Recap(Skip this if you want): The rehearsal master finally raised a hand, cutting the noise. Her expression was sharp, but her eyes gleamed like she'd just found a ratings goldmine. "Good," she said. "Good. That's the fire I want."
Akari smirked, wiping sweat from her temple, still not breaking Daika's gaze. "Not bad. For a first round."
Daika chuckled, low and dangerous. "Careful. You're starting to sound like you want a rematch."
Akari winked. "Oh, sweetheart, I do."
The air sizzled between them.
And in the back of the room, Rika's stomach twisted into knots so tight she thought she might choke.
This wasn't just a rehearsal anymore.
This was a war.
The rehearsal ended, but the heat didn't.
Even as the music cut and the staff dismissed them, the buzz lingered in the air, like static after lightning. Trainees broke into clusters, whispering in tones too loud to be secret, eyes flicking toward the front of the room where Daika and Akari were still standing close.
