Four hearts one story

The dance battle

The music thundered across the upper deck, mingling with the sound of crashing waves and the excited chatter of the crowd. Coloured lights swept across the dance floor, reflecting off the glasses in people's hands and the polished deck beneath their feet.

Shreya and Kai had just returned from their brief conversation when Dimple rushed towards them.

"Finally! Where were you two?" she demanded, looking between them suspiciously.

"Taking a small break," Kai replied casually.

"A small break?" Dimple narrowed her eyes. "You disappeared together. That sounds suspicious."

"Everything sounds suspicious to you," Shreya said, adjusting her black jacket.

"Because you people are suspicious!"

Somesh appeared beside them with a plate of snacks.

"Can we please have this conversation somewhere near the buffet?"

Kai stared at him. "You've eaten three times already."

"And I'm still emotionally connected to the buffet."

Shreya burst out laughing.

Before Dimple could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Enjoying the party?"

The four turned.

Kiara stood a few feet away with her friends. She looked effortlessly confident, her eyes moving from Kai to Shreya before settling on Dimple.

"We are," Dimple answered pleasantly.

"Good." Kiara smiled. "Because the dance floor is getting a little boring."

One of her friends laughed.

"Maybe some people just need a little encouragement to come out and dance."

Shreya understood the implication immediately.

She tilted her head. "Is that a challenge?"

Kiara's smile widened.

"Only if you want it to be."

Dimple looked at Shreya.

Shreya looked at Dimple.

Neither needed to say anything.

They were in.

"Fine," Shreya said, slipping off her black jacket and handing it to Kai. "Let's dance."

Kai accepted the jacket, grinning.

"Try not to destroy the ship."

"No promises."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Shreya laughed and followed Dimple towards the dance floor.

The DJ noticed the growing crowd and leaned into his microphone.

"Looks like we've got ourselves a little dance battle tonight! Who's ready?"

The crowd erupted.

Kiara and her friends exchanged excited looks.

"Girls," Kiara announced confidently, "let's show them."

Kiara and her friends — Gnarly

The opening of Gnarly blasted through the speakers.

Kiara and her friends took their positions, and the crowd immediately began cheering.

They moved with confidence, their choreography sharp and energetic. Kiara clearly knew how to command attention, and she made the most of it, performing with dramatic expressions and bold movements.

Her friends matched her energy, creating a lively performance that drew applause from the audience.

Somesh whistled loudly.

"Okay! Okay! They're actually good!"

Kai clapped along enthusiastically.

"COME ON, KIARA!"

Shreya glanced at him from the sidelines and laughed.

"You're cheering for them too?"

Kai looked at her as though she'd asked the most ridiculous question imaginable.

"Of course! It's a dance battle, not a war!"

Dimple nodded thoughtfully.

"He's right. We can destroy them respectfully."

"Exactly," Shreya replied.

On the dance floor, Kiara and her friends finished their performance with a final pose.

The crowd cheered and applauded.

Kiara smiled, looking pleased with herself.

She turned towards Shreya and Dimple.

"Your turn."

Shreya stepped forward.

"Gladly."

Shreya and Kai — ATEEZ

The DJ asked who wanted to go next.

Before Dimple could volunteer, Shreya turned towards Kai.

"Come on."

Kai blinked.

"What?"

"You. Me. Dance floor."

He looked at the crowd, then back at her.

"Shreya, I came here to enjoy the party."

"And you will. By dancing."

"I don't remember agreeing to this."

"You agreed when you became my best friend."

"That is not how consent works!"

Shreya burst out laughing.

"Fine. You can stay here and watch me embarrass you from a distance."

Kai stared at her for two seconds.

Then he handed his drink to Somesh.

"Move."

Shreya's mouth fell open.

"Oh! So now you're interested?"

"Don't make me change my mind."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the centre of the dance floor.

The DJ switched tracks.

The opening of ATEEZ's BOUNCY filled the deck.

Shreya's entire expression changed.

"Oh, this is PERFECT!"

Kai laughed as the beat dropped.

And then they started.

Shreya moved with infectious confidence, her long hair swinging as she followed the beat. Kai matched her energy, surprising the crowd with his moves.

He had initially looked as though he'd rather be anywhere else, but within seconds, he was completely caught up in the performance.

Shreya challenged him with a sharp movement.

Kai responded immediately.

The audience screamed.

"LET'S GOOOO!" Somesh shouted, waving both arms.

Dimple was practically jumping.

"SHREYA! KAI! OH MY GOD!"

Kai grinned as he matched Shreya's next move. She looked at him, delighted that he was keeping up, and he responded with an exaggeratedly confident expression.

She nearly burst out laughing.

They finished together, striking a final pose as the music ended.

The applause was immediate.

Shreya raised both arms triumphantly.

Kai bowed to the audience with theatrical seriousness.

"Thank you. Thank you. I'd like to thank my best friend for threatening my dignity tonight."

Shreya smacked his shoulder.

"You're welcome!"

Kai laughed, then held out his hand.