Robin held Vera's cold, trembling hand, his thumb brushing gently over her damp palm.

"Just look into my eyes, and you won't feel nervous."

His voice soft yet steady, cutting through the distant hum of the music.

Vera's gaze lifted to meet his.@@novelbin@@

In that instant, the world around them faded. It was like being struck by lightning-a flash that left everything else in shadow.

His eyes were clear and steady, as vast and calm as a night sky full of stars.

The anxieties that had gripped her melted away in that starlit glow.

For a heartbeat, she was utterly captivated, lost in the warmth of his smile.

Waves of emotion rose within her.

She realized, with a start, that she'd never looked at him this closely before.

"Feeling a little better?" Robin asked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

His broad hand and his soft words were a far cry from the emotionally clueless Robin she thought she knew.

"Just follow my lead. Do what I do, and you won't feel embarrassed."

Still holding his gaze, Vera gave a resolute nod. Everything else had faded; there was only him, grounding her in this surreal moment.

"Can you play an instrument?" he asked as they walked, hand in hand, toward the center of the stage, with Ivy just ahead of them.

"No," Vera admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Robin chuckled softly. "Then what can you do?"

That disarming smile nearly sent her heart racing out of her chest.

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