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Tegan stirred, blinking in the early light filtering through the blinds of Juliette's bedroom. The soft, light hues of the room were a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the previous night. She stretched her arms, yawning, and glanced around. Juliette was still asleep in her bed, her dark curls spread out on the pillow like a halo. Tegan sat up, feeling the slight crick in her neck from sleeping on the floor. She smiled to herself, remembering the laughter, the music, and the kiss that still tingled on her lips. She reached for her phone, checking the time. It was only 6:30 AM. She considered going back to sleep but decided against it. Slipping quietly out of her makeshift bed, Tegan tiptoed to the window. She pulled back the curtains just enough to let a bit more light in, illuminating the room. She took a deep breath, enjoying the calmness of the morning after the storm of the party. Juliette stirred, groaning softly. 

"Is it morning already?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. 

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Tegan said with a grin. Juliette opened one eye, giving Tegan a bleary look. 

"How's your head?"

"I think it's still attached."

" What time is it?"

"Almost 6:30," Tegan replied, sitting back down on the floor. "I woke up early. Sorry if I woke you." Juliette shook her head, slowly sitting up. 

"No, it's fine. I need to get up anyway. I have ballet this morning." Tegan's eyes widened. 

"Oh right, you have practice. I completely forgot. Want some company?" Juliette stretched, her movements graceful even in her half-awake state. 

"You sure you want to come? It's not exactly thrilling to watch."

"I'd love to," Tegan said, her smile widening. "Plus, we can get breakfast after. My treat." Juliette's expression softened. 

"That sounds perfect. Give me a few minutes to get ready."Tegan nodded, watching as Juliette moved around the room with a dancer's precision, gathering her ballet clothes and heading to the bathroom. Left alone, Tegan leaned back against the bed, her thoughts drifting back to the party. She couldn't help but chuckle, remembering the random girl she had kissed. She wondered if she would ever see her again. She hoped she wouldn't. Juliette emerged from the bathroom, dressed in her ballet attire, her hair pulled back in a neat bun. 

"Ready?" she asked, looking more awake and focused. 

"Ready," Tegan replied, grabbing her sketchbook and tucking it under her arm. They made their way downstairs quietly, not wanting to wake Juliette's parents. Outside, the morning air was crisp and refreshing. They walked in comfortable silence, the streets gradually coming to life around them. As they neared the ballet studio, Juliette glanced at Tegan. 

"So, last night was wild, huh?" Tegan laughed. "That's an understatement. I still can't believe some of the things that happened."

"Like what?" Juliette asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Well," Tegan began, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, "Not only did I ruin your special moment, I kissed a random girl." Juliette's eyes widened. 

"No way! Who?"

"I have no idea," Tegan admitted with a laugh. "She just appeared out of nowhere, we danced, and then we kissed. It was... just kind of average, to be honest." Juliette shook her head, laughing. 

"You're ridiculous, Tegan. Always full of surprises."

"And what about you?" Tegan asked, nudging Juliette playfully. "Did you have fun?" Juliette nodded, her expression growing thoughtful. 

"Yeah, I did. It was nice to let loose for a bit. But I'm still sort of thinking about Matthieu." Tegan's smile softened. "Have you texted him yet?" Juliette sighed. 

"No, not yet. I don't know what to say."

"How about 'Hi, I had a great time last night. Wanna hang out sometime?'" Tegan suggested, her tone encouraging. Juliette bit her lip. 

"Maybe. I'll think about it." They reached the ballet studio, and Juliette held the door open for Tegan. 

"You can sit in the back and sketch if you want. Just try not to distract the other dancers." Tegan nodded, feeling a flutter of excitement. She loved watching Juliette dance. It was like seeing poetry in motion. She found a quiet corner in the studio, pulling out her sketchbook as the other dancers arrived, warming up and chatting amongst themselves. Juliette took her place at the barre, her focus sharpening as she began her stretches. The instructor entered, calling the class to order, and the room fell into a hushed concentration. Tegan watched in awe as Juliette moved through her routines with grace and precision. She sketched quickly, trying to capture the fluidity of the dancers, the lines of their bodies, the way they seemed to float through the air. Every so often, she glanced up, catching Juliette's eye and exchanging a quick smile. After what seemed like no time at all, the practice ended. The dancers gathered their things, and Juliette made her way over to Tegan, slightly breathless but glowing with energy.

"How was it?" she asked, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead.

"Incredible," Tegan replied, showing her the sketches. "You're amazing, Juliette."Juliette blushed, looking at the sketches with admiration. 

"These are beautiful, Tegan. Thank you."

As they left the studio, Juliette hesitated, looking back at the instructor who was talking to another dancer. "I need to talk to Madame Leon for a minute. Can you wait for me?"

"Of course," Tegan said, sitting on a nearby bench. Juliette approached Madame Leon, and Tegan watched as they engaged in a serious conversation. She couldn't hear what was being said, but she could see the determination in Juliette's posture, the way she nodded and listened intently. After a few minutes, Juliette returned, looking thoughtful.

"Everything okay?" Tegan asked as they started walking towards a nearby café.

"Yeah," Juliette replied slowly. "Madame Leon was just talking to me about an opportunity at the Opéra National de Paris."Tegan's eyes widened. 

"Wow, that's huge, right? What did she say?"

"She thinks I have a chance and is trying to schedule my audition," Juliette said, a mix of excitement and anxiety in her voice. "But it's a big commitment. Lots of training, lots of time."

"You'd be amazing," Tegan said firmly. "You have to go for it, Juliette." Juliette smiled, her confidence bolstered by Tegan's words. 

"Thanks, Tegan. I'm going to try my best" They arrived at the café, finding a cozy table by the window. After ordering breakfast, Tegan looked at Juliette seriously. 

"So, about Matthieu. You promise to text him?" Juliette sighed, but she was smiling. "Yes, I promise. I'll do it today."

"Good," Tegan said, satisfied. Their breakfast arrived, and they dug in, the conversation flowing easily. They talked about everything from the party to future plans, laughing and sharing stories. Tegan felt a warmth in her chest, grateful for Juliette's friendship and the blossoming bond they shared. After breakfast, they headed back to Juliette's house, the morning sun now fully up, casting a golden glow over the city. As they reached Juliette's front door, Tegan turned to her friend.

"You promise to text Matthieu?" she asked again, a teasing smile on her lips. Juliette laughed, rolling her eyes. 

"Yes, Tegan. I promise." They hugged tightly, holding on for a moment longer than usual. 

 "I'll see you soon." Juliette nodded, stepping back. 

"See you soon." Tegan watched as Juliette went inside, then turned and walked away.