Junko took her words to heart. The second they arrived at the Imperial Palace, she threw her entire self into her role as the nation's beloved idol. Her smiling face never let up, and no one would be able to tell she was walking on a bad ankle, except Ai who caught the flickers of pain passing through her eyes. If only she could offer her arm and fall into step with her, but that spot belonged to Hiroki now. Dressed in a matching white tuxedo with a black bowtie, he cut a striking figure among the other guests and invited members of the media as he stood at the foot of the stairs leading up to the hall, waiting with a smile that only widened when he laid eyes on Junko.
"You're beautiful," he breathed in awe, and bent forward to plant a kiss on the back of her hand.
The camera flashes went off. Gasps erupted among the journalists, some even appeared starstruck, but no one forgot to press the shutter. This was the moment they had been waiting for.
"Thank you," Junko said with a blush, her voice almost lost in the commotion.
Hiroki raised his elbow with such gentlemanly poise that even more gasps and squeals were heard. "May I?" he asked.
Junko smiled and they linked arms, turning to pose for photographs. They were picture-perfect.
"So?" Saki nudged Ai. "This really what you want?"
Ai kept a straight face.
#GoldenCouple
It was trending on Twitter, fueled by Hiroki's vague post in the morning stating nothing but the hashtag. She shouldn't worry about it. If anything, she should be happy if the Golden Couple became a reality one day. Junko might not be ready now, but as long as Ai kept her distance, Junko would realize what was best for her.
"Yes," Ai answered, her gaze fixed on the two superstars. "It's exactly what I want."
She kept a few feet to Junko's left, looking out for suspicious characters as the group entered the hall. Soft classical music and light chatter greeted her ears, while majestic chandeliers invited the eye to gaze upward, each crystal bead polished to resemble sparkling diamonds that cast a flattering glimmer upon the guests. The stage at the front of the hall remained the same as yesterday, with the exception of a red carpet that had been rolled over the front steps. Servers, clad in well-pressed shirts and sleeveless black vests, carried trays of bubbling champagne and weaved expertly through the guests.
"Would you like one?" A male server offered a glass to Junko.
Ai opened her mouth but Hiroki beat her to it.
"Junko-san doesn't drink, but I'll take it," he said, swiftly taking the glass from the server whose brow furrowed at his interruption. "Could you prepare a glass of warm water and place it on our table?"
"Yes, sir." The lanky server sneaked a glance at Junko before he bowed and disappeared among the guests.
A fan perhaps? Ai returned her attention to Junko and found her eyeing Hiroki with interest, looking impressed.
"How did you know?" Junko asked.
"I did my homework. How can I not know my partner's preferences, right?" He winked.
Junko gave a light smile and looked toward the table nearest to the stage. "Shall we go over and offer our wishes to the emperor?"
"As you wish." Hiroki pulled Junko closer and led the way.
There was a short line of guests waiting for their turn to greet the imperial family which consisted of the emperor, the empress, and their three children. Light, the youngest child, was the only male heir. Flanking them were Yugiri and Lily while Tae and another man, who Ai presumed was a human bodyguard, stood at the back. As opposed to the smiley Yugiri and Lily, the wavy-haired man wore an aloof and intense expression with dark gray eyes that resembled a hawk's. To be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the undead meant he had the skills to match. Definitely not one to be trifled with.
"Good evening, Your Majesty," Junko and Hiroki greeted in unison when it was their turn, bowing deeply.
"Please accept our sincere congratulations and best wishes for your continued health and happiness," Hiroki said.
"Thank you for granting us the opportunity to celebrate this special day with you," Junko added humbly.
The emperor, a genial man with graying hair, waved off their formalities. "Please be at ease. You look just like what the rumors say—What is it again, dear?" He looked to his wife.
"The Golden Couple," the empress offered.
"Ah yes, that's right, the Golden Couple. A very comely pair indeed."
