we grab something to eat, Tae?” Key grinned and slung an arm around Taemin’s shoulder. Taemin had wanted to refuse but he had soft spot for the older man (just like how Key can never resists Taemin as well). They ended up walking towards a small café nearby.
“Minho was asking if he did anything that upset you.” Key said absentmindedly.
“You talk to Minho?” Taemin asked, surprised. Key doesn’t really play a sociable role in the dance class - he hardly talked to anyone except Taemin and their instructor, Hyoyeon. The last time Taemin checked, Key didn’t really like Minho because he is ‘cold, arrogant, weird, tall, and has huge eyes’.
“No. He talked to me.” Key corrected, waving at one of the waiters so he could take their orders. “He said you’ve been giving him cold shoulder the whole day.”
“Uh. Ok.” Taemin shrugged it off, “I’ll have the set A please.”
“I’ll have the same.” Key told the waiter and then turned his attention back to Taemin. “So what did he do to you?”
“Nothing.” Taemin sighed. “I wasn’t even mad at him.”
“Really? That’s great to know.”
Taemin almost jumped in his seat at the bass voice booming on his left ear. Minho chuckled at him before taking the seat next to Taemin. He wasn’t alone; another man shorter than him was there, and he was beaming at Taemin’s housemate.
“Yo, Key-va.”
“Hey, Jjongsaurus.”
“So you are Jonghyun.” Taemin smiled.
“And you must be Taemin…” Jonghyun returned the smile and they both exchanged a handshake before Jonghyun sat beside Key. “Key here has been telling me so much about you. Minho too. I almost thought you were God or some sort. They both practically worship you.”
“How did you know Minho?” Key asked, curious. He and Jonghyun had been best friends since they could walk, and Key didn’t even have the slightest idea that Jonghyun is Minho’s friend.
“He was my junior in college before I decided to drop out and pursue Music.” Jonghyun explained. “We’re pretty close…”
“More like you’re pretty sticky to me. I think you’re in love with me.” Minho joked.
Jonghyun’s eyes widened, perplexed. “Excuse me, I am definitely not in love with you. I won’t go for guys who are taller than me. I need someone who could boost my self-esteem!”
“You know you really sound pathetic, Jjong.” Key scoffed.
Jonghyun gaped at Key, then at Minho (who was laughing at him). He then sulked and turned to Taemin. “I guess I can only rely on you now, Taemin-ah. Look, they are laughing at me. It’s not a sin to be short.”
Taemin wasn’t even paying attention at the conversation. He was idly playing with the ice cubes inside his cup, trying to sort out his mind (more like, trying to erase the dream from his brain). At the sound of his name, he snapped up and three pairs of eyes were looking at him worriedly.
“I called your name three times, Taemin-ah.” Jonghyun blinked. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, I’m sorry… I was spacing out.” Taemin chuckled softly. “What is it, Jonghyun-ssi?”
“Are you sure you are feeling all right, Taeminnie?” Key reconfirmed. “You seem really out of it.”
“I’m okay, umma. Don’t worry.” Taemin assured him again. He was glad that the waiter arrived then to give them their food so he could stop Key from interrogating him.
Minho watched Taemin’s moves silently. He was pretty sure that something was bothering the younger, and he was going to find out about it later. He pretended to be oblivious about it and ate his food.
“By the way, keep your Saturday free, everyone.” Jonghyun announced. “I’m going to hold a party at my new apartment. We need to celebrate.”
“Celebrate? Your birthday is still two months away.” Key raised his eyebrows.
“I’m touched you actually remembered!” Jonghyun beamed, “But I’m not celebrating my birthday.”
“Ohh… What’s the deal then?” Minho joined in the conversation.
“I’ve got a job! I’m hired as a songwriter and composer for this singer. He’s going to make a debut soon!” Jonghyun declared proudly. “Are you dazzled by my awesomeness yet?”
Key and Minho exchanged glances and rolled their eyes. They had no idea how did they become friends with this type of person.
“Congratulations, Jonghyun-ssi.” Taemin told him. “What’s the singer’s name?”
“Is he hot?” Key licked his lips.
“He goes by the name of Onew. I’m not sure what’s his real name though.” Jonghyun replied after thinking for a while. “And Key, he’s not your type. But yes he’s hot.”
Taemin simply nodded, making a mental note to remember the name. After all (although he had only known Jonghyun for less than an hour) Jonghyun was his friend and he was curious at the raptor looking person’s capability of writing songs. Key was immediately disinterested once Jonghyun deemed ‘Onew’ as not-his type. Minho simply continued finishing his food.
