Rin frantically scattered around the ballroom, searching for any spec of dusk she might have missed. The other Juliets did likewise with their assigned chores. That night was the first ball of the school year, and it had to be perfect.
The floors were mopped.
The furniture dusted.
The silverware polished.
Now, as the Juliets rushed around in a near blind panic, everything was nearly set. Each Juliet triple checked her task, making sure there was nothing she failed to do. If the night wasn't perfect, someone would be to blame, and none of them wanted to be blamed for ruining what was supposed to be the first grand ball for many of the new Cinderella students.
"Thank the goddess we don't have to work during the actual ball," Gumi said as she and Rin sat on their knees and dusted the chairs for the dozenth time.
"I'm going to lie on my bed, go to sleep, and never wake up again." Rin wiped the sweat off her forehead. "I would rather garden in the summer heat at my old home than do this another day."
"Well, get used to it," Gumi replied and set her chair back at the table. "There are twelve balls a year, and every Juliet staffed is expected to help prepare each and every one. It's these balls that this academy is known for."
When Rin frowned, Gumi added, "Don't worry, a few of us know how to have real fun during these eventful nights."
"I'm not playing poker." Rin exhaled in relief when she saw her reflection in the wood of her chair. She turned to Gumi and added, "By the time I fulfill all the bread rations I bet against you and lost, I'm going to be so thin I can slip through a crack in the floor, never to be seen again."
"I wasn't talking about poker," Gumi said as she began working on another chair. "I have something else in mind."
Rin said nothing, choosing instead to raise an eyebrow. This prompted Gumi to whisper, "It's super risky, but with everything going on, no one should notice what we're up to."
Standing upright, Rin asked, "Do I need to be worried?"
Gumi didn't hesitate to answer, "Not if you're careful enough to not get caught."
Chocolate covered pretzel hanging from her mouth, Miku dipped her brush into the soft pink paint she mixed and brought the brush to her canvas. Relying solely on her memory from the walk in the gardens that afternoon for tea, Miku used her paints to recreate the scene. The gazebos were tall and whiter than snow, the dark bushes surrounding them dotted with the most delicate pink roses Miku had ever seen. The sky was the perfect shade of lavender, not a single cloud in the sky.
There were a few reasons tea was her favorite class, and being out in nature was one of them.
When she had finished with the roses, Miku leaned back and examined the artwork. There were still touch ups that needed to be done, but for today, the painting was complete. Miku smiled. Normally she hated to be torn away from her art before she was finished, but the night was a glorious exception. Miku wouldn't miss this ball for anything in the world.
Finishing her snack – she learned her first week at the academy that she could have the maids deliver any delicacies of her choosing to her room at any time – Miku stood and approached the wardrobe. She anticipated wearing her first ballgown since she was a girl, and finally the night had come. It was with gentle fingers Miku pulled a teal dress from its hanger and laid it out on her bed. It was sleeveless, but the black gloves would reach past her elbows. Sparkling, silver floral patterns decorated the waist up, and a black belt would rest on her hip.
It was made specifically for her, a gift for her seventeenth birthday.
Now she would finally get to wear it.
Soon a few Alices would come help her prepare for the night. Miku would be dressed like a doll, face painted like a canvas, and hair tied together like the finest rope. Just thinking of it all barely had Miku containing her glee.
Even if I don't find my soul mate tonight, she decided as she twirled and danced with excitement around her room, this is going to be one of the most magical nights in my entire life!
"This is the worst idea in the history of bad ideas," Rin said, tearing her eyes away from the men's attire Gumi laid out before her as the greenette dressed in her own set. "Won't we get locked up in the damp room for this?"
"Only if we get caught." Gumi hoisted up her skirts so she could button the pants properly. Rin looked away, too modest to see the girl she shared a room with in her underwear. "Every Juliet who isn't working during the ball does this, Rin. Not a one has ever been caught. As long as you don't cause a scene, no one's going to care."
"I care," Rin replied. "This is deceitful."
"This is the only real fun we get to have." When Rin didn't say anything, Gumi, now in black dress pants and a white pressed shirt, took Rin's shoulder and turned her around. Staring Rin in the eyes, Gumi said, "Look, if you don't want to do this, I won't make you; but Rin, don't let fear keep you from having a good time tonight. When I was finally old enough, I missed three balls because I was too scared. As I worked the next two, I saw my friends having fun and realized I missed out on that fun because I was afraid. At least really think about it before you make up your mind."
Taking a deep breath, Rin looked again at the clothes Gumi pulled from the laundry for her. Brown suspenders, a white button up top, and a coat matching the trousers. The clothes were bound to be a little big on her, but they would certainly hide the little figure she did have.