Hiroki's face lit up. "I'm truly honored. I've no idea Your Majesty keeps up with the entertainment news."
"We watch television too." The emperor laughed. "I'm also a huge fan of Konno-san's music. It brings me back to my youth."
"You are too kind, Your Majesty," Junko said. "I hope I will be able to meet your expectations later."
"I'm sure you will. My choice can't be wrong."
As their conversation went on, Ai found herself tuning out to keep her growing bitterness in check. It was stupid. She should be glad that even the emperor acknowledged how Junko and Hiroki appeared made for each other.
"Hey you," Light called. "Mizuno, am I right?"
Ai blinked, surprised that he was striking up a conversation with her.
"It's a happy occasion. Stop looking so glum," he said.
"It's my usual face, and I'm a bodyguard. My job doesn't require me to smile."
Light hummed as he swept his gaze over the other undead bodyguards, namely Saki and Lily who were engaged in a banter of sorts.
"Oi, Shrimpy! Still short, eh?" Saki ribbed, ruffling Lily's hair.
"My name is Lily! And you're short too! One day I'll grow taller than you!" Lily shot back.
"Oh yeah? Shall I extend those legs for you now?" Saki pushed up her sleeves with a maniacal grin.
Ai wanted to facepalm. Trust Saki to act like a ruffian at such a grand event. Thankfully, the imperial family didn't seem fazed by their behavior. Instead, tender amusement shone in their eyes, as though they were pleased to see the bodyguards loosening up.
"Looks like you're the only one not having fun."
Light's remark brought her attention back to him. She frowned. "I don't need to."
He sighed, sounding almost like an old man, and Ai remembered Lily calling him a geezer. Did he feel compelled to act older due to his position?
"Just don't go around looking like you want to murder someone. You might scare the other guests," he reminded. "That's the whole point of having the undead put on makeup so work with us here. Don't ruin it for my father."
Ai was once again taken aback by his bluntness. "I... understand," she said through clenched teeth. But what Light said next caught her off guard.
"You aren't the only one keeping up appearances, you know." His tone was low and even, missing his earlier bite, and Ai thought he sounded a little tired. "Anyway," he raised his chin, "your face doesn't look half bad. Much better than having it wrapped up like a mummy."
"You don't know what lies beneath."
"Not saying you should go bare. Just do what you're doing now. It makes you stand out less, doesn't it?"
Ai couldn't argue with that. Indeed, she was having a much easier time today and didn't have to deal with horrified or scornful stares. But it felt like she was lying—to others and herself.
"It makes your job easier," Light continued. "You can trust me on this."
"Should I trust a twelve-year-old's words?"
Light concealed his surprise with a smirk. "You've got some nerve talking to me like that."
"I'm kidding." Ai's lips curled.
"Looks like you still have a sense of humor. Anyway, don't lump me with other twelve-year-olds. I'm way past them." His gaze drifted to his father who had just ended his conversation with Junko and Hiroki. "I'll never let Japan down."
The conviction in his voice gripped her and she wanted to hear more of what he had to say but Junko had already begun moving off. "I have to go." She gave a hasty nod. "It's been nice talking to you."
"Same. I hope we'll have the chance to chat again. Lily talks a lot about you and your partner. Drop by again someday if you can."
She caught the sincere look in his eyes before he turned to greet the next pair of guests with a lilt in his voice, much like how he usually sounded on TV. Bright-eyed and overflowing with enthusiasm as he engaged the guests, it was a 180-degree change from his attitude earlier. Pleasant and perfect for his public image but...
She took quick strides to catch up with Junko, and saw her put on a similar flawless smile as other guests approached her and Hiroki.
Cabinet ministers and fellow celebrities went up to Junko one after another, engaging her in small talk and taking photos. By the time she was able to sit down, it was shortly before the emperor's opening address.
"How's your ankle?" Ai asked after Hiroki excused himself to visit the restroom.
