The gym was buzzing, your laughter blending into the echo of weights clinking and sneakers squeaking on the polished floor. You leaned against the mirror wall, scrolling through your phone when Clara burst out laughing beside you.

“Come on,” she said, shoving her phone into your face. A video of two friends awkwardly doing that “Put My Hands on Your Hips” TikTok trend played. You groaned, shaking your head.

“No way. That’s ridiculous.” “It’ll go viral! Plus, I bet you’d nail it,” she teased, dragging you to an empty corner.

Reluctantly, you agreed. She positioned her phone on a bench, angling it just right. You followed the rhythm, swaying slightly before placing your hands on your hips. Clara, dramatic as ever, exaggerated her part, dipping low to the beat. It was perfectly silly — until the second verse hit.

Someone else’s hand slid over yours.

The warmth and gentle weight froze you mid-motion. Your breath hitched, and Clara, clearly in on this, grinned mischievously as she spun away, leaving you alone to deal with… whoever this was.

You turned to find him. Dark-eyed, tall, and effortlessly handsome. Clara’s mysterious “friend” she wouldn’t shut up about.

“Henry?” you stammered, and his smile tilted a little too confidently. “What are you doing?”

“Helping you finish the trend,” he replied, his deep voice laced with humor. His hands still rested lightly on your hips. “I heard the assignment needed a bit of… authenticity.”

Your cheeks burned as Clara laughed behind the camera. You looked down, trying to regain your footing, but he leaned closer, lowering his voice so only you could hear.

“Next time you film something like this, let me know. I wouldn’t mind being your partner again.”

“It’s perfect. You two look… too good together!”

Henry didn’t seem inclined to leave. His hands dropped, lingering at your sides before finally stepping back.

“That’s going on your account, right?” he asked Clara.

“Nope,” Clara said sweetly. “Hers.”

Henry’s grin widened, and you swore you’d kill Clara. Later. Maybe.