Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Cooperation with him at the start might be a bit difficult, but trust me. When it comes to dancing, he is the best option you could’ve asked for to replace Tighnari as your partner.”

The astonishment strikes him, when the last man he could’ve expected here enters the room.

Cyno is not the man of prejudice. Tension arises in his heart, but chasing away gossip and various exaggerations about the dancer before him.

The sun shines on him, as if it wanted to present Cyno his new partner in the full glory. His eyes slowly divert from the shining silver of the stranger’s hair and focus on his stoic face. With head held high in confidence but lacking nonchalance and slow distinguished steps, Cyno knows the man already has made himself comfortable in the new environment.

He didn’t expect that Kaveh would ask him for help.

“Good morning,” Cyno’s greeting echoes in the training hall, as he approaches him slowly. “We never had the pleasure to get to know each other, but I look forward to working with you. I’m Cyno.”

After that, his hand shots up towards him, but it doesn’t meet with a polite embrace back.

“Alhaitham,” while Cyno blinks a few times, the man introduces himself, keeping his body static, face indifferent, speech brief and curt. “Let’s get to work.”

Kaveh’s words might have been true, but Cyno doesn’t plan to discourage himself at the very beginning though.

The situation becomes hopeless right after Tighnari has broken his leg, two months before the tango competition that Cyno wants to participate in.

At first, Cyno puts the dancing matter aside. Concerned, he goes to the hospital and accompanies his friend in the white unpleasant room, along with a panicked Collei that needs more reassurance than the injured dancer himself.

Cyno does his best to light up the mood. He should be glad that Tighnari doesn’t have the capability to throw him out after saying that “acci-dances happen” and that they should “have confi-dance in his fast recovery.”

The topic of the competition appears again two days after. Tighnari convinces Cyno that he can search for a new partner, as they haven’t filled out the application form yet.

Cyno thinks it’s unfair. Tighnari doesn’t care, ensuring he will be fine.

In the end, he keeps searching for a decent partner among his circle of friends.

Those few options quickly come to naught.

Collei and Layla are out immediately, busy with their finals. Dehya and Candace spend their free time on a long vacation and their sojourn on the tropical islands covers most of the time before the competition starts. Nilou’s schedule is fully packed with multiple contests and theatre performances. Contacting Scaramouche is pointless, as the man recently has started a therapy after leaving his former dancing group and it is the case of time if he will reconnect with the passion to dance again. It would be disrespectful to interfere in.

As the last resort, he could’ve asked Lisa. However, it is a similar situation. She stopped dancing ages ago, hovering around the same studio as him and teaching young children ballet.

“Cyno, darling. The life of an average ballerina ends before her thirties. Even if I did continue dancing, I’m afraid I am past my expiration date,” she keeps repeating with a giggle one of few jokes that Cyno never has found funny. Just like him, Lisa used to try many dances, but they both know how draining the ballet community is and collectively decide with Cyrus to never mention the past again. Instead, the way she takes care of the new generation with a conscious mind and fresh approach is being observed by Cyno every day.

Stumped, Cyno is left out of possibilities, until Tighnari calls him. Tighnari gives him Kaveh’s phone number. Kaveh says he is too busy with a cultural project he works on currently, but has a solution that Cyno might be interested in.

This is how he ends up with Alhaitham in the training hall, Kaveh keeping his identity a secret to the very end, almost as if he has set them up on a blind-date.

Cyno steals a glance at the man warming up at the other corner of the hall.

He is not sure if he should think of Alhaitham as nonchalant or just… Very specific person to deal with.

“What about the choreography?” Alhaitham asks him before they start the warm-up.

“I will explain everything soon,” Cyno replies. “I assume you don’t have much difficulty with tango?”

“I would not sign up for a challenge that I know I can’t pull off.”

Cyno’s ears are not mistaken. The delivery that many would take for a sign of haughtiness is just a mere explanation.

“I’m just making sure. You are not seen performing ballroom dances often.” Cyno crosses his arms. “You may be considered a ‘genius’, but the only thing that matters to me are your actual skills that you will show me.”

Then, they end up exercising in the distance from each other and Cyno observing Alhaitham from time to time.

Indeed, Alhaitham has held a reputation of a genius for years. The master of solo performances who can catch on any dancing style at a terrific speed. The golden child that had won multiple rewards of various importance since being a little kid. The alumni of Akademiya, one of the most prestigious dance academies.

Mysterious, unreachable and, by many, considered as simply arrogant and conceited.  

If Cyno cared enough, he could have found himself lucky. Alhaitham doesn’t dance with many people. Rarely he accompanies Kaveh in waltz or a few times he partners with Nilou to foxtrot. He has heard that even during his Akademiya days, Alhaitham rejects the social idea of dancing and interacts with others as much as any obligations require. No more, no less.

Taking that into account, he is not surprised that the gossip about him keeps escalating.

At the same time, he expects that most of these rumours might have been an exaggeration. The judgement of who Alhaitham is, of what kind of dancer he is, and if partnership between them is possible, is upon Cyno and no one else.

So far, he only notices that Alhaitham is painfully straightforward.

“To begin with, our choreography tells a story,” Cyno starts, approaching Alhaitham slowly.

Standing before him in the distance and absorbing the music hovering around, his mind slowly slips into the world that he has created for the sake of the dance.

“As we are talking about tango, I fairly guess it is a love story?”

One step closer.

“Certainly,” Cyno nods, locking their eyes, “about the man,” another step, graceful and as if he is balancing on the edge, “that is re-introduced to the world because of love,” after another addition, he pirouettes with a smile, “and after he is completely astonished, he tries to taste that love.”

Cyno reaches Alhaitham, inviting him to dance. His hands hang in the air in anticipation.

“What is the ending of the said story then?” Alhaitham asks.

“Happiness.”

“As simple as that?”

“Any problem with that?” Cyno snaps a little back, expecting a criticism of the simple sensitivity that the whole story bases on.

“No.”

Alhaitham puts one of Cyno’s palm into an embrace. His other hand locates on his back, curling under Cyno’s left arm.

Every new partner brings a different kind of sensation. When he barely started dancing with Tighnari, Cyno knew they were quite similar. Both sharp and bold in their moves, but also playful and smooth after quickly gaining each other’s trust. Nilou immediately showed her frivolous and refined style, that Cyno did not have any problem with adjusting to. In comparison, that one time he partnered with Scaramouche, he tasted how the man evokes beautiful chaos on the dance floor, almost evil and dangerous, ready to eat other competitors alive.

Alhaitham holds him as if Cyno was easy to break, however it is not insecurity, but subtlety and expectable reluctance to not get ahead of himself, to not let Cyno come closer than it is necessary.

Overwhelming delicacy and icy distrust blending together, that’s how he would describe it, as it steals his breath once their hands have tightened. 

“I do not despise simple things. Quite opposite,” Alhaitham reassures.

Cyno steals a glance at him.

“I could’ve expected that you are more than what meets the eye,” he drops a word, taking a step back. Then, he proceeds to explain both moves and the story. “You’re the one who leads at the brief beginning. We start with the playful el lapiz , as two strangers curious in each other.”

“Should I take it as a compliment?” Alhaitham follows him, going sideways, forward and slowly leading Cyno, turning him around in harmonious motion. Not bad for the start , the shorter man thinks. “Like this, I assume?”

Cyno’s knee raises, almost pressing against Alhaitham’s right leg.

“That’s right. It was almost flawless, you didn’t even need to ask.”

“Even if I had learned basic movements before, I do not dance with other people often, not to mention a specific style. No matter how confident I might appear with my skills, you are the one with the experience that is unmatched.”

It is enough to silence Cyno for a moment.

“Huh… Some people would be surprised that you even know who I am,” he admits, breaking the embrace of the hands. “We will continue with touchless ocho . Here the roles change and I take the lead. We look each other in the eyes, but in the final result it should look like you are chasing after me.”

“I said already that I wouldn’t take a challenge that I know I can’t pull off. But also, I wouldn’t take a challenge that didn’t catch my personal interest.” As if on cue, Alhaitham trails after him. “Is it allowed?”

All the steps so far are patient and carefully analyzed. However, Cyno not only wants Alhaitham to learn them fast. He hopes he will feel them in the heart.

“Personal interest?” his eyebrow raises, as he crosses his feet. “I might not be a fan of breaking the rules, but in the artistic expression crossing the boundaries if you know the basics is the rule itself.”

“Fair enough,” disappointing it is that Alhaitham ignores Cyno’s question. It creeps into his head and lies down, ready to blow up in the aftermath of their rehearsal. “I won’t deny that I might like this approach as well.”

“You are a dancer after all,” he points out.

“I’ve learned that many of them prefer nothing else than polished style and manifestations dismissing improvisation. Which, especially in a dance like tango, is nearly impossible. People in Akademiya are a fair example of that even in the stardom, their dancing looks purely stiff and miserable.”

Is it the proper answer to some rumours he has heard about Alhaitham before?

“That’s right. Tango is and always has been mostly improvised dancing style,” Cyno nods. “But ballroom tango is a bit different. It is choreographed mostly for the sake of competitions or theatre performances…” He comes back to Alhaitham, to hold him by the back of his neck. “I actually have a small remark about improvisation. But it’s nothing that is directly connected to our choreography. I will save it for later, but I won’t deny it’s quite important to me.”

“… As you wish,” Alhaitham replies, almost astonished by how close Cyno has moved. If he wanted, he could basically hang in the air, clenching around Alhaitham’s spine.

“Here you need to catch me. That part of the dance requires more touching and closeness that I will lead you through. The lover you play slowly opens at the touch of the other. And then…” his eyes scans Alhaitham’s whole body. “In the climax there is a sequence of lifting. Judging by our postures, you won’t have much of problems with carrying me around.”

“I assume this is the moment of the said ‘happiness’?”

Cyno nods again.

“Certainly. You’ve found your one and only. You are happy and they are happy to find you.”

“As simple as that.”

“As simple as that, indeed,” Cyno repeats after him. “Now it is just the case of practice and the heart if that vague story will gain more complexity.”

“I see.”

“… Then, shall we try again, but a bit faster? That was just a mere beginning.”

The first day of practice goes smoothly according to Cyno’s expectations. As he lowers himself down on his bed, he lets out a relieved exhale.

Then, he recalls their conversation before their departure.

“Before we start rehearsing, I want to improvise with you one dance every day.”

“Why is that?” Alhaitham glances at him, taking a sip of water.

“I believe it will help us to get to know each other better. In tango, the three minutes of a dance can tell you a lot about your partner. You can pour yourself into the given choreography, but it might not reveal all aspects of who you are as a dancer,” Cyno explains. “Is that enough of an explanation? We are partners now and in the partnership, I do appreciate the forming connection.”

