The rhythm of the day's practice still pulsed in Seongjii's veins as he pushed open the front door. "Mom, I'm home!"
His mother's voice drifted from the kitchen, warm and welcoming. "Welcome back! Dinner is ready. Go freshen up and bring Araya with you. I've made a special Cheese Cake just for her!"
"Got it, Mom," Seongjii replied, heading toward his room.
When he stepped inside, he froze. Araya was sitting on the floor, her eyes glued to the TV, her fingers moving with lightning speed over a PS5 controller. She was playing Mortal Kombat, and she wasn't just playing—she was dominating.
"Hey! Araya, since when did you learn to play this? You're actually incredible at this, what the...?"
Araya didn't even blink. "Hmph. I was bored today, so I took a look at this 'tin box' of yours. I decided to give it a try. I have to admit, mortal... this is surprisingly addictive."
"First of all, it's not a tin box, it's a PS5 gaming console," Seongjii countered, a competitive spark in his eyes. "Second, this is a multiplayer game. If you think you're so good, I challenge you! Let's see if you can actually beat me."
Araya's lips curled into a smirk. "Challenge accepted. "
The room was soon filled with the sound of button-mashing and laughter. As they played, the tension of the day melted away, replaced by a growing bond between the boy and the deity.
"So," Araya asked during a tense combo, "how was your practice with Rika today?"
"Araya, you won't believe it," Seongjii began, his eyes widening as he recalled the day. "Rika Han is the daughter of one of the richest people in Seoul. Her home... it's not just a house, it's a luxury mansion. The food they served was incredible, and she even has a private hall just for dancing."
As Seongjii got lost in describing the sheer opulence of Rika's lifestyle, he didn't notice Araya's character landing a final blow. Round 1: Araya Wins.
"That sounds interesting," Araya remarked. "I suppose I should see what these 'luxurious mansions' look like for myself."
"Do you want to come with me to practice tomorrow then?" Seongjii asked.
Araya's face lit up with genuine excitement. "Fine, mortal. I shall accompany you."
Distracted by her joy, Araya left an opening. Seongjii seized it. Round 2: Seongjii Wins.
The Final Round began. The air in the room turned serious.
"Try to beat me if you can, mortal!" Araya taunted.
"The winner was decided before the game even started," Seongjii shot back, narrowing his eyes. He landed a heavy blow, dropping Araya's health into the red. He moved in for the finishing strike, his finger hovering over the button...
CLICK.
The screen went black. His mother had pulled the plug.
"Mom! Just a few more seconds and I would have won!" Seongjii groaned.
"I've been telling you dinner is ready for ages!" she shouted back. "Now, both of you, move it!"
Araya laughed, teasing him as they walked out. "Lucky for you, your mother saved you. You wouldn't have survived my next move, mortal."
"Keep talking and I'll eat your cheesecake too," Seongjii grumbled.
The Encounter at the Mansion
The next evening, the sun was setting behind the jagged skyline of Seoul as Seongjii rang the doorbell of the Han mansion. Rika opened the door, her face lighting up. "I've been waiting for you, Seongjii!"
"Hey Rika, I wanted to introduce someone to you."
"Oh? Absolutely, bring them in!"
Seongjii stepped aside, revealing Araya standing behind him. "Rika, meet Araya. Araya, this is Rika."
"Hello, Araya! Welcome," Rika said warmly.
Araya gave a polite nod. "Hey, Rika."
"Rika, is it okay if Araya watches our practice today?" Seongjii asked.
"Of course! Any friend of Seongjii's is a friend of mine. " Rika turned to Araya. "Your friend has good taste; this house is your home today. Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
"Mmm, I'm not that hungry," Araya said, eyes twinkling, "but if you insist... I wouldn't say no to a piece of Cheese Cake. "
Rika laughed. "A special Cheese Cake it is!" She immediately signaled her private chef to prepare a gourmet dessert.
Without wasting another second, they began their dance rehearsal.
The speakers in the private hall roared to life with a heavy, rhythmic beat. Seongjii and Rika took the floor. Their movements were sharp, echoing the hours of sweat they had already put in. Every time Rika spun, Seongjii was there to mirror her. They moved like two halves of a single soul, their shadows dancing wildly against the mirrors.
