I made my through the college, listening to the music along the way, until I came to the room where the ball was taking place within. 'There is nothing to worry about. No one will recognize me, so I will be fine' I convinced myself and opened the doors. As soon as I stepped inside it was like I had stepped into another world. Lights flashed over the dance floor, there was people dancing while others were in groups, chatting away. No matter how hard I looked there was not a soul I recognized, which was to be expected, they were all wearing masks, after all.
I awkwardly fumbled in my shoes as I wandered around the room, curiously looking around as I did, there was fancy decorations hanging from the ceiling and a huge banner that read 'masquerade queen ball' obviously that was Kat's idea. 'It's definitely quite the glamorous ball. ...I really don't fit in here.' I stood out like a sore thumb next to all those who were of high social status; at least that was how I saw myself. I decided i'd go find a corner and spend my night there so I wouldn't feel so awkward but as I made my way through the crowds of people I accidently bumped into somebody.
"Oh! I'm sorry." I quickly bowed my head. When I looked up I saw the person smiling at me and they lent in closer, "Is that you, Elli?" I jumped back in shock at the familiar voice, "Joelle?" She nodded her head. I couldn't see from a distance but now that I was standing up close I could see that it was indeed Joelle standing before me wearing her mask. 'Wow, she's really beautiful.' I was in awe by how gorgeous Joelle looked in her pale pink dress with white flower patterns embedded through it. 'There is even tiny diamonds in the flowers.'
"Elli?" Joelle called out to me. I had been busy gawking at her appearance that I forgot myself, "Oh, sorry. I sorta spaced out there." I awkwardly laughed and Joelle sighed, shaking her head a little with a small smile, "You are always doing that." We both laughed.
"I am glad you came. I didn't know if you would but the fact you are standing here makes me happy." Joelle gave me a carefree smile and I did my best to smile back; though I was less than happy to be here. I couldn't tell her that, though, I couldn't hurt her. "Are you enjoying yourself?" I cringed at her question and started to sweat a little as I panicked on how I should answer her, 'I can't tell her the truth...' I knew I had to make a cover up, "It's definitely not like anything I have ever been to before. It's really boisterous in here." I smiled.
"That's for sure. I almost can't hear myself think over the music and people talking." Joelle sighed, shrugging. "Oh, I just remembered." Joelle's eyes lit up as she looked to have thought of something. Having caught my attention, I curiously waited to hear what she had to say. "Later, there will be an announcement for tonight's masquerade king and queen."
"What? They are having something like that tonight?" I asked, my eyes wide; I couldn't believe we were going to be evaluated for that. Joelle nodded, "Yeah. There is several inconspicuous people among the crowds who are closely watching those in attendance tonight and they will choose who they think is best suited for the title." Knowing that kind of made me nervous. 'People are watching me? Creepy...' I couldn't help but cautiously look around a few times despite myself.
"Sorry, it looks like I have to go..." Joelle suddenly said, she sounded sad. I cocked my head, "Is something wrong?" Joelle shook her head and lowered her gaze, "Kat is waving for me." She said sounding a little downcast. I did my best to stay positive, though, and placed a hand on her shoulder causing her to look up at me. "It's fine." I said with my biggest smile, "Don't worry. I will be okay." Joelle looked at me for a moment before smiling herself, and quietly thanked me before saying goodbye and heading over to where Kat was.
Now that she was gone I once again looked a little lost. I thought about my earlier plans of finding a wall to hang out by but it just seemed so depressing. I almost felt like just going home, but that would make Joelle sad... 'What should I do?' I wished Eisuke had been there. At least I wouldn't have felt so out of place with him by my side. I sighed and at that moment I felt a tug on my arm.
"Huh?" I jumped and spun around to be met by a man in a mask. "Do you wan-" I stopped mid sentence when I noticed something, 'That smirk... It couldn't be.' The man in the mask had a rather arrogant air about him and the smirk on his face was unmistakable, "Eisuke?!" I exclaimed in my surprise. His smirk grew bigger and he leaned in closer, "Were you expecting someone else?" He chuckled, I could tell he was teasing me. I was at a loss for words, I couldn't believe he was standing in front of me after having declined my invitation to accompany me. I opened my mouth and closed it several times, I was too shocked to speak.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Eisuke looked so smug, he was definitely enjoying my reactions. "No!" I huffed, finally haven got a word out. I pursed my lips and looked intently at him, "What are you doing here?" I didn't look impressed in the slightest after he refused to come and now appeared out of nowhere just to tease me. "I thought you would be happy to see me. Instead, here you are scowling at me." He said, still looking amused. I looked shocked for a moment, 'Am I scowling?' I quickly looked away for a moment and took a deep breath before turning back to him with a more pleasant expression, "I thought you wouldn't be coming..."
Eisuke looked at me, the smirk on his face gone, "I wasn't going to." This only made me more curious, "Then... why are you here?" I asked, my curiosity at its peak. Eisuke looked around for a moment, as if in thought, then focused back on me, "I saw how sad you looked after I turned you down... I didn't think this would be so important to you. I thought about it and decided I would practice."
