Rhythmic Revelations

As Joon-ho and Soo-jin meandered through the arcade, the pulsating beats of the dance machine beckoned them closer. The vibrant lights and energetic music captivated their senses, drawing them toward the source of the rhythmic melody.

Amid the bustling arcade, they stumbled upon a small crowd gathered around the dance machine, their attention fixed on the captivating figure swaying gracefully to the funky tune. Despite the whimsical nature of the song, the dancer moved with a fluidity and precision that left Joon-ho and Soo-jin in awe.

It was a woman, presumably one of the students here, her movements a mesmerising blend of strength and grace, as she effortlessly executed each step with flawless precision. Her feet glided across the illuminated platform, her body twisting and turning perfectly harmoniously with the music.

Joon-ho and Soo-jin watched in silent admiration, their eyes tracing the lines of her form as she danced with infectious energy and joy. Despite the arcade's cacophony of sounds and distractions, the dancer seemed to exist in her world, lost in the rhythm and movement.

As the final notes of the song faded away, the dancer struck a triumphant pose, her breath coming in exhilarated gasps as she basked in the applause of the crowd. For Joon-ho and Soo-jin, witnessing her performance was nothing short of mesmerising, a testament to the hidden talents that thrived within the walls of NexaCorp Korea University.

As the final notes of the song faded into the air, Jin-kyong gracefully stepped off the dance machine platform, her chest heaving with exertion and a radiant smile gracing her lips. Catching sight of Joon-ho and Soo-jin, she waved enthusiastically before making her way toward them.

"Soo-jin!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine warmth and excitement. "I had no idea you'd be here too!"

Soo-jin returned the greeting with equal enthusiasm, her face lighting up with a smile.

"I couldn't resist checking out the arcade when I heard the music. And look who I found here, dancing like a pro!"

Jin-kyong's attention then turned to Joon-ho, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"And you must be Joon-ho, the one Soo-jin's always talking about," she remarked, her tone playful. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Likewise, Jin-kyong. I've heard bits about you too," Joon-ho nodded, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over him as he extended his hand in greeting.

With introductions exchanged, the trio fell into easy conversation, their laughter mingling with the ambient noise of the arcade. As they chatted, Joon-ho couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected connection that had brought them together, and he felt a sense of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead with his newfound friends.

Soo-jin's eyes sparkled with admiration as she gushed over Jin-kyong's dancing prowess.

"Seriously, Jin-kyong, you were amazing! How long have you been dancing?"

"Thank you, Soo-jin! I've been dancing for as long as I can remember, really. It's always been my passion," Jin-kyong's smile widened at the compliment.

"Wow, that's impressive. Do you dance often?" Soo-jin nodded, her curiosity piqued.

"Not as often as I'd like, unfortunately. But whenever I get the chance, I jump at it. There's just something about moving to the music that's so freeing, you know?" Jin-kyong chuckled, her gaze drifting toward the dance machine with a fond expression.

Joon-ho listened intently to their conversation, silently marvelling at Jin-kyong's dedication to her craft. As the two women chatted animatedly about dancing and shared their favourite memories on the dance floor, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Jin-kyong's passion and talent. It was a side of Soo-jin's roommate he hadn't seen before, and he found himself eager to learn more about this intriguing newcomer to their circle of friends.

As the conversation wound down, Jin-kyong subtly hinted at her desire to leave, mentioning how she might need to freshen up after the exertion of dancing

"Well, I should probably freshen up a bit. I'm feeling a bit sweaty after all that dancing," Jin-kyong glances towards the direction of the overpass.

"Of course, Jin-kyong. Take your time. We'll catch up later," understanding her unspoken request, Soo-jin nodded with empathy.

As Jin-kyong excused herself to freshen up, Joon-ho and Soo-jin watched her depart with polite nods. Once she was out of earshot, Soo-jin turned to Joon-ho with a contemplative expression.

"It feels like a waste to be here and not have some fun at the arcade, doesn't it?"

"I couldn't agree more. Why not spend some of our NCK points on a quick game? We have plenty to spare as starters," Joon-ho nodded in agreement, a playful glint in his eyes.

"That's a great idea! Let's find something fun to play," Soo-jin grinned at the suggestion, her excitement evident.

Together, they ventured back into the arcade, scanning the array of game machines for the perfect choice. Amidst the flashing lights and cheerful music, they found themselves drawn to a multiplayer racing game, its vibrant graphics and sleek design promising an exhilarating experience. With eager smiles, they approached the machine, ready to indulge in a moment of lighthearted fun.

