Ride with the Waves

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I woke up and got ready for graduation practice. Did my usual morning routine and put on my uniform. When I got to the school, I saw my friends waiting for me.

“Let’s go,” I said.

We went inside and saw that chairs had already been set up in the quadrangle.

“Wow, the school really went all out! Chairs and everything—so extra,” Hailey said, twirling a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Ugh, you’re so OA. If they didn’t set those up, where would we even sit?” Olivia snapped.

“You’re in a bad mood, Olivia? So early in the morning?” Hailey asked, obviously wanting to tease Olivia.

Then we saw Carl walking toward us. “You guys, go over there,” he said.

“Where are you going?” Olivia asked.

“Office,” Carl replied and left.

“Bad mood?” Hailey whispered.

I just shrugged and followed Olivia, who had already walked ahead.

Practice started, and honestly… even just walking around like this was exhausting. Hahaha.

Four hours later, practice was finally over, and I said goodbye to them.

“Guys, I’m leaving,” I said.

“What? Aren’t we supposed to stay at my place? Bondingggg!” Hailey whined.

“I have work… choreography. Next time, promise,” I said.

“Okay!” she said happily.

“You okay, Olivia?” I asked.

“Mhm… just tired,” she replied.

“owwww, baby! Maybe you missed me,” Hailey teased.

“Shut up,” Olivia snapped. We just laughed and went our separate ways.

I went to our usual practice spot. Everyone was already there, waiting for me.

“Sorry, guys, just finished up,” I said, walking to put down my things. And guess who was there again? Seriously? Doesn’t he go to school? Or is he just… lurking?

I put my things down and changed into my practice outfit—a tank top and shorts. I grabbed my sweatpants and put them on over the shorts.

“Not shy, huh? Changing in front of me?” he said.

I rolled my eyes. “As if I’m gonna strip for you.”

He laughed. Ugh, that laugh again… so annoying.

“Wait, don’t you have anything better to do? Why are you always here?” I asked.

“Why curious, Ms. Lady Dancer? Did you change your mind?”

“Curious? Because it looks like you don’t do anything with your life. And what do you mean ‘did I change my mind’?” I snapped.

He raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Did you change your mind? Is it because you… like me now? Is that why you’re asking?”

Oh my God. This guy has some nerve. Who even raised him to be like this?

“Hahaha, you’re so bold, boy,” I said, turning away to start teaching.

And of course… I heard that damn laugh again.

I kept practicing with them until I was sure their performance was finally clean. It felt good. I was satisfied. They were good enough to practice on their own now, so I let them continue until they felt confident in themselves.

“It’s getting better,” I told them. “Just keep practicing until you’re happy with it.”

When practice ended, I grabbed my things, ready to go home. I was exhausted. I just wanted to rest.

“You look tired,” Mr. Arrogant suddenly said.

I glanced at him while fixing my bag. “Why are you still here? Don’t you have anything better to do? What’s your deal, hanging around like this?”

“The view here is beautiful,” he replied casually.

I turned to face him—only to realize he was taking pictures of me.

“Hey! Delete that!” I snapped, reaching for his camera.

“Why?” he said calmly. “You look beautiful—even when you’re sweating like that.”

He didn’t even try to stop me, but he lifted the camera higher so I couldn’t reach it. I kept trying, getting more annoyed by the second.

Then, with one arm still raised and his back leaning against the wall, he lowered his head until our faces were level.

I froze at my place.

Our faces were so close—just inches apart. One move and we’d be kissing. We stared at each other for a few seconds that felt way too long. His eyes flicked to my lips, then back to my eyes. He leaned in closer.

I closed my eyes.

“Go home and take a bath,” he said softly. “You smell like sweat already, Ms. Lady Dancer.”

I opened my eyes and saw him standing properly again, as if nothing happened.

I glared at him. “You jerk!”

I grabbed my things and walked away, completely flustered.

So annoying. So embarrassing.

Why did I even think he was going to kiss me?

Ugh!

When I got home, I took a bath, ate, and finally lay down to rest. But even then… he popped into my head again.

Why am I thinking about him? So annoying. I just want to sleep. I’m going to sleep. I hope I won’t see him again.