The school gym had been transformed: string lights, a makeshift dance floor, tables of snacks and punch. Music thumped from borrowed speakers. Seniors laughed, danced, celebrated the preview success.
Sora and Akira stood near the edge—still in partial costume, too tired to change.
People kept coming up.
"You two were insane on stage!"
"That almost-kiss moment? Chills."
"Are you actually together now?"
Sora laughed it off. "We're… figuring it out."
Akira stayed quiet—hand brushing hers every few minutes.
Ren approached once—alone.
"Sora."
She turned.
Ren smiled—small. "You looked happy up there."
"I am."
Ren glanced at Akira. "He's lucky."
Akira met his gaze. "I know."
Ren nodded. "Take care of her."
"I will."
Ren left—quietly, gracefully.
Mai dragged Sora to dance.
Akira watched from the side.
Sora caught his eye—waved him over.
He shook his head.
She pouted—playful.
He sighed—and walked over.
She grabbed his hand. Pulled him onto the floor.
"I don't dance."
"You do now."
The song slowed.
They stood—awkward—hands clasped.
Sora stepped closer. "One song. That's all."
Akira exhaled.
They swayed—barely moving.
Sora rested her forehead against his shoulder.
Akira's arm circled her waist—tentative.
They fit.
Perfectly.
The song ended.
They didn't let go.
Sora whispered, "Thank you for waiting."
Akira's voice was low. "Thank you for staying."
She pulled back just enough to look up at him.
Their faces were inches apart.
The world narrowed to just them.
Sora's eyes flicked to his mouth.
Akira's breath hitched.
Then someone wolf-whistled from the crowd.
They jumped apart—laughing, blushing.
Mai appeared. "Finally! Took you long enough!"
Sora shoved her playfully.
Akira rubbed the back of his neck.
The party continued.
But they stayed close—hands brushing, glances lingering, smiles shared.
One day at a time.
One step at a time.
No walls.
Just them.