Ballroom

@sebastian moy "If I could find them, but I guess I can make that another mission for tonight. Something to do before the after party." Rayan started to ramble as the familiar tic of her nerves started to make the soft palms of her hands tickle while they were ribboned with his. itched to say more, but her nerves made the next thing she wanted to say trickle back down as she let the sound of nature in the night, and the serenade of music in the distance hover over the pair. Like a magnet, she gently pressed her head against his chest, decorated with the fresh pressed button down this time. It was where she naturally found her comfort when they used to lay down together. The irresistibly woodsy scent of Sebastian wafted around her like a cloud, her button nose crinkling from the familiar scent as their bodies fell into step with one another. Each step was slow and careful, yet so knowing with the next movement the other will make. The closer they came together, they more the tingling startled Rayan—like an alarm warning her of her own rules she had for herself. With Sebastian, she thought she was teetering on the edge of them, but she was plummeting, plummeting so slowly for him. Just why was he the exception?
They even danced in the momentary silence of the bridge to the next song, a song that made Rayan lift her head up from the Sebastian's chest.
"I know this song!" She enthused as she faced him again, knowing excitement making her voice rise an octave. But a crushing feeling, deep in her chest started to rise to the top, it made her feel the need to her thumb over the center of her chest. Pain of guilt and shame she kept tucked away. The feeling grew even more at his next words to her. Rayan twirled herself outwards, it gave her a second to not face him with the swirl of emotions she couldn't show to him. Just for a second will let herself have this. "Of course I remember." Rayan grinned as she came back to Sebastian, her laughter light and blissful as she nestled herself against his chest, the warmth of him weakening the pain she was feeling.
"How can I not?" She asked, she was reminiscing as she looked at him with adoring eyes. Rayan remembered the place clearly, it was her first time out with a group of friends that weren't freshman, a little out a place she felt, but she seemed to be drawn to Sebastian although they hadn't truly spoken a single word to each other until this very song came on. After that was a bit of a blur, but Rayan still remembered them playing on the little game of basketball. A tipsy bet of who scored the least baskets would have to play their 'embarrassing songs you can't play around the homies' playlists in the car with the rest of the group. Of course she lost and she accidentally hit him with one of the basketballs. "Why are we doing this?" The question slipped, crisp and too clear to be heard as something else.

@rayan xasan He smiles a bit sadly thinking maybe time is slipping each second, “ Before you leave tonight you gotta see them,” his voice was amazingly chipper for the moment, he flashed a smile to ward away the lingering bittersweet feeling creeping up in him. For now it was just the two, and that would be all the time he needed and make the best of.
Sebastian gathers Rayan by her small waist, hand rested at the small of her back, reeling the two in close for a slow dance in the moonlight. His chin presses to the temple of her swirled mane, taking in the subtle perfume scent, something he’d describe as mango, perhaps sophisticated with vanilla and Amber or even sandalwood. He sets their interlaced hands just a touch from his hearth urging her face closer to the satin folds of his white button down. Then as if magically, like the orchestra knew, he can hear them clearly strumming at the platform stage in front of the windowed wall that overlooks the gardens, though he and Rayan were tucked away in a maze of greenery, out of sight, out of mind.
He leads with one slide forwards, intuitively following that of the chosen song of choice, a favorite of theirs they could hear from the first first strum. A song he requested long before on the roster as a subtle hope he kept tenured closely within.
Though the comedy doesn’t fill his words he tries not to sound so softened, and contented, not to feel bittersweet about the circumstances, and he says into her hair with thoughtfulness, the song cantilevered on the winds.
He could hear the lead singer, “Slow down I don’t want to miss this, just in case this our last time.”
“That’s our song,” he starts, before pulling away just to twirl her away, and then lightly squeezes her hand to urge her back into his awaiting arms, swarthy, shadowy-lashed eyes focused that of her svelte, and coiffed form. A jubilant smile on her face lined in silver moonbeam, the way the tulle turns cloud like and feather in the light, as he’s struck back to a time that he’s treasured over the years. *There’s a god awful song playing overhead their little booth, their friends have gone off for smoke breaks, to accost the bartender with a barrage of group orders, play at the lone arcade machines—leaving two, a freshman and a sophomore seated at the now emptied table. Sebastian is trying to think of what to say for conversation, not fond of long silences, and perhaps an excuse to inch in closer, she was beautiful, hard to look directly at, but even more so she was every bit clever and sassy she often left him smiling brightly as his mind blanked. Then blooming through the overhead speakers came a familiar tune. His head lifted, all his winsome thoughts seem to dissipate in the ebb and flow of a silken voice. A smile comes to his face,
“I love this song,” he was admittedly startled by her voice, it was softer in quality, and his gaze goes back to hers wondrously, clearing his voice Sebastian finds himself looking at her,
“Me too,” Sebastian had begun to chuckle a little, swaying his head to the beat, singing along, a little surprised but joyous when he could hear her humming along.*
Blinking back to the present moment he pulls her close, hand once again curled into waist,
“You remember? The Brummies Who should I Be? At the Ragged Saint’s Barcade?” He chuckles face aglow with fondness, looking with amity, searching her features hoping she did remember.

