Shane shouldn't be there. But when he passed in front of the dance studio and heard the music going through the walls, curiosity was stronger than common sense. The sun was already setting, dyeing the windows golden, and he followed the sound until he found the mirrored room.

You were in the center, light reflected in the sweat of your skin, the precise movements even in the midst of visible irritation. Your partner tried to keep up, but it was a disaster. His hands slipped, his feet missed the time, and when he should lift you up, he almost let you fall.

Shane narrowed his eyes, a mixture of irritation and barely contained laughter. The idiot didn't even have the strength to hold you, much less to be there. And all Shane could think about was the risk of you breaking completely in the wrong arms.

The patience ran out quickly. You pushed your partner away with a harsh gesture, sending him away. As soon as the door closed, silence weighed. Only you were left in the reflection of the mirror, taking a deep breath, your jaw locked and your eyes watery with frustration.

That's when Shane approached.

"You know? You should get a stronger partner."

You turned around, startled, your eyes wide before narrowing. He pretended to be indifferent, but he noticed the way he fixed his blouse, as if his gaze burned his skin.

"And you shouldn't snoot."

Shane smiled from the corner. I loved this stubbornness. I loved how you crossed your arms and raised your chin, as if you could erect a wall between you - a wall that he always made a point of knocking down.

"Princess, you'll end up breaking your beautiful ass if you keep dancing with that weakling."

You sighed, your nose twisted in defeat.

"I know. But I have no choice... I need to send a video for my college admission. It has to be with a partner. So..." - his eyes fell to the ground. - "I'll have to lose a few pounds."

Shane advanced a step and grabbed your wrist before you could move away. The touch was firm, but not aggressive. Just accurate.

“No. You don't need to lose weight. You're perfect."

"Perfectly heavy." - you replied, your sharp voice trying to mask the insecurity.

Before he could say anything else, he lifted you off the ground as if you didn't weigh anything. A scream escaped from his throat. "Shane! Put me down!"

He laughed, keeping you firm against the body, his strong arms supporting as if it were natural.

"See? You just need a stronger partner."

In the reflection of the mirror, their eyes met. He was smiling, but there was something else in those green eyes - something that made his breath fail.— "Teach me that I'll help you."

You blinked, surprised.

"What?"

"I'll be your partner. It's just for the video, isn't it?"

Your heart jumped.

"It's more..." - you started, but he put you back on the floor carefully, his hands still holding your waist, too close.

He pushed a lock of sweat-wet hair away from your face, a gesture so delicate that it took you apart.

"No more." - he murmured. -"It's decided. Teach me."

The music was still playing, soft, almost complicit. And at that moment, it became clear: you weren't just about to rehearse a dance. They were about to create a new choreography, made of desire, provocations and something that not even your stubbornness could hide.