#hdboc

Mun! Soul: Hello! Welcome to our blog.

Not sure how long this has been sitting in here, but the answer to your question is yes. We are on a permanent hiatus, and will no longer be doing updates with this blog.

To answer your other question, no. We will not be handing over our blog for anyone else to run. Both Mun! Madame and myself have built this blog from the beginning and we both poured our hearts and souls into our responses by gifting everyone with our writing in this AU with DL & HP.

It wouldn’t be fair to us, or respectful to see our hard work handed off to someone else who will take credit from everything we’ve built. We’ve stated our reasons before on why this blog has closed, and it will remain as such.

Mun! Soul: Next installment in our fic! Sorry for leaving you guys with a cliffhanger with that last scenario hee hee~

Kuroe felt hopeless, as if all the strength she possessed had vanished, and she wanted nothing more than to die right where she lay. She wasn’t aware of how long she stayed there, sprawled out on the floor in the most uncomfortable position. Someone had nudged her to wake her up, but she was unable to respond. He grabbed her and propped her up into a sitting position, finally able to face the person who came to retrieve her.

“Katsuragi Kuroe, you have entered the Restricted Section without proper authorization. I am here to escort you so you may receive punishment for your actions.”

An intense pain shot through her and she gripped her head, groaning in agony. She heard Ruki sigh in annoyance and bent down to lift her to her feet. She slapped his hand out of the way when he tried to steady her, and he chuckled.

“Even though your reputation is at stake, your Black Viper status still shines through. Although it’s not surprising to see this type of behavior when you hang around certain people.” He enunciated the last words to drive his point, and Kuroe glared, understanding his true meaning.

She attempted to walk out in front of him, her body wobbly, trying to regain her balance. “If you’re talking about Akari, I can tell you that she is for certain the best kind of person to be around. Now where are you taking me? The sooner I can get this over with, the better.”

Ruki frowned at her tone and noticed her staggering form. He rolled his eyes and stuck out his arm as an offer for her to take it, since she had no chance in walking on her own.

Kuroe saw what he was doing and turned to look away, deeply upset that he knew that she was seriously injured. She unenthusiastically took his arm, wrapping her hand lightly around it, so as to not give him the wrong idea. Ruki carefully closed his arm against himself, and walked forward slowly, keeping an even pace so that she could walk without stressing herself further.

The pair walked out of the Restricted Section and proceeded to leave the library. Kuroe gripped her fingers tight against Ruki, concerned that he would take her to the hospital wing. She didn’t know how she would talk about the altercation with Kanato and frantically tried to come up with a story to explain her injuries. Ruki noticed her odd reaction and stopped in the middle of the corridor.

“If you think I’m taking you to the hospital wing, you’re wrong. I am aware that you have injured yourself, but such is the case when you enter an unauthorized area that is full of books related to dark magic. I was asked to escort you to the Headmistress’s office and I will abide by that request.”

Kuroe’s eyes widened in surprise, yet skillfully hid her reaction to not draw too much attention to herself.

“The Headmistress? I wonder what could be so important to receive a summon from her.” She replied smugly.

Ruki narrowed his eyes. “If you think playing coy will get me to tell you the purpose for this visit, then you’re wasting your time.

Kuroe snorted. Seemed as if Ruki didn’t even know himself.

They both walked down the corridors and appeared before the giant phoenix statue that led to the Headmistress’s office. Kuroe let Ruki’s arm go and he stood before the towering bird and whispered the password to enter.

“Pumpkin pasties.”

The phoenix statue roared to life and began turning, creating the hidden staircase that led to the Headmistress’s chambers. Kuroe and Ruki quickly both jumped onto the stairs, and waited for the doors to appear before them. The staircase clicked to the top of the tower, and Kuroe took Ruki’s arm again, this time out of uneasiness at seeing the Headmistress herself. The doors opened for the pair and Ruki escorted Kuroe inside. Kuroe jumped slightly when she heard a stern voice come from the glowing Pensieve.

“Thank you for bringing her Mr. Mukami. You may head back to your dormitory.”

Ruki replied with a curt nod and turned to leave the office, the doors slowly closing behind him. Kuroe gulped and wondered if she really did get into trouble for her recent antics.

“Please have a seat Miss Katsuragi.”

Kuroe nodded firmly and walked over to the empty chair in front of the oak desk. “Yes Professor.”

