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Blood splatters coated the floor of an empty TV studio set. Soft classical music streamed out from an unseen orchestra, lilting and flowing in three time measures while the faint echoes of animated chattering could be heard from the straggling audience members leaving. Kim Soleum stood off to the side, his breaths coming in sharp and heavy. His hands trembled and his face was as pale as the faceless crew members rushing past him to clean up for the night.
He felt a large gloved hand land on his shoulder and a small gasp escaped him. Above him, a loud booming voice rang out.
[I’m terribly sorry for keeping you waiting, friend! Tonight’s broadcast caused quite a commotion. What a sensational performance, the ratings have never been higher! I really must thank you for yet another fantastic guest recommendation.]
Kim Soleum took a deep, steadying breath. The hand on his shoulder was a grounding presence amidst the chaos in his mind. His Good Friend was here. Tonight’s broadcast of the talk show was over. Kim Soleum was safe, far safer than he’d ever been compared to working at Daydream. Everything was okay.
[Precisely! You must understand that your contributions are crucial to the success of my show, and the accommodations have been suitable to your needs as a trusted crew member, wouldn’t you agree?]
Kim Soleum hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He felt the hand give a reassuring squeeze and a gentle shake. The host stepped forward then, his hands clasped behind his back as he looked out at the stage.
[Then surely my good friend can oblige to this legendary host’s request…]
Braun turned around to face him. He bowed deeply, extending his hand out in an over the top flourish.
[Mr. Soleum, may I have this dance?]
A week before the newest broadcast of Braun’s Late-Night Talk Show, Kim Soleum was filled with uncertainty. He sat at the edge of his armchair, his hands gripping the sides while he tried to resist the urge to jog his leg nervously. His eyes darted between the thinking emoticon on Braun’s screen and the list of potential guests in the host’s hands. The host himself was reclined back in his chair, one leg crossed elegantly over the other while his other hand rested against the bottom of his vintage television head. The list Kim Soleum provided contained an assortment of performance themed ghost stories and urban legends that Kim Soleum personally enjoyed reading in the Darkness Exploration Records. Surely at least one of them would be satisfactory for the empty slot in the talk show as well? Kim Soleum didn’t want to think about what would happen otherwise.
Braun cleared his throat, and Kim Soleum’s head snapped to attention. The emoticon on his screen had switched to a pleasant smile. He cocked his head to the side and spoke in a teasing tone.
[Mr. Soleum, are you feeling well? You seem nervous about something.]
Kim Soleum wanted to scream.
The host gasped in mock surprise, slapping a hand against the top of his screen dramatically.
[Oh! My friend must want to know my opinions of his guest recommendations. Well then, this Braun certainly won’t leave him in suspense for long! Let’s see here…]
He hummed a cheerful tune under his breath, flipping through the pages of the guest list at an agonizing pace. His antennas perked up in interest at one particular entry.
[Hmm…The Never-Ending Last Dance. Goodness Mr. Soleum, I never took you for a dancer!]
What? Kim Soleum stared at the host blankly, waving his hands while shaking his head.
“No, I…”
[Such entertaining potential…an interview on the joys and laments of dance on top of a live performance will certainly bring our audience to their feet! The costume design will be outstanding as well. Ballroom attire is quite fashionable and elegant. My friend certainly has excellent taste! And a multitude of exceptional talents, how truly fascina—]
“I can’t dance.”
Braun stopped in his tracks.
[Surely you’re being humble.]
“N-no…”
[...]
Kim Soleum shifted awkwardly in his seat. It couldn’t be helped, he had no particular reason to learn to dance in his world. Ballroom settings weren’t common in the modern times, and the only dancing people ever did at parties or bars mostly consisted of swaying hips and bobbing in place. Not that Kim Soleum participated in those either. Braun sighed indignantly and shook his head in dismay.
[Mr. Soleum! Any self-respecting showman must have some form of dancing in his repertoire! I will not stand for it, even a simple waltz will do. In fact, this Braun can teach you.]
Braun stood up, taking Kim Soleum’s hand and pulling him to his feet. Kim Soleum stuttered in protest.
