Choi Sooyoung had been dubbed as Korea’s Prima Ballerina ever since she received her tenth straight standing ovation globally.

                Everything about her exuded grace, elegance and excellence, just as what was expected from a performer of her calibre, from her posture to her mannerisms, from her way of speaking all the way to her possessions in life. She was at the top of the world, taking one step higher than what people thought possible with every curtain call that led to the applause, cheers and bouquets from many nameless faces.

She was Korea’s Prima Ballerina and she was rightfully so.

o-o-o-o-o

Victoria Song had been dubbed as the unknown Prima Ballerina to her friends every time she danced to routine.

                Many times they watched her twirl, leap and stretch and each time, they knew they were in the presence of someone who was a genius of the art in her own right. When she danced, she was all about grace and elegance; something that her usual shirt, jeans and Converse would betray. Sometimes they couldn’t help but sigh, wondering why life hadn’t blessed the girl with an opportunity she rightfully deserved, believing that she had what it took to become successful. Maybe if she hadn’t lost her family and stayed in China instead of journeying to Korea, maybe her fate would be different. Maybe.

She was dubbed as the unknown Prima Ballerina and she deserved a chance in the spotlight.

o-o-o-o-o

“I think I need a break.”

“You only figured that out now?” Han Geng arched an eyebrow; the man stretching a feet or two from his best friend.

Sooyoung rolled her eyes good naturedly. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot actually.”

“Honestly, I was starting to get scared when it looked like the word ‘break’ disappeared from your vocabulary.” He raised his hands in defense when she glared. “I hate to burst your bubble but you have a performance two days from now.”

Her face fell only to brighten up almost immediately. “Let’s sneak out.”

“What?”

“Let’s sneak out.” Sooyoung repeated slowly, sticking her tongue out as maturely as she could when he made a face. “Let’s sneak out tonight even just for a while, oppa. We’ll be back in time for rehearsals.”

“Are you sure about this?” He asked sceptically. “I mean, I’m pretty sure neither of us want to be scolded at by Stephanie if we screw up one way or another.”

The tall ballerina winked. “Then, let’s make sure we don’t screw up.”

o-o-o-o-o

Choi Sooyoung had been dubbed as Korea’s Prima Ballerina… but even she needed a break.

                That was why a bright smile lit up her face as she and Han Geng found themselves in a neighbourhood park late at night; the cold evening wind blowing around them. Han Geng watched as she rested her arms on the railings; her chocolate brown eyes fixed on the view ahead of her. Sure, there wasn’t much they could both see but he knew that the peacefulness and serenity they had at the moment was more than enough for her. Quite honestly, he couldn’t remember the time she looked the way she did that night. She looked…

“Free.” Han Geng whispered to himself, watching as she reached up to free her long brown tresses from the tight bun, cascading beautifully past her shoulders.

o-o-o-o-o

                Victoria let out a breath as she walked down the road towards the neighbourhood park. She found it hard to sleep despite the exhaustion from the day’s work and she hurriedly left her apartment, knowing that she needed to dance even just for a while. Ballet had been her biggest comfort even if she wasn’t a professional ballerina. It expressed what words couldn’t say, what actions couldn’t convey.

“Vic!”

She slowed down, turning around to find Lee Donghae jogging after her. “Oppa, what are you doing out here so late?”

“I just came back from Zhou Mi’s house… hung out with Heechul hyung, Henry, Siwon and everyone else.” Donghae answered, walking beside her when he managed to catch up. “Are you going out to dance?”

“Yeah.” The brunette nodded; her eyebrows furrowing soon after. “I hope there isn’t many people.”

“At this time of the night? I doubt it.” He grinned. “Would you mind if I tag along?”

Victoria shook her head; the two about to enter the park when they came to a halt’; the Chinese native dragging Donghae soon after behind a bush.

o-o-o-o-o

Victoria Song has been dubbed as the unknown Prima Ballerina… and she’s currently watching the girl who was her opposite.