Junko's idol-perfect smile relaxed into one that she only showed in private. "I think the tape is helping but I might need more painkillers. The mingling took longer than expected." As she spoke, she opened up her purse, retrieving said pills.
Ai frowned, putting a hand over them. "It's not good to take too much."
"It's just for tonight," Junko reasoned.
Ai didn't budge.
"Please?"
Ai's resolve crumbled under the pleading gaze. "Fine, but no more after this." Then she heard a snort beside her.
"Whipped," Saki said.
"Shut up," Ai hissed but Saki had already turned her back on her, whistling some random tune. She noticed Junko reaching for the glass of water on the table and stopped her. "It's been sitting out for a while. Might not be safe. I'll get you the bottled kind. Saki, watch over Junko."
She went to the back of the hall where the refreshment station was located and grabbed a bottle of natural mineral water.
Cap still sealed? Check. Expiry date? Check.
Satisfied, she began to make her way back only to bump into Yugiri.
"Hey," Ai greeted.
Yugiri was wearing her usual placid expression. "Is that for your charge?"
"Ah, yeah. You know it, bottled water is always safer." Ai craned her neck in Junko's direction, eager to return to her.
"You truly care about her."
"Huh? What're you on about? I'm just doing what a bodyguard does," Ai denied, not liking the knowing look Yugiri was giving her. "Look, I got to go. I can't risk being away for too long."
"Saki-han is with her and the guards are watching out for all of our guests. You can be at ease."
"Even so, if you have nothing important to say to me, I'm going back," Ai insisted.
"I've heard from Saki-han."
Ai froze.
"About your affection for your charge."
Her scowl deepened. "That big mouth."
"Ai-han, she is concerned about you," Yugiri said. "I, too, can sense the unrest in your heart even if she didn't tell me. Your behavior yesterday was worrying."
"I'm fine. I know what I'm doing and I—" Ai stopped short; the genuine concern in Yugiri's voice transported her back to the time she was freshly resurrected. Shame settled in her stomach like sludge that refused to be washed away. She had been a brat and was still acting like one. No wonder Saki never stopped calling her a kid. She exhaled, softening her stance.
"Thanks, but I believe I'll be fine." She stared briefly at Yugiri's perfectly made-up face. "Maybe you can answer this question for me."
"I'll be glad to if I'm able." Yugiri smiled.
The plastic bottle crinkled in Ai's grip. "How do you feel about being forced to cover up your undead appearance every day?"
Yugiri's smile grew, as though she had expected the question. "It is merely a formality. At the end of the day, I am loved by the imperial family and my comrades, including you and Saki-han. This face is just a part of my job. What's important is how we feel here." She placed a palm over her chest. "We have our responsibilities as bodyguards but we should never lose sight of why our hearts still beat. Remember, Ai-han, whether we are 'everyone' or 'everything' depends on how we view ourselves."
Ai mirrored her action, remembering Junko's hand on her chest that night.
"Still, you are human. Please don't ever doubt that."
Could she really be 'everyone'?
Her fingers curled into a fist. "I'm not sure if I could do it."
"Believe in yourself, and believe in those who believe in you. You'll never go wrong."
One of the staff called for Yugiri and she excused herself but not before giving a pat on Ai's shoulder. As Ai pondered over her words, she caught a glimpse of Hiroki outside the hall. Curiosity getting the better of her, she went closer to the exit and pricked up her ears.
"Please prepare the camera for the livestream," Hiroki said.
Livestream? She peered round the door and spotted Hiroki with his manager.
"Are you sure you want to do it right after the dance?" his manager asked.
"Positive. There's no better time to do it."
"But what if she rejects?"
"She won't. It's such an important event. She wouldn't want to dampen everyone's spirits," Hiroki assured. "And I can feel it. She feels something for me. Haven't you seen how much she has opened up to me?"
"I guess you're right."
"Anyway, just do as I say. And come on, give me a bit of encouragement, will you? It's a happy thing!"