“If this is your point of view, I won’t oppose that. However, at the same time I’m not here to form a friendship with you of any sort.”

He can’t help but roll his eyes. Of course he didn't expect to become friends with Alhaitham in the first place.

Cyno counts on two particular things. Respect that he is sure of having after today’s practice. Second, trust that seems to be a rough case. Some dancers click together at one instance and he is not sure if that has happened here. A quick discouragement is not in Cyno’s language though.

Alhaitham from the rumours and the actual Alhaitham that he happened to meet today has a similar façade. However, in the span of a few hours, Cyno has noticed that he might be a polar opposite of what people label him to be.

Maybe leaving “genius” aside, however he is not a fan of using such a fancy, almost decisive word. Indeed, Alhaitham has learned the choreography fast. In a flash, they could’ve proceeded to polishing harder to perform steps and sequences.

The time will show how the situation develops.

Exhaustion starts kicking in. Cyno moves around the flat to prepare himself supper, showers and ends up building a new TCG deck for a short distraction, until Tighnari calls him.

“Oh, hello, Tighnari.”

“Hi. I’m calling to ask how the rehearsal with Alhaitham went.”

“So you knew that he would come.”

“Yeah, I guess. But Kaveh didn’t want to tell you, afraid that you would reject the proposition.”

“Why would I?”

“Citing the blondie, it is Alhaitham after all. I can’t blame him though. People either would kill to partner with him or run a mile in hatred or fear. I mean, you are not intimidated easily, but we were worrying about the heavy clash of ideals that will make the cooperation between you two just painful.”

Cyno listens carefully and frownes.

“Actually… I can admit he is not as bad as people say,” after that, he places a row of cards before him and starts contemplating. “I have known him for one day, so my judgement about him might be a little mistaken, or more likely, incomplete. But he is less conceited, more realistic and brutally straightforward. This is what I can say with confidence about him.”

  “… Huh.” Tighnari replies briefly. “That’s surprising, not gonna lie.”

“Is it? It makes communication between us clear and that’s it. You know I appreciate easy understanding between me and my partners, even if we disagree. It makes the job much easier.”

“Unless you succumb into a slump…”

“Tighnari, have some faith in us,” Cyno sighs.

“I do have faith in you, Cyno.”

“In me. But not in Alhaitham.”

Tighnari groans in resignation.

“I just know that the competition means more or less to you. So I don’t want him to ruin it.”

“I appreciate it. But we will be fine.”

“If you say so… But if any problem occurs, I’m calling Kaveh as a mediator between you two,” Thignari announces, then adds. “That broken leg is really nothing more than a pain in the ass.”

“Take it easy and rest… Because I’m pretty sure you have enough of break-dancing for a while,” Cyno puns proudly.

Tighnari can sense a big smile rising on his face.

“… I’m hanging up.”

“Wait, no. I haven’t told you the best jokes I came up with lately.”

“Good night, Cyno.”

“What is the astronaut’s favourite dance? Moonwa—”

The call ends.

“That Tighnari,” saying to himself, he rolls his eyes.

Then, Cyno realizes, putting the phone down. He doesn’t have Alhaitham’s phone number.

It takes one day for Cyno to spot that trust may be a huge problem. It takes two days to change and try a different approach, to somehow open Alhaitham at him. It takes one week to finally decide that they are stuck and everything will go to hell, if the situation doesn’t change.

Alhaitham doesn’t let him lead during improvisations and when they perform their choreography, his moves, even if flawless, reveal an unbearable distrust.

Cyno is left with a pure disappointment every time they finish.

He is not petty.

Leading in tango is more than a simple control over the dance. It is not limited by any means, nor gender, nor size, nor strength. If someone leads, the other person places full faith in them and the dance floor becomes the game of passion between two people. They don’t need to know each other, but just feel. Cyno thinks of entrusting your whole body and soul to be guided by someone else as a manifestation of perfect partnership.

That ideal cannot be fulfilled with Alhaitham by his side at the current moment. The funny thing is that Alhaitham is not bad at telling that story. He delivers every movement with intended perfection, for an outsider eye judging by technical and emotional value. It is not that hard to pretend, if you understand what you want to show your audience. If you ask Cyno, he can say that Alhaitham does not lack even a bit of empathy towards the character he plays.

But he does not insert himself in it. Which for Cyno is insufferable and instead of breathing with love once they start dancing, he feels a sad emptiness. He wonders if Alhaitham even senses the same.

Through the following, rough week, Cyno tries multiple attempts to somehow deceive him and see that maybe if some time passes, he will take Alhaitham’s hand and lead the way through the training hall as if he would want to show him the whole world. It does not happen. Once he is close, Alhaitham instinctively changes the turn of events.

It may be an unconscious reaction. Something implemented so deep in him that he does not allow anyone to cross the boundaries and reach him.

Cyno is disinterested in reasons. Whatever it is, it interrupts them in reaching any sort of connection. And today is enough to try to work this out, because it does not take them anywhere.

He is done with unpleasant feelings and the cold touch, when it is supposed to make his heart burn.

“Alhaitham,” he approaches him once the rehearsal is over. “I think we need to talk. Now.”

“What is that?”

Alhaitham is ready to leave. He has changed already and his headphones hang around his neck. Every greeting and departure looks the same between them: brief exchange of words. The conversations start echoing once it comes to practice. The exchange is usually based on what they should correct or polish, because even if the movement comes out as good, they can make it even better.

It would be a mistake to keep inside the issue. Cyno is unsure what answer he should expect. Alhaitham is not only straightforward, but also never says more than necessary, which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

“We have a problem, so I have a small request for you,” he says. Alhaitham glances at him in anticipation. “It will take just a minute. So far we have had good communication with each other, so I hope you will take it to heart.”

“What is it then?” Alhaitham’s posture straightens up. He crosses his arms and locks his eyes with Cyno. On his stoic face there is nothing besides the waiting and calmness. “If you have some remark just say it. I will give you an answer, but I do not promise it will be something you want to hear.”

“I don’t want you to just simply answer. I want you to rethink what I’m about to say before our next practice on Monday. Is it okay?”

“Depends on the issue. I won’t put into consideration something that I know I am not at fault at.”

Cyno might compliment that it is a healthy mindset. However, in this situation Alhaitham’s common sense gains a new quality.

It’s just annoying.

“Okay, so…” remaining calm, Cyno clears his throat. “Then, I want you to trust me more with yourself.”

Alhaitham blinks a few times.

“Pardon?”

“I said what I said,” Cyno quickly gets to the point. “I’m getting the impression that you do not trust me when it comes to dancing at all. I have known you for like one week, so I can understand that maybe you need more time to adjust to a new partner as a solo performer. Or maybe it is some deep issue hidden inside you. However, it really intrudes between any kind of satisfaction I derive from dancing.”

Cyno waits for the reaction. There is a puzzling silence, because he can’t really read what paints on Alhaitham’s face right now. He stares at him quite long. Finally, Cyno, taking a closer look into green eyes, sees a slight astonishment that feels so out of character, but doesn’t comment on that.

“You yourself said that polished style is not the only thing that matters in dancing. We are on the right track to look perfect on the outside. Then, there is absolutely nothing good inside. I’m not pretentious or saying that you are an obstacle now.”

He is so surprised how Alhaitham doesn’t cut in, but listens carefully.

“I do care about the competition, that’s true. You are a good dancer, so I can envisage that with a combination of our skills, we can aim for the top. However…”

“You want to say that dancing with me makes you unhappy,” Alhaitham sums up and Cyno’s heart almost runs out from his chest.

Alhaitham himself said that he does not despise simple things, yet Cyno feels stricken by the word ‘unhappy.’ It tastes so bad in Alhaitham’s mouth. Leaving aside that it doesn’t suit his sophisticated way of speech.

There is a glimpse of sadness in all of that.

“Then I might try to ‘trust you more’,” he continues. “But judging and taking many factors into consideration, I can’t promise you anything.”

“Uhuh…” he nods, a bit unsure.

“Good night, Cyno.”

Alhaitham puts his headphones on immediately.

“Good night…”

What on earth has just happened?

Why does it look like he has broken Alhaitham’s heart?

This is certainly bad.

The situation doesn’t change on Monday morning. It gets worse. The improvised dancing becomes desperate race and chaotic motion without a sense of stability.

Cyno hates it. The last pieces of connection they had are gone.

Tighnari’s words echo in his mind. Cyno needs to acknowledge that. They’ve reached the slump.

The evening before, he has phoned Kaveh to ask about multiple things and is left with more questions than answers.

“That’s why I said that cooperation with him might be a bit problematic at the beginning… Sounds like you have it really rough with him. What did that stupid meanie tell you?”

“Nothing, Kaveh,” Cyno says, rubbing his eyes with a heavy sigh. “You two with Tighnari make it sound like he is the misery of miseries.”

“I mean, are you surprised? Whenever I’m home, this dude makes MY life the misery of miseries”

“Guess you are a very special case then…” Cyno rolls his eyes. “To me he is quite nice and we have good communication. I mean, we did.”

Between his words, there is a huge gasp from Kaveh’s lips. Cyno gives up. He doesn’t care if for the blond friend the words ‘Alhaitham’, ‘nice’ and ‘good communication’ stand next to each other.

“Anyway.”

Now, when the music stops, Cyno glances at Alhaitham completely breathless, as if he has been running away before the dangerous beast. What a draining and awful havoc they create here. Cyno is overwhelmed and discouraged to keep dancing through the day.

He reminds himself of one thing that Kaveh has said and it flies around his head like crazy: “You know, Cyno. I won’t deny that I have the same problem as you. When I ask him for help, a full trust between us is nearly impossible. Nilou didn’t complain, but mentioned exactly the same thing. He doesn’t let other people reach him easily. Well, not to mention that he either dances or has his nose stuck in some dusty old books. Although, I need to say that I was really surprised… He agreed to help you with the competition almost immediately. And if he doesn’t want to do something, he just simply won’t do it.”

I wouldn’t take a challenge that didn’t catch my personal interest , Cyno’s thoughts are quickly silenced by Alhaitham’s words.

God, this man is nothing but one big confusion.

There are many things he wants to say right now. He wants to know if there is any underlying reason why Alhaitham is here with him in the first place. They should get a grip. They should find a way to break this invisible ice between them. They should—

“My god~!” a woman’s voice resounds in the hall. “You two look so miserable together that it makes me want to puke and leave.”

Both glance at the door.

Lisa stands, resting against the door-frame. A bunch of little kids pass behind her.

“What are you doing here, Lisa?” Cyno moves away from Alhaitham. He takes a few steps towards her.

“Oh, I took my kids on a walk and thought that maybe I will stop by for a little chat.”