                A part of her wondered what someone like Korea’s Prima Ballerina and, from what she and Donghae could see, another internationally acclaimed ballerina, Han Geng, could be doing in their park. But that was really beside the point now. She and Donghae watched in stunned silence along with Han Geng as Choi Sooyoung twirled and leaped and danced to an unheard melody. She had seen her perform countless times, whether on TV or in Youtube videos, and the younger lady really was deserving of the title. But as far as any of them would go, the performance Sooyoung was having was her best one yet. There was something about the way she moved that was so beautifully different and Victoria couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

She had envied the highly successful Prima Ballerina for such a long time but as Sooyoung’s every moment reflected a story not many knew, Victoria found herself thinking otherwise.

o-o-o-o-o

                With Hangeng staying behind in the studio to create more routines with Stephanie, Sooyoung took her chance, walking in the lamp post-lit street towards the park they had been a week ago. She had loved the sense of freedom that dancing there gave her and she had looked forward to the next time she could go back. This was that next time. Smiling to herself, she wrapped the coat tighter around her body as she entered the park, heading to that same spot when she realized someone had beat her there.

                Sooyoung stayed glued to her spot as she watched the female twirled, leaped, stretched in the same area she had danced a week ago and she couldn’t help but see the same look of bliss and freedom on the latter’s face that she had. It didn’t escape Sooyoung the amount of grace, skill, talent and passion the unnamed ballerina had and she wondered why she was dancing in the park instead of a stage where she rightfully belonged.

“Hi…”

Victoria came to an abrupt stop in mid-turn; her eyes widening when she realized who had spoken to her. Inwardly cursing herself for not figuring out that Sooyoung would come back, she nearly made a run for it when Sooyoung stopped her. Her heart was racing as the young prima ballerina made her way to her, stopping to put a piece of paper in her hand before Sooyoung left without a word. Heart pounding, Victoria in a deep breath before she found to courage to see what it was.

It was the calling card of Stephanie Kim.

o-o-o-o-o

The moment Victoria Song stepped inside Stephanie Kim’s ballet studio, she almost wished she couldn’t dance ballet to save her life.

                When Sooyoung had given her Stephanie’s calling card that night in the park, Victoria had no idea what to do with it and did her best to ignore the piece of hard paper… but that was until she had another run-in with one of Stephanie’s other ballerinas, Choi Sooyoung’s best friend no less. Stunned as she was, Han Geng had told her that Sooyoung was worried when she found out that Victoria hadn’t called Stephanie and the young prima ballerina went on to schedule Victoria’s audition on her own. Victoria had managed to ask how he knew it was her; her fellow Chinese native merely saying that Sooyoung had said that he would find a graceful ballerina in the park at around midnight.

                That same Han Geng was seated on a chair to Stephanie’s right; Sooyoung seated on the veteran prima ballerina’s left. The three internationally acclaimed ballerinas waited patiently in silence as Victoria stood before them, in the center of the room. Sooyoung had this encouraging smile on her face and even a trace of encouragement was evident in Han Geng’s eyes. But Stephanie was a different story altogether that Victoria wondered if she was really ready for this. Her face was all business, her eyes scrutinizing – a look fit for Korea’s original Ballerina Prodigy.

A pointed look from Heechul got Donghae to set up the CD player; the music soon filling the studio. Victoria inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as she danced her fears away.

o-o-o-o-o

“It was nice of you to do that for her.”

Sooyoung looked up from the Styrofoam cup of coffee in her hand and found one of Victoria Song’s friends walking towards her. “It was nothing, really.”

“You saw that smile on her face when Stephanie said she was accepted, right? I haven’t seen her smile like that ever since I met her.” He came to a stop, extending a hand to her. “I’m Lee Donghae, by the way.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She shook his hand. “Do you do ballet too?”

“Ballet?” The brown haired man snorted. “I can do those things without breaking every bone in my body.”

Sooyoung smiled; her coffee pressed against her lips as she took a short sip. “But do you dance?”

Donghae nodded; a grin slowly making its way to his lips. “Street dance.”

“Street dance?” She repeated; her eyebrows furrowing cutely. “Is it fun?”

The grin on his face broadened. “Of course. If you want, I can take you to the studio sometime and you can watch.”

