Chapter Four
Not Awkward At All


"Alright everyone, good practice today. Even though we had to change the routine to 9 couples, instead of the 10 we had before, I feel like the routine is much smoother than before. This week's practices have gone more fluidly than previous ones." Kimi praised with a smile, "We'll continue learning the rest of the routine next week. Can I please see Saki and Daiki? We need to work on your solo part now." [1]

As everyone took those few minutes to get ready to leave, or have a water break in Saki's case, Ren overheard Kimi's conversation with Setsuka as he gathered his belongings.

"So, Kimi-chan, how are you holding up?"

Kimi lightly smiled, "I'm fine, really. We officially broke it off last night."

Saki wandered over to Setsuka's side as she drank from her bottle. She smirked widely at Kimi's response, "Good! You're better off without him anyway!"

Her cousin laughed in agreement.

Setsuka smiled along, but frowned after she realized something. "What about that city-wide dance competition you've been practicing for?"

The violet-haired girl shrugged lightly, "I'll have to find a replacement at this point. If I can't find one by next month, I don't think I can partake in it this year." [2]

Saki grinned mischievously, "Why don't you ask Ren?"

Kimi widened her eyes slightly, her eyes glancing toward Ren's form. He was seemingly texting on his mobile, probably calling for his limo. Her cheeks reddened – sure, he was attractive, but she was sure he didn't have a genuine care for her.

She shook her head softly at the idea as she readjusted her heels, "I don't think he's one to learn ballroom dancing."

"But, he'll definitely want to win first place! Come on, I think it'll be a good change for you," Saki suggested, winking at her cousin.

Setsuka nodded slowly, "I actually approve, too. You two have gotten along well this past week, dancing together and all. He's a quick learner, too. You've even used him as a demonstration for us during the practices this week."

Kimi frowned slightly at her cousins, "But, the tango is more difficult to learn from the waltz. The song and rhythm for a tango is much faster than a waltz, requires fast-paced step patterns. That's not easy to learn in less than two months…"

"Well, where else can you find a replacement? All the students in your class are already assigned couples, you said it yourself!"

Kimi sweatdropped at her cousin's outburst and smiled awkwardly, "I-I'll think about it, Saki-chan. Let's think about your debut for now, okay?"

Ren's eyes hardened slightly as the girls' conversation ended. He put his mobile away before he grabbed his few belongings and leaving the room.


Tao Ren took a deep breath.

He could do this…

This wasn't awkward at all…

Tao Ren standing in front of his sister's door.

His hand raised.

About to knock.

For the last five minutes.

All he was going to do was simply request something from her.

It wouldn't be weird at all.

She wouldn't suspect anything, would she?

It's normal for her little brother to be asking her to do this, right?

It's not like she'd question why he was asking her to teach him-

"Ren?"

Yellow eyes widened in surprise, "J-Jie jie!"

Jun raised an eyebrow at her little brother, "Why are you standing in front of my room?"

Ren looked from his sister's bedroom door to the girl in the corridor. "I-I thought you were…"

"Did you need something?" Jun pressed on with a smile.

Now was his chance…

Inhale… Exhale…

Inhale… Exhale…

Inhale… Exhale…

"Jie jie… do you know how to Tango?" [3]

Jun's eyes widened in surprise. "…What?"


Footnotes:

1 - I suggest going on YouTube to watch any 'Debut Cotillion Waltz' if you want to see why I think 9 couples is better than the traditional 10 couples (and that's including the birthday girl).

2 - Honestly, I have no idea how ballroom competitions work. I tried researching it, and the websites offered didn't help me much. So, just bare with my fanfic even if the rules for a traditional competition is completely off the mark.

3 - Jie jie is a Chinese term meant for older sister. Tao Ren is actually Chinese... so, why not stick to his natural tongue?

Whaaaaaaaat? Tao Ren asking his sister how to dance? And weirder than that, he's asking her how to tango? How bizarre. Tee-hee.