Threads Of The Heart | Nishimura Riki ?

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Riki stood backstage, the dim lights of the auditorium casting long shadows across the floor.

He could hear the muffled sounds of his fellow dancers warming up and chatting excitedly. This was it—the moment he had been waiting for since joining the new dance club at his new school.

He took a deep breath, feeling the rush of adrenaline coursing through him.

Since enrolling at this school, Riki had discovered a new passion: dance. The rhythm pulsed through his veins, and with every beat, he felt a sense of freedom that had been absent in his life for too long.

The memories of his bullying during elementary school lingered in the back of his mind like a distant echo, but they no longer held power over him. Dance had become his sanctuary.

The club had quickly become a refuge for him, filled with talented and supportive friends who shared his love for movement.

Unlike his past experiences, he found camaraderie and understanding among his new peers.

Each practice session felt invigorating, a chance to express himself and push his limits.

As the lights dimmed further, Riki took his place alongside his fellow dancers.

They had been rehearsing for weeks for this upcoming performance, and he could feel the energy in the air building with anticipation.

He glanced at his teammates, each of them wearing matching smiles of determination.

“Remember what we practiced,” the club president, Hirota, called out. “Just have fun and let the music guide you!”

The music started, and Riki closed his eyes for a moment, letting the rhythm wash over him.

He thought of the long nights spent in front of the mirror, practicing moves, of the sweat and dedication that had brought him to this moment.

And, despite everything, he thought of Y/n—the girl who had reached out to him when he was at his lowest.

The moment the beat dropped, Riki moved. He danced with a passion that ignited the stage, every spin and leap telling a story of resilience and growth.

The music wrapped around him, allowing him to forget the hurt of the past. For the first time, he felt confident and alive, as if he were finally shedding the skin of his former self.

As he danced, snippets of memories with Y/n flickered in his mind—her warm smile, her laughter, the way she had stood up for him when no one else would.

Despite their painful separation, Riki cherished those moments, using them as fuel for his performance.

He imagined her cheering him on, her face lit up with pride, and it made him dance harder, feeling every beat resonate with his heart.

The performance ended to thunderous applause, and Riki beamed with pride as he took his bow alongside his friends.

The rush of adrenaline mixed with the warmth of acceptance felt intoxicating. He had come so far, and now he was gaining recognition for his talent.

The exhilaration of dancing in front of an audience was unlike anything he had experienced before.

After the show, as the applause faded into the background, Riki was approached by a group of classmates who had watched the performance.

“Wow, Riki! You were amazing out there!” one girl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

“Yeah! You have some serious skills! You should join the competition team,” another added, a wide grin on their face.

Riki felt a swell of pride, a feeling he hadn’t allowed himself to embrace before. It was refreshing to be recognized for something he loved rather than the bullying he had endured.

“Thanks, guys! I appreciate it,” he replied, trying to keep his voice steady, but inside, he felt a flicker of disbelief.

As he made his way to the exit, Riki’s heart swelled with gratitude. His journey wasn’t just about becoming a dancer; it was about healing and finding his place in the world.

Though he missed Y/n and often wondered how she was doing, he knew he couldn’t dwell on the past.

In the weeks that followed, Riki poured himself into dance, gaining confidence with each practice.

He learned new techniques and styles, his body moving fluidly to the music.

Slowly but surely, he began to build a reputation at school, not just as the quiet boy who was once bullied, but as a dancer with undeniable talent.

But despite his growing popularity, Riki remained grounded. He made a point to support others in their passions, remembering the pain of being on the receiving end of bullying.

He became friends with those who felt like outsiders, offering them the same kindness Y/n had shown him when he needed it most.

One evening, while rehearsing a new routine, Riki paused to catch his breath, leaning against the wall.

He pulled out his phone, scrolling through old photos. A picture of him and Y/n from their elementary school days popped up, and he couldn’t help but smile at the memory.

They had been so carefree back then, full of hope and laughter.

“Wherever you are, Y/n,” he whispered to the screen, “I hope you’re happy.”

Riki felt a sense of closure washing over him. He had grown stronger and more resilient, and the weight of the past no longer held him back.

Dance had given him a voice, a means to express the emotions he struggled to articulate.

As he prepared for the next performance, he did so with a sense of purpose. He wanted to honor not just his journey, but the impact Y/n had made on his life.

She had inspired him to stand up for himself and find strength in vulnerability.

With each step on stage, Riki danced not just for himself but for anyone who had ever felt unheard or unseen.

He had transformed his pain into power, and in doing so, he finally felt free.

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©Jvngwon_ethereal

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