Unease ate at Ai's gut the more she heard. Once the manager had left, she confronted Hiroki, her sudden appearance wiping the smile off his face.
"What are you planning?" she asked.
He tugged the lapels on his jacket, straightening invisible creases. "I'm going to confess to Junko-san."
"Via a livestream after the dance?"
"Yes." His expression hardened. "Anything wrong?"
Ai was sure her own face wasn't friendly either. "Everything. You are aware that it's the emperor's birthday, right? It's not yours."
"Didn't you hear? The emperor approves of us. We have his blessings."
"That's not the point," she countered, her blood boiling at how self-absorbed he was. "It's disrespectful to hijack the event and it'll affect how the imperial family views Junko too. Don't drag her into this."
There was a pause as Hiroki narrowed his eyes.
"You're jealous, aren't you?" he said.
Ai's blood ran cold. She might have flinched.
"I've seen the way you look at her. You like her too, don't you? That's why you're trying to stop me."
"No." Her pulse turned erratic. She sucked in a quiet breath, trying not to let her expression betray her. "I'm saying that this is not the right place and time. Do it in private but not here, not now, and definitely not via a livestream. Are you trying to pressure her into saying yes?"
"It's to show my sincerity. Which girl wouldn't want to be confessed to at such a grand event?"
Her eyelid twitched. She'd been wrong about him. He was an idiot, and so was she for thinking she could entrust Junko's future to him. "Junko wouldn't want that."
"Look here, I've known her since before you came along. I know her better than you do."
"You don't."
Hiroki stared her down and she knew she had slipped up. Crap.
"And you say you don't like her," he said with a dry chuckle. "I'm not hurting her in any way so you have no right to interfere. You're just a bodyguard. I can report you for misconduct if you dare to stop me. Now if you'll excuse me." He pushed past her, heading back into the hall.
His words echoed in her head and she nearly crushed the bottle in her hand. Indeed, she was just a bodyguard but...
She stalked after him. She needed to warn Junko.
They returned to the table at the same time and immediately, Hiroki had beef with the bottled water she presented to Junko. He took it away without asking.
"Where's the warm water I ordered for Junko-san?"
Ai snatched the bottle back. "Junko only drinks bottled stuff outside for safety reasons."
"Nonsense. She's singing later. Warm water will help to prep her vocal cords."
The back-and-forth would have gone on if Junko didn't intervene. Despite looking utterly confused by their sudden animosity, she made her stand clear and Ai was only too relieved.
"Thank you, Hiroki-san, but it's true that I try to drink bottled water when I'm outside. And I'll be fine without warm water. It is not a necessity."
Her words shut Hiroki up and Ai unscrewed the bottle cap for her, earning a grateful, and duly worried, smile in return. As Junko took her painkillers, Ai leaned down to her ear.
"I've something to tell you," Ai whispered.
Alas, the emperor took to the stage at that moment. Silence blanketed the hall as all the guests perked up, giving their full attention.
"Later, okay?" Junko mouthed.
Ai had no choice but to go with the flow. It was so quiet that if she spoke, her voice would reach the ends of the hall. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the smugness on Hiroki's face. Damn it. There'd be more chances to warn Junko. There had to be.
There wasn't.
Once the emperor ended his speech, the performances kicked off and dinner was served. The guests from the adjacent table struck up a conversation with Junko, gushing about how pretty she was in person and how stoked they were about her performance later. Ai couldn't get a word in edgewise. Then a couple of journalists came by to take pictures of Junko and Hiroki and did an impromptu interview with them. They were taking so long that Ai had half a mind to interrupt them. She rocked on the balls of her feet. Soon, it would be Junko's solo.
"Oi, you got ants in your pants or something?" Saki nudged her.
Ai contemplated if she should tell Saki. Saki might do something crazy if she knew but time was running out. Screw it. She'd risk anything to stop Hiroki. "It's about Junko," she admitted.
