"THA GEY PANTS HAADHA CUTE EYY"

The island of Funadhoo was a paradise where turquoise waters met golden sands, and the air was alive with the scent of the ocean and the rhythm of island life. It was here that Lamb, a wide-eyed eighteen-year-old, found himself mesmerized by a dance performance that would change his life.

Lamb had never been one for dance. He had always been more interested in music, spending his afternoons strumming his guitar under the shade of palm trees. But on the night of the Eid show, as he stood amidst a cheering crowd, his gaze was fixed on Kohinoor, the star of the performance. Her movements were a perfect blend of grace and power, and her energy was intoxicating. As the dance concluded, Lamb felt a pull toward this world of rhythm and movement, a pull toward Kohinoor herself.

The next day, Lamb signed up for Kohinoor's dance class, eager to learn from the island's best. He arrived at the studio, a small, open space near the beach, his heart pounding with excitement and a hint of nervousness. Kohinoor greeted him with a warm smile that lingered a little too long, her eyes gleaming with something that made Lamb slightly uncomfortable.

"Welcome, Lamb," she said, her voice as smooth as silk. "I'm glad you decided to join us."

Lamb nodded, trying to ignore the flutter in his stomach. As the class began, he quickly realized he was the only student. Kohinoor's movements were mesmerizing up close, but there was an intensity in her gaze that made him uneasy.

"Dance is about connection," Kohinoor said, stepping closer to Lamb. "Let me show you."

She placed her hands on his waist, guiding him into a step. Her touch lingered, her fingers pressing into his skin. Lamb felt a flush rise to his cheeks, his discomfort growing as she drew him closer. Kohinoor smiled, saying, "THA GEY PANTS HAADHA CUTE EYY". The words, while meant to be endearing, made Lamb shift uneasily, aware of her lingering gaze and the underlying tension.

His curly, beautiful hair often caught the sunlight as he danced, drawing Kohinoor's attention. She seemed fascinated by the way his curls bounced with each movement, and Lamb couldn't help but notice her lingering gaze.

Just when Lamb thought he might stumble, the door to the studio swung open, and Shaii entered. She was a classmate of Lamb's, a girl with a quiet demeanor and a warm smile. Unbeknownst to Lamb, Shaii had been nursing a secret admiration for him, drawn to his gentle nature and those mesmerizing curls.

"Oh, I'm sorry, am I interrupting?" Shaii asked, her eyes flicking between Kohinoor and Lamb.

Kohinoor's smile tightened. "Not at all. You're welcome to join us."

Lamb felt a wave of relief at Shaii's presence. She seemed to bring a sense of balance to the room, and he found comfort in her familiar face.

As the days passed, Shaii became a regular at the class, much to Kohinoor's displeasure. Kohinoor's attempts to draw Lamb closer became more frequent, her touches more lingering, but Shaii was always there, her presence a silent shield for Lamb.

"Could we have morning classes?" Shaii suggested one day, her voice light but her eyes determined. "I have other commitments in the afternoon."

Kohinoor hesitated, her expression souring. "I suppose that could work," she replied reluctantly.

The morning classes began, and Kohinoor's frustration was palpable. She focused her attention on Lamb, her touches bold and inappropriate, while largely ignoring Shaii. But Shaii was determined to protect Lamb, even if it meant drawing Kohinoor's attention to herself.

"Ow!" Shaii cried out suddenly during a session, clutching her ankle as if in pain.

Kohinoor's head snapped toward her, irritation etched on her face. "What is it now?"

"I think I twisted my ankle," Shaii replied, wincing dramatically.

Kohinoor sighed, her gaze reluctantly shifting from Lamb to Shaii. As she attended to Shaii, Lamb took a step back, grateful for the reprieve. Shaii's interventions became frequent, her cries of pain or sudden falls a way to divert Kohinoor's attention whenever it became too much for Lamb.

Despite the tension in the studio, Lamb found himself developing feelings for someone. He kept this secret, unsure how to navigate his emotions amidst the complicated dynamics. His social media bio, however, hinted at his inner turmoil, reading simply: "Love at first sight."

Both Kohinoor and Shaii noticed the change, each convinced that Lamb's affection was directed toward them. They doubled their efforts to win his attention, wearing tighter dance attire, their movements becoming more provocative. The dance studio became a battleground of sorts, each woman competing to be the one who caught Lamb's eye.

But Lamb's heart was set on someone else entirely. Aik, a fellow classmate, had been a quiet presence in Lamb's life, offering support and friendship without demands. Aik's easy smile and understanding nature had captured Lamb's heart long before he had set foot in the dance studio.

The truth came out one evening when the class decided to go for a celebratory dinner after a particularly intense practice. As they sat around a table under the stars, laughter mingling with the sound of the waves, Lamb knew it was time to be honest.

"I have something to tell you all," Lamb said, his voice steady but nervous. "I've been keeping a secret, and I think it's time I share it."

Kohinoor and Shaii exchanged glances, anticipation written across their faces.

"The person I have feelings for isn't who you think," Lamb continued, meeting Aik's eyes across the table. "Aik, it's you. It's always been you."

Silence fell over the group, a stunned surprise etched on every face except Aik's. Aik smiled softly, his eyes warm with understanding. Slowly, Aik stood up and walked over to where Lamb was sitting. Without a word, Lamb stood too, and they leaned in, locking lips in a tender and genuine kiss.

Kohinoor's expression shifted from shock to resignation, while Shaii's surprise melted into a gentle acceptance. She had cared for Lamb deeply, but she valued his happiness more than her own desires.

The night continued with a renewed sense of camaraderie. Kohinoor, while disappointed, found a lesson in humility and respect. Shaii remained a steadfast friend to Lamb, her admiration shifting to a supportive friendship.

As the island breeze rustled the palm trees and the stars twinkled above, Lamb felt a sense of peace. His journey through dance had led him to discover not only the rhythm of movement but also the rhythm of his own heart.

And amidst the confetti of emotions, he found that love, like dance, was a matter of connection—a connection that transcended expectations and led him to his true self.