“Good morning, Mr. Cyno!” Klee stops to wave at them. “Good morning… Mister in green!” Before they even can mention that ‘mister in green’ has a name, Klee speeds like a torpedo and disappears.

Lisa giggles.

“My, my, Klee has way too much energy since the very morning, as always.”

“Mister in green sounds very unoriginal,” Alhaitham says.

“Oh, please,” Lisa shakes her head with an amused smile. “The first time she met Cyno she couldn’t stop calling him ‘Mr. Jackal’ for three weeks straight.”

“It was all just because of my performance outfit,” Cyno sighs.

“I assume it was the one where you were dancing with the purple, gold-ornamented garment on your head,” Alhaitham glances at him.

“Yeah, that one… Wait, did you watch it—”

 “Looks like someone did their homework,” Lisa claps her hands together. “Oh, my bad. I didn’t introduce myself properly.”

“No need to. I know who you are,” Alhaitham admits. “Lisa Minci. Your surname is quite famous within the Akademiya walls and ballet community.”

“Well, this is certainly not the stardom I signed up myself for,” she sighs. “If you had come to the Akademiya one year earlier, you would have been one of my precious juniors, Alhaitham.”

Cyno glances at Alhaitham certainly unbothered by Lisa’s playful tone. 

Someone tells him he is disrespectful and doesn’t see anything beyond the end of his nose. He will be the first one to disagree.

“Anyway,” the woman crosses her arms. “Watching you from the side makes me feel like you two have a huge problem that affects your performance. I haven't seen such a lack of understanding between partners since ages, and trust me, that amateur celebrities from low-budget dancing tv shows are a hard concurrency.”

There is a sigh coming from Cyno’s lips. He knows that already and doesn’t believe that Alhaitham hasn't seen it as well.

“Take a break. Go out together. Some fresh air and one day without stressing out about that silly competition won’t hurt you. Do you guys even know anything about each other besides dancing?” the exchange of glances between him and Alhaitham ensures Lisa that they don’t. “God, I get that some people might have a one-track mind, but build connections between you somewhere else, if you can’t do it here. Sweethearts, you two are grown-up men.”

“She is calm, yet sounds like a mother scolding her little brats…” Alhaitham whispers to Cyno, and he can’t help, but agree.

“Cyno, take Alhaitham out for ice cream. I don’t know, ask him what his favourite colour is in the meantime. I’m taking the key to the training hall and there is no chance I’m giving it back to you if you don’t spend some quality time together.”

Cyno wants to oppose, but he sees a trick in that idea.

“… So,” Cyno says once they end up before the studio, ready to head out. “What is your favourite ice cream flavour?”

Alhaitham doesn’t respond at first. He scans Cyno from top to the bottom.

“Chocolate.”

“Really? That’s so basic. And your favourite colour?”

“Guess.”

“Dark green?”

Alhaitham nods.

“How predictable…” Cyno sums up, taking a few steps ahead. “Mine is purple.”

“Here you go,” Cyno gives Alhaitham his ice cream and sits on a bench next to him. “My treat, enjoy.”

“Thank you.”

The silence that hangs upon them quickly becomes awkward. Cyno is unsure if he should engage with him in any kind of small talk. Alhaitham certainly does not like meaningless conversations, but getting straight to the point.

Cyno looks up from his chocolate mint ice cream and takes a closer look at him. As his gaze travels around Alhaitham’s profile; the green careful eyes and long, perfectly carved nose, he analyzes what he already knows about his partner.

He is calm and serious. His tongue is sharp, able to hit the right spot of someone’s weakness at an instance, but not rude. Being very considerate of his environment does not exclude the fact that Alhaitham is also heavily unsociable. Mysterious. Delicate and careful in touch, which contrasts with his bold temper and resting-bitch face. Disconnects from the world once they end practice. Oh, and he likes chocolate ice cream and his favourite colour is dark green, but this is irrelevant. He remembers Kaveh’s mentioning that Alhaitham likes to read books as well.

“You are boring a hole through me, Cyno,” Alhaitham says suddenly, without glancing at the man back. “Do I have something on my face that you are staring at me so intensely?”

“Uh, no…” Cyno replies. “I was just thinking about what we can talk about together.”

“And what did you come up with?” Alhaitham asks.

“Nothing. Besides dancing I don’t think we have enough similar interests that you would be interested in discussing about,” Cyno admits. He starts eating his ice cream once he notices that they keep melting.

“In that kind of situation, people usually ask themselves about trivial things.”

“And do you want to talk with me about trivial things, Alhaitham?”

“No.”

“As I thought,” Cyno rolls his eyes.

“Because I do not like chit-chatting to just fill the void. It has nothing to do with me liking you or not.”

“… Oh?” his interest sparks.

Their eyes meet. It is the first time when Cyno stares into Alhaitham so rigorously.

“Do you really want me to answer now if I like you or not?”

“Well… I didn’t get the impression that you dislike me. But you are the one who said that you are not here to be friends with me, Alhaitham. So I have a reason to feel that you may be disinterested in me as a person beyond being your dancing partner.”

Alhaitham gets silent for a moment. He finishes his ice cream, consuming the cone. Then he sighs, rests his arm against the bench’s bank and stares at the sky.

“I do see you as a whole person, no matter if you dance or not. Do not bother yourself with these kinds of thoughts,” he says. “I need to tell you that I do not care if you believe in rumours that many people make up about me. However, I can clarify for you that I indeed do not dislike you at all.”

That feels nice.

“… I do not believe the rumours,” Cyno mumbles, eating the last bite of his ice cone as well. “I do judge people by my own instinct. And what I can say is that… The devil before me is not so black as he is painted to be.”

“Hooo… So you are an exception from the rule.”

“Well, in that one case I will allow myself to not follow the rules.”

He might be mistaken, but a small shadow of satisfaction covers Alhaitham’s face for a second.

Cyno can’t explain it, but their conversation helps him relax.

They are finished with their snacks, but his mind quickly distracts itself by the pleasant, melodic and passionate sound from the long distance.

Music.

It creeps in and destroys the silence. He looks around to navigate from which direction it is exactly coming from, then glances at Alhaitham with sparkles in his eyes.

“Can we check it? Please?”

Alhaitham stares at him with such a keen, curious expression.

“Well, it would be a pity to destroy your excitement.”

“Perfect,” he stands up. “It won’t take us long, I promise.”

Cyno trails after the music, and Alhaitham trails after him, glancing around. Maybe he has one track mind, but Cyno can’t help it. Hearing beats and melodies that set his heart and body on fire, he lets them consume him. He craves for the taste of love that can be evoked only on the dance floor.

They find it on a square a few minutes afterwards, where the crowd of people dances in pairs, groups or alone. Professionals and amateurs, youngsters and adults, men and women, Cyno spots all of them, notices the happiness built on freedom. His legs start bouncing in one place as if on cue. There are so many individuals here that share the passion. He wants to jump into that colourful world and forget that everything else on earth exists.

Cyno stares at Alhaitham. Alhaitham stares back.

Certainly, he seems to feel out of place and Cyno notices that, so he reaches his hand out to him. He cannot be sure if Alhaitham will take his invitation. After all, he has told him that their dance makes him unhappy and today’s morning has proven that.

Of course, Cyno can dance alone or find another partner somewhere in the crowd that he will connect to for a brief moment. But he wants to try once again.

He wants Alhaitham to see that he can trust him.

“No pressure,” Cyno adds, as the man stares at his palm, reluctant if he should catch it or not.

“We are having a rough time. Are you sure you want to go there with me and destroy your whole enthusiasm once again?” instead of holding Cyno’s hand, Alhaitham crosses his arms. “I see you are excited to dance, I don’t want to interrupt you.”

Oh you stubborn man , Cyno thinks, rolling his eyes.

“I do trust you, Alhaitham.”

For a moment, Cyno feels as if everything else switched off and nothing else echoes around beside his words and the pumping heart. Alhaitham goes silent. He does not recall him making this kind of face before. It is puzzling and confusing. Cyno can understand that, because indeed, nothing here makes sense.

There is no reason for him to trust Alhaitham, if he can’t gain the same trust back. Each of his ideals argues with his mind. However, maybe, just maybe, he needs to show the most capable person in the world that he doesn’t need to rely only on himself.

“Dance with me. Let’s do not think too much of who is in charge of leading or not for now. Let's not think much of what we should feel. Tell me what you feel.”

Alhaitham doesn’t respond.

“Let me just… Dance with you. Please.”

“And what if I make you unhappy again?”

“You are so fixated over that.”

“Because happiness that you can derive from dancing is important to you. As simple as that.”

Cyno has enough. He approaches him, invading Alhaitham’s space. Then, he embraces him, holds his hand tight and senses how his partner shivers in deep startlement, as if Cyno has electrified him.

He just wants Alhaitham to feel him.

“And as simple as that, I’m pretty sure that we can learn to trust and rejoice in that together,” Cyno’s expression clearly shows that he has no intention to give up. “Just let me show you. One more chance.”

Cyno stands on his tiptoes to reach over Alhaitham’s ear.

“Focus on me,” he whispers. “If someone needs to guide you through the dance floor, pretend I am the only one capable of that.”

In anticipation, Alhaitham is like a statue, completely frozen, until his body doesn’t twitch. Cyno wonders if he will push him away, but his partner does otherwise. Alhaitham’s hand suddenly clings around Cyno’s body and pulls him closer, taking the shorter man’s breath away.

That’s it, the thing they were searching for the whole time. Freedom and desire. Cyno almost lets out a heavy laugh. Instead, he gasps. It is the first time he feels Alhaitham so close to him.

He can’t help, but focus on how perfectly he might fit in Alhaitham’s arm; on the structure of his back and shoulder that he caresses with his fingers; or on that Alhaitham slowly rests his entire body against him.

Melt. They are melting against each other, so close to becoming one.

Cyno takes one step at the side. Alhaitham follows.

Cyno presses against him, to go forward. Alhaitham makes sure to go back, without letting Cyno go even for a second.

Cyno finally smiles at Alhaitham. Alhaitham studies Cyno’s smile as the most beautiful painting in the world.

Their dance finally hits the right place, because between all the steps, and whirls, and pirouettes, and delicacy of his partner’s hands, Cyno doesn’t want it to end.

Once Alhaitham lifts him as the music ends and holds breathless Cyno above the ground, he stares into his emerald eyes. Overtaken by the emotion of love created for the sake of their performance, Cyno holds Alhaitham’s cheek and ruffles his hair, as the man’s eyelids slowly drop. He finds Cyno’s hand and rests his own against it.

Cyno focuses on intoxicating touch, then his mind gains consciousness.

Something has changed. He is so sure of himself that he can’t wait to come back to the studio and try once again.

“I have one question, Alhaitham.”

