Chapter Text
May 1992 – Dangerous era
It was a warm blazing spring weather in Seoul, it was the day when Jung Hoseok had to leave from Seoul to Los angeles, to pursue his dream as a dancer. Dancing was a huge part of his life, all he could do was dancing, since he was such a little kid, he truly adored flowing in music with his body.
Music was playing a massive role in his life, it helped him to break through the tough times surrounding his life, it was like a stress reliever for him, his happiness. He enjoyed listening to hip-hop, some classic pop songs and literally everything that bopped. But one of his biggest inspirations and idols was the one and only, the king of pop – Michael Jackson.
Hoseok have been a fan of the king of pop since his childhood and thats where it all started, he found his passion for dancing. Something about Michael Jackson's songs was dragging him into the power of music it controlled his body to the max, he was such like a dancing machine, he never wanted it to end, he believed he could dance forever.
From today he is now a step closer to his dreams, he is about to take a flight to Los Angeles to get to meet with the biggest superstar and apply as one of his backup dancers. Michael Jackson was looking for new backup dancer for his upcoming tour – Dangerous.
Hoseok was overwhelmed with pure excitement and happiness because he is about to meet one of his inspirations and his very first beloved idols on earth. Yet he felt so anxious, what if he wasn't Michael's taste, what if he'd mess up his dancemoves, what if he will just stand still and feel his body blocked from going along with music?
So many thoughts were twirling around his head but he immediately tried to knock them off his head, he took a deep deep breath, he confirmed himself mentally that everything's going to be okay, if he wont get in then he will atleast meet his idol he dearly loves with his entire heart.
His ears were ringed with the notification of his flight is about to take off, this is it, its time to go and how his whole potential, to give his best and show his idol everything he got, in a magical Los Angeles.
He turned around to take a look at his friends for the very last time for a while, he will be off until the longest period of time, though he can get home for holiday but it wont last too long. He opened up his arms to give his friends a big, genuine and warm grouphug.
„Take care Hoseok, tell me if you're being picked, if not then come back home right away“ Namjoon laughed a bit patting on Hoseok's shoulder.
„Yeah and If you find a new living in Los Angeles, send us pictures“ Jeongguk said and they all bursted out in laughter - „and oh tell me everything about Michael Jackson when you meet him alright? I'm so jealous that you're actually going to see him face to face its so unbelieveable“ Jeongguk chuckled a bit messing up Hoseok hair a bit.
Hoseok flashed the most sincere and bright smile at Jeongguk and responded to him with a nod: „Don't worry guys, I will keep you all updated with everything I do, depends on my freetime and busy scheldues“
The last voice message went off and It was time for Hoseok to leave, his friends waved him off and it squeezed Hoseok's heart from the inside, it hurted to leave from his hometown, it hurted to not being able to see his friends daily anymore but what mattered was that their relentless support will always stay close and deep in his heart, they are always there for him no matter how long the distance between them can be.
After Hoseok arrived at the airplane he remembered countless of heartwarming messages of his friends wishing him well and have a safe flight, it gave a radiating smile on his face, he was so lucky to have such counting and supportive friends in his life, he looked out of the airplane window, the airplane started to move and it was about to ready to fly.
Few minutes passed Hoseok saw how he was flying around the clouds and it made him think if his dreams could fly as high into the cloudy sky as the airplane does, where everything seems like a dreamy wonderland, a land where everything is possible and your dreams can come true, Hoseok closed his eyes and he drifted off into a sweet dream, he could see the anxious reflect of himself nearly being drowned into his beads of his sweat, his legs wearing off the weight he caused by dancing and the gaze of Michael's angelic calm face, his lips lifting up and giving him an accepting nod, confirming him that he got accepted.
When he woke up it was already dark, people around him were sleeping, the clock showed 4 am and he sighed quietly, he picked up a walkman, where Michael Jackson's Dangerous cassette was plugged in, he put his headphones on, clicked on the button and the cassette started playing, Michael Jackson's music was pleasing Hoseok's ears and his body started to jam along to the music within seconds.
He arrived at Los Angeles at 12 pm, he picked up the map to figure out where is he located right now and where should he be heading to, he walked out of the airport, his gaze intensly focused on the map, he went to call for taxi to get to the studio where Michael Jackson was in.