As they prepared to leave the arcade, Soo-jin's gaze fixated on a claw machine tucked in the corner, showcasing a limited edition plush toy of her favourite character from a popular anime series. It was a coveted prize, one that she had been eyeing for weeks. Unable to resist the temptation, she turned to Joon-ho with a hopeful expression.

"Hey, Joon-ho, do you mind if I try my luck at that claw machine? I've been dying to get my hands on that plushie."

"Well, Soo-jin, you know how these machines can be. It's not always guaranteed that you'll win, and we've already spent quite a bit of our NCK points today," Joon-ho hesitated, weighing the pros and cons of indulging in the uncertain allure of the claw machine.

"I know, but this plushie is a limited edition! I promise I'll be quick, and who knows, maybe luck will be on our side today," Soo-jin's enthusiasm didn't waver as she pleaded.

Joon-ho's mind buzzed with conflicting thoughts as he considered Soo-jin's request to try her luck at the claw machine. Despite the allure of the limited edition plushie and Soo-jin's evident excitement, he couldn't ignore the nagging doubts that claw machines inherently posed. As he pondered, he couldn't help but recall the countless instances where players poured money into these machines, only to walk away empty-handed.

He mulled over the uncertain nature of claw machines, recognizing them as a form of gambling disguised as innocent entertainment. Unlike the racing game they had enjoyed earlier, where skill and strategy played a significant role in their success, the outcome of the claw machine was shrouded in ambiguity. There was no guaranteed return on investment, no assurance that their efforts would be rewarded with the coveted prize.

Furthermore, Joon-ho couldn't shake the awareness of the potential rigging that plagued many claw machines. He knew all too well that these machines were often designed to manipulate players, with claws that were deliberately weakened or programmed to release prizes prematurely. The prospect of falling victim to such manipulation gnawed at him, contrasting starkly with the genuine enjoyment they had experienced moments ago.

Yet, as he observed Soo-jin's unwavering enthusiasm and the sparkle in her eyes, Joon-ho couldn't help but soften. He understood the significance of the plushie to her and recognized the importance of indulging in simple pleasures, even if they came with risks attached. With a sigh and a resigned smile, he made his decision, allowing Soo-jin to pursue her heart's desire while silently vowing to keep a watchful eye on their expenditures.

"Alright, go ahead. But let's set a limit on how many tries you get. We don't want to spend all our points on one plushie," understanding her excitement and realizing the value she placed on the prize, Joon-ho relented with a sigh.

Grateful for his understanding, Soo-jin flashed him a bright smile before eagerly stepping up to the machine, determined to claim her coveted prize.

As Soo-jin manoeuvred the claw machine, Joon-ho found himself increasingly drawn into the game, offering advice and suggestions on how to improve her chances of success. Initially disinterested, he couldn't help but become engrossed in the challenge, eagerly pointing out strategic moves and angles for Soo-jin to try.

"Move a little to the left, and then nudge it forward," Joon-ho instructed his excitement mounting with each attempt. "You've almost got it!"

Despite numerous failed attempts, they persevered, their determination fueling their efforts. And then, finally, the claw descended with precision, gripping the prize tightly as it rose triumphantly from the depths of the machine. Soo-jin's joy knew no bounds as she claimed her prize, her laughter ringing out in the arcade as she danced with glee.

As Soo-jin excitedly examined the contents of the box, Joon-ho's initial enthusiasm gave way to a pang of guilt as he realized he had neglected to keep track of their spending. Realizing that Soo-jin had likely exceeded their intended budget, he felt a sense of responsibility weigh heavily upon him.

"Soo-jin, I think I may have let things get out of hand," Joon-ho confessed, his tone tinged with regret. "I didn't keep track of how many points you were spending, and it looks like we may have gone over our limit."

Soo-jin's smile faltered momentarily, but she quickly reassured him with a grin.

"It's okay, Joon-ho. Winning this prize was worth it, and I don't mind tightening my belts for a while to make up for it."

"I still feel responsible. How about we try out the point-sharing system? That way, we can balance things out a bit," However, Joon-ho couldn't shake the feeling of unease, and he was determined to make amends.

Soo-jin nodded in agreement, appreciating Joon-ho's honesty and integrity. Together, they navigated the NCK app, seamlessly transferring points from Joon-ho's account to Soo-jin's. As the transaction was completed, they exchanged grateful smiles, their bond strengthened by their willingness to support each other in both victories and setbacks.

"Thanks, Joon-ho," Soo-jin said, her voice filled with warmth. "Let's head back now. I'm excited to show off my prize to the others."

With a renewed sense of camaraderie, they left the arcade behind, their laughter echoing in the halls as they made their way back to the university grounds.