All for the Mirrorball

Chapter 34 - Your Olympic Event

The studio was buzzing as the rehearsal team gathered - Val stretching near the mirror, Daniella tying her hair back, and Gleb and Pasha entertaining everyone else as they joked around. Alan clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone. Let's get some good runs in. No cameras this time, so tell me your honest opinions. We want it to be perfect. From the top!"

The music started, and the choreography unfolded seamlessly. Ilona lead the charge, her movements crisp, her timing sharp. Each lift, spin, and step came alive with the group in sync, their rhythm flowing effortlessly. As the final note hit, they were panting as they looked to Alan for feedback.

"Solid. Really solid," he said, pacing as his eyes scan the group. "Val, you need to be further stage right when we start the waltz. Gleb, Emma, keep that spin tighter after the line - I think we'll have the cameras panning over you there. Ilona..." He paused, meeting her intense gaze. "That was killer, but soften your shoulders during the waltz. We'll cover the rest later. Anyone have notes?"

Once the group took a few minutes to give their input, they reset. The next run was even sharper, the corrections clicking into place. Alan grinned, satisfied, as they ran through notes and changes. "Okay, I'm setting up the tripod for a front-on view, just to see what we think so far."

Afterwards, the group stood in silence, waiting for their verdict. Alan turned to smile at her, and finally, she exhaled and broke into a wide grin. "We nailed it."

The group cheered as Alan swept her into a bear hug. "I told you!" he said, his excitement palpable. Val and Pasha joined in with dramatic bows, and Britt playfully patted Ilona's shoulder. "That's our girl," she said.

—

Ilona landed gracefully from the spin-lift as the music stopped. Pasha gaves an approving nod. "Yes, exactly what I meant. Much better"

Daniella crossed her arms, tilting her head at Alan. "You've got it, but Alan, quit looking down. Trust her. She knows what she's doing."

Alan grinned, brushing a hand through his damp hair. "Noted. Thanks for staying to help us out. It makes a huge difference."

Pasha shrugged. "We're invested."

As they began gathering their things, Alan hesitated. He glanced at Ilona, who met his gaze and gave a small nod.

"So, we've been waiting until it wasn't the whole group..." Alan started. His tone was careful, but with a spark of nervous energy beneath it.

Daniella smirked. "Let me guess - you're secretly dating?"

Alan's jaw dropped, and Ilona let out a laugh. "How do you already know?"

"Alan..." Pasha shook his head, his voice calm and certain. "I need someone to tell me you're in love with Ilona as much as I need them to tell me water is wet."

Ilona's cheeks flared red as Alan's eyes went wide. Either my friends are really smart or we are... really obvious, he couldn't help but think.

Daniella nudged Ilona playfully. "It's cute, though, that you thought this was news."

Alan groaned, and Ilona laughed harder, leaning against him. "Okay, okay, we get it."

Daniela wrapped them both in a hug, her voice soft. "We're so happy for you. You've got a good thing. Don't let the pressure get to you."

Pasha added, his tone teasing but warm, "And don't forget - when you win, you owe us dinner for all this extra help."

"Or you can babysit and we'll go to dinner!" Daniela said as she gathered her things.