WHO AM I

UNIVITED DRAMA

As the last notes of "Good Times" faded, a tense silence settled over the gym. Lila's heart raced as Jordan strutted into the room, his smirk as cocky as ever. It was as if he had walked in with a spotlight shining on him, ready to steal the show.

"Look who's back, the life of the party!" Jason quipped sarcastically, crossing his arms. "Didn't you get the memo? This is a no-drama zone."

Jordan rolled his eyes. "As if I could miss the dance of the year. I just came to see if the rumors about Lila's talent were true." He stepped forward, his gaze narrowing at Lila. "But I guess it's just more of the same. A clown show."

"Wow, your insults are as original as your dance moves, Jordan!" Kira shot back, hands on her hips, ready to defend her friend.

"Easy, Kira," Lila whispered, trying to calm her down. "He's just trying to get a rise out of us."

Jordan's friends snickered, clearly enjoying the tension. Lila felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She wanted to confront him, to stand up for herself and her friends, but the fear of escalation held her back.

An Unexpected Hero

Just as Jordan opened his mouth to deliver another jab, Noah stepped forward, positioning himself between Lila and Jordan. "You know, Jordan, your schtick is getting old. How about you find a new hobby instead of bothering people who are just trying to have a good time?"

"Look at you, playing the hero. How cute," Jordan shot back, but Lila noticed a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

"Seriously, no one cares what you think," Noah continued, his tone unwavering. "This night is about friendship and fun, not your petty drama."

Lila felt a swell of gratitude for Noah. He was standing up for her, and in that moment, she knew she could count on him. She stepped forward to join him. "You're right. We're just here to enjoy ourselves. Why don't you take your negativity elsewhere?"

Jordan's expression hardened, but just then, Jasper piped up from the side, waving a bag of popcorn dramatically. "Hey, Jordan! Want some popcorn? It's fresh and full of flavor, unlike your comments!"

The laughter that erupted from their friends broke the tension. Even Jordan's friends couldn't suppress their chuckles, and for a moment, he looked unsure of how to respond.

A Dance Off?

"Maybe you should stick to what you're good at—throwing shade," Kira added with a smirk. "I bet you couldn't even dance your way out of a paper bag."

"Dance-off!" Jason shouted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's settle this on the dance floor, Jordan! Winner gets bragging rights for the rest of the year!"

Lila's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Are we really challenging him to a dance-off?"

"Why not? It could be fun!" Noah said, grinning at her enthusiasm. "Plus, it might just take the spotlight off of his trash-talking."

Jordan crossed his arms, his confidence returning. "You really think I'm scared of a little competition? Bring it on!"

As the music shifted to a more upbeat track, Lila felt the energy in the room surge. "Alright, let's do this!" she said, stepping onto the dance floor with Noah by her side.

The Showdown Begins

With the crowd gathering, Jason and Kira took the front row, ready to cheer on their friends. Lila and Noah faced off against Jordan, who had taken it upon himself to grab one of his friends as his dance partner.

The music kicked in, and Lila couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Jordan's moves were ridiculous—far too flashy and over the top—but they were also oddly impressive in their own way. Noah, however, matched him with ease, his natural rhythm taking center stage.

"Watch out, Jordan! You're about to get served!" Kira shouted, dancing alongside Jason and Eric, who were cheering like crazy.

Lila and Noah exchanged glances, each silently agreeing to make the most of the moment. They added in their own silly dance moves, intentionally awkward but fun, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The Epic Finish

As the music neared its climax, Lila and Noah decided to pull out all the stops. They choreographed a ridiculous combination of jazz hands, spins, and a dramatic slide that sent them both crashing to the floor in a heap of laughter.

"Did you just invent the 'Tumble and Roll'?" Jasper shouted, doubling over in mirth.

Jordan, trying to keep his cool, attempted to mimic them but ended up tripping over his own feet and landing next to them. "Okay, maybe this wasn't my best idea," he mumbled, but even he couldn't suppress a laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation.

The crowd erupted into applause, and even though Jordan tried to maintain his swagger, it was clear the tables had turned.

A Moment of Reflection

As the dance-off ended, Lila felt a rush of excitement. They had turned an awkward confrontation into a hilarious memory, and she couldn't stop smiling. Jordan might still be a thorn in her side, but at least they had made a stand together.

"Now that was a dance party!" Noah exclaimed, pulling her into a quick hug. "We totally crushed it!"

"Thanks for having my back," Lila said, her heart full. "I really appreciate it."

"Always," he replied, his gaze warm and reassuring. "No one messes with my friends, especially not you."

Lila's cheeks flushed. "Let's just hope Jordan gets the hint and leaves us alone now."

"Only one way to find out!" Noah grinned as they made their way back to their friends, ready to celebrate their victory.