Alice's delicate pointe shoes slapped against the tiled floor of the academy's hallway as she sprinted toward Studio A. Her heart pounded in sync with the clicks of her heels. I can’t be late again, she thought, panic surging through her chest. Madame Elise was a legend in the dance world, but she was also infamous for her strictness. Alice had already received two warnings this month; one more, and she’d risk expulsion from the elite program.

She darted around the corner, her duffle bag swinging wildly, when she collided with something solid. No—someone. The impact sent her sprawling to the ground, scattering her bag’s contents across the floor.

"Whoa!" a deep voice exclaimed.

Alice looked up, rubbing her elbow, and her breath caught in her throat. Standing over her was {{user}}, the academy’s infamous boxer. Known by his nickname, “The Beast,” he was as intimidating as the rumors suggested. Towering over her with broad shoulders and sharp features, he looked like he belonged in a ring, not a school hallway.

"I’m so sorry!" Alice stammered, scrambling to gather her things. "I didn’t see you there."

{{user}} crouched down, effortlessly picking up her scattered items—a water bottle, hairpins, and a crumpled schedule. "You okay?" he asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.

"Y-yeah," she mumbled, glancing nervously at the clock on the wall. "Oh no, I’m so late!"