“What is that?” the man asks, as he lets the gentle wind caress him, resting his body against the barrier.

Cyno takes a look at the cityscape.

“Earlier you’ve said that you do not take a challenge that doesn’t catch your personal interest,” he moves a little bit closer to him. “What is so interesting about all of this that you decided to help me? Kaveh also mentioned that you do not do things like that often.”

“He really doesn’t think before he speaks, doesn’t he?”

“I mean, it is general knowledge that you do not pair with anyone much.”

“Maybe. But I do not have any ulterior motif in all of that, trust me. There is nothing else besides the fact that I decided to help.”

“Really?” Cyno looks at him surprised.

“That’s what I said.”

“But why?”

Alhaitham glances at him. He takes a moment, a few seconds to scan Cyno from the top to the bottom. Cyno tilts his head, waiting for a response, but also amazed at the fact how beautiful these eyes actually are.

“You are an interesting individual. I saw most of your performances and always got the impression that you do not dance just for the sake of winning. That’s just not you. You dance for your ideals and the past week we spent with each other ensured me that I’m not mistaken.”

Cyno blinks a few times. That is… Nice. Really nice of him.

“And Kaveh is just exaggerating. I can help a fellow dancer in need if they are not pretentious pricks.”

“You are really considerate of other people, aren’t you?”

A smile rises on Cyno’s face again. Alhaitham only stares at it back.

“Thank you, Alhaitham,” he says. “I’ve realized I didn’t thank you properly for being willing to help me, so… Thank you.”

“… There is no need to thank me. Also, don’t think you are indebted to me because of that.”

“Let me at least invite you for a nice dinner after we win.”

“Hmpf, I can think of that possibility. But that means we should aim for the win, if you want to spend some time in my presence that much.”

“Pfff, of course.”

In the evening, as Cyno slowly enters his flat and makes himself comfortable before falling asleep, he falls on the bed with his comfort food and puts the TV on for one particular purpose.

Once he searches through multiple videos, he puts on recordings from Alhaitham’s performances. It is not the first time he sees him dancing alone, but now he wants to observe, analyze and extract as much as possible. It is finally a good moment to do his homework, as he has kept hyperfixation only on all the issues before.

Cyno notices many things.

Alhaitham delivers every move with subtlety and care. There is no surprise that he is titled by many as a ‘genius’. Each of his moves, no matter if it is a spin, a sequence of turns, or maybe a run through the dance floor, are a showcase of deep understanding towards what the dance is. Unexpected flexibility, resonating with the environment surrounding him as much as rejecting it, the grace and glory of a king, all of that sparks in Cyno a feeling of something more than just respect. Admiration.

He notices that Alhaitham has his own style, but something else catches his interest.

Understanding sits on his shoulder and Cyno listens to it.

Many dancers choose to dance alone for various reasons. Some want to show they are one of a kind. For some it is just convenient or they build a sense of self-reliance.

Alhaitham is just in his own world that is dictated by loneliness. And he feels comfortable in it.

“Good morning, Alhaitham,” Cyno greets him on the next day.

“Good morning, Cyno.”

It is the day of judgement.

As always, Alhaitham goes through the door with his headphones on, then hides them in his bag. As always, Cyno greets him and observes the man proceeding to warm up. As always, Cyno should satisfy himself by exercising in the other corner of the hall, but today’s morning is different.

“Tomorrow I will bring an application form, so we can fill it together.” Cyno sits next to him on the floor. “I also asked Dehya to prepare costumes for us once she comes back from vacation.”

“Looks like someone has taken care of everything already,” Alhaitham just murmurs, then reaches to his left foot and stretches himself, but takes a short glance at Cyno.

“I prefer to do everything beforehand, rather than at the last minute. It prevents too many minor inconveniences to appear right before the competition. Besides that, I do not like doing a half-assed job… Alhaitham, you are dozing off.”

“I am for sure not an early riser,” as Cyno spots, Alhaitham rubs his eyes and yawns. “I woke up too late, so there was no time for a morning coffee.”

“Should I go and prepare you one then?” Cyno offers, but seeing Alhaitham’s careful stare, backs off a little. “Unless a big scary Alhaitham doesn’t want to be nursed by a little bean like me.”

“Mh…”

Oh my god, he is like a big baby sometimes , Cyno thinks.

“Okay, wait for me. I’ll be right back.”

Cyno speeds to the break room, is observed by curious Lisa while she eats a pack of chocolate cookies and comes back to Alhaitham with a coffee a few minutes later.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks,” Alhaitham drinks it slowly.

“… From a brave knight to his Sleeping Beauty,” Cyno tries to joke, proud of coming up with a new pun that he will tell Tighnari about once they will talk again.

Though, it will meet with the same reaction as always. He is ready to explain the joke further as Alhaitham smirks, so Cyno opens his mouth to—

“Wait a minute. That slight snort from before… Did you just laugh?”

“I didn’t know that you are also a comedian,” Alhaitham wipes out a foam that because of that reaction has appeared under his nose. “Is it that surprising that someone is laughing when you tell the joke?”

“It is surprising when you are the first person to laugh at me, dear princess,” leaving aside the fact that it feels out of character for Cyno. He wonders how many things Alhaitham will surprise him in the future.

“… Don’t call me like that ever again.”

“Oh my god, are you serious? When I found my one and only?” however, Cyno continues to fool around. “When the blissful twist of fate has allowed us to finally meet each other? I was waiting forever for my happy ending.”

He judges Alhaitham’s expression. Now, even if he has scolded him just a moment before, he seems to laugh silently as he takes more sips of the coffee. Who would have expected that Alhaitham looks beautiful with a true smile on his face.

Cyno shakes his head with a slight beam too. What a man.

“Finish that coffee and we are getting ready to work.”

When they stand before each other, ready to dance, Cyno takes a deep breath. He closes his eyes and lets the music possess his entire body.

Alhaitham waits and when Cyno approaches him, he feels how the taller man slowly opens himself at his touch. Once Cyno reaches his hand, then embraces with the other one his partner’s back, he is ensured that Alhaitham gives up. His body is not that tense anymore while Cyno touches him and gives him an opportunity to rule all over him for a few minutes.

One step. Two. Three. Alhaitham does not back off.

Four. Five. Six. Pirouette. They find a way to sway through the air, but once Cyno is lifted by Alhaitham, he swears he can fly.

Between the whirling and twirling, Cyno smiles. It is not perfect, yet something has really changed and he is happy with that improvement.

Practice goes smoothly for the next few days. It is filled with Alhaitham giving Cyno more and more chances at taking an initiative, Cyno preparing for them a morning coffee and telling Alhaitham his favourite jokes, to hear small snorts that come off as a satisfying laugh.

One morning, Cyno enters the training hall with scratched, lightly bleeding knees and limping through the door.

“What happened?” Alhaitham takes a curious glance at his legs. “Did you trip over?”

“No,” Cyno replies with a heavy sigh. “Someone pushed me in a crowd and I fell to the ground. That’s why I got late. I will be fine, let’s get down to practice…”

“You are literally hobbling. How do you plan to dance in that condition?” on his stoic face appears a small frown. “Sit down.”

“Do you think I didn’t dance in worse situations?”

Apparently, Alhaitham doesn’t listen.

“I do not appreciate the ‘show must go on’ approach, even if it might be a superficial wound. Sit down and give yourself some rest. I will bring peroxide and some bandages from the break room.”

“I can take care of–“ before Cyno can protest, Alhaitham disappears behind the door,” … Myself.”

What a man.

He sits down on a chair. This day is definitely not his best.

Once Alhaitham is back, Cyno wants to take care of the scratches, but is not even given that possibility. His partner kneels before him, takes a closer look at his knees and pours a bit of the peroxide on the wounds.

A little hiss comes from Cyno’s mouth.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“What does it look like to you?” Alhaitham glances at him. “I am taking care of my partner.”

“Maybe you haven’t heard me, but I can take care of myself, Alhaitham,” Cyno states, glancing at Alhaitham with a sharp, firm expression.

“And?” the impassive response echoes, stopping Cyno from bickering back. He wonders if he really needs to explain such a simple thing.

“I am not a baby.”

“I never said that. I clearly see that you are an independent, grown up man. However, protection, care and such do not rely only on strength and capability.”

Cyno doesn’t reply.

“Isn’t it right, Cyno? I decided to trust you. Now, allow yourself to trust me too. You don’t have any problem when it comes to dancing with me, I see it clearly. The problem is your professionalism.”

For a moment, Cyno’s heart twitches a little.

Yes, he is professional and has done everything so people will consider him as one. His partner will not understand that. Alhaitham does not care about such things after all. Cyno is deaf to any rumours circling around, however no one knows how many sacrifices it took.

Toning himself down around everyone, proving that he is capable, working hard to show his own credibility… He is not pretentious about it, yet knows that Alhaitham does not understand.

Alhaitham’s words hurt and the man before him can see that.

“… I do not mean it as an insult or anything,” he explains. “My choice of words might appear harsh and rude. The only thing I want to say is that you work so hard to the point that you are forgetting about yourself.”

There is no reply.

Cyno stares into the emerald eyes and does not avert his gaze, until Alhaitham lowers his head to finally put bandage on his knees.

Maybe he overanalyzes everything, but once Alhaitham is done, he still studies his body carefully, as if he was about to find some other scratch to take care of. His hands reach Cyno’s ankle. Checking if it is not sprained with care, Alhaitham seems concerned. The worry flashes on his face. Cyno notices that he takes a little, almost concealed sigh of relief.

Cyno is amazed at them both. At Alhaitham, because once again, he ensures him that he has so much care to give to the world. At himself, because Cyno spots the spreading warmth around his heart.

Alhaitham’s affection is so overwhelming, yet he thinks that he would love to taste it a little bit more. Fear arises inside of him.

“Why are you like this…” he asks him with a whisper.

“Depends on what you mean by that statement.,” their eyes lock. “You’ve already said that I am considerate of other people. Is there anything to add?”

“It’s not just being considerate,” Cyno says. “My judgement was right, you are not as bad as other people say, but… The empathy–“

“Isn’t it quite simple that I do not have any pleasure in seeing people miserable?”

“I am not miserable and yet you pay attention to so many unnecessary details.”

“Unnecessary details make you a person too.”

Cyno can’t take all those ambivalent feelings dancing inside of him.

“And that person is always thinking beforehand about everything and everyone.”

He wants him to stop talking so bad.

“Clearly stands with his ideals and derives more than happiness from dancing.”

He wants him to not continue anymore.

“If he is able to put inspiration and love into the most unshakeable heart, he is quite amazing, don’t you think?”

The tension inside of Cyno blows up. Inspiration and…

“What do you mean?”

