**Chapter Four**
The following week, my routine was pleasantly disrupted by an unexpected text from Ni-ki.
"Hey! I have dance practice later today. Want to come by and watch? I could use a friendly face in the studio. - Ni-ki"
I stared at my phone, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside me. Watching Ni-ki dance in person was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
"I’d love to! Just let me know when and where. - [Your Name]"
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with the details, and before I knew it, I was on my way to the address he’d sent. The studio was located in a sleek, modern building downtown, and as I walked in, the sound of music and the rhythm of feet hitting the floor guided me to the right room.
I pushed open the door and saw Ni-ki in his element. He moved with a grace and precision that took my breath away. His fellow dancers mirrored his every move, their synchronization a testament to countless hours of practice.
Ni-ki spotted me and paused the music, walking over with a bright smile. "You made it! I’m glad you could come."
"Thanks for inviting me," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "This is amazing to watch."
"Here, come sit," he said, leading me to a bench at the side of the room. "We’re almost done with practice, and then we can chat."
I watched as they resumed their routine, utterly captivated. Ni-ki was a natural, his body moving effortlessly to the beat. The energy in the room was electric, and I felt a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into their craft.
After what seemed like no time at all, the music stopped, and the dancers began to disperse, some heading for water bottles and towels. Ni-ki grabbed his own and made his way back to me, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Impressive, right?" he said, his eyes still sparkling with the adrenaline of the dance.
"Incredible," I agreed. "You’re really talented."
"Thanks," he said, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "It means a lot to hear that."
We decided to grab a quick bite at a nearby café. As we walked, Ni-ki chatted about the upcoming performances and the challenges of perfecting each routine. I listened, fascinated by his passion and dedication.
At the café, we found a cozy corner and settled in with our drinks and snacks. "So, what did you think of the studio?" Ni-ki asked, taking a sip of his iced tea.
"It’s impressive," I said. "Seeing you dance in person is something else. You make it look so effortless."
He chuckled. "Trust me, it’s not. But I love it, so it’s worth all the effort."
We fell into an easy conversation, talking about our lives, dreams, and the small moments that made each day special. It felt like no time had passed at all before we realized the sun was beginning to set.
"I should probably get going," I said reluctantly. "But today was really great. Thank you for inviting me."
"Anytime," Ni-ki replied with a smile. "I’m glad you came. Maybe next time, I can teach you a few moves."
I laughed. "I’m not sure I’d be any good, but I’d love to try."
As we walked back to the studio, Ni-ki’s phone buzzed with a message. He glanced at it and sighed. "Duty calls. But let’s definitely hang out again soon."
"I’d like that," I said, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Good luck with your rehearsals."
"Thanks," he said, giving me a final wave before heading back inside. "See you soon."
