"These cookies are heavenly..."

Zuri spoke through a mouthful of sugar cookies, completely unbothered as crumbs dusted the front of her dress.

Ethan watched her with a look of mild disgust.

"Those are disgusting."

Zuri gasped, placing a hand dramatically over her chest. "You're disgusting."

"They're too sweet," Ethan muttered. "It's like eating straight sugar."

"That's the point," Zuri shot back, grabbing another one and taking a dramatic bite just to prove a point.

Ethan shook his head, but there was the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

Before he could say anything else, the music shifted.

The soft melody of a waltz filled the ballroom, and slowly, couples began making their way toward the dance floor.

Zuri glanced over, only mildly interested, before reaching for her drink.

Ethan, however, watched a little longer.

Then—

"How about we dance?"

Zuri blinked, mid-sip. "What?"

Ethan cleared his throat slightly, trying to sound normal. "Dance. You know... like everyone else."

"I don't know how," she said immediately, setting her cup down and already looking around for something else to eat.

"I'll teach you."

Zuri didn't answer.

Ethan frowned slightly.

"Oh, come on," he said, a little more playful now. "You can't just stand here and eat the whole night."

"I absolutely can," she muttered.

Ethan didn't give her the chance to argue further.

He gently took her hand.

Zuri let out an exaggerated groan, but she didn't pull away as he led her toward the dance floor.

⸻

"So how does this work?" Zuri asked, raising a brow as they stopped among the other dancers.

Ethan stepped closer, a little more confident now that they were actually doing this.

He placed one hand carefully on her waist, then took her other hand in his.

Zuri stilled for just a second at the contact.

"Like this," Ethan murmured.

Zuri glanced around, watching the other couples, mimicking how the women held their dresses.

Ethan guided her gently. "Just follow me."

The music carried them into motion.

At first—it was a disaster.

"Not my foot—"

"Sorry!"

"You just stepped on me again—"

"I said sorry!"

Zuri struggled, her steps clumsy and uneven as she tried to keep up. Ethan winced more than once but didn't let go.

"Relax," he said, softer now. "You're thinking too much."

"I'm not thinking at all, that's the problem," she shot back.

Despite himself, Ethan laughed quietly.

And slowly... she got better.

Not perfect.

But better.

Her movements steadied. Her steps started matching his.

And before long, they weren't stumbling anymore.

They were dancing.

⸻

Ethan looked down at her.

Really looked.

He'd noticed it all before—he always did—but something about this moment made it impossible to look away.

The way the light caught on her dark skin.

The way her eyes softened when she smiled.

The way she fit so naturally in his arms.

Zuri glanced up at him, catching his stare.

A small smile pulled at her lips.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Like what?" Ethan asked, though his voice was quieter now.

"You know what I mean."

He held her gaze for a moment longer.

Then, softer:

"Maybe I do."

Zuri's breath hitched—just slightly.

Ethan stepped a little closer, his hand tightening just enough at her waist to pull her in.

The space between them shrank.

"What are you doing?" she asked, quieter now.

Ethan didn't answer right away.

"I really like you, Zuri," he said finally, his voice low, almost lost in the music. "I always have."

Her heart stuttered.

For a moment, she just stared at him.

"Like... more than a friend?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

Ethan nodded.

Zuri let out a small breath—half disbelief, half something softer.

Ethan smiled, but it faded a little as he studied her face.

"I've liked you since you gave me that muffin in fourth grade."

Zuri blinked.

Once. Twice.

Like she was trying to catch up to what he just said.

Her grip on his hand tightened slightly—but she didn't speak.

Her mouth opened a little.

Then closed again.

"I—" she started.

But nothing came after it.

Just silence.

Ethan didn't move away. He just waited, eyes steady, patient... but uncertain now.

Zuri looked at him like she was searching for the right answer and couldn't find it fast enough.

And then—

"GO!!"

The moment shattered.

Ethan and Zuri jumped apart as Loralie and Haider came rushing toward them.

Haider's face was streaked with blood.

Loralie was breathless, struggling with her dress.

"GO!" Haider shouted again.

Everything crashed back at once.

Noise. Panic. Movement.

"What happened?!" Ethan snapped, grabbing Zuri's hand without thinking.

"RUN!" Loralie yelled.

And they did.

They ran.