Even if she had just met him, it didn’t stop her from saying yes. She wondered why though. Was it the curiosity? Was it out of friendliness?

Or was it because she wanted to see this guy named Lee Donghae again?

o-o-o-o-o

“You’ll exhaust yourself.”

Victoria panted as she picked herself up from the floor. “I don’t want to disappoint Stephanie.”

“I don’t think you could even if you try.” Han Geng pointed out as he stepped in the studio. “It’s almost midnight. You should be home by now… Unless dancing at midnight has become your habit?”

“Something like that.” She shrugged nonchalantly, stooping over the CD player to stop the music. “So, no. I’m not heading home anytime soon, sunbae.”

“I wasn’t to force you.” He chuckled, ing the cuffs of his white long sleeved shirt so he could fold it up above his elbows. “Come on. I wanna teach you something.”

Her jaw dropped. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” Han Geng chuckled. “But I want something in return.”

“What?”

“Call me oppa.”

o-o-o-o-o

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?”

“For the nth time, Sooyoung, it’s okay.” Donghae answered patiently as they walked into the darkness-filled room. The flick of the nearby switch had the room bathing in light soon after and Sooyoung realized it didn’t look too different from a ballet studio. “No one comes here at this time of the night so you’re safe. No one’s going to know that Korea’s Prima Ballerina is in a street dance studio.”

“Stop calling me that.” She made a face, looking around the room before her eyes settled on the CD player by the mirror. “Let’s get started.”

                Truth be told, Sooyoung hadn’t really given much attention to street dance or other forms of dance at all. Ballet had been her life ever since she had learned to love it back when she was a little girl. But as soon as music so different from the one she normally danced to filled the room and Donghae showed her his own passion, she realized how limited her world was, how she had been so focused on being Korea’s Prima Ballerina that she was blind to so many other things.

So when Donghae offered a hand to her – it was really more of a silent offering for him to teach her something new – she didn’t hesitate to accept it.

o-o-o-o-o

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Victoria unnie.”

Han Geng arched an eyebrow. “Just like you’ve been spending a lot of time with Donghae?”

Her jaw dropped. “How the hell did you know?”

“Of course, I know.” He rolled his eyes for effect. “I’m your best friend, remember?”

“Stalker.” Sooyoung shoved him playfully before she went back to fixing her hair into a bun.

“Don’t tell me you’ll trade ballet for street dance now.” The Chinese native said half-jokingly as he finished stretching. “That’s going to be… weird.”

“And miss the chance to dance with you ever again? Never.” She winked. “Now catch me.”

She never really had to tell him twice; Han Geng catching her easily in his grasp after a pirouette, easily lifting her above his head as they twirled gracefully with laughter soon enveloping the room. It had been like that between them for as long as he could remember, never really having to say much to the other to be understood. It was the beauty of being best friends, he supposed. He wouldn’t trade that for the world.

And from the hallway, Donghae and Victoria watched; jealously clouding their gaze more than they would be willing to admit.

o-o-o-o-o

                It was a month or so after that Stephanie made a big announcement. Relations between Sooyoung, Victoria, Han Geng and Donghae had been somewhat strained; two of the four pretty much clueless about what was going on. But they went with the flow because really, what else could they do? Han Geng had to deal with Victoria speaking less to him and Donghae had decided that now was a good time as any to fully focus on street dance, showing up less frequently in the studio as days went by.

                It didn’t help that Stephanie’s announcement was really big indeed. Two of Korea’s most critically-acclaimed, award-winning composers, Shim Changmin and Cho Kyuhyun, had decided to compose an entire ballet production as a gift to her entitled La Douleur Exquise.

“What does it mean?” Sooyoung asked out of curiosity when the two composers came to meet the ballerinas.

