42 | pretty girl

PRETTY GIRL

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The morning sunlight streamed in through the rehearsal studio's glass doors, catching faint motes of dust in the air. Diana pushed them open, her sneakers squeaking faintly against the polished wooden floor as she walked inside. It was early, earlier than most of the others usually arrived, but she couldn't stay home any longer. She had too much energy buzzing inside her, too much happiness she was trying — and failing — to contain.

Her hair was tied up in a neat ponytail, and her dance bag hung loosely off her shoulder, but none of that mattered compared to the grin threatening to spill across her face. She'd spent the entire morning humming under her breath, moving a little lighter, her steps quicker. It was ridiculous. She knew it was ridiculous. But she couldn't help it.

Her phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced down.

starboy💫: Good luck at rehearsal today. See you soon, pretty girl.

Diana bit her lip, her cheeks heating immediately. She swore she could feel her heart skip several beats as she reread the message. The butterflies in her stomach went wild, fluttering so fiercely she almost pressed her hand against her abdomen to settle them.

She smiled so big her cheeks hurt.

"Okay... what's got you glowing like that?"

The teasing voice snapped her out of her daze. Diana jerked her head up to see Dani standing across the room, arms folded, her sharp eyes zeroing in on her immediately. Dani's hair was pulled up high, and her warmup jacket was tied around her waist, but her smirk was sharp enough to cut glass.

Diana's smile faltered just a little. "Nothing," she said quickly, slipping her phone into the pocket of her leggings like she could somehow erase what Dani had already seen.

Dani raised one perfectly shaped brow, her gaze tracking the way Diana had nearly fumbled to hide her phone. "Nothing?" she repeated slowly, like she didn't believe a word of it.

"Yes. Nothing," Diana insisted, her voice a little too quick, a little too defensive. She tried to busy herself by setting her dance bag down, unzipping it, pretending like she suddenly needed to pull out her heels and stretch bands.

Dani took a casual sip from her water bottle and then, just as casually, said, "You finally kissed."

The words hit Diana like a slap. Her face dropped, eyes going wide, mouth falling open as she whipped around to look at her friend. "What—how—what are you even talking about?"

Dani's smirk widened into a grin. "Please. I know you, Diana Sinclair. I know that smile. That 'I'm floating on air, nothing can ruin my mood, please don't talk to me but also I want to scream about it' smile. That's not just a good coffee or a great hair day. That's a kiss."

Diana's face burned hot. She covered it with her hands like that might erase the pink spreading across her cheeks. "Oh my god."

"I knew it!" Dani dropped her water bottle into her bag and crossed the room quickly, flopping onto the floor beside Diana, giddy. "You kissed him. Finally. Don't even try to deny it."

Slowly lowering her hands, Diana narrowed her eyes. "How are you this good at reading me?"

Dani shrugged like it was the simplest thing in the world. "Because I've known you for years. Because I know every single one of your tells. And because I've been waiting for this to happen for weeks." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice into something conspiratorial. "So... how was it?"

Diana's lips curved before she could stop them. The warmth in her chest swelled as she thought back to it — the way Malachi had looked at her, how close he had stood, the intensity in his eyes before their lips touched. She sighed softly, her whole body relaxing at the memory.

"It was perfect," she admitted, her voice quiet but full of emotion. "Like... it wasn't even planned. He was just... there. He was comforting me about the whole Grayson mess, and we ended up deciding to bake cookies. And then..." She trailed off, her cheeks heating even more. "We just had a moment. And we kissed."

Dani squealed, clapping her hands together before smacking Diana's arm playfully. "That is so cute!"

Diana groaned, hiding her face again. "Don't make a big deal out of it."

"Too late, I'm making the biggest deal out of it," Dani teased, practically bouncing with excitement. "My god, this is everything. The tension between you two was starting to drive me insane, and now it finally happened." She paused dramatically, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Which means... I expect Nikita to be the flower girl at your wedding."

Diana dropped her hands, shooting her a sharp look. "Dani."

"What?" Dani asked, feigning innocence.

"Obviously Nikita will be the flower girl," Diana said flatly, not missing a beat. "But not for a long time."

Dani's grin grew even wider. "Oh, so you're already planning the wedding. Got it."

"Dani!"

The two stared at each other for a beat before bursting into laughter, the sound echoing across the studio.

Diana leaned back on her hands, shaking her head, her cheeks still red but her heart so light it almost felt like she was floating. For the first time in a while, the weight of everything else — the stress, the hurt, the pressure — faded into the background. All that was left was this joy she couldn't quite contain, and the friend beside her who knew her too well to let her hide it.

The rehearsal studio was alive with music and movement, the kind of energy that buzzed in the air and made the walls themselves feel like they were pulsing. They had been running through sections of choreography all morning, and the room had a sheen of sweat and adrenaline clinging to it.

Diana thrived in this kind of environment, normally. But today? Today she was glowing. Every step felt easier, every count sharper. She stretched farther, spun quicker, her laughter ringing out every time someone messed up or someone cracked a joke.

From across the room, Dani caught her eye and smirked knowingly. Diana just shook her head, trying to stay focused, though the corners of her mouth betrayed her — curving upward in a smile she couldn't suppress.

