"Ladies and gentlemen", the anchor announced in an eager tone, "the moment we'd all been waiting for has arrived. After hours of fierce competition and stunning performances, I am pleased to present the winners of this year's dance competition. Each year, three contenders compete for first, second, and third place. Once the results are announced, the winners should appear on stage to accept their awards and conduct a brief interview so that our viewers can get to know them. Ready? Let's go! Third place goes to the wonderful Urban Pulse crew, who captivated us with their inventive choreography and sheer passion". The audience erupted in applause, praising their outstanding performance and triumph.
"Second place goes to a first-time contender, who has impeccable technique and mesmerising stage presence, despite his age of only 17 years. His performance is legendary, and on a personal note, I feel it will go viral. Please applaud Takumi!". The audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation, their enthusiasm and appreciation filling the entire space.
Takumi bowed, delighted and glad at hearing his name. Regardless, he earned second place in Seoul's greatest dancing competition at the age of 17. He was positive that agents would approach him.
"Finally", the anchor continued, "the winners of the 7th K-Move Dance Competition, who wowed us with their incredible talent and undeniable charisma, please give it up for the sensational crew, Shadowstep! ". The audience erupted in loud cheers, expressing their love and affection for the popular ensemble.
"Congratulations to all of our winners, and a heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated". The anchor completed his remark by saying, "Your dedication and artistry have truly inspired us all."
"No way, you outperformed them. Why are they the winners?" Hoon spoke with disdain in his voice.
"You shouldn’t say that, hyung", Takumi chastised his friend. "They won because of their intense dance experience and impassioned performance".
Takumi turned to the four men, who were walking towards him.
"Mr. Choi, Mr. Park, Mr. Kim, as you can see, I did not win first place. If you are still interested in me, please wait a little while since I need to be on stage. If not, it was still a pleasure to meet you, and I hope you had a wonderful experience. Thank you, Mr. Kang, for giving me this chance and believing in me". Takumi bowed to the four guys and hurried away, unable to hear their rejection directly.
After the award ceremony and interview, Takumi returned to his regular seat, hoping that the four men would be waiting for him. Only one of them was present.
"Mr. Choi, are you still here? ", Takumi gasped with amazement.
Mr. Choi laughed at Takumi's response. "What’s with your reaction, Takumi-yah? Didn't you ask me to wait?"
Mr. Choi's suggestive tone and intense stare made Takumi feel shy. Takumi reasoned that hyungnim was a dangerous player who should be avoided at all costs. With that thinking, he attempted to gather himself and put on a serious expression.
"Mr. Choi, why are you here?", he asked him in a stern voice.
"Please call me In-Su-ssi, Takumi-yah". In-Su had the eyes of a lion, waiting patiently for an opening to capture its prey. Takumi struggled to comprehend the fire in his eyes.
"I apologise, but I don't feel comfortable calling you by your first name. We do not have that type of relationship".
"We will, in the future".
"If we do have that type of relationship in the future, I'll address you as such. For the time being, Mr. Choi appears to be the best fit".
"You were mesmerising on stage".
"Thank you".
"I agree with your friend that the first place should be yours".
"But it isn't. So, why are you still here?"
"Because I am a wonderful businessman. When I see a "product" that will sell, I must have it". In-Su's eyes lit up with delight. His enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and intellect were evident in his speech. "Am I the product? Is this who I am to you?"
"Takumi-yah, you have the potential to be so much more", he remarked again, suggestively.
Hyungnim misconstrued what he said and continued to make suggestive comments so Takumi rushed to explain himself: "I do not mean you personally. I'm referring to your position as a company shareholder".
In-Su ignored Takumi’s explanation and resumed the conversation in a more serious tone. "This is a business transaction. I want to take you under my wing and make you one of Korea's and the world's greatest stars ever. Are you interested?"
"Yes. Yes, of course".
"You have to be committed! Make sacrifices. Work hard and smartly! Are you willing to do this?", In-Su asked again.
Takumi nodded in accord with a serious tone. His whole physique, stance, and facial expression indicated that he was serious about this. In-Su was overjoyed at this. He paused for a second before continuing.
"You should never expose your sexual preferences".
"What? How do you do...? "
"I know a lot about you".
"Did you do any research on me? "
"Should not I? Why would your parents cut off communication with a boy as gorgeous and talented as you? "
"I see. Does anyone else know? "
"I told no one. But I can't be certain that they haven't done their research".
"It will eventually become known. I mean, if you found out, Mr. Choi, especially on such short notice, the press can as well".
"Don't worry about it. I have the means to preserve your reputation".
"Good. That is good".
"Could I ask you a question, Takumi-yah? "
Takumi agreed with reluctance.
"Do you seek revenge after being betrayed like this?"
"Why would I waste my time putting others down when I could use it to lift myself up? "
"I like your attitude! I really like you now, Takumi-yah! Since we've gotten so close that I know your secret, how about you call me In-Su-ssi when we're alone?". In-Su challenged Takumi to dismiss his proposal. He knew Takumi had to obey him since he knew his secret.
Takumi grinned his teeth as he was forced by that person to respond "Yes, In-Su-ssi". He lifted his hand up, hiding half of his face in embarrassment. In-Su gently took his hand and dragged it down. Takumi's cheeks turned slightly red, and he avoided his sight.
"Takumi-yah, you look cute when you are shy. I'll see you at 10:30 tomorrow for your audition. Have a nice night! Remember to think of me", In-Su shouted while walking away.
Takumi's emotions were torn. On the one hand, he was ecstatic to have the opportunity to audition. On the other hand, he wanted to reprimand In-Su for treating him this way. Did the fact that he was gay imply that he was easy? How could he – a stranger - be so casual around him?
Takumi reminded himself not to lose focus. "You need to rest so that you can offer your all tomorrow", he repeated to himself.
Add comment
Comments