The Talent Showdown Begins

The atmosphere at school the next day was electric. Posters and announcements for the upcoming talent showcase were everywhere. I could feel the anticipation buzzing through the air.

"Alright, guys," I said, gathering our team in the practice room. "We've got a lot of work ahead. If we're going to beat Rin's team, we need to make this performance unforgettable."

May stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've been thinking — if we combine contemporary dance with a little storytelling, we can create something emotional and powerful."

"That sounds perfect," Kaito agreed. "But we need a strong lead couple for the story. May, obviously you're one of them."

Before I could react, May's eyes met mine. "Isagi, would you dance with me?"

My heart did a somersault. "I—uh—"

"It makes sense," Kaito interrupted with a teasing grin. "You guys have the best chemistry."

The rest of the team nodded in agreement, and just like that, I found myself agreeing to dance alongside the girl I'd been dreaming about.

The practices were intense. Hours blurred by as May and I learned to move together — every step, every twirl drawing us closer. And slowly, the awkwardness faded, replaced by a rhythm and connection I never expected.

One evening, as we practiced alone, the music softened and we ended up face-to-face, breathless and inches apart.

"You're getting really good at this," May whispered.

"Only because I have a great partner," I replied.

For a moment, it felt like the world had shrunk down to just the two of us.

But the next day brought fresh tension. As we passed Rin in the hallway, his smirk was more confident than ever.

"I hope you're ready," he said. "Our performance is going to blow everyone away."

"We'll see about that," I shot back, unwilling to back down.

Finally, the day of the showcase arrived. The auditorium was packed, the energy at an all-time high.

Rin's team went first — and their performance was stunning. A perfectly choreographed routine blending dance and drama that left the crowd roaring with applause.

I felt the pressure mounting as we took the stage.

"Ready?" May asked, her hand slipping into mine.

I squeezed it gently. "Let's show them what we've got."

The music started, and everything else faded away.

As we moved together, every step told our story — of struggle, of hope, of something that felt more real than just a dance.

When the final note played and the lights dimmed, the auditorium was silent for a beat… and then erupted into cheers.

We stepped offstage, my heart still pounding. Whatever happened next, I knew one thing for sure.

We had given it everything we had.

And the battle wasn't over yet.