@sebastian moy Rayan was caught in the swirl of Sebastian's sweet shadowed eyes, the question caught her off guard, so much so a small, immediate, and thoughtless "no" croaked out from between her rose painted lips as he picked her up. He never did, she could assure that through the short and slightly distorted memories of their relationship as they started to come back to her in that moment. A year or two ago—she was never one to keep track of break-ups. In the small gathering area of Rayan's dorm they were watching a movie Sebastian was raving about, it was near the end of the movie Rayan's eyelids started to grow heavier, but she insisted to continue watching the movie with him. The next moment, peeking through half-closed eyelids, she was being whisked away in his arms to her room. It was all she could remember before falling dead asleep. That was the last time they watched a movie together.
The memory had floated from the screen of blank space in her brain as she stared at the side profile of Sebastian's as he carried her, admiring the prince-like features he always had. Rayan's tongue poked at the inside of her cheek, she never liked remembering much from their relationship, especially who she was then, it always left a bad aftertaste. "It's pretty out here." Rayan spoke as she diverted her attention away from the taller. Her brown eyes fell on the rows of blossoming flowers that dotted the lush greenery of the expansive garden. The nicely shaped shrubs that had been trimmed and manipulated to any shape seemed to dance under the billowing light of the full moon above them. She had to agree, it was prettier in the night, just like he said.
"Yes?" Rayan answered, sounding more like a question, but she was surprised he remembered but also wondering some more. "Don't tell me they have a garden of carnations I can lay in like those poppy fields! I don't think I would leave without taking a few flowers with me." She laughed airily. Rayan let her arms drop from around Seb's neck as he put her down, brushing her dress down in case before she turned around to look more at the luscious garden before them. "Uh—shut up." Not a beat was missed. Without even looking, Rayan's hand was quick to land a playful yet sharp slap over Sebastian's chest. "They even have hydrangeas" Rayan cooed softly with a smile as she leaned down with her hands on her knees to get a better look at the full multi-coloured bulbs. Even the cool air of night couldn't get to Rayan, she was blissed from being able to stand in such a garden. She looked back over to Sebastian, her eyes glanced from his hand to his glowing face, she couldn't say no to that smile at all. "You may." Rayan beamed happily as she took his hand, not a single twitch of hesitance going through her. The wind swept over them again, more gentle this time, Rayan's veil of black hair flowing gracefully as she stood before Sebastian with her hand in his, standing close to him as she caught his gaze with twinkling eyes, she was sure she could see the moon in his dark hues. There was nothing to say, or nothing she could think of, she was utterly happy.

@kim taehyung waiting for someone to ask you? happens to catch someone a little further doing a tiny jump with their partner in the corner of my eye and attaches both my hands on your waist to try and do the same - the first attempt of course failing miserably; relying too much on strength rather than cooperation. i burst out in laughter at it though, and lock my eyes with you, dark brown orbs staring in question if i could try again. and why did you not ask anyone? or was there no one here that interested you? orrr you rather get asked, mh?