Professor Mcgonagall’s robes swished softly behind her as she took her seat behind her desk. Her thin mouth was tight as usual, and it was always difficult to determine her expressions. Kuroe assumed it was for the worst and did her best to prepare for whatever was to come.

“I’m assuming you’re wondering why I’ve called you here?” She spoke, eyeing the Slytherin with great suspicion.

Kuroe winced and shook her head. Mcgonagall’s interrogations were ruthless, and she knew better than to outright lie if she were to speak of anything she did. What made things worse is that she didn’t exactly have a soft spot for Slytherin house.

The professor clasped her bony fingers together in concentration. “You have been chosen to carry on a very important assignment for me. More importantly, the entire school.”

Kuroe widened her eyes in shock. “Assignment?”

Mcgonagall nodded. “Yes. You see, you will be the first student to know that our school has been chosen to host the infamous Triwizard Tournament.”

Kuroe furrowed her brows in confusion. She assumed Mcgonagall was joking, but it wasn’t like the Headmistress to make a joke like that. In fact, she never joked at all.

“I don’t understand. The Triwizard Tournament hasn’t been hosted since Harry Potter attended Hogwarts.”

Mcgonagall got a mischievous glint in her eyes at the student’s reaction. “You are correct, Miss Katsuragi. However, the heads of the other participating schools and myself have come to an agreement, and it was passed with the Ministry’s ruling. The Triwizard Tournament will be restored to its former glory and Hogwarts has been chosen to host the games.”

Kuroe sat back, unable to take in all this information. “So then, why am I here? Surely there’s a reason why I get to know this before the entire student body?”

Mcgonagall quirked an eyebrow and almost smiled. “Very good, Miss Katsuragi. As expected of a Slytherin. I have chosen to reveal this special bit of news to you because I am in need of your assistance.”

Kuroe leaned in, engaged in what the Headmistress needed her help for.

“You see, during the Triwizard Tournament, we are to host certain events that take part in between the actual trials. Only the chosen champions are allowed to participate in these trials, but that does not mean that we are not able to compete against our neighboring schools in other ways.”

She stood up and walked around the desk, her arms clasped behind her back. “I have seen your Quidditch games throughout the years, and your successful rise to Captain. You are indeed an exceptional Quidditch player, and I have organized a Quidditch match to be played against the Durmstrang team.”

Kuroe beamed, taken aback by all the compliments. It was indeed a very honorable moment when the Headmistress commended all your hard work in Hogwarts. The fact that Kuroe was noticed so closely made her blush slightly.

“I will give the details out once everything has been organized, but I will ask you to lead the best Quidditch team Hogwarts has to offer.”

Kuroe shot up and saluted the Headmistress. “Yes professor, I won’t let you down.”

The Headmistress nodded in appreciation. “Very good, that will be all for today. I don’t believe I have to tell you that the information discussed in this meeting is strictly between us?”

Kuroe bowed. “Yes! Of course professor, I won’t tell a soul.”

Mcgonagall sat behind her desk and took out some scrolls. “Very well. Oh, I forgot to mention. Since I kept you here so late, I’ve also asked for an escort to bring you back to your dormitory. I’m sure there will be no objection?”

Kuroe shook her head repeatedly. “No, of course not! I’ll be glad to leave with who—”

“I apologize for being late, Headmistress. I am here to escort Miss Katsuragi.”

Kuroe froze at the cold voice that entered the room.

“Yes, thank you Mr. Sakamaki. I trust you’ll lead Miss Katsuragi safely back to her dormitory.”

Reiji placed a hand over his chest, bowing respectfully. “As a Slytherin prefect, it is more than my duty to make sure all students are within their dormitory at a reasonable hour.”

Mun! Soul: Happy beginning of National Novel Writing Month! Who all is participating? I figured I’d start off this cool event with a continuation of our HP fic! :)

Kuroe strolled through the corridors, not paying attention to the sounds of students rushing past her. She was completely focused on the incident that occurred during Hagrid’s last class, and insisted on solving the dilemma that was plaguing her mind.

Her body moved effortlessly, weaving through the crowd, careful not to bump into anyone, and headed directly for the library. She breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed her usual table was unoccupied and walked straight for it, placing her bag in the empty chair beside her. She took out a book, skimming through the text, feigning as if she were actually reading it, as she observed her classmates around her, in particular Madam Pince. She carefully watched the Hogwarts Librarian, pinpointing her movements, making sure that she would be out of sight so Kuroe would have a chance to find what she needed; without Pince’s scornful backlash.