They were chatting about anything and everything when Key suddenly made a movement to grab something from inside his bag. “Oh yes, does anyone know whose handwriting is this?”
Key showed them all a white card with pastel pink font saying, ‘You look beautiful today’.
“Ew, way to be cheesy.” Jonghyun winced. “What’s this?”
“I don’t know. I found this in my bag after our dance.” Key played with the card. He smiled shyly.
“Someone’s got a secret admirer.” Taemin teased, and for a moment Minho thought that the usual Taemin was back. “Whoever it is, he must be really in love with you, umma.”
“No. Whoever it is,” Jonghyun cleared his throat importantly, “He must be either blind or mentally retarded. OUCH. WHAT THE HELL KEY WHY DID YOU HIT ME WITH A FREAKING SPOON.”
“That’s for being a jerk.” Key rolled his eyes.
-*-
“I’ll see you at home later, Taeminnie.” Key waved at Taemin. Jonghyun and the diva had made an appointment for ‘shopping date’. If it weren’t because Taemin knew Key well, he would think that they both were dating or some sort.
“Are you heading home?” Minho’s voice broke his train of thoughts.
“Hm.”
“I’ll walk you.”
“I can go home by myself.”
“I insist.”
Taemin let out another sigh. “Okay then.”
The walk home was uncomfortable. That was a first; Taemin never felt uncomfortable around Minho. But he couldn’t help feeling awkward after witnessing Minho getting involved in an accident. Taemin bit his lower lip in annoyance. What if his dream came true? Most of the things he dreamt about before always happen in real life.
He jerked up as Minho’s hand palmed his forehead. Taemin’s face blushed in surprise.
“You are not having fever.” Minho mumbled. “What’s wrong with you, really?”
“N-N-Nothing!” Taemin stammered. He softly brushed Minho’s hand away - it was funny because he could feel some kind of electricity wave the moment their skins touched, but he sort of liked it.
“I heard that they are opening auditions for a couple dance item.” Minho tried to avert Taemin’s attention, noticing the red shade (which was becoming darker as seconds pass by) on Taemin’s cheeks. “Do you want to pair up with me and go?”
Taemin stopped in his track and stared at Minho. The taller man halted as well, facing him. “Taemin?”
Taemin closed his eyes as the flashback of his dream replayed again. Them dancing a couple item, and then Minho dancing at the other side of the stage, the lighting broke and-
“Taemin?”
Taemin’s eyes opened again, Minho was holding his shoulders, face contorted with worry.
“I’m not. I-“ Taemin’s face screwed up. “I don’t want to dance with you.”
With that, Taemin ran back to his house, leaving a dumbfounded Minho behind. Minho frowned; his heart ached with worry and heartbreak from Taemin’s clear display of rejection.
-*-
They smiled at each other tenderly before moving to their all-to-familiar position. Taemin did a twirl, one that he had mastered so well he could close his eyes and do it with precision. His eyes fell onto the lighting set dangling somewhere above Minho.
His eyes widened in horror as the cable snapped and his legs were moving before he could even comprehend he was running towards the tall man.
“Minho hyung!” Taemin screamed on top of his lungs and jumped onto Minho.
They both rolled from the impact. Taemin could hear the shattering noise from the heavy light kissing the stage. They fell off the stage, Minho’s hands wrapped tightly around Taemin’s torso.
Their fall didn’t end nicely at all; considering that the stage was at least three meters above the audience level. Taemin could feel the impact when they both landed, bouncing a few times before they finally stopped moving. Taemin’s body hurt a lot; he grimaced as he tried moving but to no avail. His eyes widened at Minho’s blank face.
“Hyung?”
Minho was not moving. Taemin dragged his limp self in panic to get closer to the older man. “Hyung?!”
Minho’s eyes were closed. His head was bleeding. His chest was not moving. He was not breathing.
“No… No… Minho hyung!!!!”
The scene blended into a tangled mess of colors and Taemin felt lost at the moment. Another figure appeared in the mixture of everything, and then Taemin heard his late mother’s voice.
“You know the consequences. Don’t save him.”
Everything else dissolves, and then Taemin was left with nothing. He fell onto his knees, feeling empty.
“No… It… It can’t be… Minho hyung!”
Taemin sat up abruptly, body soaked in cold sweat. He was trembling really badly, and before he knew it he let out a sob. He hugged his knees tightly, trying to calm himself down as realization hit him.
It was really a dream. And it was going to come true.
“No…” Taemin whimpered. “Please. Anyone but him… Not Minho hyung. Please.”