TO HEAVEN WITH YOU

Ari decided to visit the studio with Mia. She thought it would be better than staying at home alone, and besides, she wanted to spend some time with Leo or maybe meet someone friendly to chat with at the studio. When they arrived, Mia went straight to practice. They had already started the dance therapy by the time she got there, and even Leo was busy with the routine, along with everyone else in the studio.

Ari decided to sit quietly and wait until they finished their routine. She quickly got bored, so she opted to read novels to pass the time. After contemplating which novel to choose, she eventually picked one and started reading. It got so interesting that she became engrossed in it, not noticing Leo's presence nearby.

Leo approached her, calling her name to get her attention, but ended up startling her. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm reading a book online," she replied, getting up to give him a hug. Leo hugged her back but pulled away almost immediately, making it obvious that hugging her was uncomfortable for him.

Ari felt a pang of hurt. "Do you not like it when I hug you?" she asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Leo looked taken aback. "I didn't say that, did I?" he replied.

Ari wanted to get the truth out of him so she asked again."Do you like it when I hug you then?" she asked directly, trying to sound playful.

Realizing what she was planning, Leo raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to get words from me, Ari? I caught you. It won't work, okay?" He then tickled her playfully, and her laugh rang out happily, filling the room with warmth.

They both sat down together, and Leo glanced at the book she had been reading. "What’s the book about?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"It's a romance novel," Ari said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's really good. The characters are so well-written and their chemistry is just… amazing."

Leo chuckled. "Sounds like you're really into it."

"I am," she admitted, smiling. "It's a nice escape."

He nodded, looking thoughtful for a moment. "You know, it's nice seeing you get so absorbed in something you enjoy. But you should take breaks, too. You can’t read all the time."

Ari laughed. "I know. It's just that sometimes, when I'm here, I feel like an outsider. Everyone is so busy with their routines, and I don't want to be a distraction."

Leo's expression softened. "You could never be a distraction. And you're not an outsider, Ari. You're part of this place, part of my life."

His words made her heart flutter. She looked into his eyes, feeling a connection she couldn’t quite put into words. "Thanks, Leo. That means a lot."

He smiled warmly, reaching out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Anytime. And, by the way, I do like it when you hug me. I just… I guess I’m still getting used to it."

Ari felt relief wash over her. "Good to know," she said, grinning. "Because I plan on hugging you a lot."

Leo laughed, the sound like music to her ears. "I look forward to it."

Just then, Mia finished her practice and joined them, looking slightly flushed from the workout. "Hey, you two," she greeted, giving Ari a curious glance. "What have you been up to?"

"Just talking," Ari replied, still smiling from her conversation with Leo. "How was practice?"

"Intense, as usual," Mia said, stretching. "But it feels good. How about you, Leo? Ready for another round?"

Leo shook his head, mock groaning. "Give me a break, Mia. I need to recharge."

Mia laughed and sat down next to them, and they all chatted for a while, the atmosphere light and comfortable. Despite the busy studio, Ari felt at ease, knowing that she belonged there, with Leo and Mia by her side.

As the evening approached, the three of them decided to head out for a meal, continuing their conversation and deepening their bond. Ari felt a sense of contentment, knowing that, despite the challenges, she was surrounded by people who cared about her.