The annual cultural week arrived faster than anyone expected. The entire campus buzzed with excitement—colorful banners hanging from the corridors, music echoing from rehearsal rooms, and students rushing around with costumes, props, and last-minute preparations. Every department had contributed something: solo singing, group singing, solo dance, couple dance, drama, poetry recitation, art displays, and even fun games.
Aria loved the atmosphere. It felt like the university had transformed into a dreamland full of lights, laughter, and excitement. Ethan liked it too, although he pretended he didn't care much. But Aria knew he secretly enjoyed watching all the events, especially when she was participating in something.
Their class had several performances lined up, but the biggest one—the couple dance performance—was supposed to be the highlight of the day.
But just an hour before the event, rumors spread.
The couple who had prepared the dance had suddenly left because of a family emergency.
The whole class panicked. Their teacher almost looked hopeless.
"What will we do now?" one girl groaned.
"All our preparations will go waste," another complained.
Their teacher, Mr. Ray, rubbed his temples. "We cannot cancel. Our class must present something."
Almost everyone fell silent.
Then Mr. Ray glanced around the room thoughtfully, his eyes stopping at a small group of students—including Ethan, Aria, Rachel, and two others—who had been present in the dance practices. They weren't part of the performance, but they had watched every rehearsal, every step, every lift.
And they knew the routine.
A spark lit in the teacher's eyes.
"You five were always there during practices," he said. "You know the choreography. So… who will volunteer?"
Everyone instantly avoided eye contact.
But the teacher's gaze slowly landed on two people.
"Ethan. Aria."
Both froze.
Aria's eyes widened. "Sir… us?"
Ethan's reaction was even faster.
"No, sir. Not possible."
But Mr. Ray insisted. "You two can do it. I've seen how closely you observed the routine."
Ethan still shook his head until the teacher added casually,
"And Aria will be your partner."
Ethan stopped mid-breath.
His refusal melted instantly.
"…Okay."
Aria looked at him in disbelief. "Just now you said no!"
Ethan shrugged, trying to act cool but failing miserably.
"That was before I knew you were dancing with me."
Rachel giggled loudly in the background.
Within the next half hour, everything became chaotic. Aria was taken to the dressing section while Ethan went to change.
---
A REAL-LIFE FAIRYTALE
When Aria stepped out wearing her gown, the hallway fell silent for a second.
She wore a soft, flowing gown that sparkled under the lights, making her look like she had stepped straight out of a storybook. Her hair was styled beautifully, and light makeup made her features glow softly.
She looked like a fairy. A princess. Something unreal.
Ethan, who had been adjusting the sleeves of his suit, looked up—and froze.
He completely forgot to breathe for a moment.
Aria noticed his expression and felt her cheeks warm.
"Do I look… fine?"
Still staring, Ethan answered honestly, "You look… beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous."
Aria blinked in surprise and then smiled.
"You're also looking handsome. Like a gentleman."
Ethan coughed and looked away, but the tips of his ears turned red.
---
THE DANCE
When their names were announced as the surprise performers, the auditorium murmured with shock.
Aria took a deep breath. Ethan leaned toward her and whispered,
"Don't worry. I'm here."
The music started.
Their hands met.
And then everything flowed naturally.
Even though they hadn't rehearsed a single move together, their steps matched effortlessly—spins, lifts, turns, and glides. Every movement matched perfectly, as if they'd practiced it for weeks.
The audience was mesmerized.
Whispers filled the hall:
"They look amazing together."
"What chemistry!"
"Are they a real couple?"
"They're perfect!"
"I'm jealous—look at them!!"
Even the teachers nodded with approval, impressed by their confidence and grace.
During the dance, there were moments where Ethan held Aria gently, and moments where Aria matched Ethan's steps with elegant precision. Their eyes met several times—not planned, but naturally—and each time, something warm passed between them.
By the end of the performance, the audience burst into loud applause.
Some students cheered loudly, some clapped with admiration, and a few—even though they wouldn't admit it—felt jealous seeing them together like that.
Ethan and Aria stood there, slightly breathless, smiling at each other as the lights dimmed.
They had done it.
Together.