“It’s French…” Changmin explained, wrapping a friendly arm around his good friend and noting with interest as he saw the visiting friend introduced to him earlier as Lee Donghae glare at him for such an innocent gesture. “It means wanting the affection of someone… well, someone you can’t have.”

o-o-o-o-o

                It was a surprise to no one really when Sooyoung got the role of one of the female leads and Han Geng got the role of the male lead; the two teasingly calling each other Catherine and Louis. But there was that other female lead role up for grabs and anyone among the female ballerinas could possibly chosen. Not Victoria though, as far as she would like to convince herself. She hadn’t been around as long as the others and she was willing to admit that she probably wasn’t as gifted.

But then Stephanie called out her name and she wasn’t sure if she was going to be happy, scared, excited or even dreadful.

o-o-o-o-o

“You do belong here, unnie.”

If she was bothered by the fact that she knew what she was thinking of, Victoria didn’t show it. Instead, she stayed put on the floor, staring at her reflection in the floor to ceiling mirror of the ballet studio. “I’m not sure about that anymore.”

Sooyoung frowned a touch, coming to sit by her side. Now, they were staring at both their reflections. “Why?”

“I don’t know if I still want this. Sure, I love ballet but…” Her shoulders sagged. “I feel like I was happier when I was dancing my jeans and Converse.”

“This place is probably one of the real life pressure cookers… no pun intended.” The younger woman smile wistfully. “Sometimes I wonder what life could be if I wasn’t… me.”

“And…?” Victoria prodded.

“I realized I probably won’t learn how to love as much as I know how to.” She replied honestly; her eyes locking with Victoria’s through the mirror. “I wouldn’t learn how to love what I’m doing as much as I do now, how to love as a friend.”

A beat passed. “What do you…”

“I love Han Geng oppa.” Sooyoung said evenly. “But not as much as I know you do.”

She left it that, knowing what she had to do next. Getting up from the floor, she was about to leave when she felt a hand around her wrist. “How about Donghae?”

“Let’s just say you and Han Geng oppa are lucky.”

o-o-o-o-o

                The long months of rehearsals had been gruelling and Victoria was sure that Shim Changmin and Cho Kyuhyun had outdone themselves with this latest masterpiece. La Douleur Exquise was a story about two ballerinas – one who was at the top of her game and one who was starting from the bottom. Victoria found it ironic how much Catherine and Angeline resembled Sooyoung and herself. If she hadn’t known better, she’d bet that those two best friends wrote about them in this ballet.

Then, there was Louis… or Han Geng, as he was known out of the ballet

                The ballet had called for many parts for her and Han Geng together and though they were back to speaking to each other often again, the atmosphere between them wasn’t exactly comfortable either. Why? Victoria didn’t know and Sooyoung’s hints weren’t helping either. But those issues could wait. The ballet couldn’t and for the kiss scene between them to work, she had to put all issues aside.

“You’d wear a hole on the floor if you keep pacing like that.”

Victoria had stopped pacing long enough to find Donghae standing by the door of her dressing room. “Hey, you.” She hurriedly went over to greet him with a hug. “I barely see you lately.”

“Eh… this street dance thing consumes a lot of time.” He answered, stopping to take in her appearance. “Where’s your tutu, Angeline?”

“I’m waiting for it to arrive.” The brunette ballerina sighed. “Hae, I don’t think I can do this.”

“Hey, hey. That’s just the nerves talking.” He ran a hand up and down her arm to calm her down. “I know you can do this. You’ll be great out there.”

She managed a smile. “I know, it’s just that–”

“Unnie, I have your costume with me and…” An already dolled up Sooyoung walked into the dressing room with the garment bag and a shoe box in hand, stopping as she took in the scene before them. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Interrupt? What?” Shrugging Donghae’s hands off her arms, she accepted the garment bag and the shoe box. “Thanks, Soo. Am I next for hair and makeup? I should leave you and Donghae so you can… you know, talk.”

The younger woman shook her head easily. “I have to get changed, unnie. And yeah, you have to go get your hair and makeup done already. Han Geng oppa wants to go over a few things with you.”

“Oh… if you say so.” Putting the shoe box on the nearest table, Victoria pulled open the zipper of the garment bag; her jaw soon falling down in shock as she saw a shirt and denim-looking leggings inside. A quick inspection of the shoe box told her it contained a pair of Chuck Taylors. “Sooyoung, what is this?”

