---
Hazel tapped her foot impatiently outside the dorm gates. A sleek car finally pulled up, and she let out a sigh of relief.
"Finally." She slid into the passenger seat.
"Vorden, you said you'd give me a lift to my dance class. I didn't expect your whole fan club to be tagging along," she said, side-eyeing the group of giggling girls in the back.
Vorden gave her a sheepish look. "I'm sorry. They just keep showing up at my house asking for rides. What was I supposed to do?"
Hazel rolled her eyes. "Well, just step on it. Dior's waiting for me, and I don't want to be late."
"Alright, alright. Geez." He chuckled, pressing on the gas.
One of the girls leaned forward, whispering to Hazel with a dreamy sigh. "He's so hot, right?"
Hazel forced a laugh. "Right…" She quickly turned to stare out the window, wishing the ride would end.
The moment they arrived at the studio, Hazel bolted out. "Bye, Vorden!" she yelled, already dashing inside before she had to endure more weird comments.
"Good morning, Miss Samantha. Sorry I'm late!" Hazel bowed slightly as she entered the class.
Samantha gave her a short nod. "It's fine. Take your seat."
Hazel slipped into the seat behind Kaden, who turned around and slid a burger and a can of Coke toward her.
"Eat this. You look like you skipped breakfast."
"Thanks," Hazel muttered gratefully, taking a bite.
On stage, Group A was already preparing for their performance. Dior leaned close to Hazel and whispered, "I really hope she likes our choreography, babe."
"Don't worry. She will," Hazel reassured her with a small smile. "Oh, by the way—Vorden said hi to you."
Dior snorted. "Let me guess—he gave you a ride, and his car was filled with girls?"
Hazel sighed. "Exactly. School hasn't even officially resumed, and he already has a fan club."
"Well, he is a playboy. Forget him. Focus on our performance." Dior patted her arm.
"Fine. By the way, are you free today? Maybe you can show me a few cheerleading moves."
"Of course." Dior grinned. "But more importantly, how are you and Vorden celebrating your twentieth birthday tomorrow?"
Hazel shrugged. "I don't know about Vorden, but me? I'm just going to sleep."
Dior groaned. "Babe! You can't just sleep! You're turning twenty!"
"Let it go," Hazel said with a tired smile.
Samantha's voice rang out. "Group C, you're next."
Hazel stood with Dior, Kaden, Mia, and Jack—the five members of their group.
"Everyone, deep breath," Kaden said, motivating them. "Don't get nervous. Just do what we do best—dance."
He stepped forward, announcing, "We'll be performing Money by LALISA."
The music hit, and the group exploded into motion. Their moves were sharp, controlled, yet brimming with power. By the final chorus, Kaden and Jack lifted Dior high and tossed her into the air. She spun into a perfect triple flip, and they caught her with flawless timing. The group struck their ending pose as the room erupted in applause.
Samantha's approving nod was almost a smile. "Well done. All of you pass. Kaden, you remain Rank 2. Hazel, still Rank 1. Dior, you've moved up to Rank 7. Mia, you're still Rank 3. Jack, Rank 5. Your group's score is now 1150, which places you at Rank 3 overall."
Dior's grin was radiant. "We did it! A perfect score! We're really improving!"
Hazel nodded calmly. "We're closer to our goal. With just a little more effort—"
"Don't push yourself too hard," Kaden cut in, smiling. "You're already Rank 1."
"You're right," Hazel chuckled softly.
When class ended, some students left, but Dior, Hazel, Mia, and Kaden stayed back to practice.
Dior demonstrated a quick move for Hazel. To her surprise, Hazel nailed it instantly.
"You're unbelievable. I show you once, and you've already mastered it. You need to audition someday."
Hazel shook her head, laughing. "Nah. Cheerleading is enough for me. Dancing with you guys is all I need."
"That reminds me." Dior dug into her bag and pulled out a small box. "Early birthday gift."
Hazel opened it and gasped. "Makeup?"
"I spent all my savings on it, but seeing your face now—it's worth it."
Hazel hugged her. "Are you kidding? I love it. I've never worn makeup before, so you'll have to teach me."
"Of course." Dior smiled brightly.
Later, back at their dorm, Dior spent the whole day showing Hazel how to apply makeup. By evening, Dior collapsed onto the bed dramatically.
"Eight hours, Hazel! Eight! You learn dance moves in one minute, but makeup? You're hopeless."
Hazel laughed. "Guess I wasn't born for makeup. Let me cook dinner to make up for it. Crepes with basil pesto?"
"Perfect."
After dinner, they both fell asleep, exhausted but happy.
---
The Next Morning
"Happy birthday, Hazel!" Dior cheered, shaking her awake. "Now hurry up—we're going out."
"Didn't you say you spent all your money on my gift?" Hazel raised a brow.
"I did. But Vorden's taking us out today."
Hazel quickly bathed and dressed, slipping on the necklace her parents had given her. "I'm ready."
They stepped outside, spotting Vorden on his phone. He looked up immediately.
"Happy birthday, Hazel."
"Thanks," Hazel smiled.
"Happy birthday!" Dior chimed in.
Vorden hugged Hazel before stepping back. "Alright, let's go celebrate. Since you love music and dancing, I figured we'd hit a club tonight."
Hazel's eyes lit up. "That actually sounds perfect."
"Oh, and this is for you." Vorden handed her the latest audition drumsticks.
Hazel gasped. "No way! I love them. Thank you!"
"And this is from me," Hazel said, passing him a signed novel.
"Signed by your favorite author? You're the best, Hazel." He hugged her again.
Dior grinned and handed him a small bag. "And this is from me—latest video game."
"You guys…" Vorden smiled, pulling them both into a hug. "Thanks so much."
They laughed, broke apart, and slid into the car together—ready to make Hazel's twentieth birthday one she would never forget.
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