Saki snorted. "When is it not about her?"
"Ishihara is going to confess to Junko right after their dance."
"Isn't that what you wanted?"
Ai frowned at Saki's nonchalance. "He's going to do a livestream of it."
"Going high-tech, huh." Saki swiped a glass of red wine from a passing server and downed it in one gulp.
"Be serious!"
"I am." Saki burped before giving Ai her full attention. "But are you?"
"What're you talking about?"
Saki sighed. "Junko and her management can handle the shitstorm if there's one after the confession. No biggie, you know that. But if it's about your feelings for her, it's a different story."
"You're going off topic. I'm just protecting her."
"It's beyond our job scope. We're bodyguards. We don't mess with stuff like this unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless you're ready to cross the line."
Ai's stomach did a flip.
"You could lose your job if Ishihara reports you, meaning no more marshmallow. You sure you wanna risk it? I say just let it slide and leave it to Madam," Saki said.
Ai stared in Junko's direction. Sweet, unsuspecting Junko was holding herself together despite all that was working against her: the pressure to deliver, an untimely sprain, and a heart that Ai had trampled on. She had worked so hard for this day, yet Ai would be the very reason it'd be a disaster. Why had she believed that Hiroki cared for Junko as much as she did?
She was the biggest idiot.
She'd fucked up. So badly.
There was no ideal way out of this. Protect Junko and risk being taken away from her, or stand by and do nothing while Hiroki pulled his stupid stunt?
A firm hand on her shoulder snapped her out of her thoughts, reminding her to breathe. It was Saki.
"Think about what I said. I've got something to discuss with Shrimpy. Be back in a bit."
"What? Junko's solo is about to—"
But Saki was already gone. Ai bit back a groan. Saki and her whims should be the least of her concerns right now. Hope rose in her chest when the journalists bowed and thanked Junko and Hiroki for the interview. Great. Now was her chance.
"Ju—" She had barely opened her mouth when the emcee's voice boomed through the speakers.
"Up next, the act that we've all been waiting for! The New Showa Idol, Konno Junko-san!"
The hall erupted in applause as all eyes turned to their table. The lights dimmed except for the spotlight trained on Junko.
Ai nearly cried. She watched helplessly as Junko stood and smiled at her adoring audience. No, not yet. She could escort Junko to the stage and warn her along the way. But just as she took a step forward, Hiroki cut in.
"Know your place," he warned in a low voice before he linked arms with Junko and they began making their way to the front.
Was this it? Was this all she could do?
"I'm just doing my job."—an excuse that she used all too conveniently was coming back to bite her. Now she was relegated to the shadows as she trailed them from the side. Junko shot her a concerned glance and guilt struck Ai harder than the lightning that killed her. Even at this point Junko still worried about her. Yet, there was nothing she could do in return.
Boundaries. Suddenly she hated the word.
"Konno-san will be bringing us a medley of songs that were originally performed by Yamaguchi Momoe-san, the legendary idol that contributed to the Showa idol boom in the 1970s. Konno-san, the stage is yours."
Junko ascended the stairs with Hiroki's assistance. Taking her position behind the microphone stand, she gave a nod to the emcee and closed her eyes as the music came on. Ai stood below the stage while Hiroki returned to their table.
Junko hit the first note perfectly, her voice tender yet full, with a magnetic quality that was easy on the ears. It never failed to amaze Ai how a tiny body could hide such power. But power and techniques aside, it was the way Junko weaved her emotions into the song as though she was telling her own story that drew listeners in, tickling their ears and touching their hearts. Ai would've lost herself in her soulful voice too if not for the anxious thoughts racing through her head. There was no way she could stop Hiroki without outright abducting him in front of everyone. She bit her cheek, racking her brains.
"Hey," a voice whispered beside her, almost making her jump. How had she not noticed the person's presence?
