Juniper

Chanel and I had a fantastic night; the night I went over to the hotel. We stayed up talking shit and talking about everything. I spilled the tea about Min Jun and the shit I was going through with Caleb. She told me that Caleb had tried to get in touch with her to get an exact location of where I was, there was no telling what his ass was up to. She informed me that she didn’t tell him a damn thing, I knew that was my girl. She also gave me advice on how to keep my feelings in check when it came to Min Jun. She understood what I was going through and why, but she did tell me I was overthinking the situation and I really needed to let loose and have fun which helped me a lot. The rest of the week flew by, which I was happy about because it gave me time to actually spend with my girl for the weekend. It was finally Friday and I was ready to kick it like we used to back in The Chi.

Chanel was talking about going to a dance studio that I had never heard of before. She said one of her connections back home told her that she could go and meet new people and it would give her the opportunity to find other places to go. Chanel and I had been in a dance troupe back in our school days and we loved to dance. We would perform for school events and we would always bring down the house. Of course it was more of us in the group back then but Chanel and I were the leaders of the group so we ran the shit.

She said she found a dance studio that had evening classes that taught hip hop and contemporary dance and she wanted to “warm up” before we hit the clubs. She knew damn well that when we hit the clubs, there wasn’t going to be much dancing going on, it would be more drinking and swaying. She figured she would get her dance on and stretch out her muscles, or so she thought. I really knew what was up, Chanel was trying to find a fuck boy and she didn’t care where she found them. It really didn’t matter to me because I just wanted to get out of the house because to me, it had been a long fucking week.

Chanel and I packed workout attire and headed to a dance studio called JumpStation Dance Studio which was about a 25 minute train ride from her hotel on a good day. We hopped the train to Hongik University and took about an 8 min walk to the studio. The night was cool and crisp but we were from Chicago, so this weather was nothing to us. Besides, we had a few shots of Soju before going to loosen us up, but not too much because Soju does not play. I was excited to see what the class was all about and to see other people enjoying themselves as well. When we walked up to the studio there were a few more people there than we had anticipated. Chanel said she had called in advance and spoke with a person named Sara who said we filled the last two spots. Apparently, this class was well known and in its popularity, it had drawn some attention to the classes. Chanel has said that Sara mentioned that some fans were there too because some of the instructors were well known dancers.

We checked in and headed to the locker rooms. The place was packed with people, giggling teenage girls along with a few young women who were there with signage. I saw one holding a sign that read ‘Min Jun’. It caught me by surprise because I knew he was a dancer but I just pushed it out of my head that it was the same person. I figured, just like in America, South Koreans shared similar names as well. I can’t even tell you how many people I have met with Chanel’s name. I blew it off and we headed to the huge open studio that had a gang of people in it. There were guys and girls of all ages, but a good majority of spectators. Sara came over to greet us as we walked in.

“Hi there, you must be Chanel?” She said pointing to me. I smiled, shook my head and pointed to Chanel.

“Hi, that’s me.” Chanel said, holding out her hand. Sara grabbed it and shook it with both hands.

“I’m so sorry. Nice to meet you. Americans, right?” She looked relieved to have a fellow comrade in the midst.

“Yup that’s us. We’re originally from Chicago.” Chanel said. “This is my bestie, Juniper.” She pointed in my direction.

“Nice to meet you Juniper.” She looked at me and stared a bit like I looked familiar. “Have we met before?” She asked curiously.

“No, I don’t think so, but I do have that kind of face, so I get that alot.” I answered. No I didn’t, but I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. Sara reminded me of the girl from American Pie, the girl that went to band camp. She looked cool and relaxed as hell when she found out that we were American.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You do have a familiar looking face though. Well I’m glad you are here. I was told that two from Chicago would be coming. I’m originally from Miami, by way of Atlanta.” She said proudly.

“Oh shit, ATL in the house.” Chanel’s ghetto ass voice came out. I knew she wouldn’t be able to keep it under wraps. I just let her do her thing. I wasn’t about to trip at all, I was taking her advice, and letting the shit go.

“Yes, well I’m glad you’re here. Now I was told that you two have a dance background, is that correct?” She asked.

“Yes, we do. It’s been a while but it’s still there.” I said. We all laughed.

“Good to hear. I just wanted to know what level everyone is, that way we know how to incorporate everyone in the class.”

“I’m sure we can pick up on the steps fairly quickly.” Chanel said as she started stretching.

