Chapter 71
Chapter 71
It was incredibly frustrating, but since I’d agreed to the ball, learning to dance was unavoidable. We changed into more suitable clothes and moved to a different location.
We arrived at the dance studio Kin had used as a child. One wall was entirely mirrored, and it felt strange to see my reflection no matter where I turned. Kin asked me to tell him if I got tired.
“I will.”
I had to reassure him three times before he finally nodded, seemingly satisfied.
I have to at least manage the basics so I don’t embarrass him. Even masked, some will recognize him.
It would be a brief encounter, and once Kin divorced me, any trace of my existence would quickly fade. Still, to minimize any potential embarrassment while at his side, I needed to at least appear competent.
I clenched my fists, determined to master every step. Kin, watching me, subtly covered his mouth, trying to stifle a laugh. What’s so funny? I glared at him.
“Why are you laughing?”
He tried to deny it, but my sharp gaze forced a confession.
“You look like a hamster determined to conquer the world.”
I’m trying not to be a burden, and you compare me to a hamster?
Now he laughed openly, no longer bothering to hide it.
“Now you look like a hamster whose sunflower seeds have been stolen.”
Before we even began, I “accidentally” stepped on his foot. He feigned injury with a half-hearted “Ouch.”
“Just teach me already.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Finally, Kin stopped laughing and looked at me, though amusement still danced in his eyes.
“Shall we dance?”
***
I was breathless, while Kin remained as relaxed as ever. Should I just give up?
Five years confined to the cabin, and even before that, I’d rarely left my room. My life had been anything but active. Walks were the extent of my physical exertion. My stamina was abysmal. Besides, I’d known since the incident where I’d knocked Kin over that I had absolutely no aptitude for dancing.
I understand the steps! I memorized the movements! The problem was my body. It simply refused to cooperate.
No stamina, uncooperative limbs…
“So…sorry…”
I’d lost count of how many times I’d stepped on Kin’s feet. Yet, he hadn’t gotten angry, only continued to smile.
At fifteen, I would have sent him sprawling, his tailbone shattered. Now, however, he was so sturdy that instead of him falling, my face just collided with his chest. My face hurt more.
If I focused on my feet, my upper body went haywire. If I focused on my upper body, my feet stumbled.
This time, I misstepped, and my upper body lurched forward, my face pressing against his chest again.
“I didn’t realize you were so forward, my dear.”
“That’s not it!”
His voice held a note of satisfaction. Why are you satisfied by this?
I furrowed my brow, trying to concentrate. I was sweating more than I ever had on my walks. It had been ages since I’d exerted myself this much.
“Let’s try again.”
Suddenly, Kin stopped and steadied me. I looked at him questioningly, and he brushed my sweat-dampened hair back.
“We should rest. Your face is flushed.”
While I welcomed the break, I also hesitated. It was difficult, and my clumsy movements frustrated me. But this was the first time I’d been so engrossed in learning something, and I wanted to see it through.
Learning something new is…fun. Is this why the twins were so enthusiastic about the academy?
I looked at Kin, longing evident in my eyes. I almost have it…
“No.”
He was firm, as if reading my mind. I intensified my pleading gaze, my brow furrowed further. Really? I can do it.
But Kin was surprisingly resolute. Defeated, I sat on a nearby chair and sipped the tea that had been prepared. Rising again, I declared, “I’m rested now.”
“Sure you are.”
He ignored me until the flush in my cheeks subsided. Only then did we resume our practice.
“Ailee.”
Hm? I looked up from my feet at his call. He suddenly grasped my waist, placing my feet on top of his. Then, he secured my arms around his shoulders.
We had been close before, but now we were practically molded together. My initial surprise gave way to concern.
Will I crush his feet?
Surely, even with his strength, having a person standing on his feet would hurt. Plus, I was sweaty and probably smelled. Kin, impeccably dry, wouldn’t notice, but I could feel the dampness.
“Put…put me down.”
“I think this will be faster.”
He began to execute the steps, me still perched on his feet.
I couldn’t concentrate, worried about turning his feet into flat, jerky snacks. My fidgeting seemed to displease him, and he spoke sternly.
“Ailee, focus.”
Hesitantly, I voiced my concern.
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