"Is dressing up as a boy and attending the ball really that exciting?" Rin asked. "Honestly, it seems kind of silly."
Gumi rolled her eyes. "It's fun because it is silly. Think of it like a role-playing game. See here: I'm not Gumi or Juliet MG52. I'm Megpoid Gumo, son of a merchant from the Feyre District. See? Now you try."
Pressing her lips together, Rin didn't think long before she said, "I'm Kagamine Len, from the Hera District, son of a tailor."
"That sounds a little too much like you're real past," Gumi pointed out. "The surname Kagamine, from the Hera District – the only difference is your father is a farmer."
"If I'm going to do this, I need to tell what I know," Rin argued. "I don't know enough about the world around me to talk about it if challenged, but I know plenty about what it's like growing up in Hera in a moderately sized village. Besides, my village has the best tailors in the Hera District, and I have worked in a couple before my father sold me to Mistress Prima."
"Okay then. I won't fight you on the past you create." Gumi ruffled out her hair, giving it an unkempt look. The simple action to her short hair helped her look more boyish, yet she still appeared no less attractive than she was in a dress and brushed hair.
"As long as I don't have to do a lot of talking, I'll be fine," Rin said.
"So that means you'll join me?"
"Unfortunately, you're a terrible influence on me, Megpoid Gumo." Rin giggled. "Now, would you mind showing me how to put these ridiculous clothes on?"
Not long later, after having dressed and tying her hair into a low ponytail, Rin and Gumi snuck out of their room. It was to Rin's surprise she saw other Juliets doing the same. The majority of the Juliets were staffed to work, and it seemed, true to Gumi's words, the rest were going to take advantage of the night. Perhaps this night was as exciting to these cursed girls as Gumi insisted.
Rin pondered how the Juliets were to sneak into the opening ball. Perhaps through a window, or maybe through a secret tunnel. Rin was so eager to find out how they would slip into the ball undetected that she couldn't help but be disappointed when they merely took the main entrance.
When she voiced such to Gumi, the greenette replied, "These balls are open to the public: no invitation required. As long as you dress nice, they don't care who comes. The point of these balls is to teach the Cinderellas and give them an opportunity to meet a potential husband, after all. Not every girl needs to marry a lord or a politician."
With the decision that the explanation was good enough for her, Rin convinced herself to not turn away and flee.
If I just stick with Gumi, Rin decided, I'll be fine. Rin went into the ball with the strategy to remain by Gumi's side the entire night.
That plan lasted about fifteen minutes.
It was as if Miku had stepped into a dream. The sights of women in beautiful dresses with laces, ribbons, and frills painted the scene. The chatter of the ball guests and the music of the band in the corner sounded together in harmony. The aroma of baked goods and hors d'oeuvres scented the air. The ball was everything she dreamed of and more.
Miku could hardly breathe her chest was so tight.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
"I feel as if I have walked into a painting." Luka took Miku by the arm and dragged her down the stairs onto the grand floor. The color scheme of the room was blue-green, and the theme for the decorations was goddess rebirth. Light greens and blues covered the tables and hung from the ceiling. The musicians, playing white instruments, also dressed in the colors.
"This is what Heaven must look like," Miku said, eyes searching. She spotted Ona talking with a group of adults. Gakuko, whom Miku recognized from their few encounters, flirted with a young man. Mistress Prima stood near the dessert table, drink in hand and spoke with a few lords Miku recognized from a previous lesson in social studies. To test herself, she recited all their names. She smiled with pride when she succeeded in the little quiz.
"Anyone you fancy dancing with?" Luka asked, snapping Miku back to reality.
"The first person to bring me a cinnamon roll," Miku answered then blushed when she realized she spoke without thinking.
Luka laughed. "Miku, I declare that you are always thinking about food."
"You have your passions, and I have mine." Even as she said such, Miku's face continued to burn. "Having such an appetite is unladylike," she recalled her mother saying. "All men want a petite wife, something you can't be if you keep stuffing yourself silly."
"Speaking of passions," Luka began to look around the ballroom, "any sight of Prince Charming yet?"
At the reminder, Miku's eyes lit up as she scanned the guests. There were not a lot of guys there, but since this was an opening ball, Miku assumed she shouldn't be too surprised. Most lord's sons would begin participating later in the year, when the second-year Cinderellas would be closer ready for marriage. Of course, that didn't mean a first-year Cinderella couldn't find love at one of these events.
Miku smiled when her eyes settled on two young men – boys, really – near one of the windows. The blond one shifted from foot to foot, eyes wide. A thin layer of sweat covered his face. This was his first ball, she could tell. Miku melted into herself, relaxed. Someone just as new to this as she would be easier to talk to than someone who had been to dozens of balls; there was a safety in being awkward together.
