One, two, three, four—turn, turn, hop—clap-clap—hands up, down,turn, kick-kick, turn—pose!"
Miss Lee's sharp voice cut through the music like a whip. "You can leave. No mistakes tomorrow."
A chorus of replies followed.
"Okay, ma'am."
"Bye, Miss Lee."
"Bye."
I was halfway to the door when a familiar voice rang out.
"Hoi, Ms. Kingsley. How are you, bestie?"
Aimy. My sunshine and my headache rolled into one.
"I'm… fine," I muttered.
"You gained weight."
"I know."
"Why are you sad?"
"Nothing." I sighed. "Aimy, I don't wanna do this."
She blinked. "Do what?"
"Cheerleading."
Her gasp was so loud a few girls turned to stare.
"What? Why?"
"Because I hate it. I'm going to be CEO next year. Why are you making me dance and cheer like a high school student and doing isn't gonna fix me . I'll still be broken? I'm nineteen, Aimy. Dad said when I turn twenty, the company's mine."
"So?And stop talking about your broken heart" she shot back.
"Aimy, my darling," I pleaded, clasping my hands dramatically, "please let me quit?"
"Nope. Just three more days of practice. Ravensbridge's match is coming—do it for me?"
"Three?" My voice cracked. "Why?"
Her grin widened like she'd been waiting for me to ask.
"Because there are so many hot men."
I blinked at her. "So?"
"So we can find you a boyfriend."
I gasped. "A boyfriend?"
"Yes!" She clapped her hands like it was the solution to all my problems.
I stared at her, speechless. "Aimy, I don't want a relationship."
"Because of those Korean drama men?" she accused.
"Yes," I said proudly.
She groaned. "Look at this shameless girl."
I lifted my chin. "I want someone who'll love me with this imperfect body. Someone who sees my flaws, my chaos—and chooses me anyway. If I fall, Aimy, it has to be with someone who loves me like breathing."
She rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. "See you at tomorrow's match."
"Bye, little princess."
Princess, my foot.
Who needs a boyfriend when K-dramas exist? At least they never disappoint.
That night, after cleansing and applying toner, I laughed at myself in the mirror. Maybe I was ridiculous. Or maybe I just knew what I wanted.
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