“W-wait, Braun. I…appreciate the offer, but I’m only working backstage. I don’t need to learn how to waltz.”
Braun tutted as he brushed off some dust off of Kim Soleum’s suit and placed his hands on the man’s shoulders.
[That's nonsense, Friend! Performing a waltz is very simple, even a cheap advertiser could do it. Not to mention the versatility in having the ability to dance!]
With a small click, the host’s television screen began displaying various clips of shows and performances of all eras. An adrenaline-rushing dance competition against rival duos. A charismatic game show host dancing with the winning contestants in celebration. A romantic movie with the protagonists dancing alone under the stars. Even a cartoonish plush bunny and a deer danced together in the style of the old cartoons Kim Soleum watched late at night after work.
Thoughts swarmed through Kim Soleum’s head. He had to admit, it was true that there were plenty of Darknesses that involved dances in one form or another. He could already list several entries in the Darkness Exploration Records where the ability to ballroom dance would come in handy. Not only for performances, but as a demonstration of elegance and grace. A way of intimidation or a quick escape.
[And oh, Mr. Roe Deer…]
Braun’s voice dropped to a low whisper. He looked almost sheepish then. His screen switched off briefly, reflecting the apprehension on Kim Soleum’s face. Then, a pink plush bunny appeared. It pressed its hands against the glass, as if wanting to break through the TV screen and reach him.
It was the Good Friend, who was always right there in Kim Soleum’s front pocket. His friend who was present in all the dangerous and terrifying Darknesses that Kim Soleum faced. Who supplied him with the most titillating conversations and companionship through all his adventures and mishaps. He quite enjoyed the time he spent watching cartoons and talking with Braun. And now, Kim Soleum was right here working on the talk show with his good friend. He could spend all the time he wanted watching the stories he loved come to life from a safe distance.
His friend was here right in front of him now. They could talk as much as they liked anywhere Kim Soleum wanted, not just in the dark or within Darknesses while he was running for his life. Under the safety of his new home at Braun’s Late Night Talk Show studio, Kim Soleum could be at ease. He could spend quality time with his friend without fear. That’s what friends did, wasn’t it? And what if he learned to dance with the host?
Wouldn’t it be entertaining?
Wouldn’t it…
[Wouldn’t it be fun?]
Dazed, Kim Soleum slowly nodded.
“It would be fun.”
Braun clapped his hands together. His smiling emoticon appeared on his screen with a pop of confetti.
[That’s the spirit, Friend!]
The host paced around the backstage area, one hand behind his back while the other rubbed the bottom of his screen in deep thought.
[Goodness, where to begin? You will most certainly be learning the waltz, but what type? Viennese is quite popular, but the tempo can be much too fast for a beginner. Perhaps the slow waltz? Although that particular style is not as versatile in song choice. Country? Oh dear, definitely not on my show!]
Just how much did the television host know about waltzes? Or the extent of the ghost story’s knowledge in general? Kim Soleum wondered to himself, puzzling over the implications of supposedly omniscient ghost story entities in the Darkness Exploration Records until his thoughts were broken by the snap of fingers.
[Ah, of course! The American Waltz, a more theatrical and free-form variant! Now let this Braun teach you the beginning steps. Watch closely…]
Kim Soleum looked up to see a cheerful instructional video begin to play on Braun’s screen. A well-dressed backstage staff member of the late night talk show stood front and center, his smiling expression standing out boldly amidst the faceless crew milling about. It was Kim Soleum. He bowed and turned around to face his brown-suited dance partner, whose head was cut off by the screen from his height. Slow piano music played in the background while a meter tapped out counts of three.
1…2…3…
1…2…3…
1…2…3…
Mesmerized, Kim Soleum watched himself walk through the movements with careful grace. Slowly, he took a step. Then another. His own feet began to match the man on the screen. Right foot back, left foot sliding to his left, right foot closing back to meet with his left.
[Excellent! Now let’s try these steps in live action. What luck, this legendary host will be your most dutiful partner!]
The host took one of Kim Soleum’s hands in his, interlacing their fingers together. Kim Soleum shivered at the warmth emanating from the ghost story’s hands. He moved Kim Soleum’s hand onto his shoulder while settling his hand under his arm. Feeling him tense, Braun loosened his grip slightly. He spoke in a calming voice.