“Awesome. So you can grab a corner until the class starts. We should start in a few minutes, we have a few of our male instructors running a bit late but they will be joining us. We usually start out with a few steps to see where everyone can pick up and go from there. The goal is just to have fun. We will be doing hip hop and contemporary and freeform, which basically if you find your groove alone or with someone, you just go with it. The key here is FUN.” She spelled out fun. I liked her personality. She looked like she was full of fun. She left to go and meet other participants; Chanel and I walked over to a section of the floor nearest the corner to stretch and to watch people.

“Girl, where in the fuck did you just bring me?” I asked as I sat on the floor stretching my legs.

“Girl, one of my traveling buddies hooked me up on this class. She came here one day when they were teaching pole dancing and she said it was amazing. They pretty much teach everything from traditional to hip hop to freeform. Girl, I’m just here to have some fucking fun after the week I’ve had. I need to catch up and get my days right, I’ve had jet lag like all week and then to find out they might extend my stay too, I need to fucking relax. So here we are bitch.” I just laughed and rolled my eyes.

As class started to get under way, Chanel and I were in the corner practicing an old routine and we laughed when we remembered the steps. A few people had started watching us as we were feeling the moment, we just needed the right music to go along with the steps. Sara called the participants to the floor and we got in formation. She said we would start off learning a dance routine to get us to loosen up our bodies. As we were learning the steps, a few of the ‘fans’ started screaming and giggling as a few of the male instructors ran in through the door. I only saw them passing as the entrance of the door was behind us and the locker rooms were in front of us off to the right. I caught on to the dance steps pretty quickly. Chanel was in the moment, she had caught on and was adding her own twist to it. We had to add our own flavor to the dance, so we improvised a bit but still kept on beat. The music was loud and bumping. The atmosphere was electric. The group of dancers were really enjoying themselves and the spectators were clapping along with the music. It felt like we were performers and not just attending a dance class; the way I was feeling made me want to come back to this class again.

Everyone was enjoying themselves and getting excited. I figured the male instructors had come back from the lockers as it got loud in the studio. Signs were waving, most of them in Korean. I didn’t pay attention because I was just in a flow that allowed me to escape my issues, if only for a moment. All the dancers were hitting their points and we were jamming. Sara’s partner had joined her at the front of the group and he had some moves! He was moving his body so fluidly, I just knew the girls were screaming about him. I started watching him and Sara dance together; they were simply connected. For anyone who paid attention to them as they danced, would notice they were into each other and everyone else would just disappear. They were in love and you could see it. I wanted that, I knew what that felt like. I knew that look. I felt that Min Jun and I had had that look when we went out that night, because we would just stare quietly at each other as if we were looking into each other’s soul. I smiled as I watched them dance.

After we finally finished the dance, everyone started clapping and cheering. I was exhilarated. I felt as though I had let a lot of anxiety and stress out and left it out on the dance floor. Sara said we would do a freeform dance to let everyone catch their breath. Some people stayed on the floor, some people left the area as they played a few random songs so people would just dance together or alone. Chanel and I walked back over to our little corner to dry off and to grab some water. I was hot and thirsty. I started to glance around the room and noticed it was filled with very cute guys that had entered the realm. As I glanced around the room slowly, someone caught my eye but I just thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I could have sworn I saw Min Jun in the corner talking to Sara and her guy. But when I stood up to get a better look, a group of people ran to the floor to dance to Armani White’s, Billie Eilish, so I lost sight of him. I wasn’t about to go around and look for him, if it was him or not, I wasn’t there for him. I figured if it was, I was about to put everything out on the floor and let him see the type of person he was dealing with. I thought if it was Min Jun, he would be texting me tonight for sure.

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We were sitting there and then the music changed and it sang to my heart. As soon as it came on, Chanel looked directly at me. I knew the look she was giving me, I read her like a book. This was the song for us to practice our routine. Of course with it being a popular song, everyone wanted to join in on the song. With all the TikToks out there using the song, there was no way it wouldn’t draw a crowd. Only thing is, the popular dance was only a small part of the song, we had an entire routine that would go along with it.

