Chapter 1
Setting: Seoul, 2025.
An exclusive SMxKQ private collab project. A secret dance performance between two best dancers of their generations—Karina and Mingi—meant to shake the industry.
But what happens when chemistry on stage starts bleeding offstage?
The first time Karina knew Mingi would be a problem was a week after they started the dance practice.
He danced like a wildfire—loud, cocky, unpredictable.
Everything about him screamed “trouble,” from the way he arrived with headphones around his neck like a crown, to the way he’d smirk every time he caught her eye in the mirror.
“You missed the beat,” she told him, arms crossed, breath still catching from their duet.
Mingi leaned against the wall, towel slung across his shoulder. “I wasn’t listening to the beat,” he said. “I was watching you.”
She hated that it made her pulse skip.
The choreographers called their chemistry “explosive.” Karina called it inconvenient.
She didn’t have time for distractions. Not when this SMxKQ collaboration was meant to prelaunch her solo album soon, her road to a lot more fame.
The last thing she needed was a man like Mingi—too intense, too charming, too close.
And yet, she stayed late that night. So did he.
They danced until the lights dimmed and the staff left. Somewhere between the third run-through and the fourth, he caught her by the waist mid-spin and didn’t let go fast enough.
“I noticed you always leave right after rehearsals,” he said, breath warm against her temple.
She didn’t look at him. Couldn’t. “Maybe I don’t want to give you ideas.”
He chuckled. “Really? But you're too late. I already had ideas in mind.”