“I said what I said. No need to repeat myself twice,” Alhaitham quickly shows him off.

“You are… Insufferable…” Cyno averts his eyes.

“I didn’t expect to hear it because of being nice to someone,” judging by his tone, Cyno knows that his expression softens at him. He doesn’t know how to act, besides letting the embarrassment and astonishment dictate his whole behaviour around him. “Just lose up a little. The win is not that important to me, but the well-being of my partner.”

Alhaitham stands up.

“Give yourself a moment of rest. We will go back to practice once it stops hurting,” he plans to head out to exit. “Should I bring you something to drink?”

“Uhm…” his nod is meek and shallow.

Cyno observes how his partner reaches the door.

“…Alhaitham.”

“What is that, Cyno?” Alhaitham turns to him for a moment.

“I… Thank you,” this is the only thing he is able to let out.

“I told you. There is no need to thank me for anything,” after these words, Alhaitham disappears behind the door.

He leaves Cyno fighting inside with various emotions, and even if they tell him many conflicting things, the aching warmth does not disappear.

Cyno decides to shake it off. 

He doesn’t pay attention to all the unnecessary things that want to distract him from the competition.

However, they are hard to ignore. Through another week, he and Alhaitham create a new atmosphere around them. Once they reject the world, Cyno’s head dives and makes itself comfortable in love. After all, it has no other choice.

Three weeks is enough for Alhaitham to give up on complete solitude. It doesn’t matter if Cyno thinks of improvisation or choreography. Whenever they dance, it is almost like they become one mind and one body.

Passion is another thing. Many small aspects set a temporary terror in his heart. He has an impression as if Alhaitham didn’t want to let go of his hands or set Cyno free from his arms, which in the end makes Cyno cling hard too. The affection that he derives from Alhaitham’s touch seems too genuine. Once they move too close, he takes a short glimpse into his partner’s eyes, searching for answers.

Cyno is curious, asking himself forbidden questions of tango. He is curious if there are people who will dance with Alhaitham the same way in future. He is curious if Alhaitham would treat Kaveh or Nilou with similar subtlety. He is curious how much of Alhaitham’s actions are reserved only for him.

Awareness that he should not ask any of it hits him a few seconds after. Whatever it is, it is trapped in a span of these three minutes where two dancers fall in love with each other. Once the music stops and the reality kicks again, everything vanishes.

He shouldn’t mix it up with what is between him and Alhaitham on a daily basis. They are partners for now. No one belongs to him, no matter if it is Alhaitham, Tighnari or anyone else.

Even today, Cyno fights this hard battle.

Alhaitham lifts him up, for a moment as if he has given Cyno wings to fly. Once the final step is delivered, the one where Cyno turns on his heel to pull Alhaitham as close as possible, stare into the beautiful emerald eyes and smile at him, Cyno swears that he is looking at the sun. His heart pumps and there is a little buzzing in his ears.

He hopes that Alhaitham doesn’t notice how bitter his smile is, but taking his ability to read people fast, the only excuse he can think of is tiredness of practising the choreography another time in a row.

“… Wow,” speaking about the real world kicking in, someone’s voice reaches their ears.

“I didn’t expect they would be doing so well,” a woman follows.

“Are we sure that we all are not dreaming?” and another person.

“I-I feel like we’ve watched something very illegal…”

“They are certainly gross together.”

“Oh, my juniors really grow up so fast.”

 Cyno glances at the door, Alhaitham following him, but not letting go of each other.

A few curious heads observe them.

“… Yo,” Kaveh greets them first and waves at them with a smile.

Kaveh, Dehya, Tighnari walking with crutches, Collei, Scaramouche, Nilou, Layla and even lady Faruzan stand in the training hall, glancing at them with nothing else but a keen curiosity.

“Looks like we’ve got an unnecessary commentary from a peanut gallery over there,” Alhaitham says, looking at them.

“What are you guys doing here?” Cyno moves away from him and approaches all of his friends.

“Sorry Cyno, something came in and I wouldn’t be able to take your measurements for costumes on the weekend,” Dehya explains, holding her make-up utensils and sewing tools. Many know her for an independent style and fire she evokes every time on the dance floor. Not so many are aware that she is great at characterization and costumes too. “I shot you a message, but guess you were too busy with taking care of Alhaitham that you didn’t notice, so I decided to intrude in.”

“And I decided to tag along,” Candace says with a smile.

“We all decided, actually,” Kaveh adds.

“Even Madame Faruzan and Scaramouche?”

Cyno glances at these two, as Alhaitham stands right behind him. For a moment his eyes avert on his partner, to check if Alhaitham even feels comfortable around so many people. There is no sign of discomfort in his look.

“If you want to act so surprised by my presence here, I can leave,” Scaramouche crosses his arms.

“I heard from Kaveh that you two had paired up together. I was just curious to see how the practice goes,” Faruzan explains, flipping her hair with grace. “And certainly I can say that…”

“Your dance was amazing, you two,” Nilou just sends both Cyno and Alhaitham a small beam.

“It was very passionate,” Layla sums up and Cyno can’t help but wonder when was the last time for this poor girl to get enough sleep.  

“And full of desire…” Collei, with sparks of amazement in her eyes, glances at Tighnari, remaining silent for this whole time.

Cyno takes a look at him. It is hard to read anything from his face. He hopes his friend is not jealous or anything. Also, he hopes that he does not think that bad of Haitham anymore.

“… Good job,” he finally speaks up, with a pleasant expression.

“Huh?”

“I’m glad you two were able to connect with each other fast. I need to be honest that I didn’t expect you to work so well together, but guess Kaveh’s intuition didn’t fail anyone here,” Tighnari looks at the blond that due to his words lets out a fake cough.

“Well, life is full of surprises after all…”

“Oh come on, he didn’t believe that it would work out as well,” Scaramouche frowns at these two, making others giggle a bit.

“Hey!”

They start to jokingly bicker.

Cyno’s expression can’t help, but light up and put a smile on his face. He observes Kaveh outraged in a mock anger, Tighnari threatening Scaramouche with one of his crutches, Collei trying to stop the mess and Dehya rolling her eyes.

However, Cyno feels a pair of eyes staring at him. If it is not one of his friends, it must be…

He looks back at Alhaitham.

“Is something wrong?”

“No,” the reply is calm, but he lowers his head.

Cyno freezes for a moment.

“I’m glad to see you genuinely smiling for the first time today,” his whisper steals Cyno’s breath.

Of course he has noticed. These words leave an unpleasant echo in Cyno’s ears.

“Dehya,” Alhaitham calls her, leaving Cyno in place. “There is no need to wait any longer. You can measure me right away first.”

“Oh my god, someone here is very impatient,” she groans.

“Then… I will prepare all of you something to drink,” Cyno wants to escape for a moment. “Tea or coffee?”

The break room is a good place to hide.

Cyno takes a deep sigh while searching for cups. Cyno takes another deep sigh as the water starts boiling in an electric kettle. Cyno takes more deep sighs when he pours the liquid over tea bags and coffee powder.

“Cyno?”

The voice disturbs him. He can’t gather his thoughts at all if someone is intruding in.

He takes a glance at the door. Nilou rests her body against the frame, smiling politely at him.

“Sorry that I bother you, but I was wondering if you are alright…” she speaks cautiously, to not startle her friend.

“Yeah,” Cyno nods. “I’m just a little tired. Before you guys came, we had been practicing all the time without a long break.”

Nilou knows it is a lie, but doesn’t comment on that. After all, Cyno never uses exhaustion as a real excuse for anything.

“It seemed to me like you two are having a lot of fun together,” she notices. “To be honest, I’m glad. I didn’t expect that Alhaitham would be able to dance this way with anyone.”

“… What do you mean?”

The curiosity wins over him. Cyno bashes himself in silence over that. He shouldn’t be curious.

“How to say it properly…” she wonders a little. Soon, her face lights up, as if an enlightenment has been sent upon her. “I danced with him a few times, so I can tell that he is more happy with being a loner. I tried to reach his heart many times, but when I understood that his only interest is to help me in need and then go back to his own solitude, I stopped. Well, it’s not like I have something against it. This is what makes him happy about dancing the most. But…”

“But…?” Cyno glances at her.

“I wouldn’t say that his mindset has changed, but… I think he feels really happy around you, Cyno.”

Of course the world stops in tracks.

“The dance says a lot about the person. From afar, I can tell that you two really like each other.”

They like each other. Yeah, Cyno likes Alhaitham, he won’t deny that. Some time ago he started to consider him as a friend even.

“You may have no comparison, but even his smile says a lot. Like, he usually shows others just a little smile that some will barely notice. But for you it’s wide and so warm,” Nilou imitates it by gently pressing the corners of her mouth up, as if she wanted to paint a broad smile on her face.

However, Cyno stares at her like she just has given him some hard code to decipher.

“He just likes you a lot.”

“He likes me a lot… He said himself that he didn’t come here to become friends with me.”

“Oh well…” Nilou comes at him slowly. “I heard exactly the same thing. Maybe because he is quite overprotective of himself, so no one destroys his peace.”

Overprotective of himself. Destroying his peace. Alhaitham likes him a lot. All of these things circle around Cyno’s mind like crazy.

“And if he lets you destroy that peace, I can say that your bond with you may mean to him a lot.”

“Nilou…”

It doesn’t help, only sets in his mind even stronger conflict.

“I will help you with the drinks,” she says, reaching for the cups.

“… Thanks…”

They come back to the room filled with bickering, laughs and Scaramouche’s curses. Cyno, startled, takes an immediate stare at his partner, being abused by Dehya’s tape-measure here and there. As if on cue, Alhaitham’s glance finds Cyno in this room full of other people.

Alhaitham likes him a lot. This is certainly a thought that won’t leave his mind for a while.

“What about your headphones?”

“You mean my earpieces?”

“Yeah. You always come and leave with them. I was wondering what kind of music you are listening to.”

“I don’t. They are soundproof.”

“Oh? Really?”

“The ruckus while commuting might be overwhelming at times and interrupts my reading. Also, I don’t like being interrupted by unnecessary issues, so it is better for me to appear as busy as possible. As simple as that.”

“I feel like I was entrusted with confidential information,” Cyno smiles a little.

“You may treat it this way. After all, I don’t mind if I’m interrupted by you,” and Alhaitham replies, making Cyno’s heart twitch.

They sit before each other on the floor, locking their eyes.

Days till the competition and each practice passes, but Cyno’s confusion does not. 

Everyday Alhaitham says things that disturbs Cyno’s mind. Everyday Alhaitham does things that disturbs Cyno’s heart.

He does his best to not destroy the peace between them. Cyno derives both pleasure and fear from how many new things he learns about his partner each day. Now his knowledge about Alhaitham exceeds. He learns that he likes abstruse, complicated books; that he is interested in linguistics besides dancing and that soups are certainly not his favourite dish.