"Who caught your interest?" Luka asked when she noticed Miku was staring.
Not wanting to point out that she was looking at one in particular, Miku answered, "Those boys over there. See them? The blond and the greenet?"
As if on cue, the greenet looked back at the girls. He smiled, said something to his companion – who didn't react, suggesting he didn't hear – and approached them. He bowed and said, "May I just say that I am honored such beautiful women chose to cast their gorgeous eyes on my friend and me."
"It's not often we see men as handsome as you," Luka said as she curtsied. Miku followed suit. "What of your friend?"
"A shy one, I'm afraid." The greenet winked. "Perhaps one of you will try to make him feel more comfortable? This is his first ball, mind you."
"Enough useless chatter," Luka said. "I must know whom we are speaking to if we are to engage in proper conversation."
"My lady speaks rightly." The boy bowed. "I am Megpoid Gumo, from the Feyre District."
Luka curtsied again, albeit a small one this time. "Megurine Luka, also from the Feyre District."
"Ah, we already have something in common." Gumo smiled, and Miku knew it was meant for Luka.
Wanting to remain polite, Miku also dipped her chin as she introduced herself. "Hatsune Miku, from the Venus District."
Gumo raised a single brow. "It isn't every day one meets a denizen of the Venus District."
"It is a small district," Miku replied, desperately grasping for anything to talk about. Fortunately, Luka saved her.
"Why don't we stop talking and dance?" she suggested. To Miku, "Ask Gumo's friend. He would most likely enjoy the festivities more if he was dancing with a beautiful woman such as yourself."
"Good idea. I'll do just that." Before she could lose her nerve, Miku marched forward to the blond. When he noticed her, the blond looked as if he wanted to run but his shoes were nailed to the floor. Social situations must really have made him anxious.
One minute they were quietly standing by the window and sipping carbonated grape juice, and the next Gumi had vanished. Rin cursed herself for getting distracted by all the men and Cinderellas present. She was trying to locate a certain Cinderella so that she would have an easier time avoiding that same Cinderella, and in her anxiety, Rin forgot about not losing her friend in the crowd.
Relief upon finding Gumi's green hair barely lasted when Rin saw to whom Gumi was talking. Gumi was making conversation with a pink-haired Cinderella, but what had Rin's palms sweating was standing next to the pinkette was the annoying, turquoise-haired Cinderella. The very Cinderella Rin wanted to avoid.
Not knowing what to do, Rin looked for any of the other Juliets she may stand beside. All her friends besides Gumi were working, leaving none of the other Juliets she recognized anyone she felt comfortable standing alongside. Rin's heartbeat hammered in her ears.
Rin stood closer to the window and leaned her back against the wall. With nowhere to rest her eyes, Rin chose to watch Gumi communicate with her elite. As she watched, the blonde couldn't help but be amazed. Gumi displayed nothing but charm and confidence as she conversed with the two Cinderellas. Her comfort really showed how often she had snuck into balls. The Cinderellas smiled and replied animatedly with "Gumo," telling Rin these girls were oblivious to the fact they were holding a discussion with a Juliet.
It was just as Rin was beginning to relax that Gumi indicated to where she stood. Rin's blood pressure shot back up when the Cinderellas looked her way. Whatever Gumi said had them giggling.
I'm going to strangle her! Rin gripped her glass so tightly it was clear she was fantasizing about squeezing Gumi's neck for putting this attention on her. No doubt she was going to be giving Gumi an earful later.
Matters were made worse when the turquoise-hair Cinderella, Ms. Hatsune, began approaching Rin. From what Rin could tell, Gumi encouraged the Cinderella to do so. Rin wanted to run, but her feet were too heavy to pick up. Her knees wanted to buckle, but she held herself upright. Fainting would be one of the best ways to get caught. Her heart beat so rapidly that she almost didn't hear Ms. Hatsune say, "Want some company?"
"Uh? I mean, no, thank you," Rin said, speaking from her chest to make herself sound like a boy.
"But you look lonely over here all by yourself."
"Loneliness is internal, not external."
Ms. Hatsune giggled. "Your friend said that you're shy, but he didn't say you were quick on excuses." Moving slowly as if to not fall, Ms. Hatsune held out the skirt of her ballgown and curtsied low. "I am Hatsune Miku from the Venus District. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Recalling what she knew of storybooks and fairytales, Rin bowed at the waist and returned, "I'm Kagamine Len from the Hera District, and the pleasure is all mine."