“You did say you’re happiest when you dance in jeans and Converse… Stephanie unnie vetoed the jeans so we had to go with the next best thing.” Sooyoung managed a grin, glancing quickly at the still silent Donghae before she continued. “Don’t you think it’s awesome that the outfit will go well with the script?”

Victoria and Donghae watched as Sooyoung abruptly left the dressing room; the female of the two snapping out of the trance to whack her friend on the arm.

“Don’t let a woman like that slip past your fingers.”

o-o-o-o-o

It definitely wasn’t a lie when she said that she danced best, that she was happiest when she danced in her jeans and Converse.

                The play had begun without a hitch and soon, ballerinas in beautiful, elegant tutus graced the stage; Sooyoung leading them as she showed everyone why she was Korea’s Prima Ballerina. Victoria watched from the side, occasionally watching Donghae watch Sooyoung in awe from his seat in the audience. She was getting closer and closer to her part of the first act, merely minutes away from introducing herself to the world as a ballerina. There had been more than enough buzz about this new girl who was headlining Shim Changmin and Cho Kyuhyun’s ballet production and to say that she was anxious was putting it mildly.

                The final notes of the first song faded slowly and Sooyoung exited the stage. With a meaningful squeeze of Victoria’s arm, she went to stand by Han Geng’s side as the first few seconds of the second song was played by the orchestra. Victoria in one last breath in her attempt to calm her nerves before she took one graceful step after another to the centre of the stage, stepping into the limelight of the ballet world in jeans-looking leggings and Converse no less.

o-o-o-o-o

                Surrounded by flowers and grass and the late afternoon sunshine, Angeline pirouetted in the middle of it all. The pressure and stress of the ballet academy was suffocating her and she needed this; she needed this reminder of what it was like to be free. Reaching her hands gracefully to the sky as she came to a stop, she extended her right leg until it was parallel to the ground, opening her arms and extending them to her side,

                A look of surprise crossed her face as she felt someone take on of her hands and Louis came into view. With a gentle smile on his face, he took the other hand and moved them so they were extended before her. Slowly, he moved to the side in a motion that made her slowly twirl on one foot; the two soon spinning in circles. A carefree laughter escaped her lips as she enjoyed the feeling; a chuckle of its own leaving his lips.

                But soon after, they slowed down until they were merely standing still; her hands in still in his. Louis gently lowered them; his eyes locked with hers. He knew it was now or never and with that, he pressed his lips on hers. She was stunned to say the least but it didn’t stop her from kissing him back, wrapping her arms around his neck as the kiss deepened.

o-o-o-o-o

                Victoria pulled away once the curtains covered the stage; a sign that the next and final act was coming. Thankful that the darkness hid her crimsoned cheeks, she managed a meek smile before she turned to get ready for the end. But before she could take a step away from him, Han Geng wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back to his chest, pressing a kiss on her soft, startled lips.

It was over before it really began and Han Geng had let her go. With an encouraging smile, he left and Victoria could feel a smile of her own gracing her lips.

o-o-o-o-o

                Victoria couldn’t help but beam at the rush of euphoria that coursed through her as she held her last pose, watching as the audience all stood up and applaud the show that has just ended. The curtains covered them from the view of those who attended and a part of her couldn’t believe that it was over – that she had just gone through her first legitimate ballet performance. She was all happy, excited, stunned and as Sooyoung ran towards her, looking the glorious Prima Ballerina that she was in her black tutu, to give her a hug, she could no longer hold back her tears.

“Thank you…” She whispered into the young woman’s ears. “Thank you…”

“You did it, unnie.” Sooyoung hugged her tightly. “Your parents would’ve been so proud.”

If it was possible, Victoria cried harder, burying her face against the taller woman’s neck. It was how Han Geng found them and he couldn’t help but chuckle at how emotional women could get. “I hate to break the Kodak moment but we have a curtain call to do.”

Sooyoung broke away from the hug to give her best friend one of his own. “Congratulations, oppa… and no, it’s not just for the great job tonight.”

“Thanks, Soo.” He grinned, reaching a hand out to hold Victoria’s, who began blushing like mad yet again.

