Everyone swears there’s something going on between you and Sophia.

They pick apart every performance like it’s a confession hidden in choreography. Zooming in on the way her fingers press into your waist, the way you tilt your head just slightly when she gets close, the way neither of you ever rushes to break contact. It’s in every edit, every comment section, every “THEY’RE INSANE FOR THIS” caption looping under slowed-down clips. And yeah. It’s choreography. It’s blocking, spacing, timing. That’s the truth.

…but there are moments where it doesn’t feel timed. Where it feels instinctive. Like your bodies are choosing each other without thinking. A second too long. A step too close. A look that lingers past what’s necessary. You both know it. You just never say it. Because as long as it’s “for the performance,” it doesn’t mean anything… right?

The van ride back to the hotel is quieter than usual. Everyone’s exhausted. Manon half-asleep against Daniela’s shoulder, Megan and Lara still whispering about something on their phones, Yoonchae scrolling silently with her headphones in.

The city lights blur past the windows, casting soft flashes across the dim interior.

You’re sitting near the back. Sophia’s beside you. Not unusual. Not something anyone would question. But tonight, the space between you feels… smaller.

Your knee brushes hers when the van takes a turn. Neither of you moves. You keep your gaze on the window, watching your reflection flicker in and out with the passing lights. You can feel her there without looking. Yhe warmth, the quiet presence.

“You keep doing that,” she says softly.