"Practice?" I cut in before he could continue, my eyes wide with curiosity. Eisuke nodded, "I am not a good dancer, you see. I asked Soryu to teach me..." He looked a little shy admitting this. It all finally made sense. Eisuke and Soryu weren't around today because Soryu was teaching him how to dance. I felt a little warm inside at the thought, and not to mention the fact I wanted to burst out in laughter from imagining it, but that wouldn't be appropriate at this time. 'Oh gosh... I wish I had a recording of Soryu teaching him.'
"I don't know what you are thinking, but stop it." Eisuke looked at me with a frown and I gave him and innocent smile and playfully bit on my lip, "By the way, how did you find me so easily?" I didn't think I'd be that easy to find since I was wearing a mask but he found me effortlessly. Eisuke chuckled, his lips curling up into a half smirk, "I thought you would have figured that out by now." He looked at me meaningfully, his eyes traveling up and down my body from head to toe. I gasped when I realized, "You are the one who gave me the dress!" Eisuke smirked in satisfaction at this statement, "You really are slow." He teased and I rolled my eyes, ignoring him.
Eisuke then held out his hand to me, "Let's dance." I froze at his words, feeling a little hesitant. I just stared at his hand, 'I have never danced in heels before...' I was pulled out of my thoughts when Eisuke forcefully grabbed me by the hand before I even had the chance to take his and led me to the dance floor, "Just relax." Eisuke got into position and snaked an arm around my waist while holding my hand with his other. I placed my free hand on his shoulder, I could feel the nerves building within my body, I thought I might explode. 'I have never been so close to him before... I am so nervous.' My whole body was tense like led. Eisuke must have seen the worried look on my face as he spoke calmly to me, "Don't worry, just follow my lead." I nodded in response. However, I wasn't too confident in his lead if only hours ago he didn't even know how to dance.
'Will we really be okay?' I panicked at that thought but I couldn't let my fear get the better of me. I had to put my trust in Eisuke and pray we got through the night unscathed. We set off into a slow rhythmic dance. It wasn't too hard to follow but I was still nervous as I was so unsteady on my feet. 'I can do this. I won't fall over. ...But my feet hurt so much...' I was not use to wearing heels and so they were causing me an unbelievable amount of pain but I couldn't worry about that now; Eisuke was here with me just like I had hoped for all along, I couldn't let a little pain get between us.
"Is something wrong?" It would seem the pain was showing on my face as Eisuke looked at me in concern. I shook my head and did my best to put on a brave face, "No. I'm fine." But my voice betrayed me as It come out strained and that of one in pain. Eisuke clicked his tongue, looking annoyed, "You can't lie to me." He breathed out a hard sigh and started to lead me away from the dance floor but when he did I lost my balance, "Ah!" I started to fall but Eisuke quickly sprung into action and steadied me on my feet before I made a scene.
"T-Thanks." I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me after that scare. Eisuke wrapped an arm around me for support and guided me to a nearby table and sat me down. My heart was now beating a mile a minute after everything that happened, I couldn't catch a break tonight. Eisuke leaned down in front of me and took my left foot into his hands. As soon as his eyes fell upon it his brows furrowed and he looked miffed, "Why didn't you say something before it got this bad?" I could tell by his tone he was not impressed. I felt embarrassed and a little intimidated by his tone, "I-I'm sorry... it's just..." I jumped when he looked at me, his eyes were filled with worry but also displeasure, "I didn't want to bother you..." I bit my tongue, that wasn't what I had wanted to say at all... 'Why did I say that...' I really wanted to say I didn't want to stop dancing because I was so happy being with him but instead I went and said something stupid...
Eisuke looked outraged by my comment, "Are you an idiot? You were in pain and all you could think about was not wanting to bother me? Do you really think of me that way..." He looked hurt. I was filled with regret and wished I could take back what I had said. My eyes shook sadly, I wanted to tell him what I really meant but I just couldn't seem to get the words out and instead face away. Eisuke silently tended to my feet. He went and grabbed some bandages so it would be easier for me to walk around. I flinched a little every time he touched me. The touch of his skin against mine...felt so nice. I couldn't deny how happy I felt from every little touch, It only made me want more but I knew I had to keep those feelings at bay. I had to settle for just admiring him from a distance for the time being.
Once he finished applying first aid to my wounds, Eisuke helped me to my feet. I could tell his mood was still sour from what previously happened and my heart still ached from my mistake. Just then, the music stopped and an announcement came out over the speakers.
"Are you ready?! It's time to announce tonight's masquerade king and queen!" The lively voice echoed throughout the room.
My heart stopped at the announcement. I could feel my pulse start to quicken as the anticipation of who would be picked ate away at me. I knew for sure It wouldn't be me but if there was any chance of Eisuke being picked and then partnered with someone else... It would crush me. 'What if it was Kat...' Just the thought made my chest tighten, I couldn't stand to see that happen.
"Heh, what a stupid idea. Who wants to be king or queen of that?" Eisuke scoffed, looking around at all the eager faces in the room. Of course he would have no interest in it, he didn't even go to college anymore. I doubted he would like it even if he did go to college, that's just how Eisuke is after all. Eisuke was amused by all the expectant faces, those hoping they would be crowned. Even though I knew I stood no chance, It didn't stop me from hoping, even just a little.
The lights in the room dimmed and a single spotlight started to whir around the room. Whoever it stopped on would be chosen. I held my breath as anticipation overtook me. Just who was the light going to stop on?