[Soon Duho]

The more I dance with Kkotnim, the more a strange sensation pervades my mind. Not necessarily a familiar one, but something I can recognize in the blink of an eye. I don't know if I can voice my concerns in the middle of a loud party.

What I'm aware of is that I'm having fun. Not just to pretend or to prove others I'm not a killjoy. It's a genuine sense of enjoyment. For the first time in a while, I don't find myself uncomfortable with a girl.

Next, I'm in for a shock. When asked to join a twerking competition, Kkotnim doesn't hesitate and accepts in a matter of seconds. She's joined by at least twenty other girls and guys who are willing to even take money to shake their butts.

At a certain point, Taehyung offers me to take part in this improvised competition, but I'm tempted to decline. "I'd rather not make a poor figure in front of everyone," I explain. Despite this, he isn't convinced.

"Oh, come on, Duho. Don't be the usual spoil sport." He rolls his eyes and sighs, but I don't flinch. Therefore, he has to resort to his most desperate move. "Imagine how many people would line up for a drink with Kkotnim should she win."

"Fine, fine! I'll come. But stay away from her, okay?"

He takes my warning very seriously. "Don't worry, I won't even think of that... You know..." He sounds ridiculous when chuckling. Never mind. I'm here to enjoy myself, not to argue with Taehyung over shaking asses.

The twerking contest is as chaotic as it's supposed to be. Just a reason for people to show off and tell silly jokes that somehow make everyone laugh except me. I find most of those puns too corny for my liking. Is this necessarily a bad sign?

It turns out this is an elimination contest. Anyone stopping, tripping or bumping into anyone else is out; same goes for those whose twerk isn't good enough. I have to give my all. If I win, Kkotnim will see me under an even better light.

After the first two rounds, only six people are left, including Seolha, Kkotnim and I. The former announces. "The top two still standing at the end of this round will share a dance together." Had I been told this months ago, I would've backed off instantly.

Two more people are eliminated, which means it's just four of us. Kkotnim and I on one side; Seolha and, much to everyone's surprise, Yongho on the other. "May the best win," says the latter. However, Seolha warns him to save his breath for the most intense round of twerking yet.

We battle it out for ten whole minutes, during which four songs are played. It's an endurance test under pressure more than a fun challenge. Kkotnim's sensual moves contrast mine, sharper and resembling a workout session more than a dance move.

Meanwhile, Seolha and Yongho only focus on having fun. It's nothing serious, just a way to act silly. So, why am I still treating this like a matter of death or life? Am I so invested in Kkotnim that I'm willing to go all in to score a dance with her?

The answer, which wasn't obvious at first, is yes. I don't care if others accuse me of being too competitive. I want to share the center of the spotlight with Kkotnim, and nobody else. I wouldn't have come to this party hadn't it been for her; thus, this is the way to pay her forward.

Two more minutes pass and Yongho starts giving in. He pants. "I think I'll pass out if I don't stop... I'm out..." He leaves the center of the area, with Duhun leading him away from it. Meanwhile, as I keep shaking my butt, I see out of the corner of my eye that Taehyung is back to the DJ station with Yujin.

Good. At least, he can spare me his jokes on my rear-end. Seolha lets out a chuckle out of nowhere as she, while still thrusting her hips back and forth, points at Kkotnim. "Look, she's twerking with her hands in her hair. How can she do so without losing her balance?"

Wow. What a shock! I guess she has good chances of bagging this win. I must follow her lead if I want to be her partner on the dance floor. The more we continue shaking our asses, the more time passes. At this point, twenty minutes have gone.

This is when Seolha decides to concede and stop. "I officially declare Soon Duho and Oh Kkotnim the winners of the Twerking Challenge! As a result, the two of them get to dance together. Music!"

After Seolha's command, Yujin and Taehyung, the designed DJs, play a string of sensual songs of different genres: from house to swing to EDM, then turning to slower stuff like R&B and jazz. A few slow dances in, Kkotnim's hands are already on my hips and her body is pressed on mine.

She whispers in my ear. "What do you think I'm gonna do next?"

"Hmm... Do I have to guess?"

"Well, since we're in this together, why not?" I don't have room for recomposing myself because her lips meet mine. I don't pull away, I don't recoil in disgust. Instead, I double down and kiss her back. My hands are in her hair.

We pull closer when the music abruptly stops. It takes me a while to realize I still have my hands in Kkotnim's hair. I try to pull back; because of this, I notice it's still in my hands. Not just a strand, but the whole head of hair, or, better said, a wig!

I jump back, open mouthed and shocked at who's in front of me. "Seoyeon!" I hear buzz all around me. Someone snickers; others mutter something barely understandable under their breath. Chaeyoung approaches us with a look that doesn't betray any surprise.

"Congratulations! You two are definitely the pair of the moment!" Her exclamation puzzles me. I don't know if she's sarcastic or genuinely serious. If the latter option is the correct one, then I should start worrying.

I still can't believe the girl I've grown to love and the one I've tried to distance myself from are the same person. I need time to elaborate this, but I don't think this is the right space to do so. Although I've been deceived, I don't think I can be angry at Seoyeon.

If anything, she proved her incredible determination in pursuing her goal: asking me out or, at least, sharing a dance with me. She looks satisfied, as if she won the lottery. She doesn't act smug about it, though.

She suggests. "Let's dance together once again. This time, no disguises." She also winks at me. "If you want, I can get changed. I've brought another bikini with me. Do you want to see it?"

I don't dismiss her request. "I think a dance is fine. Under one condition, though."

"What do you mean?"

"No more alternate identities, no more sneaky strategies. Just be yourself."

"I think this can be done. Wait. I'll be back in a few minutes." She bolts inside, only to return later with a much more revealing swimsuit than before. She explains, "I bought it for special occasions like this party."

"If you put it this way-"

She cuts me off. "Shut up and dance with me." It's just a dance, right? Not really a big deal... Or is it? All I know is that I'm swaying at the rhythm of music with the same girl I tried to avoid not long ago. For the second time tonight. And I think I like this feeling.