He watched as she gracefully twirled in the studio, all while he silently sat on the cool waxed floor, offering his full attention. The soft rhythmic melody of piano notes coming from the stereo helped guide her steps, as she danced around, eyes closed, concentrating. Once April stepped in her attire, music on and ready, she transformed into a swan before his eyes. She wore a noir leotard, pastel pink colored tights, and a rosier shade of pink for a satin skirt. On her toes, she spun, tiptoed and leaped across the room, aweing him with every agile movement.
Green orbs locked at her delicate form, marveling her twirls and jumps and runs. To him, she was the most graceful dancer he had ever witnessed. Just a month before, neither knew of each other's existent. Yet, they were in a vacant room, together, as he observed her practicing ballet.
Her right arm gracefully lifted in the air, as the other reached out towards him, wrists gently tilting upward, in a manner of pure elegance. Finally, she ended in fifth position, arms above her head. As the tune ended, Raphael smiled and clapped his hands, making April eagerly jump for joy, ecstatic of her performance. She ran to where Raphael sat, landing on his lap, embracing him.
"Did you see?" April asked, tightening her hug. "I did it!" She squealed at her own happiness, while he timidly rested his giant hands against her lower back.
"You did amazingly." Pulling back, she beamed, fingers interlacing with his thick ones.
"Really?" He nodded.
Glancing downward, he spotted their united hands, the corners of his mouth lifting as a hue of crimson reached his cheeks. Letting his hands go free, she tucked a loose golden lock of hair behind her ear. "Do you think I'll do well tomorrow?" she whispered through the now soundless studio.
"Definitely." Raphael squeezed her arm in reassurance. "I'll try to sneak in, if I can. Or watch from outside, somehow." She played with the long tattered strips of his red mask, listening.
"You have to." Cerulean irises met emerald ones. "You're my good luck charm."
His heart immediately ceased its pulsation, breathing faltering, skin turning ice cold, as he heard such sincere words. Over the weeks of knowing one another, they seemed more attuned with each other. Both strayed away from the others, to converse about anything they had their minds on. It became a routine of talking daily, finding time from their busy schedule to meet. Growing more accustomed, they enjoyed each other's company.
Seeing her walking the streets of Manhattan that one night, a spark arose within. Not knowing what it was, he set the feeling aside, but grew to acknowledge it in every moment they were close by.
Emerging from his deep thoughts, he glanced up, watching her tie her long, lightly damp, blonde hair back into a tighter bun. Her skin radiated, eyes shimmered against the florescent lights. Raphael hoisted, stretching his legs, prior to glancing at his phone.
"It's time for us to head back. It's pretty late." April frowned, but nodded in agreement.
"I'll see you tomorrow at the recital, right?" she asked in a hopeful tone.
"Yes." He smiled encouragingly. "I'll be there to cheer you on." He grabbed her bright pink bag from the bench, unzipping the restraint to give her an over-sized, black, cotton jacket to put on. As she sat on the ground, she began to untie the ribbons of her slippers with nimble fingers, then carefully placing them aside as he handed her a pair of sneakers.
Once ready, she silently hummed the tune for her performance, following him out the window they sneaked in from, meeting the chilled air of that late autumn night.