When they finally called for a water break, Diana let out a relieved breath and padded toward her bag. She bent down, tugging out her water bottle and taking a long sip, letting the cool liquid soothe her dry throat.

"Damn," a voice said from her right. "You must have had a good night."

Diana choked on her water, coughing a little as she turned. Ezra was standing there, grinning mischievously, his hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. His towel was slung over his shoulder, and his eyes were full of playful curiosity.

"What?" she managed to croak out, eyes wide.

Ezra raised his brows, clearly enjoying her reaction. "I mean, I figured after everything that happened with Grayson, you'd be quiet today. You know, all moody, hiding in the corner." He gestured loosely. "But instead, you walk in here all smiles. Radiant. Practically skipping."

Her face flushed immediately. "Ezra..."

He smirked wider, leaning in slightly. "So who was in your bed last night?"

"Ezra!" Her voice shot up an octave, both scandalized and panicked. She swatted at his arm. "No one was in my bed last night!"

He just laughed, shaking his head. "Come on. Don't lie to me, Ana. You've got that... look." He made an exaggerated gesture around his face, pretending to swoon. "The look of someone who got something last night. Or this morning. Whatever."

Diana's cheeks burned hotter. "Nothing happened!" she insisted, but she was already avoiding his eyes, staring down at her bottle instead.

Ezra caught it instantly. His grin grew feral. "Oh my god. Something did happen."

Diana groaned, covering her face with one hand. "Why do I even try with you?"

"Because you love me." He crossed his arms, his tone smug. "Now spill. What happened? And don't you dare tell me 'nothing,' because your face says otherwise."

For a long moment, Diana debated staying silent. She really debated it. But Ezra wasn't going to let this go. She knew him too well. And Dani was watching from across the room, clearly listening in, her brows raised in a silent you better tell him or I will.

Diana sighed heavily, shoulders sagging in defeat. "Fine," she muttered. "But you have to promise not to freak out."

Ezra leaned forward eagerly. "No promises."

She shot him a glare before lowering her voice, so soft he had to lean in to hear. "Malachi and I... kissed."

Ezra froze. Completely froze. His mouth fell open, his eyes widened, and for once in his life, he was silent.

"...WHAT?!" he finally exploded, his voice echoing across the room.

Half the pros stopped what they were doing to look over. Brandon glanced up from stretching, Gleb straightened from his lunge, and Emma blinked, her water bottle halfway to her lips. Even Jenna turned, her ponytail swinging as she gave them a curious look.

Diana's stomach dropped. "Ezra!" she hissed, her hand flying out to smack his arm.

"You—what?—you kissed—Malachi?!" Ezra was practically shouting now, pointing at her like she'd just confessed to a felony.

"Oh my god." Diana covered her face with her hands, wishing the floor would just swallow her whole.

"What's going on?" Brandon asked, grinning as he jogged over.

"Yeah, what'd I miss?" Emma added, following behind him.

Ezra whipped around, his grin wild. "Diana kissed Malachi!"

A chorus of gasps and laughs erupted instantly.

"What?!" Pasha exclaimed, smile big.

"No way," Gleb called, standing and shaking his head with mock disbelief. "Sweet, innocent Diana kissed Malachi?!"

"Finally!" Britt exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I've been waiting for this."

Diana groaned into her hands. "You guys are the worst."

"Tell us everything," Emma demanded, coming closer. "When did this happen? Where?"

"It was... nothing," Diana tried weakly, lowering her hands to glare at Ezra. "He wasn't supposed to blab!"

Ezra just smirked smugly, unrepentant.

"'Nothing?'" Jenna echoed, eyes wide. "Girl, you're glowing. That was not nothing."

Brandon leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "So... does this mean you officially have a boyfriend?"

Diana's jaw dropped. "I do not have a boyfriend!"

"Oh, you totally do," Ezra said, wagging a finger at her.

"I don't!" she insisted, though she could feel her cheeks betraying her. They were practically on fire.

The group erupted in laughter, teasing comments flying at her from every direction.

"We've already started planning the wedding," Dani teased.

"I want an invite," Emma said.

"Gleb can officiate," Val added.

Diana crossed her arms, trying to look annoyed, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away. She shook her head, laughing despite herself. "You're all ridiculous."

"Ridiculously happy for you," Emma corrected warmly.

And as the laughter settled into grins and knowing looks, Diana felt it again — that swell of happiness that had been carrying her since that night. She tried to tamp it down, but she couldn't. The truth was out now, and instead of feeling scary, it felt... good. Like she didn't have to keep it bottled up anymore.

Even with all the teasing, she couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

dianasinclair just posted a tiktok !

Diana Sinclair • 11-9just a cute little blonde girl                     ♥️             395k                                                                      💬                                                              7,442

userclock it 🤏🏻

useryesss girl

Aspen Brooks he didn't deserve you     user     woah

userso excited for the tour

user grayson better count his days     user     we ride at dawn

Malachi Barton okayyy lift     Diana Sinclair      i had a pretty good rehearsal partner 😉          user           HELLO?!

userwe need the tea 🫖

usermy fav pro dance!!!

Daniella Karagach love you d ♥️     liked by creator

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another, smaller, chapter!!

with a bit of a clap back 😉

i also just love diana's relationship with the other pros😊