“Come girl, you know this is us. Let’s do this. Let’s show them how we do!” Chanel said as she threw down her towel and walked to the floor with me in tow. Beyonce was flowing through the speakers as Cuff It came on and we walked directly to the middle of the floor. By the time we hit the beat, everyone else was waiting for the chorus, but we already had an interesting routine. The other dancers only knew the part that everyone had recorded, but Chanel and I had the floor. Of course, we knew the popular dance moves as well and we incorporated them into our routine but when everyone stopped dancing we were still hitting it. We threw a bit of Chicago Steppin 'moves into the mix. We hit a few hip bumps and we had the floor. People were dancing and cheering with us as we kept the routine going. They would join in on the parts they knew, but we held the floor. It felt as if we were back in high school at a school event. Chanel and I knew how to entertain. We held the groove and I was feeling the song so much, I closed my eyes and it was just me and Chanel. I paid attention to her moves and we were in sync so much, you would think we were professional dancers.

Chanel and I started having fun with the song and danced a few moves that others didn’t expect and we were hitting it hard, as our bodies were moving to the beat in ways that were indescribable. We strutted our stuff and we enjoyed dancing. We could hear the cheers and loved every minute of it. We loved when everyone would join in on the moves too as it felt as if we had our dance group back out there on the dance floor. Finally the song ended and we received cheers and applause. Chanel and I clapped hands toward everyone else who had joined us. As I turned to see Sara walking towards us clapping and smiling, my eyes locked on someone. It was Min Jun, and his eyes were locked on me. I felt a rush of heat between my legs and my heart skipped a beat. He had been there to see the entire routine. He kept his gaze with me from across the room. I was stunned at first but I had to keep my composure. I slowed my breathing as Sara approached.

“Oh my goodness girls, that was amazing!” Sara said excitedly.

“Thanks, but that was nothing. We were just having fun.” I said.

“Yeah, some of that was so improvised, we took a few steps from an old routine we did back in school that just worked along with the song. Juniper was just saying if Beyonce had played, then we knew it would work with the routine.” Chanel stated.

“Well you girls did the damn thang!” Sara said. Chanel and I laughed along with her. “And you guys don’t do this professionally?” She asked.

“No. I’m a digital artist and she is a fashion designer.” I stated.

“Wow,” Sara’s eyes bulged. “Well let me tell you, if you ever needed to change up your careers, you both definitely have a solid path to follow.” She replied.

I dared not to look back over to the side to see if he was still looking, I just had a feeling he was. I could feel his stare in my soul that created the type of feeling that made the hairs on the back of my neck rise. I didn’t want to make eye contact with him again just yet, as we hadn’t spoken since he dropped me off at work the day after I stayed at his place. I didn’t want it to be awkward, so I just went along with the flow. Sara called people back to the floor as they were about to teach another routine, however this one involved couples. Fuck! I just had a feeling that a couples dance would be involved tonight. I think I would have been more equipped, had I not seen him standing off to the side; having to dance with someone who I didn’t know would have been beneficial, but I had an inkling that someone had already paired us up as a couple.

Chanel came over to me when Sara started pairing people into couples. I stood with my back to Min Jun. He was talking to Sara just before she came running over. I just had the feeling she was going to pair us up together. Chanel was getting excited because she was about to get paired up with a guy. Sara was calling the male instructor over to the person whom she had chosen to dance with them. She came over to Chanel and called over a guy named Jong-dae.

“Jong-dae, this is Chanel. I think you two would make an amazing pair.” Sara said. Jong-dae was slightly taller than Chanel and he was a cutie pie. Chanel smiled as they said hello to each other. I was next and my heartbeat became faster as she stood in front of me. She looked at me and smiled.

“I knew you looked familiar, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. But now I remember you.” She said as she held my hand gently. I was so fucking confused, I know I had never met her before. I looked at her bewildered and she giggled. She motioned for someone to come over. A lump settled in my throat and my heart skipped a beat. “Min Jun would like to dance with you and I think you will make a beautiful pair.” She said as she gave my hand to Min Jun and walked away. I became so shy as I turned towards him.

“Hi Juniper.” He said. I didn’t want to look at him, because I knew if I did, I would fall head over heels again for him. He had some control over me and I didn’t understand why I gave him so much power. I took a slow breath and gained my composure. I slowly looked up to his eyes; my eyes glanced against his basketball shorts, and his sleeveless shirt, up to his face. I looked at him and started to talk to myself inside my head. Keep your shit together Juni. Keep your cool girl, we got this. My eyes rested within his and he looked longingly back at me.

“Hi Min Jun,” I smiled, still keeping my self control. “How have you been?” I asked.

“I’ve been busy, but good. You look good.” He responded.