Once she turned to help some students, Kuroe tapped her wand to her forehead, rendering herself invisible with the Disillusionment Charm. She backed up against one of the shelves, her body taking on the exact texture of the area around her, and silently slinked her way to the entrance of the Restricted Section.

“Alohomora.” She whispered.

The gates opened and she quickly ran inside, shutting the doors as quietly as she could. She froze on the spot when she heard voices right in front of her.

“Ne, Ruki-kun, why are we on this side? There’s an empty table right over here.”

A Hufflepuff girl tried pulling the Ravenclaw away from where he was positioned, directly in front of Kuroe.

“I thought I heard someone go in here. I may have to investigate just to be sure there are no students in here without proper authorization.”

The Hufflepuff girl sighed, tugging at his arm and steering him away from the entrance. “Why don’t you leave your Prefect duty alone and come sit with me? We’re the only two here for our study group, so we can spend some time getting to know each other.” She purred.

Ruki rolled his eyes, sighing in disappointment. “I believe the purpose for our group is to study, not exchanging unnecessary gossip.”

They both left the Restricted Section, the Hufflepuff girl complaining while Ruki searched intently for his missing group members. Kuroe’s breath hitched in her throat, knowing that she was close to having been exposed. Ruki’s keen senses were nothing to be trifled with. She backed away faintly into the darkness of the Restricted Section, softly running her fingers against the many forbidden books that no student was allowed to view. She took one book out with a menacing green spine and opened it up to the cover, wanting to devour the taboo information engraved among the pages.

Unfortunately right as she opened it, it began screaming at her, as if something inside it was trying to get out. She slammed the book shut and thrust it back onto the shelf when she heard giggling right next to her ear. She turned swiftly, her wand at the ready to defend herself, when she saw who had been watching her the entire time.

“Kanato-kun?” She croaked.

Kanato stared at her, his sunken eyes wide in amusement. He tilted his head to the side examining her, squeezing his prized possession in response.

Kuroe rubbed the back of her head nervously, trying to figure a way out of this dire situation.

“It’s a surprise to see you here, Kanato-kun. How did you find--”

“Please don’t speak to me so casually. Even a Squib could see through your terrible attempt at a Disillusionment Charm.”

His harsh words stung, but she was expecting it. She calmed herself down and looked straight at him, regaining her Slytherin poise. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of the books he had in his bag and her eyes widened in alarm as she read through the titles. She shifted her gaze back to Kanato, hoping he hadn’t noticed her staring at his collection of illegal material.

Kanato’s face went flat and glared at this pathetic excuse for a witch for even daring to examine the books he had with him.

“I can practically smell the interest radiating off of you over my belongings. It’s disgusting.”

Kuroe flinched at his sharp tone, knowing that she had already started to push his limits. Dealing with Kanato was like a ticking time bomb and she had to act quickly since every second was precious. She tried stretching the ends of her lips out in an attempt to smile to calm the situation, but it turned out terrible. She wasn’t used to smiling and she failed miserably, which caused Kanato to laugh.

Kanato gripped his head and giggled uncontrollably. “Kuroe-san, you look so stupid right now! You’re making the ugliest face and it shows how pathetic and brainless you really are.”

Kuroe winced and bit her cheek. She had enough of Kanato’s insults and decided to out him right there.

“Magick Moste Evile, The Nightshade Guide to Necromancy...did you get those books from here Kanato-kun? The last time I checked, those titles were banned from Hogwarts.You shouldn’t be carrying them around.”

She stopped when he was suddenly in front of her, flicking a strand of hair out of her face with the tip of his wand.

“I don’t recall asking for an opinion from some stupid girl like you. You would do well to shut up and remain quiet; ne, Teddy?” He glanced at his bear tenderly for a moment before pointing his wand directly under her chin.

“What business is it of yours what I have with me? I would be more concerned about how you’re going to get out of here without losing your life.”

Kuroe’s eyes narrowed and she hit her closed fist against the shelf behind her as the books rattled violently. Her frustration with him was growing, and she would be damned if she let someone like this temperamental Ravenclaw get in her way.

“If you’re going to attack me then do it. Otherwise, I won’t leave until I get what I came here for.” She stood her ground and faced him head on, pressing harder against the tip of his wand.

Kanato’s eyes widened in shock, clutching his bear closer to him.

“Did you hear that, Teddy? This idiot thinks she can order us around. I think we should put this Mudblood back in her place and show her what happens when you defy a Pureblood.”