Standing upright, Ms. Hatsune smiled and said, "The night has already begun, and I have yet to enjoy my first dance. Care to honor me with this song?"
"I, uh," Rin struggled to not look anywhere except at Ms. Hatsune, "don't dance very well, I'm afraid."
"It's okay." Ms. Hatsune leaned forward as if sharing a secret and whispered, "Neither do I."
Before another excuse could form out of Rin's mouth, Miku reached out, took Rin's hands – her glass still between her fingers – and dragged her towards the dancefloor.
"Want some company?" Miku asked, her words coming out a bit sharper than she intended. She tried smiling sweetly, hoping to ease her bluntness.
"Uh? I mean, no, thank you," the boy answered, sounding scared.
"But you look lonely over here all by yourself," she tried.
"Loneliness is internal, not external," the boy was quick to respond.
In spite of herself, Miku giggled. "Your friend said that you're shy, but he didn't say you were quick on excuses." She curtsied low. "I am Hatsune Miku from the Venus District. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
The boy hesitated before he bowed and said, "I'm Kagamine Len from the Hera District, and the pleasure is all mine."
Standing upright, Miku looked the boy up and down. He was cute, but in a little brother sort of way. Perhaps not the kind of man she would marry, yet she still desired to get to know this awkward lad. "The night has already begun, and I have yet to enjoy my first dance. Care to honor me with this song?"
"I, uh," Len found it hard to maintain eye contact, "don't dance very well, I'm afraid."
"It's okay. Neither do I." Before Len could respond, Miku grabbed him and yanked him onto the dancefloor. It wasn't until she was ready to get in position that she noticed the glass Len held between his fingers.
"Ooops," Miku laughed, hoping her air-headed behavior didn't make her look as dense as she knew she acted. "Maybe you should put that down first."
"That would be optimal," Len agreed.
When the glass was set aside, Miku didn't hesitate to place one hand on Len's shoulder and take his hand in her other to hold out. Now that they were closer, she saw that she stood a few inches taller than her dance partner. Yes, definitely not the kind of man she would marry.
"So, Len," Miku tried as they began dancing. Conversing was unnecessary, but she still wanted to get to know the boy. "How old are you?"
"Nineteen, milady," Len said.
Miku's eyes widened a small bit. He was a year older, yet she was taller. Of course such was common, but it was still strange to be taller than someone older than you. For all she knew, it was worse the other way around. She needed something else to talk about lest his height would be the only opinion she would have of Len after the night ended.
"What do you think of the ball thus far?" she tried. "It's still early, but you must have tons of thoughts and feelings if this is your first one."
"I think it is . . . ," Len trailed off. He swallowed and tried again. "If I may be honest with you, it is unusual that these parties are the events one hears about all the time. Unless you like to socialize or dance, there is nothing grand about a ball."
"So you don't like it?"
"If I were a social person, Ms. Hatsune, I would. However, I much prefer to keep to myself, so I can't help that I find these events boring."
Miku hummed to herself, pondering Len's reply. "You discard politeness for the sake of integrity," she pointed out.
She felt Len go stiff beneath her. "Have I made a social error?"
"Yes, I'm afraid," Miku said, "yet I cannot condemn you. Such honesty is quite refreshing."
When the song ended, Len didn't hesitate to let go. It was as if she was hot iron that was how fast he stepped away from her. Chewing her lower lip, Miku inferred Len did not like physical contact.
"Shall we sample the dessert?" she suggested.
Len looked around, searching. Miku followed his gaze to find Luka still dancing with Gumo. The two did not seem they would be finished any time soon.
"I don't see why not," Len responded. Miku tried to not let it show that she was disappointed Len only agreed because his friend was still occupied.
As they reached the table, Miku spoke quietly so only Len would hear. "You were honest about your opinion on balls. Tell me, may I have your honesty on another subject?"
Len froze, a statue staring at the pastries before him. "Perhaps," he said. "I suppose that depends on the subject."
Fair enough. "What are your thoughts on Juliets?"
Color drained from Len's face. Miku internally kicked herself. She should have known better than to ask. Juliets were a taboo topic, yet she still had to mention them. I'm a fool.
"They are property," Len said, answering her question. "Juliets are carriers of misfortune. Their only purpose is to serve those more blessed than they. If they try to rise above, their curse will make quick disposal of them."
Sighing, Miku replied, "I am disappointed in you, Mr. Kagamine. I expected your honesty, yet you sounded as if you were quoting a textbook."
"I was honest."
"No, you told me society's truth." Miku looked into his cerulean eyes. She couldn't help but admire how beautiful they were. "Tell me your truth."
"There is no 'my truth.' The truth is the truth, and nothing can change that."
