Through the glass, she watched the members of Siren rehearse — sharp moves, perfect synchronization, raw energy.

But her eyes, almost against her will, kept finding Leo.

He danced with such ease, like the music flowed through him instead of just around him. His laugh echoed every time he missed a step and the others teased him — warm, unbothered, real.

Suddenly, Leo’s eyes caught hers through the glass.

He grinned and motioned her inside with a playful wave.

Hesitating for half a second, Aria pushed the door open and stepped in, careful to stay by the wall.

They ran the performance one more time — high-intensity choreography that left even Riven breathing hard by the end.

When the music finally cut off, the members collapsed onto the floor, laughing and teasing each other.

Without thinking, Aria clapped loudly, then let out a sharp whistle — two fingers in her mouth, a clean, bright sound that echoed through the studio.

"Leo sir!" she called out, beaming. "You’re an amazing dancer! I loved it!"

The room went silent.

Every single person turned to look at her — jaws dropping slightly.

Even Leo and Riven stared, as if they couldn't believe what they had just heard.

A slow smile spread across Leo's face.

"You can whistle like that?" he said, impressed.

"Yeah, it's easy!" Aria said, bright and innocent.

"All you have to do is put your tongue tip behind your upper teeth, and connect your index finger and thumb together before putting them in your mouth."

Leo chuckled and gave it a try — forming the shape awkwardly and blowing hard — but only a weak puff of air came out.

The others laughed.

"No, no," Aria said, stepping closer, her hands gesturing. "Tongue behind your teeth, like this—"

Leo tried again. No luck.

Without thinking — caught up in the moment — Aria reached out, connected her fingers into the right shape, and gently placed them against Leo’s lips.

"Now breathe out," she said, focused.

Leo, surprised but trusting, blew out.

A loud, perfect whistle burst from his mouth.

Everyone in the room clapped and hollered.

Leo pulled back, laughing, startled and amazed.

But then — realization hit.

He stared at Aria, who was now standing there, frozen, her face flushing deep red.

Had she just... put her fingers in his mouth?

Leo laughed harder, bending over slightly, his shoulders shaking.

Aria covered her mouth, mortified.

"I—I didn’t mean to—" she stammered.

"It’s okay," Leo said, wiping a tear from his eye. "It worked, didn’t it?"

Meanwhile, across the room, Riven watched the entire scene unfold, his jaw tightening.

The way Leo and Aria laughed together.

The easy closeness.

He hated how natural it looked.

He hated how much it bothered him.

"Practice break's over," Riven barked, a little harsher than necessary, turning away.

Aria flinched, guilt prickling her chest.

But when Leo smiled at her again — that warm, dazzling smile — she couldn’t help but smile back.

She had no idea how much more complicated everything was about to get.

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