Kanato’s eyes were glued onto Kuroe’s frightened ones, his lips spreading into a devilish grin. She couldn’t tear herself away from him as she watched him mutter silent charms. She could feel painful, throbbing pulses inside her head and knew he was using wandless magic to pry into her brain. She did her best to clear her mind and build up her mental defenses, just like when she practiced Occlumency with Reiji. Reiji was the best Legilimens she knew, yet Kanato’s spell seemed much more sinister. It was as if he was trying to rip her mind into shreds and destroy her piece by piece. Her eyes widened, realizing the actual curse he was attempting to perform on her when she saw him mouth one word she recognized instantly.

Crucio.

Kuroe: Thank you, although I plan to avoid him as much as I can. He is vermin, after all.

Mun! Madame: I hope you all know what day it is tomorrow ;)

She’d been rather suspicious the entirety of the first week, but he was lenient enough to let it go. Though it was quite curious, the amount of time she was spending with Kou Mukami. And he later learned that she’d even skipped lessons to meet with Kanato. By the second week, he was not so merciful.

He’d even gone ahead and pulled from his personal collection of potions, should he be forced to turn to drastic measures. Because, as they stood, she would block any attempt at legilimency. But she was Akari, after all, and so he did not think he’d have to rely on something as extreme as veritaserum.

He pried, that day, asking all the correct questions, and yet she evaded him each time. Giggling or waving him away, sometimes disappearing again with that blasted Mukami, whispering what he assumed was some sort of girlish ‘secret.’

And he’d had enough.

Behind the doors of the RoR, Reiji cornered her, giving her one final chance to tell him just what she’d been doing all this time.

“I can’t tell you.”

“No, Miss Motegi. You can, in fact, tell me. You are simply choosing not to.”

She bit her lip, trying-- and failing-- to hide her smile. “Got me there I guess.”

“Then. I shall offer you one more chance.”

“Reiji-san, I’m not going to tell you. So let’s just forget it,” she waved her hand, “What do ya wanna do today? I think I’ve got my kissing down, wanna see?”

With calm patience, he pulled the vial out of his robes, holding it so that she could see. “Do you know what this is, Miss Motegi?”

She looked from the vial to him, and then shook her head.

“Veritaserum.”

Her eyes widened before they shrunk in fear, Akari immediately standing up and shaking her head, her hands out in front of her to protest, “No, no, Reiji-san you don’t understand!”

“Enough.”

“No it’s because I really can’t tell you, if I do then--”

“Then what, Miss Motegi?”

She bit her lip, looking from him to the potion desperately, her eyes searching for an escape. “I just...I can’t…please don’t make me drink it.”

“Open your mouth.”

She shook her head, dodging him, but she wasn’t fast enough. “No, Reiji please!”

But it was too late. Whatever it was she was so desperate to keep hidden would no longer be so. He thought the threat of the potion would be enough to have her speak, but she was frustratingly stubborn. And that made him think that perhaps this was more compromising than he had originally deduced.

“What is your name?”

“Akari Motegi.” Her voice hoarse, her expression panicked.

“Have you been keeping something from Reiji Sakamaki?”

She shut her eyes, fighting the drug, her teeth digging into her lip, awkwardly blurting out the word ‘yes.’

“What is it you’ve been keeping from Reiji Sakamaki?”

Tears began to well in her eyes, her small frame shaking, every ounce of her fighting.

What was she fighting so hard for?

He clenched his teeth, yelling out when he repeated his question. She burst, a pained scream ripping her throat before her words tumbled out in a blubbered mess.

“It’s for your birthday! I wanted to surprise you by doing a picnic up on the astronomy tower since that’s how we met and we both like stars! And I figured it’d be nice since the view’s really nice up there and everything! And I was going to make all your favorite foods but--” she was interrupted by a sob, before the potion forced her to continue, “I wasn’t really sure what those were so I had to ask Kou because Kuroe isn’t around you that much but Kou is and Shu doesn’t know anything so I didn’t know...and I had to be really nice to Kanato because he said he knew what kind of cake you liked and I really needed to know because you can’t have a birthday without cake and I know I probably should have known all this anyway but I’m so sorry I didn’t I just--” again, a sob, “I’m so sorry Reiji-san I ruined everything and I know this was probably another test and I failed but the veritaserum is really strong and I just couldn’t and I’m so so sorry!!”

She sat in the chair: trembling, sobbing, broken.

