#conellu

“Perfect, you’re right on time! Now it looks like we’re all ready to start.” The instructor seemed to be checking off one final name from the list of participants now that this last person had arrived.

You watched as the new guy made his way over towards the group. When his gaze met yours for a moment,  you tried to play it off as though you were looking at something that was right behind him. How embarrassing. The stranger seemed to smile in your direction though, which made you look in the opposite direction now. 

“First thing’s first! Everyone go ahead and grab a partner.” the instructor spoke up yet again.

Those who had already come with their dance partners didn’t need to make this choice, and the few others who needed to be paired up seemed to find someone close in their proximity. As for you it looked like there was one other person who still needed to be paired up. Of course it would be the guy you exchanged an awkward glance with. You stood there for a moment before slowly making your way over to him. 

“Hello! Looks like we’re partners.” Doppio seemed to be secretly hoping for this already. After all, you were the first person who caught his attention when he came in, and it seemed like you were noticing him too… Well, maybe. He didn’t want to assume you were, but at the same time he was hoping it was true.

“Yeah, I guess so. I’m glad you’re here, I was worried it was going to be uneven so… I’m glad everyone has a partner.” You didn’t want to sound too excited, but now that you got an even better look at him you felt lucky to be paired up with him! Now that you were closer, you could see small freckles that seemed to detail along his face. How cute. 

After a brief introduction, it was time to get started… 

— 

The group seemed to have various levels amongst them. A few other pairs seemed to be on the beginner levels, but there had been a fair few that seemed to be more on the professional level. You tried not to pay much attention to the others though, you wanted to focus on being at least decent. There was no need to try and be a professional after all. 

Although you had made small talk with Doppio, the awkwardness returned when the instructor gave directions on the next steps that involved learning a simple waltz. You knew dancing would involve some hand holding, but now holding hands with Doppio made you feel a bit warm. It was cute when he seemed to offer you a shy smile before awkwardly trying to get into the position the instructor was explaining. 

You couldn’t help but give a small giggle when you finally felt Doppio’s hand take hold of yours and they seemed to be equally clammy as yours felt in this moment.

“Sorry.” you whispered.

“Me too.” Doppio replied with a slight chuckle. 

The mutual nervousness actually was a bit comforting. Just knowing he was just as nervous as you are had been an ice breaker enough, although the next challenge would be finding a rhythm and moving in sync as a pair. The instructor expressed the importance of looking at your partner and not down at your feet - the eye contact is what really seems to keep that connection. While you weren’t doubting the instructor, the thought of maintaining eye contact with Doppio made you feel even more nervous - it was much easier to stare down at the floor, than in the eyes of an attractive stranger. 

At first there had been a few missteps; Doppio had stepped on your feet a few times which he then apologized for profusely. You kept telling him it was ok, and eventually you two would just end up laughing together. The rest of the class seemed to be finding their rhythm, but the two of you seemed to still be trying to figure it out. That was the fun part though - laughing at each other’s mistakes, attempting to make eye contact before getting flustered and looking away, and just being in the company of someone who was so sweet. 

Maybe it was silly, but the more you looked into his eyes, the more you wanted to learn more about him. Sure, the two of you had just met in a dance class, but, the more you two became in sync the more you wondered if maybe you two could become more than just dance partners. Your hands finally didn’t feel clammy anymore, and you found yourself stepping a little closer to him now that your movements seemed to be more in sync.