Chapter 6: Voted Into Disaster
The announcement was made with far too much cheer.
"For this year's Foundation Day," the professor said, smiling like he was delivering good news, "each class will present a short performance. Pairs will be chosen by student vote."
Lily Hart's spine straightened.
No.
She already knew where this was going.
The projector screen lit up with names—pictures flashing beneath them. Cheers erupted with each pairing, the class buzzing with excitement.
"And for our main presentation," the professor continued, "we will have—"
Lily raised her hand so fast it nearly dislocated her shoulder.
"Sir," she said sweetly, "I'd like to opt out."
The professor blinked. "Opt out?"
"Yes. I suddenly remembered I have—" she paused, searching for an excuse, "—a lifelong fear of public happiness."
The class laughed.
The professor chuckled. "Very funny, Miss Hart. Sit down."
She did not sit.
"I'd like to request a different partner," Lily pressed. "Anyone. Literally anyone. I will accept a cardboard cutout."
Murmurs spread.
Noah Blackwood, seated a few rows away, stiffened.
The professor frowned. "Partners are decided by majority vote."
Lily's smile twitched. "And who exactly am I paired with?"
The screen flickered.
Lily Hart × Noah Blackwood
Thunderous applause.
Lily's soul left her body.
"No," she said flatly.
Noah turned slowly in his seat, disbelief crossing his face.
She looked him dead in the eye. "I refuse."
Gasps.
Amy Lawson, sitting beside Noah, froze.
The professor cleared his throat. "Miss Hart, the class voted overwhelmingly. You two received the highest number of votes."
Lily glanced around.
Students avoided her gaze. Mia winced sympathetically.
"So I was betrayed," Lily muttered.
"And," the professor added casually, "you'll be performing a short ballet piece."
Silence.
"…A what?"
"A ballet," he repeated. "Since it's Foundation Day, elegance and coordination are key."
Lily laughed weakly. "I think you've confused me with someone graceful."
"You'll manage," the professor said, already moving on. "You two will be the main focus of the event."
Amy's nails dug into her palm.
Practice started the very next day.
The music echoed through the empty hall as Lily stood stiffly in front of Noah, arms crossed.
"I want it on record," she said, "that I did not consent to this."
Noah exhaled. "Do you think I did?"
She raised a brow. "Given your life, probably."
He ignored that. "Let's just get through this."
"Agreed," Lily said. "No drama. No misunderstanding. No lingering eye contact."
The instructor clapped. "Partners, take your positions!"
Noah stepped closer.
Too close.
Lily stiffened. "Personal space."
"You're my ballet partner," he said quietly. "We don't get personal space."
Her jaw tightened. "I hope you choke on choreography."
Despite herself, her body moved when the music started.
Spin. Step. Lift.
She was good.
Annoyingly good.
Noah noticed too.
"You've done this before," he said under his breath.
"Past life," Lily replied. "Long story."
His hand rested at her waist.
Her pulse betrayed her—but her face didn't.
Across the room, Amy watched.
Her smile cracked.
She hadn't expected this.
Hadn't expected the crowd to gather during practice.
Hadn't expected the whispers.
"They look good together."
"They're in sync."
"Wow… I didn't know Lily could dance like that."
Amy's fingers trembled.
She told herself it was just a performance.
Just a day.
But as she watched Noah's focus settle entirely on Lily—no distraction, no wandering glance—unease crept into her chest.
This wasn't part of the plan.
Lily completed a turn flawlessly and stepped back, breaking contact immediately.
"We're done for today," she said coolly. "I have better things to do than rehearse fate's bad jokes."
She walked away.
Noah watched her go.
The music faded.
And for the first time, he wondered—
Was this pairing really an accident… or was the story trying to drag her back in?
Behind him, Amy's smile finally slipped.
Foundation Day hadn't even arrived.
And already—
She was losing control.