@rayan xasan He hadn’t thought about Thomas and crew, only about the current moment, Rayan at his side, and a picturesque garden etched out before them. He simpers, brows quirking at the loose threat that challenged his strength, he looks her in the eye and says in sheer thoughtfulness, voice softer than velvet,
“Have I ever dropped you before?” Perhaps he’d stunned her and himself with a drawl back to ‘old times’, to memories he held in esteem, for fond reflection.
With ease Sebastian plucks her up, palms tucked into the waist of her dress and under the skin of her thigh, whisking her away into the moonlit courtyard. Flowers and wreath-like monuments of shrubbery are dusted lightly in moony glow, he carried them beyond the paved walkways, onto diverging stony paths. If his memory served him right there was a gazebo built towards the estate wall that was lined by a hedge. High on life, wind combing through his hair, and blowing curls into Rayan’s face, he chuckled enamored with how pretty she looked in the moonlight.
“The estate owner told me earlier that each of the gazebos are themed by award winning flowers.” He smiled to himself continuing, “carnations are your favorites right?”
Once he feels like they’re far enough from the dance hall, he gently kneels down to set her down in the carefully sheared grass, holding at the small of her back to stabilize her on her own two feet. He can’t help but to add in a joking manner
“Come to think of it, my back,” he gestures with a palm at his back paired with a pained sigh, “it’s that big head of yours, adding coupla’ pounds.” Once his theatrics were over he looked around looking for the marker of peonies that lead to the gazebo, but admiring the trim hedges and colorful flowerbeds around them. The grass was filled with a sprayed mandala sitting under a spotlight of moonlight. Cocking his head to the side he chuckled,
“We can still hear the live band from here, can I be your first dance for the night?” He looks back at her, beaming genuinely hand outstretched for hers.

@nakamoto yuta Follows your lead again easily, smiling to myself at your words and your following question. Releases a quiet gentle hum followed by a slight shrug of my shoulders. It is what it is, you know? You're the first one who asked me. That's okay, everyone is busy with their partners, I respect that. Or, to make it less sad sounding maybe I was just waiting and that's why I was standing alone~

@kim taehyung exactly. lets the rhythm of the song decide my pace, gently moving to it. oh i can, but thanks for telling me. verification is nice. and i’m glad you are. so - have you danced with someone else already? i was surprised to see you standing alone to be honest.

@nakamoto yuta absolutely not, especially not when it's our kids money huh? moves in closer to you when you pull be back in, sliding my arms around you gently as i smile, my cheeks flushing again at your words, or was it from the spin, or was it from both? who knew. rubs my thumb gently over the back of your neck, letting my head tilt gently to the side. i'm sure you can draw your own conclusion, but in case you can't - yes i'm enjoying my time with you. all of it

@kim taehyung are you doubting my generosity when spending someone else’s money? attaches my hand to your waist when you’re facing me again, pulling you a little closer. don’t worry, i wasn’t planning on denying or hiding that. i’m not going to ask someone to dance with me, one on one, if i don’t enjoy spending time with them. what about you? or should i draw my own conclusion from that square right there?

@nakamoto yuta Oh yeah? You promise? My expression is surprised for a moment when you lead me in a spin, but follows your guidance easily, soft pleased laughing falling from my lips as I face you again. Admit it though, as gay as it is you totally are enjoying dancing with me right now? Or.. at least spending time with me~

@yoo karina not expecting the compliment on my hair, my smile shows my pleasant surprise and I can't help feeling a bit sheepish at this point but I find myself laughing in amusement at the way you easily follow my theatrics and I bask in the embrace before following you out onto the floor, keeping our hands locked together but more sensible for the dance as my free hand comes high enough around you to be polite. "is it alright if I put my hand here?" hovering just above your waist, I sway along with you with a warm simper, being able to see you more clearly in the lighting over the dancefloor area. "I'm not sure I'm as good a dancer I thought I was but I hope you don't mind? Just a tad rusty now that I think about it, that's exactly the opposite of princely, isn't it?"

