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The halls seemed to stretch longer than they should, his nerves and anticipation forming a contradiction in his steps. As he took a deep breath, he rounded the last corner towards the room that would decide his fate from then on. Stepping foot in the building where so many big names have been made, Fuma was rightfully intimidated. He had no doubt in his abilities, knowing that he had the skills deserving of a spot in such a reputable company. But he wasn’t getting any younger and remaining as a back-up dancer for several years weighs on someone’s ego. Fuma knew he didn’t have many chances left in this industry, yet something kept him going.
Or more specifically, someone.
It had been 2 years since he saw him. Tall, extremely talented, with a smile that looked too pure combined with a body like his. Fuma would be lying if he didn’t admit the admiration he had the moment he laid eyes on the fellow Japanese performer. It was so immediate of an attraction it was almost embarrassing to admit. He hasn’t seen such skill in a while, especially from a mere trainee who has yet to secure a debut spot. Fuma is a professional dancer himself, and watching the man perform, he knew that this trainee was meant to be on stage. His presence was too powerful, too magnetic, and it drew Fuma in every single time.
It hadn’t occurred to Fuma how deep his admiration ran for the trainee until he didn’t hear his name called in the finale.
Fuma of course thought it was ridiculous. How could such a respected company let go of an extremely talented individual, knowing they might not have many chances left with him? Bang Sihyuk himself said this trainee was a monster on the dance floor, commanding attention with every miniscule movement. That’s when he saw himself in the man. Both too old for the new standard and always too close to achieving their dreams but never actually there. It had touched a small part of him, the part that still had hope. Unreasonable, childish hope.
Finding that man had sparked a dormant flame inside of Fuma. Watching his performances added fuel to his ever-present fire. And seeing him hurt, feeling like a failure, set Fuma ablaze. He ached with the man, watching as the fire that ignited his started to dim just as Fuma's did many years ago.
It was then he decided, hearing the performer’s final words, to also walk his own path. Carve a place for himself in the world where his passion lies. Because someone out there is also fighting for their dreams. And if there was any other reason that drove him to pursue his dreams again, that was for Fuma to know.
It had been a coincidence, of course, that the same company announced another survival show 2 years after in Japan. But Fuma joining was nothing but. He knew he would be there, and if Fuma was to fight for his dream, why not do it beside the man who brought him there in the first place.
As he rounded the corner towards the room where he was supposed to be, he took a deep breath and accepted the journey that awaited him. The energy was different when he entered, as if everyone was waiting for him. Expecting him. And among the crowd of passionate youth, there he stood (sat?), looking at Fuma as if he was the last piece of the puzzle that was their dreams. It was too early to determine that, with months of training and evaluations ahead of them, yet he had all his attention, watching him introduce himself with such fervor it almost made Fuma falter.
Am I doing something wrong?
The words that were spoken by the man immediately rid him of all his fears as his idol met his eyes, pointed at him, and declared… “My friend.”
And then, Fuma’s search was complete. Because he had found him.