Breaking The Rules

Chapter 29

The studio was quiet, other than the hum of the speaker as we rewound our track for what felt like the thousandth time. I glanced around, catching the strained expressions of my friends, Juliette and Elodie, as they paced across the laminate floors. We'd been working for hours on our choreography for the year-end recital, and I still couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. That something was missing. The routine had potential, but it wasn't... alive. It lacked that spark, that unnameable quality that would make it something memorable.

Something that would catch the attention of the big-wigs that were sure to attend.

My muscles were burning, a soreness spreading from my legs up through my arms. The floor was cold beneath me as I took a seat. I welcomed the drop in temperature against my skin, stretching out my legs and glancing up at Elodie, who was busy correcting her stance in the mirror.

"Maybe it's the spacing," I said aloud, trying to identify the problem. "Or maybe... maybe it's just me."

Juliette's eyes softened as she plopped down beside me, pulling her hair into a high bun. "It's not you, Celeste. You're an incredible choreographer. We just need to find that thing to tie it all together."

That thing.

Part of me wanted to believe her, pass the blame onto something else, but I would have been lying if I said I hadn't been distracted.

I nodded, my thoughts drifting back to the morning. Maverick hadn't been home when I woke up. And while I'd agreed to keep things casual between us, the emptiness that took hold of my room, the coldness of his side of the bed, had gnawed at me more than I'd expected. I knew Maverick wasn't the commitment type, and I'd told myself I'd be fine with that. But knowing and feeling it were two different things.

"Earth to Celeste," Elodie said, snapping her fingers in front of my face.

"Sorry, just...thinking," I muttered, rolling out my shoulders.

Juliette placed her hand on my knee. "Don't overthink it. Sometimes you just have to let it happen. Let the music take you where it wants to go."

"You're probably right," I muttered.

My two friends exchanged glances, but before either of them could press further, the door creaked open, and someone stepped into the studio.

Miles.

He looked out of place in the brightly lit room, standing there in a faded sweater with a cup in each hand, and a warm smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Have time for a coffee break? I brought you a matcha," he said, holding one of the cups up with a sheepish grin.

A matcha latte with oat milk had been my drink of choice anytime we frequented Rise n' Grind, the little café on campus. Of course he would manage to remember that now that we were no longer dating. Miles always made sure he remembered the small things when he wanted to get back in my good graces.

Elodie and Juliette stiffened beside me. The looks they were giving me spoke volumes. Neither of them liked him, and they hadn't been subtle about it either. But reluctantly, they took a few steps back, giving us space to talk. The vibe in the room was tense, my friends on edge as they kept a close eye on us.

"Thanks," I said, my voice uncertain as I took the cup from him. "I can't talk. We're in the middle of practicing for the end-of-the-year recital."

He stepped forward, shoving one hand in his pocket. "I won't take long. I...I just wanted to make you aware that I know I messed things up," he said, letting out a small sigh. "People keep asking about you, and it's made me realize how much I took for granted. I get it now, Celeste. And I wanted to apologize."