It was pleasing; and yet he was not pleased. Seeing her in such a state was not as satisfactory as he had assumed it would be. Reiji could do nothing but blink, swallowing stiffly. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d celebrated something as mundane as his own birthday.

“Stop crying.” He ordered.

“I’m sorry,” she shook, hugging her arms around herself, “I messed up your surprise.” She murmured between sniffles and sobs.

“I am not fond of surprises.” He replied calmly.

She looked up at him with wet eyes, more tears gathering, “Then you would’ve hated it either way...I’m such a shitty girlfriend I didn’t even know if you prefer chocolate or vanilla…” her voice trailed off timidly.

“Come here.” He barked.

She jumped at his words, but complied nonetheless, taking her place in his lap when he patted his knee.

“Truly I did not think you so foolish. Once again you force me to repeat myself. We are not an item.”

She sniffled, “Yeah. Sorry.”

“You are my property, are you not?”

She nodded solemnly, looking down at her feet.

“Then as my property you have no responsibility towards me. Rather, it is you who I’ve so graciously taken under my care. You will not degrade yourself in my presence. Do you understand Miss Motegi? Cease your tears.”

She looked up at him with big eyes, still moist but with the tears no longer falling. After all this time, she’d gotten pretty good at reading between the lines. And this was, in his way, him comforting her. At least she hoped. But it really, really sounded like it.

And so she smiled. Because he cared enough to...well, care.

“What is it?” he said with narrowed eyes, finding the smile suspicious.

Oh, she knew better than to tell him. Because then he’d deny it and that would ruin this almost-moment that was kind of happening here.

Her smile grew slightly, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled her head against his shoulder, which he was allowing, for now. “I’ll make sure you still have a good birthday, Reiji-san.”

When he put his hand on her back that was when she knew that yes he was being caring. And she wasn’t really sure why, but, it was nice. It was really, really nice. And she almost didn’t believe it when he cleared his throat, watching as the corner of his lips opened to speak.

“I am looking forward to it.”

Inhaling sharply, and gathering all her courage but keeping her eyes closed, she squeezed him softly, “Reiji-san?”

“Mm?”

He seemed a bit lost in thought, the way he was still rubbing her back up and down.

“May I kiss you?”

Though it was a strange angle, she could see the edge of his lip curling into his signature smirk. “Do you crave my lips this much?”

She really wasn’t sure what she was supposed to say, but she hoped she hadn’t ruined things for herself, since resting against his chest had quickly become one of her most favorite things to do. But he seemed to spare her this, pulling away just enough, and tiling her chin up with his knuckles, so that he could caress her lips with his own.

Muns!: Oh what a fun question! Ty anon! The boys are still wizards in this au, but just for fun!

Kuroe: “…a demon? That would certainly explain his actions. I always referred to Shin as the Devil himself, but I guess he hasn’t worked his way that far up the hierarchy to be considered dangerous.”

Mun! Almita: Buenaaaas~ Sorry about posting this late, but here’s the other switched prompt we have set up for today!

Prompt: Smile/Sorrow

“Is this going to take very long?”

“I told you to be patient, they should be here really soon! Don’t get your panties all twisted up in a knot.”

Kuroe exhaled loudly. She knew she shouldn’t have relied on Akari to get her ready for the Yule Ball. Now, because of her irresponsible planning, their dresses weren’t even ready...and the festivities were only an hour away from now.

“OUCH! Hey, watch what you’re doing!”

“Look, if you would stop moving, I wouldn’t poke you in the eye with the mascara.”

Kuroe sighed and tried to stay still until she finished applying her makeup.

“There, all done! You look amazing!! Courtesy of me, of course~”

She flipped the mirror to show Kuroe her work, yet the Slytherin didn’t even bat an eye. Her face was as expressionless as always.

Akari shook her shoulder, trying to get her to react. “Hey, I’m complimenting you over here! You’re gonna knock those guys dead, girl. They won’t be able to take their eyes off of you.” She winked.

“Not like the attention will do me any good...I don’t even have anyone to go with.”

Akari quietly placed the mirror back on the vanity, her small voice cracking as she spoke.

“You know...Reiji-san didn’t even give me a second glance when I asked him about the Ball. He said he couldn’t be bothered with frivolous things like that. Me, his own girlfriend.” She gave a sad kind of laugh that didn’t hide much at all, “I guess...ah well! It can’t be helped if he doesn’t like dancing, right?” Again there was that sad smile.