@sebastian moy "Please, I hope the suit brings out something more." The cocky response from Sebastian was just as Rayan expected, it made her ball up her free hand into a small fist as she held her hand up to as an audible snort sounded from her behind her closed mouth smile. Out of habit, she even landed a playful smack on his arm she was holding onto. She missed this, the two of them being able to laugh with one another about the dumb things instead of having to square herself away. The cool layer of awkwardness she once felt the moment she approached her had started to ease its way off of Rayan. She didn't feel the need to be forced to make any conversation with him, and she definitely didn't feel as stiff in her tulle dress now that she wasn't alone. Rayan watched the warm smiles of the other guests grace Sebastian as they moved through the swarm of moving bodies. She couldn't help but feel the same light of warmth make its way up her spine and blossom throughout her chest like virus of its own.
It was the way she would describe Sebastian when he wasn't being a bully to her. "Hm?" Rayan hummed as she heard a voice call after what seemed to be directed to them. She flipped her curtain of curls over her shoulder as she took a look, not that she truly recognised Thomas's friends, but there he was his friendly companion urgently tapping Thomas on the shoulder and gesturing to both her and Sebastian taking their leave to go elsewhere.
"Seb, I think he needs me—" Rayan opened to tell Sebastian she had to go, but the way he hurriedly tugged her along only made her rush with him in her heals, too amused by his excitement and afraid she might take a fall on the floor. Once the large and nicely decorated double doors had blown open, any thought about going back to Thomas in that moment had vanished into thin air. Maybe now he would care about her absence since she was off and about. Rayan had started to laugh again as she unhooked her hands from Sebastian's arm, her brows raising high and the expression on her face grew greatly incredulous as she watched him bend down with his arms out to carry her. "I could be a lot of things in these heels!" She protested in a faux rage as she looked down at her feet. Her lips pursed together immediately, it was a 'no' for her. They were high and she certainly did not want a sprained ankle of some sort. "Fine, but I wanna know who do you think you're showing off for?" Rayan teased as she wove her arms around his neck as she slowly settled her petite frame in his strong arms. "Drop me and I will hurt you." She laughed, half jokingly as she tightened her arms around him.

@kim taehyung as soon as our kid gives me his credit card I'll buy you all the nice things in the world. takes a step back when you push me, despite it not being hard at all, and my face grimaces. so gross, ew. ghei. grabs onto your hands again anyway, as if this dance and our whole part time hubby thing did not contribute to it. the smile stays plastered on my lips, however; especially after seeing yours and i lift one of your hands to give you a spin this time.

@han jisung such show of affection through the squeeze is an immediate push of her squeak button, hand immediately waving off as well as fanning her face to control the heat from her face. compliments do shake her to the core still but, this time, she offers a barely audible "thank you" before continuing. "now now, you're being too kind. and is your hair recently dyed? i like the colour !!! gives me coffee and dark academia vibes. it will be an honour to have this dance with you, your highness!" engulfs you one more time in a small hug before her bow mimics as those royalty, however less formal and more playful. once her fingers are laced around his, she immediately tugs them both on the dance floor, free hand resting on her elbow and distancing close but not much to diminish personal spaces. as practiced, she tries to sway along with the rhythm.

@nakamoto yuta Mmfff okay okay you can have the pants, but that means you gotta take care of me and buy me nice things. Snorts softly at the joke you make, looking at you amused once you've pulled back but there is a gentle fondness behind my eyes as I see how bright you smile; rolling my eyes playfully and giving you a gentle push. Gross how dare we sound like real hubbies, that's totally disgusting. Grins a little wider and grabs onto your hands again, letting out soft laughter. So gay

@yoo karina The color choice was eye catching and pleasing, my eyes drawn to it immediately and finding it quite fitting. Once I'm up close, i get a better overview of the entirety of your outfit and indulge in your embrace for a comfortable moment before letting you do your scan. Finding your giddiness infectious, I wrap my arm about your shoulder and give a gentle squeeze, gesturing with a dismissive wave at the offer for anything but a nice dance with you right now. "Nah me? You look like a real life doll and may I say your eye for colors is impeccable. I like that it brings out your bright features. As for the drink ahh that can wait for now. May I?" extending a hand to you as we part again, I try not to be too theatrical but still keep a boyish smile.

@han jisung it was hard to blend in with a blue almost cropped top long sleeves in the surge of pink colour palette, too self conscious at her choice of colour but not much to let it dictate for the night. the softness of spring, the people taking their times in their champagne and coursing through the wide ball room with such grace definitely amplify the mood. there is no reason with holding the excitement in here bones when seeing you getting closer, arms immediately opened wide to welcome you in her embrace. "awe, let me look at you!" a couple of heartbeats and she pulls away, scanning your choice of outfit for the night before breaking out another squeak and side hug, arm around your waist.. "you look absolutely stunning, and amazing! and that's cool, studying is important! glad to have you in the ballroom despite a bit swamped with studies. you wanna dance now or you want a small sip for a boost?"