[Relax, friend. The studio has been cleared and the crew has long been dismissed until the next day’s filming. There is only us here.]
Kim Soleum took a deep breath. He could smell the fragrance of foreign cologne and the hint of copper underneath. Up close, the overhead lights reflected off the dials on Braun’s head and his spotless television screen. There wasn’t a single speck of dust on the host’s tailor fit brown three-piece suit. The heels of his dress shoes clicked against the studio floor, and as Kim Soleum followed the waltz steps, he found that the television host was expertly matching his pace. Whenever he began to stumble, Braun pulled him back with ease and a quiet murmur of reassurance. He felt himself relax, drifting in the host’s arms while his feet matched the steps on autopilot. Light classical music continued to play above them, and his mind began to count out the steps on his own.
1…2…3…
1…2…3…
1…2…3…
[Goodness! You’ve improved considerably, Mr. Soleum!]
Had he been improving that quickly? Kim Soleum could no longer tell how much time had passed since he first agreed to learn to waltz from Braun. Yet every evening, after the broadcaster had wrapped up his final late night interview and all his faceless staff were hard at work taking down sets and mopping the blood-stained floors, Kim Soleum was led into a secluded corner backstage, empty save for a single record player on an elegant side table. It became their own intimate ritual, Braun and his good friend exchanging pleasantries before taking each other’s hands and dancing to their song of choice for the night.
The host was teaching him more advanced moves now, with additional complex spins and turns. He led Kim Soleum through an underarm turn, pushing him through and sending him into a spin. Kim Soleum’s vision swam as he turned, his heart racing at the sudden rush of disorientation until yank! A sturdy hand reeled him back like a lifeline and pulled him close against the host’s chest. His hand returned back on Braun’s shoulder, Braun’s gloved hand back under his arm. Their hands intertwined together where they belonged. Where Kim Soleum belonged.
A smile slowly spread across Kim Soleum’s face.
“This is fun.”
[Isn’t it? I’m glad!]
His feet synced with the host’s, every step swaying in time with the rise and fall of the sweeping orchestral music. His heart beat alongside the steady rhythm, and the instrumentals surged through unseen speakers and into his mind. He felt himself drifting, his thoughts slipping away into soothing static. There was only sound and movement, rhythm and flow. He could hardly keep his eyes open. His limbs grew heavier and heavier, causing him to trip over his feet. Kim Soleum felt the dizzy vertigo of falling before the soft landing in Braun’s waiting arms. The host’s screen loomed over him with mild concern. He cupped the side of Kim Soleum’s face, brushing the loose strands of hair out of his glazed eyes.
[Oh dear, my friend must have overexerted himself. As expected from such a hardworking performer! Shall we take a break?]
He started to shake his head and push himself up, but he stumbled and fell back against Braun’s chest again. Exhaustion coursed through his veins. How long had it been since he took a proper break? It hadn’t mattered much while he was assisting Braun with the talk show. And all the other faceless crew members seemed to rarely take breaks either, strangely enough. He felt himself being carried to a nearby sofa, a bottle of cold water pressed into his hands. Braun’s voice sounded like a distant echo, growing fainter still. Something about rest and resetting the scene…
Kim Soleum blinked.
A brightly lit dressing room greeted his eyes. Shiny metal racks were lined with an assortment of high end suits of all different styles. Three-pieces hung next to double-breasted, slim fits next to tweeds. There didn’t seem to be an apparent arrangement, yet there was an uncanny sense of organization among the cachophony of colors and patterns. Some carried mysterious dark stains, and Kim Soleum swore he saw the sleeve of another twitch slightly. Standing off to the right, Braun was closely examining a clean black and white tuxedo, humming a familiar tune from a show under his breath while his back was turned.
