Prologue

DISCLAIMER

This story weaves elements of reality and fantasy together, creating a narrative that should be enjoyed for its imaginative journey rather than taken seriously.

PROLOGUE

Acoustic music played on repeat in the background as two teenagers, aged 15 and 10, lazed on the floor of a dance studio, panting heavily.

The girl flipped onto her stomach and reached for a magazine beside the older boy. He picked it up and handed it to her. Hazel-grey eyes soon fixated on the magazine before them. The boy, curious, shifted closer and lifted his head high enough to see what she was looking at. What lay before them were pictures of various lean males with long hair in stylish outfits. Upon seeing this, he frowned and promptly laid his head on the magazine, blocking her view.

"Hey, what do you think about forming a group to perform together?" The boy asked, turning to look at his preoccupied dance partner.

"Why do we need others? Just us is enough," she stated bluntly, which elicited an amused huff from the boy as she tried to push him off the magazine she was perusing.

"We can still compete as a pair, but don't you think it would be fun to have a group as well? Think about it, Skyler! There are endless varieties to explore with a group rather than just a duo."

She looked at him with furrowed brows in thought (which he found rather cute, but of course, he wouldn't tell her that). Seeing Xavier's eyes sparkle at the idea, she eventually gave in. Who could say no to that face? Well, she could, after years of practice, but then he would simply pester her endlessly.

Xavier glomped onto her in glee. Her decision was important to him because he wanted her to be a part of it, no matter what. They had spent almost every waking moment with each other outside of normal school activities. He wasn't about to let that change for a crew he wanted.

"But you lead. You know I don't like dealing with people," she said, her tone turning a little sour as she recalled dark memories—the cold treatment she received from peers in their dance classes and school.

Xavier sat up and pulled her up to face him. Holding her cheeks, he told her, "Well then, they must get along well with you in order to join. 'Cause I'm not leaving you behind for anyone."

Skyler looked at him with careful consideration and then stuck out her little pink tongue at him, which earned her a nose pinch from Xavier for her cheekiness.

The next day after school, they created a digital poster and posted it on social media. The tryout was held a week later, and to their utmost surprise, many passionate individuals who had heard of the duo through dance competitions turned up. After a few rounds, they selected two guys and a girl, then thanked everyone who had turned up.

Their debut stage happened a few months later that same year and was a huge success. They slowly became known nationwide by the name 'Well-balanced,' a competitive dance crew that always gave their all and lived up to their name in their performances. They were of mixed races and ages, and their choreography often incorporated a blend of contemporary, strong hip-hop, dazzling breakdance, and smooth jazz.

Whatever they envisioned, 9 out of 10 times, they made it work.