Kuroe furrowed her eyebrows, listening carefully. She didn’t know what to say to comfort her friend, and was too in shock to believe Reiji would treat Akari in such a horrid manner.

“So...what did you do?”

Akari clenched her fists and bravely turned around, showing off a dazzling smile as the tears trickled out of the corners of her eyes.

“Yuma asked me out! So I figured I’d go with him! Plus, I can cuss and everything tonight so it’ll be great. And Reiji-san said it was fine so. I mean I can’t let it get to me, right?”

Kuroe nodded and went to hug her friend, an action that was extremely rare for her. Akari gasped, unsure of what was going on, but returned the hug with much needed warmth.

“It’s your smile.”

“My...what?”

Kuroe stepped back, placing her hands on her friend’s shoulders.

“Your smile. It’s what motivates you to keep going. No matter how tough things seem to get, you just smile and carry through. With that type of motivation, it’s almost impossible to keep you down.”

Akari grinned and jumped on Kuroe, wrapping her arms around her neck. “Awww, thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouuuu!”

Kuroe fell back, clearly not expecting this type of reaction. “GAH! Heavy!! Get off me!”

“OH I almost forgot! You don’t have anyone to go with right!?”

Kuroe patted her cheeks, making sure her makeup hadn’t been smudged. “I told you I didn’t.”

Akari hit her open hand with her fist in revelation. “Then you have no choice...you’re going with Bear and me.”

“Akari, you can’t do that--”

The Ravenclaw linked her arm around the cranky Slytherin. “It’s decided. You’ll go with the both of us! Think of how fun it sounds; it’ll be like...a threesome!”

Kuroe’s jaw dropped. “Uh, I don’t think that’s what it would be called--”

“Nonsense! We will be the best threesome this school has ever seen!”

Prompt: Song/Dance

Mun! Madame: Ok, so we actually kinda switched the prompts for today and tomorrow so that way it would chronologically make sense with these snippets we’re about to give. The following takes place in our fic, albeit in the future, but it’s not too far off! And can I just say I am super excited for what’s to come.

“There he is! Your Majesty!”

“Shut it, Akari.”

She grinned widely, jumping up and punching his arm, “Well it’s not every day you’re chosen to be one of the Triwizard Champions!”

Yuma groaned, rubbing the back of his neck, “Would ya give it a rest? It’s embarrassing enough--”

“If you’re all done chatting,” Ruki declared, snapping his book shut,”It’d be best to begin. Complaining will gain you nothing.” He said, directing his speech towards Yuma.

“Ok, let’s get started!” Akari quickly changed into some heels, snapping her fingers once she was done to initiate the music.

“Oh look, you’re still short.”

Akari stuck her tongue out. “Better than a troll who can’t dance--”

Ruki clapped his hands. “Enough. Yuma, take her hand. Yes, good, and with the other circle her waist.”

Akari snorted as he did so.

“This is weird.” Yuma began.

“Oh shut up,” Akari said with a roll of her eyes, “It’s just me.”

He nodded, trying to listen to what Ruki told him to do next. “Remember that it is a box-like pattern, Yuma.”

“Your steps are too big,” Akari warned, “Your date won’t be able to keep up.”

“Alright, alright don’t fucking talk at once!”

“Language!” Akari and Ruki both snapped at the same time.

Yuma glared at the Ravenclaw, “I don’t wanna hear that from you.”

Akari smiled deviously, “Respect is required in the dance hall.”

“Tch.”

Ruki clapped his hands, shutting them both up. “Stop. Yuma, take a step back, watch Akari and I. Don’t let her lead.”

Akari pouted, “Aw, but I like leading--”

Ruki scowled, wrapping his arm around her waist and gripping her hand a bit too tightly. “Yuma, start the music from the beginning.”

In moments, they were gliding across the floor, Ruki guiding and spinning Akari gracefully.

“After the third turn,” Ruki explained to Yuma, “You lift her, like so,” They twirled about, before Akari was placed safely back on the ground.

“You’re pretty good at this.” She complimented her fellow housemate.

“You’re relatively decent as well.” Ruki replied.

Akari laughed, “Don’t let mother see you, or she’ll arrange a marriage asap.”

Ruki smirked, “I respectfully decline.”

“Oy!” Yuma shouted from the side, “Can you rich kids focus? The ball’s in less than a fucking week!”

Akari stopped, putting her hands on her hips, “Well who’s fault is that? If you hadn’t been chosen as a champion then you wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“How is that my fault?”

“How is it not?”