Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 11: Rehearsals and Unraveling Tensions

Jade's POV

The studio was alive with energy, my dancers moving in sync, bodies flowing to the beat as we rehearsed for an upcoming show in Santa Monica. "Nonsense" had always been one of my favorite songs to perform. Its infectious, carefree vibe matched perfectly with the flirty, sharp choreography we'd been working on for weeks. It was the kind of track that got everyone moving.

I adjusted my sneakers, mentally preparing myself for another run-through. Since finishing the album with Harry—Flavors by Jade and Harry—things had been nonstop. Harry and I had spent countless hours in the studio, and during that time, we'd gotten closer. He was a good friend now, and we worked well together. But I couldn't ignore the slight tension between Nick and Harry whenever they were around each other. Nick tried to play it cool, but I could tell there was something beneath the surface, even if he hadn't admitted it.

"Let's start from the top!" Leslie's voice cut through the buzz of the room, snapping me out of my thoughts.

The opening beats of "Nonsense" filled the space, and I immediately fell into the rhythm, moving effortlessly with the music. The choreography was light, fun, and full of energy, just like the song.

"Think I only want one number in my phone
I might change your contact to 'don't leave me alone'..."

I twirled, spun, and hit every step perfectly. The dancers flanked me, moving in perfect sync as we breezed through the routine. But just as I hit the chorus, I spotted Nick walking into the studio, leaning casually against the wall. His smile was warm, but there was something different about him today—an unease in his eyes that I hadn't seen before.

As soon as the song ended, I grabbed a towel and made my way over to him, wiping the sweat from my forehead. "Hey," I greeted, smiling. "What brings you here? You're looking all mysterious."

He chuckled softly, but I could see the weight behind his expression. "I have news," he said, his voice hesitant.

I raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more. "Good news, I hope?"

Nick nodded, but there was something heavy in the way he spoke. "I got the part."

My face lit up with excitement. "Nick! That's amazing! I knew you'd get it!" I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly.

He hugged me back, but as I pulled away, his expression shifted slightly. "There's more... It's shooting in Paris. For three months."

My heart stuttered at the words. Paris. Three months. The excitement I'd felt moments ago wavered as the reality of the situation settled in. "Paris?" I repeated, my voice softer.

Nick nodded, watching me carefully. "Yeah. I leave in a month."

I swallowed, trying to keep my emotions in check. I was thrilled for him, proud of everything he had accomplished. But the idea of him being gone for so long—it stung. "That's... wow, Nick. That's incredible," I managed to say, forcing a smile. "Paris. That's huge."

"Yeah," he replied, his voice quieter now. "It is. But... I'll miss you."

I smiled softly, reaching for his hand. "I'll miss you too. But three months will fly by. This is what you've been working for."

He nodded, but the uncertainty in his eyes didn't fade. "Yeah. We'll figure it out."

"We always do," I said, squeezing his hand before Leslie called me back to the center of the room for another run-through.

I gave Nick a quick smile, heading back toward my dancers. But the moment lingered in my mind as I moved through the next routine, the weight of his news settling over me. It was hard to push aside, but I had to focus. Rehearsal wasn't over yet.