If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 35

Chapter 35: Unexpected Grace

The Surprising Moves of Aaliyah

Soonyoung had always found solace in the tranquility of the ice rink. The crisp, cool air, the soft hum of the Zamboni, and the rhythmic sound of blades slicing through the ice were a symphony that calmed his restless mind. However, today was different. It was the first official date with his lover, Aaliyah, and he had planned the evening meticulously to make it special.

Aaliyah had always been somewhat of an enigma to Soonyoung. She was quiet, reserved, and seemed to harbor a world of secrets behind her serene eyes. They had shared countless moments together, but tonight, he hoped to see a different side of her.

It was a typical Tuesday evening at the rink. The usual crowd of skaters had gathered, each lost in their own world, practicing spins, jumps, and routines. Soonyoung, though not a professional ice skater himself, had always enjoyed the simple joy of gliding on the ice. He was lacing up his shoes when he noticed Aaliyah stepping onto the ice. She moved with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly, her movements fluid and precise, as if she were one with the ice itself.

As she began her routine, Soonyoung felt a jolt of surprise. He had always known Aaliyah was a skilled dancer, but he had never witnessed her in full form on the ice. Her jumps were high and controlled, her spins tight and elegant. Each movement was executed with a level of finesse that took his breath away. It was as if she was telling a story with every glide, every turn, every leap. What Soonyoung didn't realize was that Aaliyah was equally astonished by her own performance.

Lost in the moment, Aaliyah had let her true self take over. She had not intended to perform an entire routine; it just happened. Her body remembered all the buried routines and began acting them out naturally, as if she had never left the ice. She had forgotten it was her first time on the ice in years and didn't mind what was around her because of how much she missed it.

The other skaters gradually stopped what they were doing, their attention drawn to Aaliyah's mesmerizing performance. Soonyoung could see the admiration in their eyes, the silent awe that mirrored his own. He watched as Aaliyah transitioned seamlessly from one move to the next, her expression focused, yet peaceful. There was a quiet confidence in her demeanor, a sense of purpose that made her movements all the more captivating.

Aaliyah's routine was a delicate balance of strength and grace, power and elegance. She executed a series of complex jumps with ease, landing each one perfectly, her form impeccable. Soonyoung found himself leaning forward, his breath caught in his throat, as she launched into a combination spin that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Her body spun faster and faster, a blur of motion, before gradually slowing to a graceful stop.

The rink fell silent as Aaliyah skated to the center, her final pose one of serene triumph. For a moment, there was no sound, no movement, just the echo of her presence lingering in the air. Then, as if released from a spell, the crowd erupted into applause, their cheers filling the rink with a joyous cacophony.

Soonyoung found himself clapping along, a wide grin spreading across his face. He had always respected Aaliyah, but seeing her in this new light filled him with a profound sense of admiration. She had shown him a side of herself that was hidden beneath layers of quiet reserve, a side that was bold, fearless, and utterly captivating.

As Aaliyah stepped off the ice, she caught Soonyoung's eye and gave him a small, shy smile. Despite the applause and praise, Aaliyah felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She hadn't realized she had performed an entire routine; she had simply let herself be carried away by the joy of skating again. She returned Soonyoung's nod with a bashful look, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions.