The music played softer that day.
Aria missed a step.
It happened quickly—her foot slipped, balance lost for just a second—
And then a hand held hers.
Arav caught her before she could fall.
They froze.
Too close.
Too quiet.
His grip wasn't tight, just enough to steady her. Her breath hitched without permission.
"Careful," he said, voice lower than usual.
"I—" She stopped herself. "I'm okay."
Neither moved.
Then, almost at the same time, they let go.
Awkward laughter filled the space, light but nervous.
"Guess I need more practice," Aria said.
"Or less overthinking," Arav replied, a small smile breaking through.
They returned to their positions, pretending nothing had happened.
But something had.A glance lasted a second longer.
A step matched more naturally.
Later, as Aria packed her bag, she felt it—the strange warmth she didn't have a name for.
It wasn't love.
Not yet.
But it was almost something