The classroom buzzed with half-awake chatter and scrolling thumbs.
I sat by the window, my book open but my mind drifting.
Last night still echoed inside me.
The candle.
The cake.
Lucien's quiet voice telling me to learn how to smile again.
I pressed my lips together and turned another page.
Just then, the professor walked in.
"Good morning, everyone."
Phones slowly disappeared.
She placed her files on the desk.
"Listen carefully. This weekend, we'll be hosting our annual ballroom event."
Instant murmurs filled the room.
She raised her hand.
"Silence."
Everyone froze.
"You will be dancing in pairs — and yes, in front of VIP guests. So make sure your preparation is perfect. Choose your partners wisely. No mistakes."
Amara shot up from her seat.
"Ma'am, can we continue with our previous partners?"
The professor nodded.
"Yes, of course. If anyone wants to change, you may. Practice starts this evening."
My stomach dropped.
I muttered under my breath.
"Not again…"
Lyra leaned toward me, grinning.
"Ten, you and Lucien literally slayed the Freshers' dance. Ballroom will be easy."
I sighed.
"I don't even have a gown."
She waved it off.
"Don't worry about that."
Before I could ask what she meant, she stood up and walked straight to Lucien.
She bent down.
Whispered something into his ear.
Then turned back toward me, giving a dramatic thumbs up.
I froze.
Then frowned.
Then slowly hid my face in embarrassment.
Great. She definitely dragged him into this.
I thought she'd just ask him to help pick something in the cafeteria.
Not… whatever this was.
Around us, everyone exploded into discussions.
"What color gown?"
"Gold or emerald?"
"Theme makeup!"
Adam leaned toward Ella.
"This time be ready. I'll escort you from your place."
Ella's cheeks flushed.
She nodded shyly.
I stayed buried in my book.
Didn't even notice Lucien calling my name softly.
"Nyx."
Nothing.
"Nyx."
I finally looked up.
He was leaning closer.
"Well," he said quietly, "as far as I know, you love black and red. Should I arrange something with that design?"
My heart skipped.
I immediately shook my head.
"You don't have to do all that. I'll look on my own."
He frowned.
"Come on. You're my partner. I can do this much."
I spoke without thinking.
"You've done enough."
Silence.
His eyes met mine.
I realized instantly how that sounded.
"Wait— I didn't mean it like that."
He softened.
"I know. It's okay."
I hesitated.
Then sighed.
"Fine. You do it. But I'll choose."
His face lit up.
"Deal."
Lyra had been watching everything.
I glanced at her.
She smirked.
Then winked.
I mouthed, What?
She only smiled.
Practice began soon after.
But there was a rule.
Switch partners every five minutes.
My chest tightened.
Dancing with strangers felt wrong.
Uncomfortable.
Then Lucien spoke up.
"Ma'am… can we not keep dancing with our fixed partners?"
The room went silent.
Isha raised her eyebrow.
"Why, Lucien? You want Nyx all to yourself?"
His ears turned red instantly.
"N—no," he stuttered, looking away.
Everyone made exaggerated hmmmmm sounds.
Clearly teasing.
I didn't react.
Didn't blush.
Didn't explain.
I simply nodded toward the instructor.
"It's fine. We'll switch."
Even if it felt strange.
Even if something inside me didn't like it.
Because I had learned long ago—
not everything you feel needs to be spoken.