TO HEAVEN WITH YOU

The studio was still abuzz with the energy of the early performance. Dancers milled around, some packing up their gear, while others chatted animatedly about their routines. The air was thick with a mixture of sweat, excitement, and the soft hum of music still echoing in the background.

Ari and Leo lingered near the sidelines, catching their breath and savoring the afterglow of the performance. Their conversation was casual, a soft murmur amidst the louder chatter of the other dancers. Ari’s attention occasionally wandered to the studio doors, her thoughts racing with anticipation for the upcoming event she heard some dancers talking about.

The door swung open, and Mia walked in with Max by her side. Both were beaming with enthusiasm. Max is a very close friend to Leo, they've always treated eachother as brothers.

“Leo, that performance was incredible!” Mia exclaimed, her eyes full of admiration. “You really outdid yourself tonight.”

Max nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on Leo. “Yeah, definitely. You’ve set the bar high for Rhythm Night. Are you guys ready for it?”

Leo grinned, his eyes lighting up at the praise. “Thanks! We’re excited. Are you two coming to Rhythm Night?”

Mia’s smile widened. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. We’re both looking forward to it.”

Ari, who had been listening with interest, couldn’t help but interject. “That sounds like so much fun. I’d love to tag along, too.”

Max and Mia exchanged knowing glances, then Mia gave Ari a supportive nod. “Of course, you should come. The more, the merrier.”

With a few more words of excitement and plans, Mia and Max headed out to watch other dancers practice for Rhythm Night, leaving Ari and Leo alone in the studio’s changing room. The atmosphere shifted, becoming quieter and more intimate.

Ari took a seat beside Leo on one of the couches and, feeling a bit adventurous, decided to bring up a topic she’d been curious about. “Hey, Leo, remember that video of the Magic Mike dance you mentioned? Could you show it to me? I’m interested to see what it’s like.”

Leo’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he pulled out his phone. He navigated to the video and handed the device to Ari. On the screen, a male dancer moved with a female dancer in an incredibly sensual and erotic routine. Ari’s eyes widened, and she was momentarily speechless, captivated by the provocative dance.

Leo noticed her reaction and chuckled. “So, do you think we should create a routine like this? Maybe something similar for Rhythm Night?”

Ari blushed deeply, her face turning a shade of red that matched her rising embarrassment. “I—I don’t know. It’s… quite something.”

Leo laughed softly and, sensing Ari’s discomfort, decided to shift gears. He started watching a movie on his phone, leaning back with a casual demeanor. Ari, feeling a pang of disappointment at the lack of attention, decided to take a more direct approach.

Without much thought, she moved closer and laid her head on Leo’s lap. The warmth of his body and the familiar scent of his sweat were oddly comforting. She allowed her fingers to trail lightly over his tummy and then up to his chest.

Leo’s attention was momentarily diverted from the movie as he felt her touch. “Ari, what are you doing? What exactly do you want? You know I don’t let anyone touch me like this, especially not females.”

Ari, trying to keep her composure, responded softly, “I don’t want anything. I just wanted to be close.”

Leo, though still somewhat amused, was firm. “I don’t let anyone touch me like that. It’s not something I’m comfortable with.”

Determined to engage him, Ari shifted her position and ended up sitting on his lap. “Could you put the movie away for a moment and just focus on me? I’d like to talk.”

Leo reluctantly set aside the movie he was watching and turned his attention to Ari. They decided to go through his photo gallery, discussing various images and moments captured. Their closeness felt both thrilling and awkward as Ari sat on his lap, their proximity palpable.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Nia, a strict instructor, walked in. Her sharp gaze immediately fell upon Ari and Leo. “This is a professional space. Ari, sitting on Leo’s lap is inappropriate. We have standards to maintain here.”

Ari quickly got up and moved to a nearby chair, feeling a flush of embarrassment. Leo remained silent, his face betraying a mix of frustration and discomfort. Nia’s reprimand had cut through the intimacy of the moment like a cold splash of water.

After Nia left, Leo, with a sigh, headed to the restroom. Ari sat alone in the changing room, feeling a mix of shame and disappointment. She wondered how their connection had shifted so abruptly, but she was determined not to let it dampen her spirits.

As the sound of Leo’s footsteps faded, Ari was left with her thoughts, reflecting on the evening’s events and the complicated emotions they had stirred.