The younger brunette female rolled her eyes good naturedly. “Keep it PG here, alright?”

Whatever reply Han Geng had never made its way past his lips as the curtains were pulled back for the curtain call. Taking Sooyoung’s hand in his free one, the trio of lead ballerinas were front and center of the cast of the ballet. A proud smile lit up Stephanie’s beautiful face as she held a microphone, ready to call out the main cast of the ballet. One by one, the ballerinas stepped forward and bowed in gratitude and grace. The orchestra played a soft melody that accompanied every introduction; the crowd’s applause getting louder and louder.

“Han Geng as Louis!”

Letting go of Sooyoung’s and Victoria’s hands for now, Han Geng stepped forward and bowed, graciously accepting the two bouquets of roses handed to him before he stepped back to his place between his best friend and the girl he loved. Stephanie grinned; her eyes reflecting the ‘congratulations’ she wanted to say before she called out the second to the last name in the list.

“Victoria Song as Angeline!”

                It was a surreal feeling really when the applause and the cheers became even louder. It meant a great thing to Victoria, considering that this was her first performance of that scale. With tears streaming down her eyes, she stepped forward and curtsied gracefully, accepting her own bouquets. She wasn’t quite a prima ballerina yet but she was on her way to being one and that was enough.

The spotlight was on her, just as she had dreamed, and for a moment, she thought she saw the smiling faces of her parents amidst the light. A feeling of closure spread through her chest as she stepped back, smiling through her tears when Han Geng looked worriedly at her.

“And last but certainly not the very least, Korea’s Prima Ballerina, Choi Sooyoung as Catherine!”

                This wasn’t the first time that she had done a curtain call. It wasn’t the first time she received louder than usual applause and cheers. It wasn’t the first time people’s faces told her that she had done well. But as she stepped forward and curtsied, accepting bouquet after bouquet, her eyes fell on an empty seat.

A seat that beloned to Lee Donghae.

o-o-o-o-o

                An exhausted sigh escaped Sooyoung’s lips; the prima ballerina currently alone in her dressing room. She had changed out of her costume, donning a strapless red dress for the after party. It was a great show. It really was for her, especially after she saw how her good act had paid off. It felt great, seeing Victoria reach her dreams. The woman had dared to be different and there she was with a successful career ahead of her and a man she loved by her side. Sooyoung sighed at the thought yet again, pulling her long, silky brown tresses from the bun that held them. She had just managed to look at the mirror when she nearly jumped in shock, finding Donghae standing by the door with a beautiful looking bouquet in his hand.

“Is it too late for another bouquet?”

Not quite trusting herself to say much just yet, she turned and reached for the bouquet. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh… You did amazing out there. You looked really beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Sooyoung managed a small smile, wondering how he got to the backstage area to begin with.

“I… Uh…” The brown haired man gestured to the card. “Aren’t you going to read it?”

                A look of confusion crossed her face but she went on as asked, prying the small envelope away from the bouquet. Once the bouquet itself was safe on the table, she opened the envelope and pulled out the card. It didn’t go unnoticed how nervous he looked all of a sudden and it was easy to figure out it had something to do with what he had written for his dedication. Curiosity sparked within her as she flipped the card open; his simple message soon greeting her.

Forgive me.

“I know I was such an . I know I should’ve talked to you and not push you away.” He began rambling. “Trust was, I saw you with Han Geng before in the ballet studio and you two looked so happy with each other and I forgot that you two were just best friends and I just became so jealous, you know? That you two were so close and I wish I was in his place. Sooyoung, I know–”

Sooyoung cut him off with a kiss.

Donghae blinked rapidly as she pulled away. “I-I… Do you forgive me now?”

“Take me out on a date and I’ll think about it.” She winked before she left the room, leaving a shell shocked Donghae behind.

“I’d take you to Paris within a heartbeat if you asked me to.”

o-o-o-o-o

Woohoo… This is the longest fanfic I’ve ever written. Almost ten pages worth in MS Word :))

Yes, the Stephanie here is CSJH’s Stephanie :)