06| red

ELIJAH

I watched as her body moved swiftly to the beat as she made sure not to miss a single one.

Her body moved fluidly to the beat of the song, each movement precise and deliberate. She danced as if she were one with the music, her steps perfectly timed to the melody.

Her long, brown braids trailed down her back, occasionally brushing against her face. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed one braid over her shoulder, freeing it from her face. Her eyes were closed, but her expression was intense, as if she were lost in the moment.

As I approached her, I placed my hands gently on her shoulders. She felt so fragile under my touch, and I made sure not to put any pressure on her. She looked up at me, her breathing shallow and rapid. I leaned in close, until our faces were mere inches apart.

Her eyes were wide, and I could feel her heart pounding beneath my hands. "What the hell are you doing?" she hissed, her patience clearly wearing thin. I couldn't help but smirk at her irritation.

As I was pushed away, I let her go without protest. She moved away from me, turning around to face me. Just as she did, a new song began to play. It was a song by The Neighborhood, sweater weather.

The song's beat filled the room, and before either of us could say a word, we were both moving to the music. Her body flowed like water, her arms moving gracefully as she danced. I couldn't help but join her, moving my own body to the beat.

She looked at me quizzically, placing her hand on her hip. "You know how to dance?" she asked, one eyebrow raised. I simply smiled and began to move my body to the beat of the song. Her expression changed from surprise to understanding, and she joined me in the dance.

It was like we were in sync, our movements perfectly aligned. We moved together in the dim light, our bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music. It was like we were the only two people in the world, lost in a moment of pure bliss.

Our bodies moved together, our steps perfectly in sync.

We were so close that I could feel her body heat, and her scent was intoxicating. I caught a glimpse of her deep brown skin, glowing under the studio lights. My heart raced as we moved together, our bodies in perfect harmony.

Suddenly, I reached out and took her by the neck, running my hand down her side. She glared at me, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

In one swift motion, she grabbed my wrist and pushed me away, resuming her dancing without missing a beat.

As the song reached its climax, we moved closer and closer, until our bodies were almost touching.

Her hand was placed lightly on my chest, and she traced her fingers down my torso. She never tore her eyes away from mine, as I curled my hand around her again but this time, she gave me access.

It was of no use because the song came to an end. The moment was over, and we were left standing there, unsure of what to do next.

"If you wanted a picture you know you could've asked,"

"You're impressed?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. "Don't flatter yourself. I've danced with plenty of guys before." She bumped her shoulder against mine, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Well, I'm still flattered that you enjoyed dancing with me," I said, meeting her gaze.

"It was a lot of fun." She rolled her eyes, but her smile never faded. "It was okay," she said, her tone teasing. "But I've had better." she said, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.

My lip curled up on one side, a smirk spreading across my face. "Of course, that's something you would say."

She raised an eyebrow, her eyes locking onto mine as she tied her braids back, her fingers deftly weaving the strands together. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, a hint of challenge in her tone.

I leaned in, my voice taking on a playful edge. "You're always so quick to point out what's lacking, never satisfied with anything less than perfection."

Her eyes flashed with a spark of defensiveness, but I could see the hint of a smile playing on her lips. "And you're always so quick to assume you know me," she shot back, her voice dripping with wit.

"I dare you to tell me my assumption wasn't correct," She looked up to me. "Bring it on," she said, her eyes flashing with a fierce intensity, her voice low and even.

"I'm not fazed by your dares or your assumptions. I know who I am, and I know what I want and I don't need to prove that to you. If you're smart enough, you'll know me for who I am and not of the image you have of me in your head,"

I heard a subtle clearing of a throat from a distance, and Nadia's gaze shifted, her eyes locking onto something behind me. Her expression changed, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. "Vicky," she breathed.

I turned to follow her gaze, and my eyes landed on my sister with a playful smile and a mischievous glint in her eye. Vicky raised an eyebrow, her expression teasing. "Is he bothering you?"

Nadia's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Yeah, something like that." She grabbed her bag and water bottle, and I could sense the tension between us dissipating, replaced by a sense of ease and familiarity as she turned to leave with Vicky.

As they walked away, I couldn't help but watch them, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. Nadia's mannerisms - everything about her, it was all so familiar, yet so different. I shook my head, chiding myself for getting caught up in the past.

She wasn't her, I reminded myself.

She was someone new, someone different. And I needed to start treating her that way.

I took a deep breath and turned away, focusing on the now rather than the ghosts of what used to be.