The Ballerina's Studio

In the dance studio, I collapsed onto my yoga mat, my voice trembling with exhaustion. "Mr. Ray, I can't go on... please."

But my instructor wouldn't hear it. He pressed down firmly, "Your fundamentals need work. Let's improve your flexibility - stretch those legs wider!"

I'm Faye Sophie, a ballet student training for a professional career.

I developed early for my age, which actually created some challenges in ballet. My instructors repeatedly warned me that if things continued this way, I might need to consider switching to modern dance instead of ballet.

That day, I was at my regular practice session.

After class, Mr. Liam Ray asked me to stay behind. "The YAGP competition is next month. Why aren't these moves polished yet?"

I bit my lip, "I've been practicing, but it's difficult without a partner."

Last month, my dance partner got injured and was hospitalized. Without him, practicing our duet became nearly impossible.

"There's no time to waste. I'll be your partner," he instructed.

I nodded and took position.

Mr. Ray's hands decisively moved onto my waist, though lower than the normal position, right against my perky buttocks.

"Turn, and arch back."

I rotated and executed the backbend.

"Grand jeté!"

Suddenly, Mr. Ray stepped forward, his right leg positioning between mine as he supported my waist for the lift.

Following his lead, I executed a perfect split in mid-air.

Just then, I felt an unexpected touch that seemed inappropriate. "Wait, Mr. Ray!"

I panicked, quickly lowering my head wanting to cover myself down there.

But I noticed Liam Ray's eyes weren't looking at my sensitive area, and his hands showed no unusual movement.

"Was I overthinking it?"

Liam Ray set me down but gave me no time to think, "Your fundamentals are too weak. Don't you know you need to keep your head up and chest lifted in an aerial split?"

I hung my head silently. The dance leotard had a low-cut neckline and was extremely form-fitting. Before, when practicing with my partner, I always wore breast tape.

But because of the intense training, the tape would always chafe uncomfortably.

Since my partner went on leave, I'd gotten lazy and stopped using the tape, never expecting Liam Ray to suddenly become my partner.

To prevent any exposure, I naturally didn't dare lift my chest.