The woman was shorter than her, had black hair shaped in an unnaturally straight bob, and ginormous boobs that looked like they were about to rip through the server's uniform. Now, Ai had always prided herself on her memory and eyesight but she didn't remember seeing this woman among the staff earlier.
The woman lifted her long fringe, revealing familiar amber eyes, or rather, colored contact lenses. She winked at Ai.
What. The. Fuck.
"Saki?"
"Heh." Saki wiggled her brows which had been colored black too.
"What are you doing?" Ai hissed.
"Just stay here and watch me. The rest is up to you."
"Huh? Wait—"
But Saki was already walking away, swaying her hips with so much strength and bounce that Ai thought they'd pop off.
What's she supposed to be? A sexy server? But it's not even sexy! It's creepy! And she's drawing too much attention to herself!
Cold sweat beaded Ai's forehead as she watched Saki swipe a tray and a glass of dark liquid from the side, and her dread grew when Saki sashayed towards their table. Towards Hiroki.
And dropped the glass onto his lap.
WHAT IS SHE DOING?!
Hiroki jumped up, his white tuxedo stained a glaring red that even Ai could see from where she was. He whipped around and came face to face with a vigorously bowing Saki. Ai held her breath, praying that the melons or whatnot that Saki had stuffed into her shirt wouldn't fall out. Fortunately, they didn't, and Hiroki left the hall in a hurry. Ai dared a peek at Junko who didn't seem to have noticed the little commotion, and it didn't take long for the distracted guests to be captivated by her singing once more. While that was great and all, Ai had a bad feeling about the whole thing.
Was Hiroki going to make it back in time?
There was only one song left in the medley. If he didn't, the dance would've to be called off. Was that Saki's plan? No dance, no confession? But all of Junko's efforts would go to waste and it'd leave an equally terrible impression on the imperial family!
I'm so gonna kill her!
Ai fiddled with her shirt collar as her senses went into heightened alert. She scanned the hall, registering every face she could make out in the low light. No sign of Hiroki or Saki. The emperor was looking very pleased though, completely mesmerized by Junko's performance. Yugiri was as calm as always, while Tae was staring blankly into the crowd, and Lily... Lily...
Lily had an impish grin, as though she had just done something she shouldn't have. Their eyes met, and Lily winked at her. Somehow it felt like déjà vu. Then it struck her. Saki's wig and server's uniform...
Don't tell me...
God, despite all the bickering between those two, they actually got along like sisters. She'd need to have a word with Saki about her recklessness rubbing off on Lily—provided they got through the night without a fuss which was unlikely because the medley had ended and Hiroki was still nowhere to be found.
Amidst the thunderous ovation, Junko held up her dress, descending the stage with careful steps. At one point she tottered dangerously, and Ai would have rushed forward if Junko had not steadied herself. Ai matched her pace from the shadows as Junko walked down the red carpet. The hall was quiet, everyone watching her with anticipation.
The middle of the hall was still empty.
And it seemed like Junko had finally noticed. Confusion crept onto her face. The spotlight shone on the empty spot, emphasizing the space that was too big for one. Her smile faded, and her eyes were wider than usual, darting about. Murmurs grew among the equally puzzled audience. Ai glanced at the exits.
Then she felt Junko's panicked—and almost pleading—gaze. From across the dance floor, they locked eyes; the line separating light and darkness stood between them. A mere visual barrier, but it held so much power over Ai. Her feet wouldn't move.
The audience grew restless, and the chatter got louder. Even the emcee sounded uncertain, asking over the speakers if they should stop the performance. But Junko raised her arms to the starting position, as though she was holding an invisible partner. Flimsy determination veiled the panic in her eyes. She lifted her chin, ready to take on the dance by herself.
A few giggles sounded. Someone queried about Hiroki's whereabouts. The emcee asked again if they should stop. But Junko didn't back down. The atmosphere was getting painfully awkward.
