We were on our third run-through when I felt it.
That awareness. The sense of being watched.
I missed the count.
"Cala," Lunara warnead.
"Sorry."
We reset.
I told myself not to turn around.
I turned anyway.
He was near the bleachers.
He stood there, hands loose at his sides.
Watching
He started walking toward us before I could place his name.
Lunara lowered the music.
"Take five," she called.
Everyone pretended to stretch.
He stopped in front of me.
"Hey. It's Dylan."
Right.
"Hi."
"I didn't mean to interrupt."
"You kind of did."
A small smile.
"Yeah. I guess I did."
There was a pause.
"You look different when you're dancing," he said.
"Different how?"
"Focused. Like nothing else exists."
Heat crept up my neck.
"That's probably because I'm trying not to mess up."
He shook his head. "It's nice."
Behind him, Akari stood with his arms folded.
Still watching.
Dylan shifted his weight.
"I was wondering if you'd want to have lunch sometime," he said. "Not today. Just sometime."
He didn't rush it.
"I usually sit with my friends," I said.
"That's fine. I'm not trying to steal you. Just asking."
"Okay."
His eyebrows lifted slightly. "Okay?"
"Lunch is fine."
He let out a small breath.
"Can I get your number?"
I unlocked my phone and handed it to him.
He typed his name and gave it back.
"I'll text you."
"Okay."
He nodded and walked away.
The second he was out of earshot, Lunara grabbed my arm.
"Are you serious?"
Miren gasped. "Was that Dylan?"
Sera stared at me. "He asked you to lunch."
I tried to look neutral.
"What?"
"In front of everyone," Miren said.
"That was bold," Lunara added.
I felt my face heat up.
"I'm going back to practice."
"No you're not," Miren said, laughing.
Sera leaned in. "He was staring at you the whole time."
I didn't answer.
Because I already knew.
I looked back.
Dylan was near the exit, talking to one of the basketball boys.
He glanced up.
Our eyes met.
He held it.
And I didn't look away.