He looked dazzling.
Ebisu knew he would, he picked his clothes for the occasion, but Goryo truly outshined all others at the MLS Magic Ball.
All around, powerful executors and judges were watching the two of them enter, with talk about Goryo and his group in general both good and bad. But no matter what his reputation, no one could deny Goryo's beauty. There was no doubt he'd be a popular dance partner that night.
The MLS Ball was a tradition nearly as ancient as the Goryo Group itself, and attendance was invitation-only and highly exclusive. Everywhere he looked, Ebisu saw the faces of fame and power. This was the only thing they all had in common, however, and the result was the most unique and almost comical display of ballroom dancing that one could hope to find, making the event as a whole almost enjoyable.
Ebisu found a seat at the edge of the large, crowded ballroom and sat down. Though he never danced himself, Goryo insisted his attendance was mandatory, even if Ebisu would rather just drop him off and pick him up at the end of the night.
Ebisu had received enough rude comments and nicknames to know he didn't exactly fit in, and he was as clumsy on his feet as he looked. To top it off, the thought of asking or, God forbid, actually dancing with one of the girls here scared him more than most ghouls did.
Ebisu watched Goryo socialize, occasionaly catching himself snickering as he watched his master try to hold back the judgements he was always so quick to make. Eventually, Ebisu lost Goryo in the sea of people, and the small judge looked at his watch feeling bored and a little self-conscious.
Ebisu was dragged out of his thoughts when he felt a sudden yank on his arm, bringing him to his feet and leading him into the mass of dancers. He looked up as two firm hands were placed on his shoulders.
"Wha- M-Master Goryo!?"
Goryo threw him a smirk.
"I thought it was about time you got up and joined the fun."
The short, quick movements of the dancers dizzied Ebiso as Goryo stepped them firmly into the flow of the dance. Though he could feel himself being dragged along; left, back, left, forward, he felt like he was floating on air. When he had begun to get the hang of it, Ebisu chanced a quick glance upwards to see Goryo still smiling down at him.
"It's about time you got some exercise, pig."
"Auugh! Comments like that are why I don't dance!"
Ebisu stomped down, narrowly missing Goryo's foot. Annoyed, and perhaps a bit worried for his safety, Goryo pressed Ebisu closer to him, now guiding him with his entire body. He pivoted him with the twist of his hips, brought him forward with the press of his leg, brought him back with the pull of his arms. Immediately Ebisu became flustered, his face pressed against Goryo's chest as he hung helplessly to his waist. "Why are you even doing this!? You know I can't dance!"
"Of couse," his voice came unseen from above, "that's why I'm leading."
Ebisu watched all the dancers spinning past them, becoming increasingly embarrassed with the sensory overload he was getting from the close contact.
"Isn't this a bit inappropriate!?"
Ebisu could feel Goryo's warm breath against his skull as he sighed.
"Can't I even dance with the person I-"
He couldn't hear the rest over a sudden crescendo in the music. Soon after, Goryo guided them out of the dance, something Ebisu was thankful for; feeling exhaused in more ways than one. Goryo looked at the panting judge, and then over his shoulder at the other dancers.
"I'm tired, let's go.
Confused, but too tired to ask questions, Ebisu followed Goryo out of the ballroom, the latter's long, hurried strides making him look anything but tired.