Ai shook her head as the music started. She couldn't let Junko face this alone.
How could she?
"The Mizuno-san I know is not like this."
Junko believed in her.
"When you have that person, you will want to become better and not let them down."
She was that person.
"Just focus on what you need to do. I'll watch your back, like I always do."
No, not enough. She wanted to do more.
"Just stay here and watch me. The rest is up to you."
Ai almost laughed. Fuck you, Saki.
Her feet moved, crossing over to the light where it was so bright, it stunned her for a moment. Now, she stood before Junko, holding her like how Hiroki was supposed to. Exclamations broke out all around but her attention was seized by the fear and stress that glistened in Junko's eyes. Her heart broke. Seeing the reflection of her human mask didn't matter anymore when Junko's hand curled tightly around hers, trembling.
Junko needed her.
The desperate grip sparked her courage like oxygen to a flame and she pressed Junko closer. There was a small gasp, and Junko's eyes widened, but her lips soon curved into the trusting smile that Ai was all too familiar with.
Ai smiled too. Her mind shifted gears, pulling up all the memories of Junko and Hiroki's practice sessions. She could do this. She had watched them rehearse so many times that the steps were ingrained in her mind. Before she knew it, she was already moving. But thoughts of Junko's injured ankle dragged her like a dead weight and she moved carefully—too carefully, in fact, till her movements were jerky, a far cry from the smooth whirling action expected of Viennese waltz.
"What're they doing?"
"Isn't Ishihara-san supposed to be her partner? He's a much better dancer."
"Yeah, I wonder where he is."
"That's Konno-san's bodyguard, right? Why is she dancing?"
Ai's stomach dropped. She had overestimated herself. Instead of helping, she was making things worse.
Junko suddenly leaned in and whispered, "Lead me."
"Eh?"
"Don't worry about my ankle. I'll follow you."
"Follow me...?"
But Junko had already pulled back, her steadfast smile the only clue to what she meant. And it didn't take long for Ai to get it. She picked up her pace and moved with renewed confidence, replacing awkward steps with bold strides and turns, embracing her role in the dance just like how Junko embraced her—her undead identity, her insecurities, her scars. Her everything.
She'd deal with it if Junko's ankle acted up. To lead and to protect—she'd do both. No compromising.
Together they danced, twirling at dizzying speeds; the faces of the guests became nothing more than a blur. The murmurs ceased; in its place was the exhilarating rush of wind in her ears. She cast Junko out with an underarm turn, then reeled her in, feeling her back thump lightly against her. They fit perfectly. In their closeness, she traced the subtle curves of Junko's waist as she hugged her from behind, swaying to the beat. The familiar jasmine scent enveloped her senses like a warm blanket—so comforting that she didn't want to let go, and perhaps, if she dared to dream, the feeling was mutual. The squeeze on her hands lingered for a second too long before Junko twisted out of her embrace, wearing a bashful expression that hinted at more. They clasped hands again and spun, quickly gaining momentum, and all that remained in her field of vision was Junko's dazzling smile. So beautiful, Ai couldn't stop staring.
Then Junko stumbled.
The audience gasped.
But Ai had no intention of letting her fall. She tugged Junko in and scooped her up in a bridal carry. "Your ankle?" she asked upon seeing the wince that marred Junko's features.
"Sorry," Junko whimpered, clutching Ai's jacket.
Ai never stopped moving to the music, sticking to the basic turns as she circled the floor with Junko in her arms, pretending it was part of the choreography. "Don't be. Is your dress secure?"
"Huh?"
"We're going freestyle."
Junko blinked before realization dawned in her eyes. A blush painted her cheeks. "I've got tape on."
"I'll be careful." Ai gave her most reassuring smile, earning a shy nod from Junko and that was all she needed before she launched Junko into the air and caught her around the hips. Junko dug her fingers into Ai's shoulders, her arms taut from shock. But when their eyes met, she relaxed and gave the go-ahead. Ai began rotating on the spot, slowly at first then picking up speed, careful to maintain their balance. Gradually, Junko let go and leaned back as far as she could, spreading her arms out. Her hair flowed behind her like silky ribbons.
