Chapter 2

2.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back at orientation.

"Dance! Dance! Dance!"

The crowd was clapping, and Jade kept pushing me.

"Go on! Everyone is waiting for your performance!"

I narrowed my eyes and let out a cold laugh. "If you want a dance so bad, do it yourself. I'm not going."

She never expected me to refuse. She stood there, completely stunned.

"How can you say no? You said you wanted to make friends. Finn Marshall is in our group today. This is a huge chance and you're wasting it..."

Jade gripped my hand tightly. "You country folks are so different from us city people. If you want to lose that tacky vibe, you have to fit in first."

I snatched my hand back. "Oh? So the city girl style is doing thirst trap dances in public?"

"Why don't you show us how it's done? I'm not really sure about the moves..."

Jade's face stiffened. "You know I got into the academy for my instrumental skills."

She was implying she couldn't dance either.

I pretended not to get it. "Oh, I know you're a master of all arts. If you play instruments that well, you must be a natural dancer."

"Go ahead and show us some city style. Let a country girl like me see how city people use their talents to make friends!"

The chanting around us grew louder. "Do it! Don't be a buzzkill!"

Seeing that I wouldn't budge, Jade had no choice but to head to the center of the circle.

I could clearly see her legs shaking as she walked...