As he got into the taxi he told to the taxi driver the location of the studio, when the car was about to head off, Hoseok looked out of the window and exhaled heavily, the anxiety was rising, the excitement was glowing in his heart, just in few minutes he will be standing infront of his biggest dreams.
Hoseok was lost deep in his thoughts until a sudden echo in his head was bringing him back into reality, he looked at the mirror and saw the taxi driver looking at him with a questioning gaze waiting for him to respond.
„Huh?“ Hoseok asked because he didn't hear what he was asking few seconds ago.
„You're going to Michael Jackson's studio?“ the taxi driver asked again.
Hoseok nodded to him as a respond.
The taxi driver gave him a nod and smiled a bit
„Michael Jackson is really popular these days, he is looking for backup dancer for his upcoming tour, are you going there because of it?“ he sent another question towards Hoseok.
Hoseok gave him a nervous smile and hummed in response.
„You got this, I believe you're good at dancing“ the taxi driver encouraged him.
Hoseok chuckled a bit, it reduced his anxiety for a slighty bit
„Thank you so much“ Hoseok said, his face sparkling with joy just like a radiating sun.
„You're so welcome, by the way your english is very good“ the taxi driver smiled at him from the mirror. Hoseok confirmed that people out here were so friendly and approachable, it made him feel safe and sound.
Within in few minutes they arrived infront of Michael Jackson's studio, Hoseok looked up at the building just like trying to save that sight of the building into his memory because this is the place he will start pursuing his dreams, longer or shorter, but thats how it all begins.
„Here we are“ the taxi driver turned himself to look at Hoseok and flash him the most friendliest smile.
Hoseok started to pick up his wallet
„How much do I owe you?“
„five dollars“
Hoseok handed the money to the taxi driver and he was about to go off the car
„Good luck!“ the taxi driver showed him a thumbs up.
„Thank you so much I'll need it“ Hoseok said with the brightest smile then he closed the door and the taxi drove off, he looked how the taxi disappeared into the horizon then he turned around and looked up to the building of the studio.
„This is it!“ he mumbled to himself, he could feel the choking feeling creeping into him again, he took a deep breath walking inside to the studio.
He was looking around the walls were covered with pictures of celebrities, including Michael Jackson. The place seemed to be really quiet, he could only hear the sound of his breathing and his foot steps on the ground.
Suddenly the silence was cut off by echo of the steps clicking closer in Hoseok's direction, he directed himself, where the steps came from and he saw a woman from her 20's approaching to him.
„Welcome sir, who are you looking for?“
„I am here to apply for Michael Jackson's backup dancer“ Hoseok said calmly yet he felt his heart violently thumbing against his chest.
„follow me“ the woman said and she started to guide him to the room where they were looking for a backup dancer, Hoseok followed for the lady behind her, his shoulder was aching because of the bag he have been carrying and the luggage was dragging behind him in his right hand.
They arrived on the fourth floor, when they walked inside Hoseok's mouth flew open seeing how many participants were sitting next to the studioroom, where they were supposed to dance to the legend, the king of pop, Hoseok could read in their faces how anxious and worried they were, if they would pass or should go back home, he could understand them completely.
„You can wait here sir, Michael Jackson will invite you in, your name will be called.“ the woman, who stood next to him mentioned him.
Hoseok nodded and he went to pick up his seat, letting his bag fly off his shoulder, the shoulder felt gratitude from the release of the pressure.
„may I get to you something, sir? Water or coffee?“ the woman asked him which Hoseok shook it off.
„No, thank you“ Hoseok said, the lady nodded then she left.
Hoseok took a look at the anxious people like him, some of them were practising, to keep their bodies warm and some of them were walking around the room nervously and the others just stood still like a petrified shape.
Hoseok got up he opened his bag picking up water bottle and took a small sip from it, he put the bottle back and he also started to warm up his body so he wouldn't mess anything up infront of his idol, it would feel so embarrassing if he messed up the most easier part.
He was dancing the most easier choreo he came up with, he made sure his body was all open to the most extreme moves, made sure everything worked out smoothly and perfect. He breathed out and made some rolls with his shoulder he saw the door click open and the participant rushed out of the room, head lowered, the face didn't explain the bestest news and she vanished like a wind.
Hoseok's heart limped, it was the moment he was afraid of the most, I hope it wont happen to me, I am the best dancer, I have been dancing for the longest time, I got this – he told himself with so much bravety and confidence built up in him.
