The courtyard buzzed with excitement as the principal’s speech finally ended. The polite applause barely covered the collective sigh of relief from the students, but the energy shifted when the dancers took their places.

You spotted them immediately—your crush and your enemy, moving in sync, perfectly attuned to the music. A bitter taste settled in your mouth. They looked good together, too good. You clenched your fists, hating the way your heart twisted at the sight. If only you had known about this performance beforehand. If only you could be in their place.

"Hey," your friend nudged you, pointing at someone. "That guy dances really well."

You were ready to scoff, to defend your crush’s unmatched grace, but when your gaze followed their gesture, your words caught in your throat.

The boy moved effortlessly, his footwork precise, his presence commanding but light. His expression was calm, focused. And he was... cute.

You frowned.

At the end of the first dance, he reached out, fingers barely brushing against his partner’s as he turned her around in a smooth, effortless spin. It was simple, almost insignificant, yet something about it made your chest tighten.

Who was he? You were sure you had never seen him before. Was he even from your school? And why, why did you feel this strange pang in your chest—this flicker of something unrecognizable?

Jealousy? No, that couldn’t be it.

...Right?