Mid-way through, the doors opened. Seongjii's friends—Satoshi, Minho, and Hyunwoo—walked in, their jaws hitting the floor at the sight of the mansion. The meetup was a chaotic blend of Satoshi trying to act "rich," Minho being terrified of breaking anything, and Hyunwoo just staring at the food. Rika handled their goofy energy with grace, making them feel like part of the team instantly.
The crew sat with Araya, cheering as the music changed to a faster tempo. Araya wasn't just watching anymore; she was shouting suggestions. "Mortal! Try a lower sweep! Rika, tilt your head more on the drop!" They actually listened, incorporating her "God-tier" instincts into their routine. The result was a fusion of street style and elegant precision that looked impossible to execute.
The Silent Suspicion
During a break, while Seongjii stepped out to the restroom, the music faded into a low hum. Rika sat beside Araya, her expression turning pensive.
"Araya... you're close to Seongjii, right? Have you noticed... anything different about him?"
Araya paused, a piece of cheesecake halfway to her mouth. "Different? How so?"
"Three or four months ago," Rika said, looking at the empty floor, "he was... well, he was out of shape. Now, he's fit, his stamina is endless, and he copies my most difficult moves on the first try. It's like he's downloaded my soul into his body."
Araya felt a cold sweat prickle her neck. 'This mortal is going to get me turned into an antique museum piece one day if he keeps this up,' she thought frantically.
"Hahaha!" Araya laughed nervously. "Maybe he found a Genie in a bottle or something? Made a wish to become a dance god?"
Rika gave a weak laugh. "A Genie? No, that's just for stories. It must be something else... right?"
Before the suspicion could grow, Seongjii returned. "Ready for one more set?"
Araya breathed a massive sigh of relief. 'Phew, safe for now. But next time, we might not be so lucky.'
The final practice session was explosive. Every pop, every lock, and every transition was flawless. The crew was on their feet, clapping to the beat. Seongjii and Rika finished in a powerful pose, gasping for air as the music died down.
"Finally... we're ready," Seongjii panted.
Rika wiped the sweat from her brow, a determined glint in her eyes. "All that's left is tomorrow's competition. "
The Grand Stage: Seoul High School Dance Summit
The scene shifts to the Seoul Metropolitan Arena. Thousands of students from every major school in the city are packed into the stands. The air is thick with the scent of hairspray and nervous energy. Massive strobe lights cut through the darkness.
Anchor: "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! THE MOMENT HAS ARRIVED! The greatest dancers from every corner of Seoul have gathered under one roof! Today, glory isn't just a word—it's a prize. With a 10 Million Won prize pool and the glittering Grand Trophy on the line... who will be the last one standing?!"
Backstage, Seongjii's hands were shaking as he adjusted his jacket. "I'm... I'm actually nervous. This is my first real stage."
"Chill, mortal," Araya said, leaning against a equipment crate. "I'm here to cheer for you. Why are you worried?"
Rika grabbed his hand, her voice steady. "Seongjii, look at that prize. 10 Million Won. Think of what you can do with that. Focus on the win. "
Seongjii took a deep breath. The fear was still there, but the hunger for victory was stronger. "You're right. We have to win."
"Well, well. Look who decided to show up."
Zoe and her partner, Jake, walked toward them. Zoe looked at Seongjii with a strange expression—part regret, part mockery. "Hey Seongjii. Are you here to watch my performance?"
Jake stepped forward, a smug, arrogant grin on his face. "If that's the case, I can book some VIP front-row seats for you. You'll get a much better view of what a real champion looks like from there."
Seongjii didn't flinch. He stepped closer to Jake, his eyes cold and sharp. "No thanks, Jake. We aren't here to watch. Rika and I are participating as partners. So keep your eyes open—because we're the ones taking that trophy home. "
Zoe's eyes widened. Jake's grin faltered, his jaw tightening. "Dreams are free, kid. But only one of us is leaving this stage as a winner."
"Fine," Seongjii said, his voice echoing with newfound confidence. "Let's see who's standing at the end."
To be continued.....