These are trivial things. Alhaitham has already mentioned that he doesn’t like talking about trivial things. Cyno notices that they grow to like talking about trivial things together.

After all, Cyno gives him the same back. He mentions that if not dancing, he would have chosen a law course, that he is a passionate TCG player and that strolls around the city’s outskirts calms his mind.

“… Okay. Enough of chit-chatting, Alhaitham. Let’s go back to practice.”

“As you wish, Cyno. However, don’t you think that we literally have nothing to polish anymore? There is one week till the competition, let’s take a break so you won’t stress much. Dehya will bring our costumes tomorrow.”

“Then, do you want to improvise a bit more today?” Cyno asks. “I feel like I didn’t get enough dancing today after all.”

“One dance then.”

“Okay, let it be one dance.”

Nilou might have been right. Alhaitham has grown attached to him more than anyone could have imagined.

Cyno detests the fact that their dance is nothing else now, but two lovers expressing their passion. He gives up on the thought that he thinks of it only as a play, a creation, an idea that they are supposed to present.

Once they stand before each other, Cyno’s hands are caught in the embrace with Alhaitham’s. He pulls Cyno closer by his shoulders. 

Cyno gets an impression as if Alhaitham would want to lead this time and he doesn’t mind anymore. After all, he trusts Alhaitham with himself.

His arms, the way he holds him, his careful gaze studying Cyno’s whole expression… Cyno somehow really hates it, but at the same time he loves how much personal safety it gives him.

‘Love’ in the world of dancing is a heavy and deep word. A large lump appears in his throat. Once again, he stares into the emerald and beautiful eyes of his partner and as much as he wants to avert his head, he is unable to.

Cyno is hypnotised.

The steps they took on the dance floor are slow.

In the end, they just sway without anything fancy and Alhaitham has full control over that.

Dancers can tell each other how they feel during the dance too. And maybe it is just Cyno’s imagination, but Alhaitham seems to really want to tell him that he doesn’t need to worry about anything. That he is here all the time. That he wants to take care of him. That he just likes him a lot…

At the finish, Alhaitham lowers his head a bit. Cyno sends him back only a puzzling expression.

Then he stares at his lips.

Once the melody ends, Cyno feels his hands pulling him closer, as if Alhaitham just wanted to embrace him tight.

Cyno wants to reach, stroke his cheek gently just like at the day when they danced in the crowd, as if the entire world didn’t exist. He does, letting the touch of Alhaitham’s skin electrify him again. The breath runs away from his lungs as his partner closes his eyes in response. His palm embraces Cyno’s, suggesting that he doesn’t mind him touching his body that way.

Cyno realizes that he has no control over himself. He really hates that.

What if they just kiss here?

After a few seconds that feels like forever, Alhaitham stares at him.

Cyno doesn’t know which time he says that his eyes are beautiful.

No.

Alhaitham as a whole is beautiful.

And that’s enough.

Cyno pulls him away, averts his eyes, who knows where, because if he doesn’t, his heart will really break into a million pieces. It already twitches, and beats like crazy, and wants to run away from his chest.

He feels like he is not allowed to cross that border.

He feels like he is not allowed to love Alhaitham at all.

“It was supposed to be only one dance… I think we can call it a day here,” he escapes from Alhaitham’s embrace.

“… If you say so.”

He sounds disappointed. Cyno doesn’t want to look into his eyes right now. He observes the floor, feeling extremely uneasy.

“We will see each other tomorrow, Alhaitham.”

“Mhm,” this is the only response he can hear. “See you tomorrow, Cyno.”

Alhaitham walks past him, takes his bag and leaves.

It doesn’t put Cyno’s heart at ease.

He realizes that he loves Alhaitham.

This is a thought he needs to battle till the competition ends.

“Look at you, how handsome you two are,” Dehya says with pride, as she takes a look at her creations.

Cyno and Alhaitham steal a glance at each other.

“… When I look at Cyno, I can only say that you really outdid yourself, Dehya,” Alhaitham admits, running away with his gaze to the woman again.

Dressed in dark purple clothing with green accents, with a subtle makeup on and hair pinned up with accessories resembling stars, both keep quiet for most of the time. Cyno scans Alhaitham carefully, in order to search for any sort of uneasiness that might have appeared after yesterday’s afternoon, however, he cannot find it. 

After coming into that conclusion, Cyno takes a closer look at his whole apparition.

Alhaitham looks like a prince that anyone would fall for. He stands proudly and with bold confidence. Each part of his look screams glory, beauty and elegance.

He is really handsome and Cyno can’t stop looking at him.

“Can I watch you two moving around? I want to see those outfits in action and I’m afraid I’m too impatient to wait till the competition starts.”

“I don’t mind,” Alhaitham agrees.

“… Yeah, me neither.”

If it is a performance for Dehya, Cyno can put his thoughts at the side for a moment. She gets what she wants. He doesn’t consider it as their best performance, but satisfaction derived from it should be enough for now.

The woman leaves before them, but Cyno doesn’t focus on the fact that she has sensed something is wrong and it is quite visible.

Before departing with Alhaitham, he goes to the bathroom, wipes the make-up off and fixes his hair back to normal.

The night before, Cyno had taken a stroll down the city, to rethink the situation. There is no soothing of his nerves and mind as usual though.

He wonders if Alhaitham is mad at him. For the entire day, he remains silent and as much as Cyno’s heart aches at the thought of loving, the idea of Alhaitham closing himself up at him seems disastrous.

The realization that soon they will go their own paths again hits him. In the future, there might be no chance to taste that addicting affection and spend time together and surround himself with the pleasant warmth that this man lights up in him.

It would put his heart at ease, but Cyno doesn’t want it.

Looking at his own expression, he sees nothing else, but sadness painted on it.

He needs to find Alhaitham.

It doesn’t take him long. He sees him exiting the studio, so Cyno takes a few quick steps to reach the door and call him.

“Alhaitham.”

Cyno pats his shoulder, so the man puts his soundproof earpieces off and looks at him with an impassive gaze.

There are moments when Cyno doesn’t understand people enough to feel unpleasant confusion. It is that kind of situation.

“Oh, it’s you,” his response is curt. Cyno doesn’t like it. “Do you need something, Cyno?”

“… I just wanted to say goodbye I guess.”

“Oh? You could’ve just shot me a message in that case. I took my leave once I had changed.”

Indeed, Cyno notices that make-up still adorns his face. Purpleness and greenness, sprinkled with a bit of gold, even as contrasting colours, they look perfect on Alhaitham’s eyelids, temple and cheeks.

Beautiful.

“Then…” everything gets stuck in his throat. “See you tomorrow, Alhaitham.”

“… Yeah, see you.”

Cyno wonders why Alhaitham is not calling him out. He is so good at reading people that Cyno cannot think about anything else, but that he sees what a mess he has become recently, yet does not comment on that. Maybe it would make everything easier, if Alhaitham just said anything.

He observes how the man walks away. Is he mad? Maybe. Is he disappointed? That is possible too. Is he hurt?

The memory of their talk at the beginning of their journey comes back at Cyno like a blow. Back then, he was so sure that he had harmed Alhaitham by assuming that Cyno is not happy when they dance together. In the end, Cyno came to the conclusion that Alhaitham just wants everyone to not feel miserable and help them.

However, is it the same case here?

His mind screams at him. He should stop him and say anything that will chase away the sadness that has decided to hunt his partner.

Cyno’s mouth opens and hangs in the air.

“… Alhaitham.”

Alhaitham turns his head towards him.

“I…”

Cyno sees how he waits, now a bit surprised and in anticipation.

“When the competition ends… Would you like to dance with me again?”

“… Pardon?”

He does his best to remain calm, but he can’t help that breath, words, thoughts and heart try to run away from him.

“As simple as that… Would you like to dance with me again?”

Alhaitham blinks a few times.

“I believe you have a dancing partner already. Once he recovers, you don’t need my help anymore. Isn’t that right?”

“I don’t mean it as a help anymore,” Cyno replies.

Fear of approaching Alhaitham now takes over him, so he stays in one place, observes the man, scans every little change on his face. Alhaitham is surprised. It is almost unnoticeable, but Cyno knows he is surprised.

“Nilou has told me that… You come to help and then go back to dancing solo,” expressing himself through words is harder than usual, “and I do respect that. After all, I know that this is the most comfortable way for you.”

There is no reply.

“And I assume because of that you won’t accept this proposition.”

The green, peaceful eyes bore a hole through him.

“So there is no pressure. However, I wouldn’t mind if we just… Meet up from time to time… And improvise a bit maybe…”

He cannot stand the embarrassment, so he averts his eyes.

“… But why?” Alhaitham asks.

Why? Oh, there are so many whys. Cyno doesn’t want to lose him, that is for sure. However the first and foremost reason is…

“Because…”

He takes some courage to glance at him. Alhaitham comes closer. Cyno can’t hold this anymore.

“Because dancing with you makes me happy, Alhaitham.”

As these words echo through the night and soon are replaced by nothing else than silence, Cyno analyses Alhaitham’s expression. He sees him taking a deep breath and his eyes widen a bit. The astonishment, the charm, the strike of… Love. Cyno sees everything in his gaze.

He takes courage to smile a little at Alhaitham.

“… As simple as that?” Alhaitham asks.

“As simple as that,” Cyno nods. “I never had the courage to tell you that. But I think you are both an amazing dancer and person too. You have proven that to me multiple times… I guess I grew to really like you in the end.”

Oh my god, he really has just said that.

“Then…”

Cyno tilts his head, waiting for Alhaitham’s answer.

“In the given circumstances… I have no intention to reject your offer, Cyno.”

His heart skips a beat, almost aches as if he was about to collapse.

“Really?”

“As simple as that, I might have grown to really like you too. So I certainly don’t mind.”

Oh my god, what a man, Cyno thinks.

“We will see each other tomorrow. Now I will take my leave.”

“Mhm… Good night, Alhaitham.”

“Good night, Cyno.”

However, before Alhaitham leaves, he does one additional thing.

Cyno’s breath is stolen again once the man takes his hand and rests the other one on his back. It comes off almost like an embrace, but Alhaitham lowers his head. Cyno is so ready to close his eyes, as the terror of love enters his heart once again. However, Alhaitham simply whispers into his ear.

“Take care,” his words caress Cyno’s ear. “It was a long day, you deserve to rest.”

After that, he moves away and goes forward. As his touch disappears, Cyno is left with an unpleasant emptiness. His whole body twitches and aches.

He shakes his head once Alhaitham disappears from his sight. Conflicting thoughts bother him once again.

Once he comes back to the training hall in order to pack his things and leave, Cyno shuts the door behind him and stares blankly at the dance floor.

