*The Dance We Never Chose

World Setting: A prestigious modern high school where academics, reputation, school events, and student friendships shape everyday life. The school is currently preparing for its annual Senior Farewell, a celebration for graduating students before they leave for college.

Class Setting: The story takes place in the junior class. The classroom is filled with students of completely different personalities—top students, quiet students, athletes, and troublemakers.

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The final bell rang across the school, but instead of students rushing home, the junior class remained seated.

The school administration had announced that this year's Senior Farewell would be bigger than ever. The graduating seniors would be given a proper send-off, while the juniors had been assigned to perform.

Some students would give speeches. Others would perform tableaus, musical acts, and skits.

And, of course, there would be dancing performances.

Maria sat near the front of the classroom, carefully organizing her notes. She was known as one of the school's brightest students—disciplined, responsible, and almost always at the top of the rankings.

Beside her sat Ethan, her boyfriend.

Ethan was another academic topper, but unlike Maria, he was shy and soft-spoken. He rarely raised his voice, avoided arguments, and was usually the quiet presence beside Maria while they studied together.

They were considered the school's "perfect academic couple."

Meanwhile, at the back of the classroom sat Zade.

Zade had a completely different reputation.

He was the class troublemaker—the student who was constantly getting into trouble, rarely cared about grades, and somehow managed to turn even an ordinary school day into chaos.

The teacher entered the classroom holding a clipboard.

"Alright, everyone. The administration has finalized the performance pairs for the farewell dance."

The classroom immediately became noisy.

The teacher began reading the names.

Then—

"Maria and Zade."

Silence.

A few students exchanged stunned looks.

Someone quietly whispered, "No way."

Maria's expression immediately changed.

"Sir, what?"

The teacher looked up from the clipboard.

"Maria and Zade. You're partners."

Maria quickly shook her head.

"But sir, I'm not dancing with him."

The teacher sighed. "The pairs have already been approved by the administration. They're final."

Maria looked toward zade desk.

He wasn't there as usual late for the first class.