“Thanks, you do too. First time I’m seeing you in workout gear.” I said looking at his attire. It looked as if he could make anything he wore look good. I could see the muscle definition in his arms. He stood before me with a certain type of swagger.

“Thanks, the same goes for you. But I think you can make anything look good.” He quipped. I looked at him quickly. He blushed and smiled. “Still cute.” He responded. He made me smile. I couldn’t help it. We had this thing that just made us feel like two prepubescent children who were just liking each other and we were a bit shy to mention it but it was so obvious.

“Thank you.” I finally said. I wanted a hug but I wasn’t sure it was appropriate to ask.

“Can I have a hug?” He asked. My heart dropped and my knees went weak. Did he just read my mind? He held his arms open, his left hand still holding my right hand.

“Of course.” I said. He gently pulled me towards him and I fell into his embrace. I closed my eyes and inhaled his scent. He didn’t stink, but he smelled ‘manly’. It was a mixture of sweat, cologne and his antiperspirant. He held me tight and leaned down, holding his head close to mine.

“It’s good seeing you. I missed you.” He whispered. I pulled him closer to me, grabbing his shirt.

“Me too.” I replied. I admitted that I missed him. I didn’t have a problem with that. I wanted to acknowledge my feelings and be as open and honest with myself as I could. I still had control, acknowledging my feelings also allowed me to acknowledge his. He told me that he missed me first. He made himself vulnerable without knowing if I was going to reciprocate them or not. We slowly let each other go, stepping away from each other yet still gazing into each other’s soul and holding hands.

Sara was smiling as she was walking back up to the front of the class. Her guy had joined her and we were about to practice the steps with our partners. I looked over at Chanel and she and Jong-dae were making their own connection. She was feeling him and he had the moves that drew her in. He made her smile, I could tell she was really having a good time. I was glad I came out with her. Min Jun and I just fell in sync with each other. We picked up the dance moves quickly and we were fluid together. He could really dance; it felt as if we had danced with each other for a lifetime. I loved the fact that we were the type of dancers that would include the emotions in our movements, therefore our facial expressions went along with the words of the song. Even though we didn’t know what song Sara had chosen for the dance, it really didn’t matter because the steps we were being taught felt as if it was going to be sensual. It was seductive yet inviting. It was like a ‘tease’ dance. Our movements made the other person want to know more and want to explore more, but there was a line that was yet to be crossed.

After everyone had the steps down, the music started. We danced to Dua Lipa, One Kiss. When the song started, I agreed it was a perfect dance to go along with the song. I loved the song and it went beautifully with the dance. As we danced, Min Jun held my waist as I leaned against him. As I grinded my ass against him, I played the role well. Either he was well hung or I felt his growth against my backside. He held onto me as if he had no plans of letting me go. It was an experience that I would like to feel again. He turned me around and pulled me to him; his eyes never leaving mine. I just knew he could hear my heartbeat or feel it pounding out my chest. This man knew exactly what to do, he played the role too well. I felt myself falling. I agreed with Dua Lipa, One Kiss is all it would take to make him fall in love with me, I thought. The dance was amazing, so much so, I didn’t want it to end. When we finished everyone was cheering as that was one of the best dances of the night. Chanel came over to me with her partner after the dance ended.

“Hey now girl, y’all was killing it. Shit, I almost lost my steps trying to look at y’all.” She said.

“Oh, thanks.” I said breathing hard and grabbing my water bottle.

“I’ll be back.” Min Jun said as he left to walk over to the other side of the room.

“Juniper, I want you to meet my partner, Jong-dae.” Chanel said as she introduced her partner.

“Nice to meet you.” I said as I bowed a bit. He did the same in return. He excused himself to the other side of the room.

“So who is the guy?” She said, looking back across the room in Min Jun’s direction.

“That’s the guy I told you about. His name is Min Jun.” I said.

“Oh shit! That motherfucker is FINE as hell! How did he know you were here?” She stated and asked all in one breath.

“I don’t know. I think he knows the people who own this studio. I noticed him watching me after our freeform dance.” I replied.

“Well damn, he didn’t waste time did he?” She stated. Min Jun had his water and towel as he walked back over to our little corner. Sara cheered everyone for doing such a good job and said we had another moment of freeform before our last dance. I figured I would sit this one out to catch my breath before our last dance. It seemed as if tonight was going to be a night full of unexpected, miraculous events.