Aveline
I was standing on stage, and I saw her.
She—she was looking at me like she was possessed.
Thanks to Alia for my hairstyle and makeup. She even told the makeup artist,
"No. Don't touch her—I'm gonna do it."
She's protective towards me.
I'm not dumb, I guess. I can tell.
I was done with my performance.
The judges were working on the results.
I wish—
I really, really wished to win first place.
Dance is my life.
Even though I'm studying literature,
I'm obsessed with dance. I need it.
I was backstage, in the competitors-only room.
Alia was there with me.
She looked at me, then hugged me the moment I entered.
"You nailed it. Our pride."
And then I saw her.
My sister—Ruby.
She was standing behind Alia,
watching me like she couldn't believe I was there—right in front of her.
She spoke in a low, husky, unsure voice that made my heart race triple-speed.
"You were amazing... I can't believe it.
Your hair, your rhythm, your dance—
It was just perfect.
So beautiful.
I couldn't take my eyes off you."
That moment was perfect.
She leaned close to my ear—
and behind her, a bunch of flowers.
How romantic.
She's right… right?
She showed me a red rose and whispered,
"You looked like a princess. So damn beautiful I can't even explain... I want that—you."
I was holding the rose so gently,
But its thorn still found a way
To kiss my hand with blood.
I hissed.
She instantly held my hand, inspecting the cut.
It wasn't serious,
But she was being serious.
"Even beautiful things," she said,
"might leave scars."
Then she asked,
"Wanna grab coffee after the announcement for best dancer?"
I nodded.
So did my sister and Alia.
We were all calmly waiting for the results—
Well, they were calm.
I wasn't.
I felt like I could faint.
I needed to prove it—
That this wasn't just some crazy passion.
After 30 long minutes (thank God for Ruby's calm aura)...
the judges finally came back.
Third place goes to... Victoria.
My heart? Absolutely sprinting.
Second place... Lisa.
Now it was all down to one name.
I looked at Alia. Ruby.
They were chill.
I was not.
And then—
"First place goes to... Aveline Vale!"
I walked up to the stage.
They gave me a gold medal and a trophy.
I couldn't believe it.
I did it.
I was really, really happy.