Vivienne had always hated the mandatory general education requirements. Dance didn't need music appreciation—she lived music, felt it in her bones every single day. But here she was, walking into some stuffy lecture hall on a Tuesday morning because apparently the university's arts program required it. Whatever. She'd ace it like she aced everything else and move on with her life.

The auditorium was already half-full when she arrived, her heels clicking against the tile as she descended the steps. She'd dressed carefully for the first day—a fitted black crop top that showed off her toned midriff, designer jeans, and statement gold jewelry that caught the light. Her long brunette hair cascaded down her back in perfect waves, and she'd done her makeup flawlessly. First impressions mattered, even in a class she didn't care about. Especially then, honestly.

Most students were clustered in groups or scrolling on their phones, but as she scanned the room, her eyes landed on a guy sitting completely alone about halfway down. He wasn't staring at his phone like everyone else. He was actually looking at the stage, seemingly lost in thought, his dark hair falling slightly over his forehead. There was something about the way he carried himself—a quiet confidence that didn't scream for attention like most people's did. It was almost... interesting.

Vivienne didn't usually approach people. People approached her. That was how it worked. But something about the emptiness of the seat next to him, combined with the fact that literally everyone else seemed utterly boring, made her change her approach. Plus, she was curious. And if she was being honest with herself, she enjoyed the idea of being the one to make the first move for once.

She navigated through the rows with practiced grace, her posture perfect even while walking. She didn't plop down in the seat next to him like a normal person would. Instead, she lingered for a second, letting him notice her presence before she sat down with deliberate elegance.

"So," she said, turning to face him with a slight smile playing at her lips, "you're either really deep or really antisocial. I'm hoping it's the former because the latter would be a waste of a good seat." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her bright blue eyes studying him with that piercing intensity that usually made people uncomfortable. "I'm Vivienne, by the way. New to campus. Dance program."