Kim Soleum sat up in his chair and stretched his legs. He paused, thinking hard for a moment. Wasn’t he on a sofa before? Or was that on a different day? Did he pass out? But he felt perfectly fine. Nothing ever harmed his wellbeing while working on Braun’s Late Night Talk Show. It had the perfect working conditions and all the safety and security he valued as an employee. But then what happened before? He was practicing the waltz with Braun, and happened to overwork just a bit. But why? This wasn’t what he signed up to do when he chose to work on the talk show. He was supposed to be working on guest lineups and arranging the set. Why was he dancing with a ghost story?
The sound of Braun clearing his throat interrupted Kim Soleum’s thoughts, and he looked up to see the host staring intently at him. He raised a gloved hand in front of his face.
[Mr. Soleum.]
A chill went down his spine.
“Y-yes?”
A steaming mug materialized in Braun’s hand. The smell of hot chocolate wafted under Kim Soleum’s nose as he was handed the drink. Taking a careful sip, he breathed a heavy sigh and felt his shoulder start to relax. He looked up to see Braun standing over him with his hands on his hips in mock disapproval.
[You must tell me if you need to take a break next time. Goodness, what sort of legendary host would allow a crew member to work himself to exhaustion like that? This Braun deeply apologizes, I will tend to your needs more closely from now on.]
Kim Soleum took another sip and nodded. He didn’t really mind, it was nothing compared to the injuries he recovered from while working on the Darkness Exploration Team. Still, it felt nice to be taken care of in a supportive workplace. He shifted his gaze towards the racks of suits.
“Is that for the upcoming show?”
Braun clasped his hands together, an excited emoji appearing on his screen.
[Correct as always, Friend! Our guests tonight will need lots of care and attention towards their proper attire before their performance. As for you…]
The emoji on Braun’s screen turned to a frown as he scrutinized the selection of clothing in front of him.
[How peculiar, I’ve yet to find something that would suit my good friend. But not to worry! This Braun will certainly find—]
“I’d…like to stay in the suit I usually wear, if that’s alright.”
[Ah.]
Kim Soleum saw Braun’s shoulders tense and quickly added.
“I just don’t want to draw attention to myself. The guests and their host should be the stars, not me.”
Braun thought for a moment, and nodded.
[Very well! Nothing beats the original, I suppose. And it’s certainly better than that drab uniform you were wearing for that company!]
Kim Soleum laughed weakly. It was a relief that he wouldn’t have to wear anything over the top. With all the ghost stories that frequented Braun’s Late Night Talk Show, the last thing he wanted while being employed as a crew member was to stand out.
The host clapped him on the shoulder with a boisterous laugh. He checked the time, and his antennas sprang up in alarm.
[Goodness! Where has the time gone? The broadcast will be starting soon.]
He stepped out of the dressing room, waving back at his companion.
[Tonight’s show will be magnificent, Mr. Soleum!]
The television host beamed as raucous applause filled the stage. Tonight’s audience was dressed in formal suits and gowns. Before the people in the audience could register where exactly they were sitting, they were overcome by the surge of magnificent orchestral music that blasted through the studio. They ooh’ed and ahh’ed at the sparkling chandeliers overhead casting iridescent light against their glittering crystals.
[Allow me to introduce tonight’s most esteemed performers of…‘The Never-Ending Last Dance’!]
Bright spotlights descended down on the TV studio. The armchairs and podiums had cleared, leaving an open area in the middle of the stage. A group of waltzing ballroom dancers gracefully glided in, all donning extravagant tailored suits and frilly ballgowns seemingly set in Middle Age Europe. Their swift steps synced with their respective partners, twirling in time to the music. The costuming and makeup department had done a remarkable job. From afar, they seemed like a professional dance troupe lost in time under the lights of the television studio.
But from where Kim Soleum stood on the side, he could see the dark splotches on the dresses. The dancers wore pale, gaunt faces and listless looks in their eyes. Their movements, although seamless and precise, carried a heavy gait to them. One of the dancers stumbled, but was immediately pulled back to their feet and forcibly continued to dance without skipping a beat. Blood pooled from a few of the dancers’ shoes, and Kim Soleum had to quickly avert his gaze. Their feet were worn down, leaving stumps that squelched with every step.
The Never-Ending Last Dance.
