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"So, you don't know me?" Jay asked, his grin widening.

Jungwon crossed his arms, unfazed. "No, should I? Are you famous or something?"

Jay let out a low laugh. "Something like that. Guess you'll figure it out eventually."

Jungwon huffed, clearly not in the mood to entertain whatever game this stranger was playing. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Jay standing there with that amused smile still on his face.

Jungwon made his way to the dance studio, shaking off the strange interaction. His focus quickly shifted as he entered the familiar space filled with mirrored walls and the faint smell of sweat and determination. Two new faces greeted him as he walked in—Ni-Ki and Felix, the latest additions to the dance program.

Ni-Ki, tall and lanky with an easygoing grin, was already warming up in the corner, his movements fluid and precise even in something as simple as stretches. Felix, shorter but radiating energy, was bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet, his freckles standing out under the fluorescent lights.

"Jungwon!" Ni-Ki called, waving him over. "We've been waiting for you. Felix wants to run through that new routine again."

Felix grinned, his Australian accent thick as he added, "Yeah, I'm still trying to keep up with Ni-Ki's insane footwork. Think you can help me out?"

Jungwon chuckled, the tension from earlier easing as he joined them. "Sure thing. Let's go over it together."

The trio spent the next couple of hours immersed in practice, the rhythm of the music and the sharpness of their movements syncing in perfect harmony. Jungwon found himself momentarily forgetting the bizarre encounter with Jay, losing himself in the thing he loved most.

When the session ended, Jungwon wiped the sweat from his forehead and grabbed his bag. "Good work, guys. See you tomorrow."

"Later, Jungwon!" Ni-Ki called, while Felix gave him a thumbs-up before heading in the opposite direction.

Jungwon walked home, the cool evening air helping him relax after the intense practice. He reached the small apartment he shared with his older brother, Yang Jeongin, who was sprawled out on the couch with a psychology textbook balanced precariously on his stomach.

"You're late," Jeongin said without looking up, his voice teasing.

"Practice ran long," Jungwon replied, kicking off his shoes and collapsing into the armchair.

Jeongin finally glanced up, his sharp eyes narrowing. "You look like something's on your mind. Bad day?"

Jungwon shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not really, just... weird. I ran into this guy on campus. Seemed full of himself. Sunoo told me later he's apparently the richest guy at school and some kind of playboy."

Jeongin snorted, closing his textbook. "Sounds like someone to avoid."

"Yeah, that's the plan," Jungwon muttered, though a small part of him couldn't help but recall Jay's smirk and the way he seemed completely unbothered by Jungwon's attitude.

Jeongin watched his younger brother closely but decided not to push. "Well, just stay out of trouble, alright? I've got enough to deal with without you getting tangled up with some spoiled brat."

Jungwon rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. "I'll be fine, hyung."

As Jeongin went back to his studying, Jungwon leaned back in the chair, trying to shake the lingering curiosity about Jay. But something told him this wasn't the last time their paths would cross.

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