Annaleigh and Leilla (3)

After such a straightforward and passionate stream of words that basically formed a confession, Liella was at a loss for words as a faint blush appeared on her soft cheeks. She always tried her hardest to appear stoic, but her defense failed this time.

"Oh, I'm glad that my heartfelt words seem to have pleased you," Annaleigh teased.

"Ehem, uhh, yes. Thank you for that. I can tell that you really meant it."

Now it was Annaleigh's turn to be embarrassed as she hadn't expected to receive sincere gratitude. Both girls shuffled in silence, but eventually, Liella stretched out a hand while still averting her eyes.

"As an apology for my behaviour over the past day and to commemorate our reconciliation, let's dance."

"Hmm? This is the first I've heard of a custom like that."

"Yes, it was the same for me. Miss Heina taught it to me."

As a victim of Heina's cunning ways, Annaleigh wondered if Liella had been tricked, but she had no reason to give up on this chance. She reached for her hand with ecstasy rushing throughout her body. The moment her fingers made contact with Liella's skin, it was like a jolt of lightning attacked her nerves, but Liella grabbed her hand strongly. Liella then reached out for her other hand so that both arms were connected.

Annaleigh looked forward to what was to come, but this was a new sensation to her so it took some time to process. When Liella started them off, she was still in a vague mental state, but Liella wouldn't allow her to be distracted at a time like this.

"You're too loose. Focus on my arms. Don't think about matching my rhythm, just remember that we're connected. Take my movement as an example, and follow your heart for the rest."

Liella took the male role and whisked Annaleigh into her pace. As their bodies moved together, Annaleigh's anxiety was blown away by the cool breeze that brushed past their figures. She tried to follow Liella's advice but it took much effort just keeping up with her. Fortunately, Liella didn't get angry and instead continued instructing her.

"Dancing with someone else may feel different, but the fundamentals are the same. Find your balance and maintain it. You may have a partner to be mindful of, but consider them as an extension of yourself. There's more you can do with two than one, but it matters naught if you can't be in harmony."

Even while struggling, Annaliegh made sure to dedicate her ears to Liella's kind voice. Thanks to her smooth explanation, Annaleigh could feel herself improving and it became more fun to spin around in Liella's arms. Once she could tell that Annaleigh was getting used to the tempo, Liella sped up, but Annaleigh was quickly able to follow along. Liella continued increasing the pace and Annaleigh managed to follow her lead, but when her heel landed on a small puddle of sweat, she slipped with the back of her head quickly approaching the floor. Luckily, Liella applied strength to her slender arms and pulled Annaleigh back into a lovely embrace.

From a tumble to a hug, Annaleigh ended up so overwhelmed, that even as she tried to say thank you, her lips moved without uttering a sound. Their faces weren't any closer compared to when they were dancing, but she was now too conscious of their intimacy to notice.

"Are you alright?"

"Uh, ah, well, I guess?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

As she chose to believe Annaleigh, Liella relaxed her arms and released her. Slightly reluctant, Annaleigh stepped away from Liella, but after two deep breaths she raised her head to look at her. Liella no longer seemed to be distancing herself, but Annaleigh couldn't be totally relieved. For some reason, Liella's eyes held resignation and sadness, as if she had accepted a gloomy fate. Annaleigh wanted to ask about the reason behind her sadness, but even more than when she was being avoided, the words were stuck in her mouth.

"Let's stop practice here for tonight."

"W, why? Don't you have an important performance coming up?"

"Yes, but I've already memorized the choreography and the rest isn't something I can practice. I need to get into the right mental state and then maintain that mindset, but I have a feeling I'll be closer to the state I'm aiming for if I stay with you."

Annaleigh couldn't help but blush at such a direct statement, even if Liella didn't use a particularly sweet or seductive tone.

"You, you, you think, I can help you?"

"That's right. Now that I think about it, I was never able to properly welcome you to the club. Shall we have dinner? It'll be my treat."

"No, I couldn't possibly make you do that. Just having dinner with you will be enough."

"Even if you say so, I still want to treat you. Would you please allow me to?"

"...If you say it like that, I don't have a choice."

After a shower, the two changed into their uniforms. Annaleigh had grasped the method of changing into and out of her dance outfit, but she may have secretly hoped that she would receive the help of another pair of hands, and was left slightly disappointed when that hope didn't come true.

For the restaurant to have dinner at, Annaleigh recommended the one that the seniors brought her to because the food was good despite the fact that she was forced to eat it, but it appeared that Liella had unpleasant memories of the place so she proposed an establishment that she frequented instead. Annaleigh had no objections so the two went to one of the most sophisticated and expensive restaurants on campus. It was exactly the type of place that Annaleigh expected Liella to frequent, but when she asked her how she started eating here, she got an unexpected answer.

"They have good security, it's quiet, and they do custom orders so I can have whatever I want. I can even order from a different restaurant if I pay them a service and transport fee."

"That's, a lot more convenient than I expected."

The restaurant was actually very biased and so although every customer was guaranteed excellent service and food, some were prioritized and given more options than others. However, Annaleigh never found that out because she always ate with Liella. The academy itself was also aware of how the restaurant operated, but as it ran its classes in a somewhat similar manner, it had no reason or justification to sanction the restaurant so all complaints were ignored.

Nothing special happened and the food was as great as Liella described it so they didn't talk much during dinner. However, the brief glances and smiles they exchanged provided a warmth that settled into their hearts. At the end of the meal, Liella said, "We should do this again sometime."

To which Annaleigh responded, "Yes, definitely."

Although not many saw the two together at the restaurant, since they walked to the dorm side by side, it didn't take long before everyone heard that they reconciled, and this was news that even their classmates had to welcome.