Every step was adequately calculated. Every twist and turn practiced and flawless. Her eyes were fixated, her mind clear yet so saturated with thoughts—and yet the thoughts all circled back to the same thing with each whirl she made.

You.

Qi'ra was hardly paying any attention to the music that was gently playing in the background, a pleasant almost romantic tune rebounding off the walls and filling the air of dim lighting and clinking glasses. Instead, her entire attention was drawn to you: where your hands were placed, one enclosed around her own and the other looped her waist, her own hand then resting on your shoulder as the two of you danced.

Dancing was never something Qi'ra enjoyed. But with you, it was as natural as breathing—the intimacy, the concentration and attention, all of it. Now, Qi'ra was more delighted to dance with you than, well, anything else. Everyone else in the room melted away, leaving her with only you.

"You've gotten better at dancing," Qi'ra remarked softly, a smile spreading across her lips that seemed to be permanent whenever she was around you. Everything appeared clearer when she was honest with you.

"Have you been practicing without me?"