In Between Codes

Chapter 2

"-->Say this: You totally capture the essence while making it uniquely yours.<--" 

She pulled out her phone and glanced at the screen for a second, checking herself out. "Alright, I'm ready. Let's go to the backyard. I need the space to move."

Thomas grabbed his camera gear, a mix of excitement and curiosity playing across his features. 

The two of them headed out to the backyard, where the space was open and perfect for filming. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft glow over everything, which would add a nice touch to the video. The light filtered through the trees and bounced off the patio, giving the whole scene a warm, almost cinematic feel.

Alison took her spot and stretched, preparing for the first few moves. Thomas adjusted the camera, making sure he had a good angle for the entire routine.

"Alright, whenever you're ready," Thomas said, giving her an encouraging nod.

Alison smirked, her eyes shining with determination. "Let's do this."

****

Alison took her spot again in the backyard, bouncing lightly on her heels, ready to give it another go. Thomas adjusted the camera angle, his hands steady but his mind quietly weighing how to approach the next part of the routine.

"Alright, whenever you're ready," Thomas said, his voice gentle, trying to keep the mood light.

Alison began the first few steps of the dance, her movements full of enthusiasm, but lacking precision. She had the right energy, but she wasn't quite nailing the footwork, her hips not quite in sync, her arms a little too stiff. She was cute, definitely—but the choreography? Not quite there yet.

Thomas watched with a small smile on his face. "Samantha, I need help to tell her this isn't working", he whispered discretely on to the phone.

"Sure, let me help you." Samantha replied.  "-->Say this: Okay, that's... definitely a start. Maybe try leaning into the moves a bit more. Loosen up the shoulders, get the hips into it. You've got the rhythm, now just... feel the beat. <--"

Alison let out a small, self-deprecating laugh as she halted mid-move, her face flushing slightly. "You know, I never claimed to be a professional dancer." She gave him a playful wink. "This whole thing is a work in progress."

"-->Say this: It's cool, you're doing great... I mean, we could always do a blooper reel instead of a full routine. That could be hilarious.<--" 

Alison's eyes lit up at the idea. "Oh, that's actually a great idea! A funny dancing video. I'll bet it'll go viral too." She paused, her grin growing. "But here's the thing: you're in it with me."

Thomas froze for a moment. His heart skipped a beat. "Wait, what? Me? I don't think so. You've got the whole K-pop aesthetic down, and then there's me in these plain clothes..."

Alison rolled her eyes, clearly amused by his reluctance. "Come on, Thomas. You're supposed to be the fashion expert here. If anyone can help pull off an epic outfit for this, it's you."

Thomas was lost for words.

"-->Say this: I don't exactly have a wardrobe full of fancy clothes...it's complicated.<--"

Alison grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Its because of your parents, right? "

"-->Say this: Sort of....it's complicated. it's better if I keep things basic.<--"

Alison raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Well, thanks to you I have a new and extensive fashion collection. You can borrow something of mine, if you really need help looking cool."