when you least expect it | sean lew

[ two ]

***

They finally arrived at Millennium Dance Complex. On the way there, Kailani tried to take in her surroundings as Julian drove to the studio.

This is my new home for the next six months, she thought to herself in amazement.

As Julian led her to the studio, Kailani couldn't help but notice how clammy her hands felt. When they reached the door, she suddenly froze. "Wait, Jules."

He turned around with his hand around the door handle. "What's wrong?"

"I can't." she said, slowly backing away and sitting on the bench outside.

"What do you mean?" he said as he followed suit.

She sighed heavily. "Everyone in there is so amazing. I just don't think I'm good enough.. I'm gonna make a fool out of myself."

Julian couldn't help but laugh. "Kai, have you gone crazy? You're amazing too. If you weren't, Matt wouldn't have invited you here and you wouldn't be here in the first place. Your talent is why you're here so don't think like that."

She shook her head. "My talent is nothing like theirs. Matt's probably gonna put me on the spot and have me dance in front of everyone and I don't know if I could dance under pressure like that.. I've never had to."

"Hey," he said, putting both hands on her shoulders. "You know choreography and you know how to freestyle. And you're damn good at it. Just hit the beats harder than you've ever hit them before. Go all out and prove yourself that you deserve to be here." he smiles. "Now, come on, we're gonna be late."

Well, it's now or never, she thought as she wiped her hands on her leggings and stood up.

Julian opened the door and saw Matt in the front of the room. "Hey, Matt's over there if you wanna say hi?"

She nodded excitedly, taking the opportunity to stall having to meet his friends. Julian guides her to Matt and she lightly taps him on his shoulder.

He turns around. "Kailani!!" he smiled, leaning down to hug her. "How was your flight? Are you settled in?"

Kailani nodded. "Yup, all set!! Thank you so much for doing this, Matt. It's seriously a dream come true to be able to come here and dance."

"No need to thank me. Your talent is a gift to all of us to witness so it's my pleasure to have you here. Now, if you need anything, just let me know." he said before guiding her to the couple behind him. "If you don't mind, I'd love to introduce you to the best choreographer couple this industry has ever seen."

She politely waved at them and they smile at her. (a/n: i know matt, will, and janelle don't interact with each other at all in the dance world but in this alternate universe, they do so play along haha)

"Kailani, this is Will and Janelle. They're the creators of immaBEAST, the dance company a lot of our dancers are in. They're going to be running the workshop with me today and observe your dancing."

Kailani's mouth fell open slightly. These were the choreographers that Julian told her about. The ones that gave him a family here in LA.

They're going to be watching me dance too?!, she thought, her head beginning to spin a little.

Janelle seemed to take notice of Kailani's expression and gave her a reassuring look. "Hey, hey, don't freak out," she smiled. "I know it's a bit of pressure but just be yourself. Dance the way your heart would tell you to. I have a feeling we're going to be impressed no matter what."

Shit.

The pressure was really on.

Matt placed his hand on her shoulder. "Don't stress about it, kiddo. We didn't bring you to the States for nothing." he chuckled. "Now, why don't you get warmed up? I trust that Jules over here will give you the proper introduction to the crew."