„Jung Hoseok“ one of Michael's managers invited him. Hoseok nodded and he breathed out heavily, he shook the anxious feeling off his shoulders and he stepped inside to the room with a straight back and a confident attitude.
As he walked inside it felt like a new world was opened infront of his eyes, this is his moment, his time to shine, his chance to show who he really was, show his talents to the person, who got all the power, all talents in his hands, it was the most challenging experience for him.
Hoseok's eyes were adjust over the studio room he was in until his eyes found the person, who he was waiting for eternity to meet with and now he was there right few metres away from him, this feeling was so difficult to describe it was like all the fireworks went off, Hoseok felt like his body wanted to pull off a happy dance, his legs were craving to jump up to not feel the ground under his feet.
The 34 year old man was turned with a back towards Hoseok he walking talking one of his managers, Hoseok measuring his idol from head to toe, Michael's curly hair were tied into a ponytail, he was wearing sunglasses indoors, he was wearing a red flannel shirt which was tucked into his black jeans, he had white shocks and black shoes on.
Hoseok's eyes were as wide as the buttons they were sparkling with the most blissful light it expressed the most emotional feelings from his eyes. As Michael turned around, Hoseok covered his mouth because his jaw have been dropped for the longest time now, he couldn't believe his eyes that he was finally meeting the source of his inspiration and the reason he dances.
„Michael, ohmygod“ Hoseok took a breath before he started to speak to Michael while going closer to him. Michael smiled to him and reached out his hand for a handshake which Hoseok accepted and they shook hands.
„Welcome Jung Hoseok, pleasure to meet you!“ Hoseok heard Michael's soft and gentle voice ring in his ears, he could feel his touches, heard his voice, it all seemed to be like a dream, it couldn't be real.
„I'm the biggest fan of yours, I really love your just released album Dangerous, especially Bad, I love you so much, your existence and your music is the main reason I am here and how I found my passion for dancing, you have inspired me so much in life I'm so grateful, thank you!“ Hoseok kept blabbering without controlling what he said it all just comes out naturally.
Michael gave Hoseok one of the most sincerest and outstanding smile Hoseok's eyes have ever witnessed.
„Thank you so much for your support, it makes my heart to feel at ease that there are people, who actually adores my work, it makes me the happiest person in the world seeing when my music can help people to feel pure happiness and peace because thats all I want to accomplishment through my creativity to bring joy to the world“ Michael responded to Hoseok.
It gave Hoseok the most charming smile on his face.
„How old are you, Hoseok?“ Michael asked out of curiousity, forwning his eyebrows
„I'm 19 years old“ Hoseok answered to his question.
„Okay, you're quite young thats admirable“ Michael let out a sweet childlike chuckle
„So Hoseok, let me know when you're ready“ Michael said fixing his sunglasses sitting at the table where his managers were sitting their eyes fixing at the document under their nose.
Hoseok bit his lip anxious going to the centre of the stage where he was supposed to dance, he stood there for few seconds until his ears were meeting with the beginning of the beat, he recognized the song immediately, it was Michael Jackson's song „Bad“
Hoseok knew all of Michael Jackson's choreos so clearly and correctly, he have danced through all of his idol's choreos for multiple times, besides „bad“ was one of his favorite songs. It was obivious that they were about to play Michael's songs because they are looking for a backup dancer for his tour, who knew all his choreos from their sleep and knew how make their bodies flow with the body, through every beat and sound.
Hoseok was giving his absolute best, he gave all he got, all his energy, all his power, all his will, all his inspiration – everything. Michael's eyes were drilling closely at every single move Hoseok made, nodding along to the beat, to the flow Hoseok emitted.
Later the body took the ultimate control of him, it felt like he wasn't controlling his body, the body was controlling him, his body was feeling the beat, his body knew exactly the flow and the moves it could follow from beat to beat.
As the music stopped Hoseok was breathless, his body stopped right then when the music did, he looked towards his idol, he tried to see through Michael's expression he tried to understand the message of Michael's expression, it seemed to be so calm, so enlighted, so endearing.
Hoseok's heavy breathing was filling cutting silence after the music through the room, Hoseok's eyes never left Michael's, he tried to get any signal for what he was pouring out to the king of pop.
The everlasting silence kept on spreading, loudly and painfully. Michael was examing Hoseok carefully and thoughtfully.
