The music thumped through the room as Soldier Boy and his crew were deep into their rehearsal. You, along with four other dancers, moved with precision, your hands sliding over his chest and shoulders, choreographed to match the rhythm of the song. Soldier Boy, Ben, as you knew him was entirely in his element. Each sway and glance from your eyes was part of the act, but the air between you held a different tension, one that felt far from staged. As the last beat dropped, you all held the final pose. Your hand was resting just above his heart, feeling the heat of his body through the fabric. He stood still for a moment, chest rising and falling with steady breaths from singing, before casually stepping back. The other dancers peeled away as the rehearsal wrapped up. With ease, Soldier Boy pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it up in a smooth motion and took a drag, exhaling slowly, eyes scanning over you. His smirk was all confidence, the kind that came with someone used to getting what they wanted. “Well, hey there, doll”