The chaos in his head is unbearable and it is certainly foolish of him to think that admitting he likes Alhaitham will put him at ease.

Cyno sits on the chair, pulls his knees to his chest and hides his face in his head. He really has enough.

“Cyno, are you alright?” the door opens and Lisa’s voice creeps into the hall. She must have heard the slam. “Oh well, now when I look at you, I’m pretty sure something is on your mind.”

He takes a glance at her, saying absolutely nothing and quickly coming back to the previous position.

“Oh sweetheart,” she sits next to him. “What happened?”

“Nothing…” Cyno mumbles.

“I assume that ‘nothing’ is a certain, tall, stoic, handsome man that bothers you from time to time, am I right?”

“How did you know…”

“Pfft, I see many things, you know? And my intuition doesn’t fail me when I see such adorable lovebirds together.”

“We are not lovebirds,” Cyno denies.

“Oh please. I am more than one hundred percent sure that you two have lost your minds for each other, sweetie. I would say that Alhaitham is totally whipped for you.”

No reply.

Lisa sighs.

“Cyno, dear. Am I right that you don’t want to allow yourself to love him?”

Oh now she has hit the nail on the head.

“Why?”

“My duty as a dancer is to create love on the dance floor, not mix it with real life…”

“Oh you and those twisted ideals…” Lisa takes a deep inhale. “It is normal for dancers to have romantic partners and such, you are putting too much philosophy into it.”

“I have never loved anyone like this,” he takes a glance at her.

“Then maybe the issue here is not love itself?”

“What do you mean?”

The woman looks at him with a serious expression.

“Sweetheart, you are just lost. Your past experience makes you question if you are not crossing some boundaries, when it shouldn’t terrorize you that much. Why must it dictate if you should reject him or not?”

“I do not reject him,” he states. “I asked him myself if he wants to dance with me from time to time and he agreed… I will just put all those feelings to the side.”

“See? He likes you. Or even loves you.”

“Maybe. But does he deserve the jealousy that will come afterwards when I start dancing with others? That may be dangerous.”

“He doesn’t seem like a jealous type. His mind is too rational for that.”

“You never know.”

Another sigh escapes Lisa’s lips. She wonders a bit, then speaks up once again.

“Let’s look at it from the other side. What do you love about him?”

He is embarrassed, but Lisa has heard and witnessed so many of his failures, that he is not scared to tell her such a thing.

Cyno gathers his thoughts and takes a deep breath.

“… He is very caring.”

“Oh?”

“He puts my well-being as a priority, instead of focusing on perfection.”

“Good to hear that,” she smiles a little.

“I’m not saying that Tighnari or others don’t do it as well. But he takes into account even the most unnecessary details that I’ve mentioned only once.”

“Obsessed lovers tend to do it quite a lot.”

“… No. He just has so much care and love to give to the world, when others deprive him of that.”

“Heh, but you are one of few people that has noticed that, right?”

“I guess. But at the same time, it doesn’t seem like he bothers himself with any speculations that people made up about him. It is quite admirable. I think the past me would be even more amazed at that capability.”

“So you are also impressed, huh.”

“… I like talking with him,” Cyno can’t control a little beam appearing on his face.

“Mhm,” Lisa nods, listening further.

“He likes my jokes. And he will listen even to the most trivial thing I will tell him. He has never insulted or ignored me,” he goes on and on. “Sometimes he acts like a big baby, but allows me to take care of him if so. He gives me as much time and rest as I need. Dancing is not different. I would never expect him to be so gentle, careful and considerate with other people. Once he entrusted me with himself and I’ve felt like we are really unstoppable. I just feel like…”

Cyno stops for a moment, as the realization hits him. All these words lead to only one thing. He swallows a hard lump in his throat and adds with a shaky breath:

“I just feel like he is the only person that I don’t need to pretend anything before.”

“Oh sweetheart…” Lisa reaches her hand out to him and gently strokes his shoulder.

“I don’t want to lose him Lisa…” he replies almost inaudibly, just murmurs and allows the woman to embrace him.

“I know, Cyno. I know. You are not losing him.”

Cyno’s head rests against her arm. What a pity that Cyrus is not here with them too.

“Everything you said ensures me that you really found someone worthy of your love. It doesn’t happen often, you know? You deserve to derive as much happiness as you can from that.”

Cyno listens to her. Finally, his heart feels as if it was set free.

“One question. Do you want him?”

“… I do.”

“And do you think he wants you too?”

“Sometimes I’m getting an impression that indeed, he feels the same as me.”

No. He has seen love in his eyes. There is no doubt that Alhaitham feels the same.

“Then maybe there is some worth in trying? You two have something precious between each other. It would be a pity to waste it.”

“Lisa…”

“Well, I know I might not be the best example to give you any advice. But seeing my dear friend doubting and bashing himself like this breaks my heart.”

Cyno smiles at her again.

“Thank you.”

The woman lifts herself up from the chair slowly.

“You will thank me once you make me your bridesmaid on your wedding, fufu,” she giggles, half-jokingly teasing him now.

“Aren’t you running a little bit too far into the future?...”

“Certainly not.”

Cyno allows himself to snort a little too. Once the laughs stop, Lisa glances at Cyno again.

“Make sure you show him properly what you feel through your last week together.”

Cyno nods.

“I will do my best.”

The competition day arrives at the speed of light.

Cyno observes Dehya that makes last corrections on Alhaitham’s face. He waits with patience and from time to time glances at people moving around. The ruckus is filled with screams, and panic, and some curious glances from other competitors that Cyno has a nodding acquaintance with.

There is no surprise here. After all, his partner’s presence causes a huge stir. Well, Cyno couldn’t care less.

“And… Now you guys are all set up,” Dehya hides her brush. “I will cheer on you from the audience with the rest.”

“Mhm,” Cyno nods with a smile. “Thank you, Dehya. We will see each other after they announce winners.”

“Sure, sure… You never do the half-assed job, so there is no need for me to start with meaningless rhetorics. Just do your best.”

“There is no other option. Isn’t that right, Alhaitham?” Cyno glances at him.

“Of course,” he nods. Alhaitham’s face lights up a little as they stare into each other's eyes.

“Heh, if you say so,” Dehya smiles a little at them too. “Tighnari is not there, so I can freely say ‘break a leg’, you two. Bye, bye.”

As she leaves, Cyno sends Alhaitham a warm expression.

“You are boring a hole through me, Cyno.”

“It’s nothing. I just think you look quite beautiful.”

“What did I do that I’m so pampered with so many praises recently?” his eyebrow raises. “Well, I can’t say otherwise about you.”

“Heh…”

As Lisa said, for the whole week Cyno tries to give up entirely at the unpleasant thoughts and let Alhaitham almost consume his love in every move he delivers with him. His partner is not stupid, so Cyno hopes the message has come across in its full shape.

Now, the last thing to do is to show everyone the final result of their hard work.

Soon, Alhaitham and Cyno go to observe the other competitors in the discrete corner of the hall.

Cyno feels the rising tension. He can’t help but let the excitement overwhelm him, to the point he shakes and starts playing with his fingers, only to distract his mind. His breath is trembling a little, while the heart pumps with rapid speed.

The concurrency they will be facing is outstanding. The glory, elegance, passion, all of that mixes on the dance floor. Little sparks appear in Cyno’s eyes as he observes the wild run of Albedo and Kaeya Alberich, or sophisticated gestures between Diluc Ragnvindr and Jean Gunnhildr. He notices the sleek style that Kamisato Ayaka mixes with Naganohara Yoimiya’s energy.

Jury consisting of three dancing icons might be an intimidating aspect too, however, Raiden Ei is the only one who doesn’t smile at any participant. Zhongli observes everything with a curious expression, while Venti observes everyone with admiration.

Cyno feels the enthusiasm, but at the same time, he starts to feel distressed.

Suddenly, the touch around his shoulders startles him, almost making him jump at the seat.

He glances at Alhaitham, as he pulls him a little bit closer.

“If it’s too much, just say one word. I will move away,” Alhaitham says softly.

Cyno, astonished, rests his head against Alhaitham’s chest though. That’s nice of him. Very nice. He clings a little to him and closes his eyes for a moment.

“No. It’s perfect, thank you.”

He doesn’t want to run away from his touch anymore.

“Is it?”

“Mhm. Let’s stay like this for a while.”

“Good.”

Cyno doesn’t comment on how in comparison to his stoic body, Alhaitham’s heart beats like crazy.

They are one of the last pairs to enter the dance floor.

Once the lights go down, Cyno lets go of his partner for a moment and stands before him. He is ready for the melody to start.

He pushes away the thought that others are watching. As the first tunes come in and the lights shine on them, he glances at Alhaitham with confidence. Nothing else matters.

Cyno sends him a smile. Alhaitham smiles at him too.

The butterflies dance in Cyno’s stomach. He lets Alhaitham approach him slowly. His partner seems reluctant, however, Alhaitham’s hands reach out to him.

What a thrilling situation.

Once Cyno embraces the hand back, the passion slowly creeps in and makes itself comfortable in the spotlight that has shined upon them.

First, playful el lapiz .

At first both of them were strangers to each other. No one can deny that.

Alhaitham leads him forward, then at the side, then gracefully lets Cyno cross over. As usual, Cyno’s knee lifts up and presses against Haitham’s leg.

Then, ocho .

They pull away, crossing and pivoting from now on. Cyno takes the lead. He interferes between Alhaitham and his peace. However, the man now follows him faithfully.

Cyno moves backwards. He wants Alhaitham to run after him and chase him, as if they have connected with each other just a moment ago.

The catch.

Alhaitham finally catches him and pulls closer. Their lips are departed just by millimetres. Cyno’s heart stops for a moment, astonished by the sensation. No matter how many times they do it, now when he is in love, every gesture makes his body and mind mad.

That madness turns into desire.

Look at me. Cyno playfully touches his cheek.

Touch me. He allows Alhaitham to put hands on his waist.

Love me . His partner lifts him up and in his gaze Cyno finds nothing else, but admiration.

Then he lands back on his feet, takes Alhaitham by his hand and leads through the dance floor. Cyno doesn’t even notice that he giggles a little and a broad smile adorns his face.

It happens between each pirouette, and lift, and cross, and pivot.

They are possessed, hypnotised and melt with each other like crazy. Cyno feels crazy. That last dance satisfies his hunger.

At the finish, he turns to Alhaitham to hold him as the final move.

His heart stops for a moment.

He has never seen him smiling as widely as now.

Instead of catching him, Cyno literally falls into his arms.

The lights go down again for a moment. Music disappears.

In the moment of silence, Alhaitham really clings into him like he doesn’t want to let him go.

