In which a dance tells Jumin everything he needs to know for the moment, and all of it kindles a fire in him.

Originally posted on Ameri Lie's video: You're Mine (5/3/2017)

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PAIRING: Jumin X Euna (MC1)

GENRE: Romance/Drama

[Part One of the Two-Shot AU of Jumin's Route. A late present for you, Ameri.]

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Ever since she become the center of attention, never once had he seen her flinch at their scrutinizing gazes. She'd already been the odd one out, interacting with people as if she belonged and had always been, sashaying out of more intense discussions by batting her eyes and letting herself be pulled towards the few who were content with being in the background. Her red backless dress was a beacon in the crowd, and she was a constant, flitting here and there with a wine glass in hand.

Conversation was dotted with inquiries over the woman's identity, one he paid half an ear to. The theories of whose daughter or mistress was she either made him nod or question their imaginative thought processes, and to be fair, unknowns were the most unpredictable factor of every event. In fact, it was fortunate that the media presence they'd hired were from trustworthy sources, lest the tabloids would eventually sink their teeth into the gossip.

Whatever came out as truth, it was undeniable that she was making a statement by boldly playing the entire ballroom like a fiddle.

Of course, curiosity wasn't something he entertained until it became too prominent to ignore. He had excused himself from the lengthy discussion between him and the other women of various organizations. It was turning into talks about his Father's latest exploits, somehow including their mysterious guest, that he wanted no part of. Coincidentally, he came across the subject of the ball as she surveyed the refreshment tables for sweets, picking up macaroons and piling five of them on her plate.

The woman dithered by the chocolate bon-bons, and her fingers hovered it before going back to her side. Jumin kept his face blank when she looked in his direction and raised an eyebrow. "May I help you?"

"Pardon me, I was merely looking for something sweet," he replied. "A booster, if you will."

Her mouth parted in silent understanding, then she scooted to the side, shooting the delicacies an almost fond gaze. "As much as sugar will help you, maybe you could ask for some coffee blends. While I do enjoy wine, there's a time and place to be woozy and a time to crash."

"Don't worry, I only plan to grab a few and besides, I can hold my liquor."

The woman stared at him, leaning forward slightly and causing her wavy brown hair to bounce over her chest. "Well, aside from the smell, you do seem sober enough. I'm impressed."

"Thank you." It was a strange compliment, but he was taking it nonetheless. "Are you enjoying the night, miss..?"

"Euna Han." She popped a macaroon in her mouth, amber eyes eyeing him thoughtfully. "And I've heard a great deal about you, Mr. Han."

"No need for the formality." As his manners demanded, he held out his hand, and she shook it. "Simply Jumin will suffice."

"Call me Euna then. As for your question, this event has been enlightening." Her words were calculated and neutral, but the minute hardness in her expression was hard to miss. "The experience is different, but manageable."

Jumin took another wine glass from a passing waiter, the words ringing in his mind. Perhaps he was mildly buzzed, he wasn't counting the past three hours. "How so, if I may ask?"

"I've attended huge gatherings and the like, but this is my first time being in an event of this kind," she admitted, but there wasn't an iota of hesitation. 'This kind' could mean anything, but he wisely remained silent as she continued: "C&R is practically as famous as any actor and politician in the country."

"Quite, but the fame is well-justified. Investing into being the trendsetters and experimenting to cater for a wide range of customers is a respectable business model."

"Not quite what I meant, but let's put it this way." Euna placed her plate down next to a flute of fizzy drinks, pointing her index finger at him. "As a more specific example, you are touted as one of the top bachelors of the country."

The swirl of the red wine in the glass helped center him. "As news outlets claim, yes."

Her eyes crinkled shut, and the sounds of her joyous laughter filled his ears. A few people turned their way, but backed off once they noticed who was conversing, content in their observation. "Wow, I didn't imagine you to be low-key humble about it. But anyways, my point is that almost everyone here is known in some shape or form, and as I'm sure you've seen, I'm an outlier in that regard."

"Though judging from the whispers, I'm certain you're already working on that aspect," he rebutted.

"You've caught me."

