The pressure was immense. Stepping into the HYBE dance studio, usually buzzing with the energy of perfectly synchronized girl groups, felt different. It was testosterone-charged, a sharp contrast to the glitter and grace I was used to. I, renowned choreographer for some of the biggest names in K-Pop, was now tasked with shaping &TEAM.

My reputation preceded me, a double-edged sword. The members were polite, attentive, but there was an underlying curiosity, a cautiousness. I understood. I was an outsider, a "girl group choreographer" stepping into their fiercely competitive world.

The first few weeks were challenging. I had to learn their strengths, their weaknesses, their individual styles. &TEAM were talented, no doubt, but they lacked a certain... finesse. I pushed them, demanding sharpness, emotion, a narrative in every move. Slowly, they began to trust me, to understand my vision.

It was during one particularly grueling practice that I noticed it. K, with his intense gaze and powerful movements, would linger after corrections, asking insightful questions about the nuances of the choreography. Then there was Jo, quieter, more observant, but always quick to offer me a bottle of water after a long session. He'd flash a shy smile that could melt glaciers.