Michael got up from his seat and he was walking towards Hoseok, it all felt like movie because everything was moving in slowmotion, each step Michael made, Hoseok heart rate rised with each step, the adrenaline was wilding in his veins, his blood was boiling up, what is he going to say?
Michael stopped right infront of Hoseok, he looked at him for the shortest while then he slowly took off his sunglasses to look at Hoseok into the eyes, Hoseok tried to control his heavy breathing, he bit his lip out of habit again, the anxiety was working on his body in the maximum level, his palms were sweating, he was collecting more water than he drank.
It took a while for Michael, until he started to speak: „I have never ever seen anyone, who could dance with his entire soul, entire heart, I could see you how you were forgetting everything around you, it was only you and the music, it looked like you were lost in your own world, your own fantasy and thats what I like the most about you, you are diving into the world you want to be the most and its when you are doing something what you passionately love, its dancing, its engraved into your heart, your body was blessed with the most fascinating talent, you are exactly the person I was looking for the longest time, you passed!“
Each breathtaking word from Michael left Hoseok speechless, he couldn't believe these genuine words were directed straight at him, it was impossible to actually realize that his idol is praising him to the heaven, telling him straight that he is the right one as a backup dancer.
„you passed“ were the words that keeps repeating in his heard, he couldn't believe it, his eyes were watery, an overwhelming bliss was washing over him.
„Honestly?“ Hoseok asked through tears he still couldn't believe he heard it right.
„Yes!“ Michael geniuely giggled a bit.
Hoseok started to bow many times infront of Michael breathing all of his thankfulness out on Michael. The king of pop laughed a bit and shook his head trying to stop Hoseok
„Please no need to, you are more than welcome!“ he said to Hoseok.
„I will work hard I promise to you!“ Hoseok said excitedly.
„You wouldn't even have to work hard on it because I know it all comes out from you naturally“ Michael gave a friendly pat on Hoseok's shoulder.
Hoseok bowed once again, he said 'thank you' for the very last time and he was about to leave to not keep others waiting.
„Wait!“ He heard Michael shout behind him, his hand which was about to land on a doorlink got untouched, he turned around to be faced once again with his idol.
„You're coming from South-Korea right?“ Michael asked Hoseok as he approached towards him. Hoseok nodded as a respond: „thats right!“
„Did you just arrive arrive in LA, before you came here?“ Michael asked him.
„I came here right when I arrived in LA, I didn't want to be late“ Hoseok said.
Michael nodded slowly: „Do you have a place where to stay at?“
Hoseok shook his head as a no.
„I'll rent you an apartment where you can stay, all expenses will be on me“ Michael told him he gave Hoseok some piece of papers.
„What?“ Hoseok was honestly shocked, he never believed the media talking bad things about Michael because they were always chasing for money but he was aware that Michael was the most selfless and caring person in the existense.
„one of my managers will get you there“ Michael told him.
Hoseok pouted a bit
„There's seriously no need to Michael“
„No its an honor for me, you need a place to stay, so please don't put so much thoughts on it, I am willing to make sure about your wellbeing“ Michael said with sincerity
„You're way too kind, Michael! Thank you a lots!“ Hoseok wiped away a single tear that was flowing down his cheek.
Michael smiled then he gave Hoseok a warm hug.
„I hope you will get used to it here quickly, if anything then I'm in a call away, its all in the paper plus your scheldue and your address“ Michael told Hoseok.
Hoseok nodded taking a quick look through the papers then he looked up at Michael he saw one of his security guards coming near them. Michael whispered something to the security and handed him something, probably the keys to Hoseok's new home.
The security looked up to Hoseok then nudged his head, signaling him to follow him.
„Have a great day Hoseok, I'll see you tomorrow!“ Michael waved at Hoseok, Hoseok smiled at Hoseok and waved back at him.
„Thank you for everything, Michael! See you!“
Hoseok picked up his bags and he followed behind Michael's security, they were heading to the limousine, it still felt like a dream for Hoseok, though he was the only one coming from the foreign country, he was the one who Michael loved the most from all the people his eyes have seen and decided to take good care of him. Hoseok could drive around with Michael's limousine and was able to reach out to Michael whenever he needed to,
When he got in to the limousine he actually tried pinching himself once but it made him realize that it was realize, he looked down at the papers and he was starting to look through them, there was the address of his apartment, the phone number of Michael and a scheldue of Dangerous Tour dates, the dates of his rehealsals with Michael and the introduction guide into his new career.
His dream was about to come true.