Beyond her disarming laughter and coy smiles, Euna Han was a hard woman to read.

Silence settled between them, and the ballad in the background was coming to an end, introducing a song that he knew was a challenge in its harsh preciseness, but had been toned down for tonight's theme. Perhaps he could use that.

"Would you like to dance?"

She blinked twice, the only indication of her surprise. The slow beginning melody was starting, almost deceptively quaint. Her sharp amber eyes locked unto his, almost hypnotizing in how they met his without shying away. "I'd love to."

Requesting for two fans was easy, convincing the musicians to go ahead with the original song had been a little more complicated. Assistant Kang had given him that familiar tired look, but refrained from commenting. The music began once more, and the people dancing momentarily halted, confusion visible in their steps. Even more so when he and Euna positioned themselves in the center.

One arm locked on her waist and the other on a red fan. Jumin led his partner, mind and body following the steps easily. It might have been long ago, but he would never forget this dance.

"Interesting," he muttered low enough so she was the only one to hear him. "You know Latin dance?"

"It was an interest at one point," she answered. "I never had the time to pick it up again, but I'd love to go to lessons."

She was a natural, but there was much polishing to be done.

"You're certainly not what I expected."

She smiled sweetly at his statement as both of them twirled on the dance floor, the music was picking up its pace. "You've defied my own expectations as well."

"Oh?"

She pursed her lips for a moment as she flipped the fan in her hand, her heels clicking against the tiled floor as she matched his steps. "Not only do you possess respect with the way you handle me, you've shown that you are not afraid to dance with a commoner such as myself."

Commoner. The word sounded so unfitting when he imagined the woman in front of him, yet it explained so many details that didn't line up in his mind before.

The inner conflict must have shown on his face when she chuckled. "I won't be offended. I know it's a shock."

"Labels are artificial," he said softly. "From what I've witnessed, you are more than a commoner."

Both turned their heads away and snapped back at each other as the drum played its tune.

"Charmer, aren't we." Euna's face turned a light pink, mouth curled up as if she was two words away from revealing a secret, a shameless tease. "Then what do you think I am, Jumin?"

That entrancing tilt of her head and hips, silken cloth brushing over bronze skin, yet he only glanced. Attractive yes, but it was her voice which replayed in his head over and over again, the sweet lilt that promised everything and nothing at the same time.

They separated as the music became aggressive, eyes still not drawn away from one another. They swayed backward, spinning as they twirled the fan. His feet glided across the floor, in a series of fast and slow arm movements that made the fan blur around him, its ribbon trailing along and around him. The edges of her dress appeared to glow, its sequins shining in the light when she stopped her pirouette. Euna moved closer, skipping in two fluid hops, and she placed her arm on his shoulder, the smell of roses and honey so unforgettable to his senses. Jumin held tightly to her waist as he spun her around, and they dipped close to the floor.

The violinist had slowed and bassist followed, and the former ended the song in one lengthy vibrato.

Breaths were released as the two stood there, staring at one another.

The audience was silent, and from the corner of his eye he saw his Father muttering something to Assistant Kang. Other dancers had gone back to the side with their partners, exchanging equally uncertain looks. Chatter soon filtered in, stilted and unsure of what had occurred.

He cared little for it.

"My, we've caused quite the stir," she whispered, more to herself than anything. Euna looked up, and for the first time that evening, appeared mildly embarrassed. "Good dance."

"Indeed." The warmth of her palm wasn't something he wanted to let go yet. "Do you want me to fetch you a drink?"

Euna pulled away, once again blinking fast. Was it that much of a shock for him to want her company for much longer? "... I don't want to hog you tonight, I'm sure there are other lovely ladies wanting to dance with you."

"There are plenty of other men that are sure to entertain their requests."

Her wry grin was inviting. "Persistent, are we?"

Jumin merely offered his arm, and despite her initial reluctance, she took it. A handful of minutes, yet the unusual tingling sensations in his stomach and chest had increased.

It was attraction borne of curiosity, but the potential there was something Jumin hadn't figured out yet.

This curiosity was going to be quite troublesome.