@yoo karina adjusting the cuffs of my sleeve, I scan the room from the entrance, hoping I didn't take too much time getting prepared to miss anything significant. crossing the room for a quick stop at the arrangement of finger foods, I continue my real search for you in the crowd and spot you not too far away, trying to wave noticeably enough to get your attention before striding over with open arms. "hey- I miss anything? I just wanted to get in one more chapter before coming out hah"

@kim taehyung you could, but are you? thats what’s im saying. pokes your side to emphasize my point. stares back at you just as long, keeping the eye contact without fazing before wrapping my arms around you as well. i hold you close for a few seconds, half assed moving to the music still while i rest against your head and rub your back. we soffffffff. and sound like real hubbies. ew. jokes all of a sudden, pulling back with laughter so bright it reaches my eyes.

@nakamoto yuta Awwww cmon now I could totally wear the pants-- well... I dunno I do like being taken care of~ stares at you for a long moment, smiling a little shyly at your words before gently pulling you in so I can wrap my arms around you again, pressing my cheek against the side of your head. I really wanted to dance with you too, and I'm also enjoying it. A lot

@kim taehyung makes a face when you squish my cheeks before wiggling myself free. i think it’s pretty obvious, anyone can tell. throws a grin your way and holds your hand carelessly; not sure what kind of dance we were doing but also not really caring. thank you, thank you. i feel like taking a bow now. mh yeah. i would’ve. i like you tae, not just because you’re my hubby. and i kind of really wanted to dance with you, i knew i’d enjoy it. and i am.

@nakamoto yuta Laughs a little louder again when you widen your eyes, moving my hands up to give your cheeks a little squeeze. I- well now hold on, who decided that you get to wear the pants huh? Switches my hands so this time one is resting on your shoulder, the other taking hold of your hand. The most graceful I've ever seen, honestly. Oh? You would of?

@kim taehyung of course you were there. can’t miss eyes like these. imitates the same kind of eyes again; big eyes widening even more before snickering at it myself. yeah well i do wear the pants in this marriage after all. although glad to have put down at least a tiny show for you, i was also glad to be back to avoiding bumping into your feet. was a pretty good attempt wasn’t it? i felt pretty graceful. have to admit i would’ve felt pretty bad if i hadn’t danced with you this week.

@nakamoto yuta Well, darling~ If I was there I definitely saw them, but that was so cute please do that again-- laughs softly at you'd imitations, feigning shocked at your next question. Me ask you? Nah not a chance you had to ask me~ grins happily when you do your best at following, laughing softly when I pull you back up to me. I just wanted to try that~

@kim taehyung yea they were. should’ve seen their eyes; wide like christmas balls. imitated what it would’ve looked like, though a little less dramatic. oh you’d take that crown from me just like that? what about you asking me, was that never an option? a little stunned at the sudden backup; my eyes shining bright in confusion for at least a full second before i try and follow your lead this time - a little awkwardly as i wasn’t sure how to follow but getting in a pretty neat spin after all.

@nakamoto yuta My smile widens at your reference, tilting my head while looking at your completely amused. Whaaat no way that's crazy~ I bet everyone was super impressed though! Barely noticing the way we occasionally run into each other, letting out soft breathy laughter. You're right, you'd lose that best hubby crown for sure. Steps back suddenly, dropping my hand back into yours again to make you do a little spin, trying to dip you

@kim taehyung totally dirty dancing style. because we had the 'time of our life', of course. i lifted you so high i was afraid you'd just fly off, you know. sliding my hands further around your waist, my fingers lock in each other behind you; my feet every now and them bumping into yours but i don't even care at this point. what kind of a hubby would i be if i didn't?

@nakamoto yuta Matches your pace easily, my gaze lifting to your face once we've set into a comfortable pace, letting you lead. Oh yeah? We had a lift? Was it like dirty dancing style? Grins cheekily, playing gently with a few strands of your hair as we move slowly. Thank you.. for asking me to dance

@kim taehyung oh? show me those moves hubby. glancing to the side at what everyone else was doing, i pick up a nice pace to lead you with before locking my eyes with yours again - a classic dance not really my thing but at least i wasn't stepping on your toes. oh hell yeah, we had a very fancy opening dance. with a lift and all.

@nakamoto yuta Follows you eagerly onto the dance floor, stepping in closer once your hand is on my waist; gently sliding my arms around the back of your neck, my expression reflecting the same amusement back at you. Kidding me? I'm an amazing dancer. What about you? Did we dance at our wedding?