If it were Solaris and Lily dancing, this interruption would have been nothing — a mere inconvenience, a fleeting disturbance, a ripple in still water. Their synergy, their precision, was unshakable, unbreakable. But Shi Min? Shi Min was still struggling to regain his footing, still relearning the patterns that had once come naturally to him. Today was his first practice since his return, and his concentration was fragile — easily shattered. And now, thanks to the chaos, the rhythm had slipped from his grasp.
Shi Min clenched his jaw, tension coiling in his muscles. Frustration burned in his eyes — not just at Fatty’s blunder but at himself. He had been doing fine, had been holding his own… until this interruption cracked his focus, sending doubt creeping in.
Lily, sensing his turmoil, gave him a reassuring pat on the arm, her expression calm but firm. “Big Brother, ignore the noise. We’ll start again.” Her voice was steady — grounding, unwavering.