Cyno swears that in the span of that few seconds, before anyone can see them, he feels Alhaitham as a whole. His breath shakes. His nose almost dives in Cyno’s hair. His hands clutch around Cyno’s arms.

He doesn’t have a chance to give it back, as Alhaitham quickly moves away.

The lights are back and the audience applauds loudly, but everything echoes in Cyno’s ears as if he was trapped under water.

There is no time to gather his thoughts or stare deeply into Alhaitham’s eyes. His partners bow with grace before everyone. Cyno follows him.

They leave the stage to wait for the results.

As they sit down, Alhaitham offers that he will go grab some drinks for them and Cyno waits at the bench in anticipation. It is hard to calm and soothe down.

“Hello,” someone approaches him. “Do you mind if I get on?”

Cyno steals a glance at Albedo who points at the place next to him.

“Oh… Yeah, sure. Take a seat,” he quickly moves a bit.

“I hope I don’t interrupt you or anything. But your choreography made a great impression on me.”

“Huh, is that so,” Cyno scans the stranger. “I would never have thought that we would have the pleasure to compete against each other. What a pro-dancer like you is doing here?”

“Oh, I was invited by Kaeya to participate in.”

“And where did your partner get lost?” Cyno looks around to find the blue haired man.

“I assume that, just like yours, he searches for something to drink. He should be back soon.”

“I see… I can’t deny that you two were pretty admirable too.”

“Oh! Albedo talks with Mr. Cyno!”

Both men are distracted by Klee’s voice.

The girl appears before them, holding Lisa by her hand.

“Oh, I finally found you~” Lisa smiles at Cyno. She lets Klee go, as the girl goes to hug Albedo. “Let me take Cyno away from you for a moment. We will be back soon.”

“Sure,” Albedo nods.

Cyno follows Lisa at the side. They reach the barrier of the dance floor. The jury has already left to discuss who is the winner. Cyno takes a glance at it, wondering how amazing it is that such a lifeless place held so much passion just a few moments ago.

“Congratulations,” the woman rests her body against the barrier. “That was a very thrilling and amazing performance. I would be surprised if someone didn’t think that you two are in love with each other.”

“Thank you, Lisa.”

“As we speak about him, where did your Romeo go?”

“Oh, he went for something to drink. He should be back in a…”

“I’m back, Cyno.”

Both Lisa and Cyno turn their heads at him.

“Oh, speak of the devil~ You two did a good job,” she praises them.

“Thank you,” Alhaitham replies briefly, as he hands Cyno a bottle of water over. “Now we just need to wait for the final verdict.”

“Don’t pretend that you have any interest in it,” Cyno rolls his eyes and opens the drink.

“Well. I already feel like I have won, so there is no need for me to get that trophy.”

He takes a deep glance at Alhaitham.

“Fufu…” Lisa’s giggle breaks the momentary silence. “I feel like I’m watching something that I shouldn’t so I will take my leave for now. Have fun, boys~” she disappears as quickly as she has come here before.

Cyno blinks, staring at his partner.

“… Did I tell you before that you are insufferable?”

“Certainly. Every time I am nice to you,” he says, which makes Cyno only frown. He wants to say something, however, a loud voice echoes through the speakers.

“Ladies and gentleman. All the participants ought to gather in the main hall. We will introduce the winners now.”

He takes a deep breath. It’s time.

Him and Alhaitham stand at the back, behind other pairs and Cyno listens.

Once again, the world speeds, as Zhongli introduces the third place. He glances at Alhaitham as Diluc and Jean’s names are read out loud. Then, the second place is about to be revealed. Here, he thinks of Alhaitham’s words and if he feels like he has won already, then Cyno is relieved. After all, he thinks the same. Kaeya’s voice reaches his ears, as they are announced with Albedo as the second place. He smiles a little.

As the silence hangs in the ear, Cyno holds Alhaitham’s hand.

“Thank you, Alhaitham. It was fun.”

“… No need to thank me, Cyno.”

Alhaitham calling his name mixes with Zhongli saying it at the same time.

They have won.

Wait, Cyno realizes. He is quickly brought back to the Earth.

“… We’ve won…” Cyno repeats.

“Mhm. We have won,” Alhaitham nods, leading him by the hand.

Oh, Cyno can’t even oppose. His world becomes a pure chaos. He is given a trophy and a bouquet of flowers. Alhaitham says something to the mic. Cyno too, but he is so fixated now on the joy of winning with him that he doesn’t even remember what he has said. Someone takes a photo. Some contestants congratulate them.

He doesn’t even notice when they reach backstage with Alhaitham.

“We did it…” he can’t help his excitement. “We actually did it..!

Alhaitham keeps up with Cyno, following him. A single word is not coming from his mouth.

“Alhaitham, it’s all thanks to your help, thank you—”

“I’ve already said there is no need to thank me.”

“There is.”

The fact that he barely says anything starts putting Cyno into an uneasy state.

“Oh… Don’t misunderstand me, Alhaitham,” Cyno takes a glance at the trophy. “I didn’t care just about the win, I’m just a little excited.”

“You call it a little? I see that you are literally radiating from happiness.”

“Sorry, I just feel like I can’t hold it at all right now—”

“Cyno.”

“What?” he steals a glance at him.

And Alhaitham steals a quick kiss from his lips.

Cyno’s body freezes. This is unexpectable. Alhaitham’s hands holds him by his arm. The other one caresses his cheek. He lowers his head to just reach Cyno’s mouth, moves away as if it was nothing and looks straight into his eyes.

“Good job,” then, Alhaitham omits him.

Cyno touches his lips.

“W… Wait, Alhaitham, where are you go—”

“Oh here they are!” Kaveh’s voice resounds from the opposite of the room.

This is really unfortunate timing. Their friends don't even reach them and Alhaitham is already gone.

Alhaitham disappears for the rest of the evening and Cyno’s heart certainly is dissatisfied.

His sad gaze creeps out on his face once Kaveh tells him that Alhaitham has shot him a message on the afterparty that he will stay home after the competition. Of course, Cyno says nothing about the kiss. But there is something unpleasant in the fact that Alhaitham is not with him and does not celebrate their success together.

In the end, he listens to his friends chit-chatting, bickering and laughing. Cyno’s mood lights up, but once he glances at the trophy and the bouquet, it descends again.

After taking a drink or two, he falls asleep at the late night hour in his bed, wondering what will happen now. Alhaitham doesn’t reply to his messages, nor calls.

“What on earth is he thinking…” he mumbles into his pillow. A little bit drunk, he thinks of many possibilities, but the worst one is the thought of Alhaitham wanting to leave him in the end. To silence these thoughts, Cyno falls asleep.

The morning at the studio is not better.

He places the trophy in the cabinet and takes a heavy sigh. It doesn’t give him as much happiness anymore.

Alhaitham wouldn’t just leave him like this. That is what he thinks once he starts stretching himself in the training hall. Maybe his heart even aches a bit. Because of that, Cyno in the end lowers himself and lays down on the floor, glancing at the ceiling.

Today he has no energy for dancing.

He closes his eyes, thinking how exhausted he feels. What if Alhaitham in the end has decided to do what Nilou told him? But he promised Cyno that they will dance again. He wouldn’t change his mind so quickly. What about the kiss? Alhaitham never does anything meaningless. If he wanted to leave, he wouldn’t set so much terror now in his heart.

“… Do you plan to vegetate on the floor forever?”

“Leave me alone, Alhaitham…” Cyno replies in the amok, assuming it is a ghost of his mind, but glances up as fast as possible at the real sound of his voice.

He blinks a few times.

“What on earth are you doing here?”

Alhaitham rests his body against the doorframe, then quickly approaches him.

“Huh? What do you mean? You are the one who invited me to dance together after the competition. Besides that, you promised to take me for dinner if we win. Isn’t that right?”

Cyno crumples his knees, as Alhaitham kneels next to him. What an insufferable man. This is probably the first time when he wants to punch him for real.

“Why did you leave yesterday?”

“I take no pleasure in social gatherings and Kaveh certainly would drag me along if I stayed with you all.”

“Is it really your excuse?” Cyno doesn’t believe it. “I wanted to celebrate our success with you. Isn’t it quite simple logic to follow?”

Alhaitham looks at him carefully.

“… Guess I needed a moment for myself to rethink the given situation.”

“What do you mean?”

“That we are in love with each other.”

Cyno gasps.

He is so sure that his face now burns from shame. There is no other way for him to calm down, rather than hiding his expression with his hands.

“God, don’t say it so carefree, Alhaitham… You really have no shame, don’t you?”

Alhaitham doesn’t reply. Cyno steals a glance at him, analyzing his expression, then sighs.

He has so much to say, but the curiosity starts to eat him slowly. Moving closer to him, he tilts his head and asks:

“I had no doubt that you may love me back…” he admits, looking into the green eyes. Cyno carefully reaches and caresses Alhaitham’s hair. The man does not run away from his touch. More, Alhaitham’s eyelids drop a bit, as if Cyno’s touch was soothing all of his senses. “… I should really consider myself lucky then. Unless, even if you are in love with me, you don’t want us to form a relationship…”

“No.”

Cyno holds his breath for a moment.

“… I really love you,” Alhaitham reaches Cyno’s hand and brings it closer to his cheek. That makes him smile. “There is no doubt that my heart belongs to you and I don’t mind a commitment with you.”

“When did you realize…?”

“Some time ago. At first it felt weird and I kept wondering what sort of feeling it was.”

Listening carefully, Cyno moves closer.

“However… I didn’t push it away. And I understood that I don’t need many reasons to name it as ‘love.’ As simple as that…”

Here Alhaitham stops for a moment.

Cyno knows there are things that are not so easy to say.  

“As simple as what?” he tries to encourage him.

“As simple as that, I might have fallen just like the man I was supposed to play. In the end, he has found his own happiness.”

“So you just want to say that…”

Alhaitham stares deeply into Cyno’s eyes, before admitting that.

“Dancing with you. And also being with you. All of that makes me really happy, Cyno.”

“… You insufferable man.”

Cyno doesn’t know what has possessed him, but he almost jumps at him. A sudden move makes them fall on the floor. He takes just a moment, a short glance at the beautiful eyes and dives for a kiss.

Alhaitham, even if a bit surprised, doesn’t seem to mind. Once their lips find each other and the man holds Cyno by his arms with delicacy. The kiss is long, to taste and pour love over Alhaitham’s mouth.

“I love you too,” Cyno whispers in-between, only to share another smooch with him. Then, he leaves kisses on his cheeks and forehead.

Alhaitham almost snorts.

As they stare into each other’s eyes, small smiles appear on their faces.

“What do you think about some dancing for a fresh start?” Cyno asks.

“I thought you would never ask.”

[ T H E  E N D ]