TO HEAVEN WITH YOU

Ari and Mia's newfound closeness felt fragile yet comforting. They spent more time together, talking openly and working through their emotions. One evening, as they lounged in the living room, Ari decided to broach a topic that had been on her mind for a while.

"Mia," Ari began tentatively, "can I ask you something about Max?"

Mia looked up from her phone, curiosity piqued. "Sure, what is it?"

Ari hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I've noticed a certain... chemistry between you two when you dance together. Do you like him?"

Mia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she fidgeted with her phone. "Max and I... it's complicated, Ari. I don't know what to make of it."

Ari leaned forward, her interest piqued. "What do you mean?"

Mia sighed, setting her phone aside. "Max is a great dancer, and we do have a connection on the dance floor. But off the floor... things are different. He doesn't give me the attention I need. Sometimes, it feels like I'm invisible to him."

Ari frowned, feeling a protective surge for her sister. "Have you talked to him about how you feel?"

Mia shook her head. "No. I'm scared he'll just brush it off or think I'm being too needy. And after everything with Leo... I'm not sure I can handle more rejection."

Ari reached out, taking her sister's hand. "You deserve someone who sees you, Mia. Someone who appreciates you for who you are. Maybe you should try talking to Max. You might be surprised by his response."

Mia looked thoughtful, her eyes distant. "I don't know, Ari. What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

Ari squeezed her hand gently. "You'll never know unless you try. And even if it doesn't work out, at least you'll have clarity. You'll know where you stand."

Mia nodded slowly, considering her sister's words. "Maybe you're right. I'll think about it."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Leo had come over to hang out, and Ari felt her heart skip a beat at the sight of him. Mia, however, seemed more composed, her emotions carefully guarded.

As the evening progressed, they all chatted and laughed, the tension from the past weeks gradually easing. At one point, Leo pulled Ari aside, sensing her need for a private moment.

"How are things with Mia?" he asked softly, his concern evident.

Ari smiled, appreciating his thoughtfulness. "Better. We're talking more and working through things. She opened up about Max, and I think she might talk to him about her feelings."

Leo nodded, his expression relieved. "That's good to hear. Mia deserves to find her own happiness."

Ari agreed, feeling a sense of hope. "Yeah, she does. And I think she's getting there, slowly but surely."

The next day at the studio, Mia found herself dancing with Max, their movements synchronized and fluid. As they finished their routine, she hesitated, unsure if she should speak up. But Ari's words echoed in her mind, urging her to find clarity.

"Max, can we talk for a minute?" Mia asked, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her stomach.

Max looked at her curiously, wiping sweat from his brow. "Sure, what's up?"

Mia took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I wanted to talk about us. About our connection on and off the dance floor."

Max's eyebrows raised in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Mia struggled to find the right words. "When we dance, it feels... special. Like there's something more between us. But outside of that, I feel like you don't see me. I need more than just a dance partner, Max. I need someone who really sees me and cares about me."

Max looked taken aback, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. "Mia, I didn't realize you felt that way. I guess I've been so focused on my dancing that I didn't notice."

Mia's heart ached at his words, but she appreciated his honesty. "I understand, Max. But I can't keep pretending that everything's fine. I need to know if there's a chance for us, beyond just dance partners."

Max stepped closer, his gaze earnest. "Mia, you're important to me. I care about you more than you know. If I've been neglecting you, I'm sorry. I want to make it right."

Mia felt a glimmer of hope. "Do you really mean that?"

Max nodded, his expression sincere. "Yes, I do. Let's work on this together. I want to be there for you, both on and off the dance floor."

Mia smiled, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "Okay. Let's try."

As they hugged, Mia felt a renewed sense of optimism. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but with open communication and effort, they could build something meaningful.

Ari watched from the sidelines, her heart swelling with pride for her sister. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but seeing Mia take that first step gave her hope for their future. Together, they would navigate the complexities of their relationships, growing stronger with each passing day.