TO HEAVEN WITH YOU

As Ari and Mia headed home, Ari’s mind was spinning with thoughts of the night’s events. The kiss with Leo had been more than she ever imagined. She replayed the moment in her mind, the way his hands felt on her waist, the intensity of his gaze, and the tenderness of his lips against hers. Every detail was etched in her memory.

The car ride was silent, but Ari’s thoughts were anything but. She could still smell Leo’s scent, a mix of cologne and the fresh, clean smell from his shower. It was intoxicating. The way she had kissed him on the neck when they hugged had felt so natural, so right. It was a small gesture, but it had meant everything to her.

When they reached home, Mia broke the silence. “You okay?” she asked, glancing at Ari.

“Yeah,” Ari replied, a small smile playing on her lips. “Just thinking.”

“About Leo?” Mia teased.

Ari’s cheeks flushed, and she nodded. “Yeah. About Leo.”

They entered the house quietly, not wanting to wake their parents. Ari headed straight to her room, needing some time alone to process everything. She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts still on Leo. Their kiss had been a turning point. She felt a shift in their relationship, a deeper connection forming.

The next day, Ari woke up with a sense of anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see Leo again, to talk to him, to see where things would go from here. She got dressed and went downstairs, finding Mia already in the kitchen making breakfast.

“Morning,” Mia said cheerfully. “Slept well?”

“Morning. Yeah, I did,” Ari replied, grabbing a piece of toast. “I was thinking… maybe we should go to the studio later. I want to see Leo.”

Mia raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on her face. “Sure. I think Max will be there too.”

After breakfast, they headed to the studio. As they walked in, Ari’s heart began to race. She spotted Leo across the room, talking to a few of the other dancers. When he saw her, his face lit up with a smile that made her heart flutter.

“Hey,” Leo said as he walked over to them. “I wasn’t sure if you’d come today.”

“Of course we would,” Ari replied, trying to sound casual. “How was Rhythm Night?”

“It was great. You missed out,” he teased, giving her a playful nudge.

Ari smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. “Maybe next time.”

Leo glanced around, making sure no one was paying too much attention, then took Ari’s hand and led her to a quieter corner of the studio. “I’ve been thinking about last night,” he began, his tone serious.

“Me too,” Ari admitted, her heart pounding in her chest.

“I meant what I said. I don’t let just anyone get that close to me,” Leo continued. “But with you… it’s different.”

Ari felt a rush of emotions. “I feel the same way, Leo. Last night was…Umm…amazing, she blushed.”

Leo smiled, relief evident in his eyes. “So, where do we go from here?”

Ari thought for a moment. “I guess we just take it one step at a time. See where this leads.”

Leo nodded, squeezing her hand. “I like the sound of that.”

Just then, Mia and Max walked over, interrupting the moment. “Are you ready to start practicing Leo?” Mia asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Leo and Ari shared a look, then he nodded. “Yeah, let’s do it,” Leo said, his hand still holding Ari’s.

As they walked to the changing room together, he made her sit on the couch and asked her to wait for him while he went to practice. Ari couldn’t help but feel hopeful. She watched the practice through the window—Her gaze focused on Leo for a while and then drifted to Max and Mia, they moved together effortlessly, their chemistry undeniable. Every glance, every touch, felt charged with possibility.

The day passed quickly, and soon it was time to leave. As they walked out of the studio, Leo pulled Ari aside. “Can I walk you home?” he asked.

Ari’s heart soared. “I’d like that.”

They walked in comfortable silence, Mia and Max tagging along…the evening air cool and refreshing. When they reached her house, Leo turned to her, his eyes serious. “I’m really glad we’re doing this, Ari. I don’t want to mess it up.”

“You won’t,” Ari assured him. “We’ll figure it out together.”

Leo smiled, and for a moment, they just stood there, basking in the new beginning of their relationship. Then he leaned in and kissed her forehead gently, sealing their unspoken promise to each other.

As Ari watched him walk away, she felt a sense of clarity and resolution. They were at the start of something special, and she couldn’t wait to see where it would lead.