The claps trickled in, then turned into a full-blown applause as they reached top speed. Ai grinned. It was crazy but she'd never felt prouder of her enhanced strength as an undead. In her arms, Junko would be safe. She had been stupid to think otherwise. She dedicated herself to being Junko's legs, lifting her in ways that allowed her to perform with floating grace while relieving the pressure on her ankle. Without prior rehearsal and discussion, they were basing their responses on the tiniest signs from each other: every muscle twitch, every glance, every breath.
Three quarters into the music, she felt a tug around her neck as Junko pulled herself in. "The solo part is next. You have to let me down," she said, her lips brushing Ai's ear during a sharp turn. Ai shuddered.
"But your—"
"I should be fine if I remove my heels."
"You sure?"
"I have to try."
"Got it." Ai relented, not that there was time to argue anyway. She shifted Junko onto her left forearm, propping her up. In a matter of seconds, Junko had plucked off her bright red heels and tossed them to the side, startling the guests.
"I'm ready," she said.
And they split up.
This was it—the final stretch. They had to do it well and end the dance with a bang. The solo segment required them to act out a scene of separation and longing that relied heavily on their expressions and gestures to tell the story. Ai was neither an idol nor an actress, and she had always been stoic. She didn't know if she could pull it off. But when Junko's blue eyes locked onto hers, never looking away for even a second, Ai felt her gut stir. There was something titillating about the way Junko danced barefoot with such passion and freedom. She moved like no one was watching. It was fierce. It was raw. It was nothing like her rehearsals with Hiroki. No longer was she the soft-spoken girl everyone knew. This was the lioness she'd kept hidden from the world. She made Ai feel wanted, desired.
Transfixed, Ai responded in kind. Her lips quirked up at the corners; her movements became sharper, punchier. Her arms shot out as though trying to yank Junko in with an invisible rope. With every forward step Ai took, Junko slunk back. A growl rumbled in Ai's chest. The need to touch Junko set her soul ablaze, clawing for an exit like an untamed beast. It scared her, but it also excited her.
The music reached a crescendo amidst the wild thumping of her heart and it stopped the very moment she slammed her foot down. She snapped up and glared at Junko in the sudden silence, their connection so intense that it electrified the space between them.
Come to me!
Junko obeyed in a heartbeat, hiking up her dress and running towards Ai with wild abandon. But her gait was off. She wouldn't make the jump. Not wasting another second, Ai leaped at the same time she did, catching her in mid-air. They landed just as the music resumed. In the final few notes, they spun, almost out of control, but Ai dug her heel into the floor, skidding to a stop in time to swing Junko over, dipping her low for the finishing pose.
All was silent except for their ragged breathing. Sweat glistened on Junko's flushed skin as she stared up at Ai in wonderment, her lips parted. Her hot breaths caressed Ai's face, and her gaze drew her into its endless depths. Ai might not have looked away if not for the audience's resounding ovation. One by one, the guests stood up, clapping without pause. She stared at them, mouth agape. Even the imperial family had stood up.
All this for Junko... and me?
For the first time in her life, she was receiving approval from strangers. Not disdain. Not disgust. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she quickly blinked them away, unwillingly to let anyone see them. But when she helped Junko up, she knew she couldn't hide them from her. Junko didn't say anything though, simply leaning against her and that was when Ai remembered about her ankle. She wrapped a firm arm around Junko as they bowed.
"Carry me?" Junko asked as the music for the mass dance came on and the guests took over the floor.
Ai obliged, lifting Junko into her arms again. As she made her way back to their table, a stray tear escaped her eye and she panicked, but Junko's feather-light touch whisked it away. A smile passed between them, and she held Junko closer.