"You speak as one religious."
"I am religious."
"Then speak of religious truth," Miku softly demanded. "What do you think of Juliets?"
Len didn't answer right away. Instead he looked around as if in search of escape. Finding none, he bit his lower lip.
"Juliets are people, too," he finally said. "They laugh, they cry, they love, and they suffer. I will not deny they indeed are carriers of misfortune, but I sometimes believe that is only because they aren't allowed to be anything else."
"The stars say otherwise," Miku said. Not to argue, but to point out the unpopularity of Len's opinion.
"The stars are not gods," Len replied.
"You believe all men are created equal then?"
"All men and all women."
"Why?"
"God didn't create this caste system. Humanity did. Perhaps I'm delusional to believe such, but some nights, it's the only thing that helps me sleep."
As she took in Len's words, Miku reached out and nibbled on a red velvet cupcake. Len said "God." Not "gods" or "the goddess." A small thing, and very likely a slip up.
"I'm a terrible person," she muttered, changing the subject.
Both of Len's eyebrows rose at her proclamation. "Why do you say that?"
"I didn't grow up around Juliets, so I have been making the mistake of treating them as if they are not people." Miku reached out for another treat but stopped with her hand midair. Her fingers retreated. "I don't mean to be rude, but I'm aware my actions are making some of the Juliets here very uncomfortable."
"Then why do you continue?"
"I'm too curious to contain myself." Miku looked into Len's eyes. "Do you think the Juliets hate me?"
"I can't speak for them."
"Well I wish they would speak for themselves then."
"They are not allowed to."
"I suspected as much."
A slow, painful minute passed before Len said, "I think it would be best if you just let the Juliets do their job. It doesn't help to attract attention to them. They could get in trouble."
"But I want to talk to them," Miku said. "You said the Juliets are people. Am I not allowed to talk to people?"
"They are the ones not allowed to talk to you," Len corrected. "It doesn't matter what you or I think. At the end of the day, Juliets aren't worthy to consider themselves human. The best thing to do for them is to leave them be."
"That won't answer anything," Miku argued.
"But it won't hurt them either," Len countered.
"I suppose you're right," Miku said, defeated. Forcing a smile onto her face, she then said, "Again, I appreciate your honesty. Conversation is not as real when you're too focused on being polite."
"Yes," Len agreed, "but sometimes it helps to know how to be polite."
"That all depends with whom you converse." Miku curtsied. "I'm afraid I must depart now. There are a few classmates I promised to socialize with this evening. You won't think of my parting so suddenly as rude, will you?"
Len smirked. It was the first display of genuine emotion he showed Miku. "I have been offended in worse ways, Ms. Hatsune."
"I mean no offense, but I'm glad none is taken."
"Worry not. I don't offend easily."
Not knowing why she asked it, Miku blurted, "Shall I see you again, Mr. Kagamine?"
From his stunned blink, Miku knew she threw Len off. He hesitated, but he answered with a warm smile on his face. "We shall see each other again, Ms. Hatsune."
"You seemed to hit it off with that turquoise-haired Cinderella," Gumi pointed out as the two of them changed into their nightgowns. They had snuck away an hour before the ball ended, all due to Rin's pestering.
"I can say the same of you and the pinkette," Rin instantly returned. She freed her hair and shook it loose. "You didn't acknowledge anyone else the entire night."
Gumi blushed. "She was pretty."
"All Cinderellas are pretty, Gumi. That's part of being a Cinderella."
"Enough about Cinderellas. Did you enjoy the ball?"
"I wouldn't say it was my favorite activity," Rin said, "but . . . I can't honestly say I hated the experience either."
"Aha!" Gumi shimmied her hips in a dance of sorts. "I knew you wouldn't hate it. That means Cul owes me her bread rations for a month now."
"What the- You and Cul-?" Throwing the dress shirt she had taken off at Gumi, Rin shouted, "How dare you bet on me, Megpoid Gumo!"
Of all the friends she talked to and laughed with and all the sweets she ate to the point her stomach was packed tight and heavy, nothing stood out to Miku as she lied in bed that night like her time with Len. He was awkward and not capable of polite conversation and a liar – he indeed was a good dancer, but he had a charm Miku liked. Len was no Prince Charming, but he was someone Miku knew she could have real conversation with. In a way, that was more than she could have ever expected from a night with a guy.
Juliets are people, too. He said those words. She believed them. Yet she needed to pretend they didn't exist. Apparently, that's what the Juliets wanted.
That thought alone kept Miku up all night as she wondered if she should apologize to the blonde Juliet or if it was better if she just stopped acknowledging the Juliet's existence altogether, no apology given.