Ben hadn’t planned on coming back.

Or at least, that’s what he told himself as he found his way to the dance studio again the next day.

It was during college hours this time, so the hallway was busier, with students passing by in both directions. Ben stopped near the doorway instead of going inside, drawing a few curious glances. A faint unease crept beneath his skin. He didn’t exactly mind his appearance, but his delicate features tended to attract more attention than he liked.

For someone who preferred quiet corners and empty rooms, standing there felt like being under a spotlight. He hitched his bag higher onto his shoulder and tried to look unfazed.

His gaze searched the studio for someone he kept insisting he hadn’t come to see. He told himself he was only curious, that he had simply been drawn back by the energy of the dancers inside, but deep down, he knew the truth.

It was Daniel.

The moment Ben finally spotted him, he forgot to breathe.

Daniel was dancing.

Ben had seen brilliant dancers before. He had watched thousands of videos, studied countless choreographies, and practiced in his room when no one was watching. 

But this was something entirely different.

Daniel’s body moved like it wasn’t bound by the same laws as everyone else’s. Every motion was precise yet fluid, effortless yet intentional. It was like he wasn’t even following the music; instead making the music follow him.

Ben had heard people call him a genius, a legend in the college dance scene.

Now, he understood why.

Daniel was completely immersed in the music like nothing else in the world existed, and Ben couldn’t look away.

Suddenly, Daniel stopped. Turning toward the mirror, he locked eyes with Ben through it.

Ben froze.

For a split second, Daniel just stared at him before a grin cracked on his face.

"You again," he said casually, grabbing a towel to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

Ben felt heat creep up his neck. "I–I was—"

Daniel nodded toward the room. "Come in."

Ben hesitated. He wasn’t supposed to be here. But Daniel was looking at him expectantly, and before he could think too hard about it, his feet were moving on their own. 

He stepped inside.

Daniel tossed his towel aside and stretched his arms over his head. "What’s your name again?"

"Benedict, uh, you can call me Ben," he mumbled.

"Right. Ben." Daniel smiled. "You came to dance, didn't you?"

Ben blinked. "I-no–how—"

"You wouldn’t be here otherwise," Daniel smirked. "Wanna practice?"

Ben’s heart nearly stopped. "What?"

Daniel tilted his head. "You came here already. Might as well dance."

Ben’s brain short-circuited. 

Was a genius like Daniel inviting him to practice with him? 

He barely had time to process it before his mouth betrayed him. "Okay."

The second the word left his lips, he regretted it because Daniel took practice very seriously. As soon as the music started, Ben realised just how out of Daniel’s league he was.

Daniel commanded his body with the control that came from years of dedication. Every step was crisp, every transition seamless. And it was painfully obvious that Ben could not keep up.

Daniel frowned when he noticed him faltering. 

"Again," he said.

Ben forced himself to follow, but his limbs felt heavy and clumsy in comparison.

"Your timing’s off." Daniel sighed. "Loosen up, you’re too stiff."

Ben flushed in embarrassment.

"Again."

Ben gritted his teeth and pushed through, starting over each time Daniel corrected him. By the time the track ended, he was staggering through their seventh full run, lungs burning, while Daniel looked like he’d barely broken a sweat.

He studied Ben for a moment before nodding. "Not bad."

Ben wiped his brow. ‘Not bad?’ That was all he had to say after nearly killing him?

Daniel smiled. "I don’t say that to just anyone, you know."

Ben wasn’t sure whether to feel honored or insulted. Daniel grabbed a water bottle and tossed one to him, which he barely caught in time. As Ben caught his breath, he glanced over.

“You’re… insane,” Ben muttered. “How do you even move like that?”

Daniel just smirked. “Years of practice.”

Ben took a sip of water, still panting. “What kind of dance is that, anyway? You did like ten styles in one.”

Daniel raised a brow before chuckling. “Kinda, yeah. Eomeoni1 was in modern dance, so I started with modern dance when I was a kid. Got into street stuff in high school.”

Ben blinked. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. Later, I met this guy, a total expert, who taught me hip hop, b-boying, popping, locking… all of it. I got hooked. In my last year of high school, I started learning Idol choreos too. Idol stuff’s pretty technical.”

Ben’s eyes widened. “Now I feel worse about how bad I was.”

Daniel laughed. “Hey, I didn’t learn all that overnight.” He looked at Ben curiously. “What about you? What style do you usually dance?”

Ben looked sheepish. “I learnt hip hop a bit. I messed around with modern dance, too. I had a friend who taught me some. I thought it looked graceful, I guess.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Ben scratched the back of his neck. “But yeah, mostly Idol dances.”

Daniel smiled like something had clicked in his head.

He casually said, "I could mentor you if you want."

Ben choked. "What?"

Daniel shrugged. "I already mentor two hubaes2 here. I know them from my high school, but only during college hours. You’d be the first one I’d train after hours." He grinned. "I don’t take in just anyone, though. Only people with potential."

Ben stared at him. His heart pounded.

Was Daniel offering to train him? Would it be okay to go with it? 

His parents would definitely not approve, but it was his only opportunity. 

He did not think anymore before saying, "I’ll do it."

Daniel grinned. "Good choice."

The next day, Ben realised he had made the worst decision of his life. Because as a mentor, Daniel wasn’t just serious.

He was a demon.