An entry in the Darkness Exploration Records reporting an urban legend phenomenon reaching as far as the early sixteenth century. Starting from a single woman dancing in the streets of a European village, an uncontrollable dancing plague spread throughout several households, causing several casualties of people dancing until they collapsed and ultimately died of sheer exhaustion. Over time, the Darkness had evolved to take on a more formal theme over time, spontaneously appearing during the last dance of large ballroom parties, forcing guests to waltz in a final dance long after their deaths.
A timeless yet dignified performance befitting a live stage for the masses.
Braun continued with the interview, asking the dancers that passed by various questions about the styles of dances they preferred and the nicest venues they performed at. The viewers laughed and clapped along to the music, some even shouting out music requests for the orchestra to play.
[Oh my! Our audience seems to be more energetic than usual tonight, folks! Could it be…they’d like to join our lovely performers onstage?]
Kim Soleum froze. This shouldn’t be happening.
The audience cheered louder than ever. They pushed and shoved, scrambling over each other to reach the stage as if pulled by an invisible force. As soon as they were within a few feet of the performers, the audience members immediately paired up with one another and began to waltz in perfect synchronization, as if they’d learned how to do so their entire lives. As the people dancing slowly realized they could no longer leave, panic entered their eyes and their smiles were pulled taut on their faces.
Pushing past the curtains, Kim Soleum tugged at Braun’s sleeve. The host turned to him and cocked his head to the side.
[Oho?]
[Does my friend wish to join tonight’s live performance as well?]
No!
These people were going to die!
[Though I suppose your insistence of not being seen on stage must still be honored. Well, if I must!]
The blinding stage lights made Kim Soleum look away. He heard the snap of fingers, and felt the familiar feeling of a shadow covering him. Before he could say anything, a hand grabbed Kim Soleum’s arm and tugged him on stage. His feet moved of their own accord, yet the silver ring on his finger still remained intact. The other dancers seemed to stray further away from Braun. When Kim Soleum looked back, the host’s screen displayed the brightest smile.
[Mr. Roe Deer, you truly are unlike anyone else I’ve met. And I run a talk show!]
Out of the corner of his eye, Kim Soleum saw one of the dancers start to reach for him. A loud snap rang out, and the dancer burst into flames screaming in agony as she collapsed to the floor. Braun spun him around, hiding him from the view of the audience as he continued speaking.
[The vigor, the ecstatic enthusiasm in your eyes! The passion and conviction you held towards the true heart of my quiz show amidst all the unforeseen changes paved the way to the insurmountably successful talk show! This Braun will never forget that.]
The music rose to a crescendo. Braun pushed Kim Soleum into a low dip, his screen meeting his lips in a gentle kiss. He felt the press of glass and static, the overwhelming buzz emanating from the host overtaking all his senses and the indescribable wave of sheer satisfaction like finishing a show that reached its perfect finale.
Kim Soleum’s mind went blank.
He found himself standing at the edge of the studio, gasping for air. The waltz performers were gone, as was the audience. Around him, faceless crew members courteously brushed past him to clean up the leftover blood stains that littered the main stage. One of them was sweeping away the remnants of what seemed to be a dismembered limb.
Only the legendary host remained, his hand still outstretched in invitation.
[Mr. Soleum, may I have this dance?]
He remembered Braun’s hand on his shoulder, thanking him for the guest recommendation. And the broadcast as well, the dancing and the commotion. And Braun waltzing with him before pulling him in for a—
A blush spread across Kim Soleum’s face. His lips tingled with the sensation of faint static.
What happened after that?
Braun’s voice grew soft.
[Friend?]
For a moment, Kim Soleum felt a sense of deja vu. Something had gone wrong. It was the same feeling when he stood frozen in yet another Darkness his team was thrust into.
But as he gazed into the light of the television host’s screen, he couldn’t seem to find anything amiss. Nothing was wrong. He wasn’t facing off with a dangerous Darkness. He was helping his good friend with his talk show.
None of this was real. It was all part of the show.
And Braun—his friend, was there right next to him.
As he always was. As he always did no matter what form he took.
Slow waltz music continued to play overhead. Kim Soleum reached out and took Braun’s proffered hand with a small smile.
And they waltzed together under the twinkling studio lights.
