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 there were more students around, but he didn't step inside. Instead, he hovered near the doorway, watching.
He told himself he was just curious. It was just the allure of the place, the energy of the dancers inside, but really, he knew the truth.
It was Daniel.
Even before he spotted him, he could feel his presence.
And then, the moment he caught sight of him, Ben completely forgot to breathe.
Daniel was dancing.
No, Daniel was the dance itself.
Ben had seen good 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; he was 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, lost in the rhythm like nothing else in the world existed. And Ben couldn't look away.
Then, suddenly, Daniel stopped.
He turned his head and locked eyes with Ben through the mirror.
Ben froze.
For a split second, Daniel just stared at him. Then, he grinned.
"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. He wasn't part of this world. But Daniel was looking at him expectantly, like it was the most natural thing in the world to invite him in.
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 want to dance, don't you?"
Ben blinked. "I-how—"
"You wouldn't be here otherwise," Daniel smirked. "Wanna practice?"
Ben's heart nearly stopped.
"What?"
Daniel tilted his head. "You came here, didn't you? 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 seriously. As soon as the music started, Ben realized just how out of his league he was.
Daniel didn't just move; he commanded his body with the kind of 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 tried again and again. Each time, Daniel corrected him and pushed him harder. By the time the song ended, Ben was gasping for air. Daniel barely looked winded.
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 smirked. "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 Ben, who barely caught it 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, then chuckled. "Kinda, yeah. Eomeoni 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. Then this guy I met, a total expert, taught me hip hop, b-boying, popping, locking... all of it. I got hooked. Later, I started learning Idol choreos too, just for fun. Idol stuff's pretty technical."
Ben's eyes widened. "Okay, now I feel worse about how bad I was."
Daniel laughed. "Hey, I didn't learn all that overnight."
Then he tilted his head, curious. "What about you? What style do you usually dance?"
Ben looked a little sheepish. "Mostly hip hop. I messed around with modern dance a bit, too. I had a friend who taught me some. 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.
Then, casually, he said, "I could mentor you if you want."
Ben choked. "What?"
Daniel shrugged. "I already mentor two juniors 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.
Daniel was 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 realized he had made the worst decision of his life. Because as a mentor, Daniel wasn't just serious.
He was a demon.