me and my never-ending delusions

Night had long fallen over Night Raven College, yet the windows of Ramshackle still glowed with a warm, golden light. Eve stepped out of her room in her cozy white and lavender pajamas, the soft shuffle of slippers echoing against the wooden floorboards.

Eve had invited Ace and Deuce for a sleepover on the eve of Deuce’s birthday. A newly released film centered around the Queen of Hearts had hit the screens just weeks ago, and given the two boys hailed from a dorm that practically worshipped her legacy, she figured Ace and Deuce wouldn’t pass up the chance to watch it. Fortunately, Riddle had approved the overnight visit, offering a rare leniency in the name of Deuce’s special day.

Moments later, Ace emerges in his own pajamas: a casual red hoodie and black sweats. His signature heart mark was missing from his left eye.

“Oh? Your heart mark’s gone,” Eve said, raising a brow as she gestured at his face.

“Huh? Oh, yeah,” Ace shrugged, rubbing the spot under his left eye. “I wiped it off when I washed my face. It’s just makeup, y’know?” He then leaned forward with a teasing smirk. “Why? Did you think I'd sleep with it on?”

Before Eve could respond, Deuce’s door opened with a soft click. He emerged looking clean and fresh… in that outfit. Hot pink, leopard-print pajama pants and a hoodie to match. The spade on his right eye was gone too, wiped clean after washing up. Eve had to blink, once, then again.

“Aren’t those… the ones you wore when you fed the flamingos back at Heartslabyul?” she asked slowly, biting back a smile.

Deuce stiffened. “Y-Yeah. Does it look bad?”

Grim, who had popped his head from her room, wheezed with laughter. “Pfft—Pink and spots? You look like a wild animal tamer!”

“Sh-Shut up, Grim!” Deuce sputtered, glancing down at himself, ears burning red. “It’s… comfy, okay?”

“It’s got personality,” Eve offered with a chuckle, patting Deuce’s shoulder as they all headed downstairs.

The four of them sat side by side on one of the couches in Ramshackle’s lounge, the lights dimmed as the movie played on a tablet propped up on the table before them. Eve sat in the middle with Grim plopped happily on her lap, already digging his claws into a bag of honey-glazed chips that Ace and Deuce had brought along. They’d even brought cupcakes and tarts baked by Trey himself—much to Eve and Grim’s delight. Eve made a mental note to personally thank Trey tomorrow when she saw him at school.

The movie wrapped up near midnight, leaving the dorm hushed except for Grim’s soft snoring, who had dozed off on Eve’s lap halfway through the end credits. Ace, Eve, and Deuce stayed up a bit longer, chatting softly about their favorite parts until drowsiness began to catch up with them.

Ace let out a huge yawn. “Alright, I’m beat. Night, guys.” He headed to his room, already stretching his arms above his head.

“’Night,” Eve called after him. Grim shifted sleepily in her arms as she carefully walked toward her own room. Deuce followed behind, rubbing at his eyes.

“Good night, Deuce,” she said softly as he walked past her.

He gave a tired nod, already reaching for the door handle. “Night, Eve. Thanks for tonight.”

Just as he was about to disappear into his room, her voice stopped him.

“Deuce?”

He turned, and she held up her phone in one hand, the other still cradling a dozing Grim. The screen glowed faintly in the dim hallway light.

“Happy birthday, Deuce,” she whispered with a smile. Her phone's lock screen read: 12:00 AM, June 3.

Deuce stared, eyes wide and lips parted. He blinked in surprise, but before he could say a word, Eve had already turned and slipped into her room. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Deuce frozen in place, his hand still resting on the doorknob.

The next morning, Eve crept down the stairs in her slippers, hair a bit messy from sleep. She was heading for the kitchen to get warm milk when she nearly bumped into Deuce, who had just come out of the bathroom.

“Gah—Sorry!” Deuce stepped back, towel in hand and hair still dripping from his morning wash. “I didn’t see you there.”

Eve blinked in surprise. “You're up early.”

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Yeah, I think... my body just woke me up on its own. Maybe because it’s my birthday.”

Eve chuckled. “That’s cute.”

Her gaze then shifted toward the corner of his eye—where his spade mark usually was. An idea sparked in her head. “Hey… want to do makeup together?” she asked, eyes glinting.

“M-makeup? Together?” Deuce blinked. “I-I mean, I usually just—uh…”

“Oh, come on. It’ll be fun.” She tilted her head, beaming. “Just for today.” Faced with her smile and enthusiasm, Deuce just sighed in surrender.

“…Okay.”

After grabbing two mugs of warm milk, brushing her teeth, and washing up, Eve and Deuce settled in the lounge. The sunlight filtered through the cracked windows as they laid out their basic skincare and a few makeup items on the wooden desk.

Eve finished her routine quickly, opting for a light, natural look—a touch of concealer and light foundation, a hint of blush, some subtle shimmer near her eyes, and a bit of gloss over her lips.

Beside her, Deuce was hunched over his small blue mirror, brow furrowed like he was solving a calculus equation. He kept picking up and putting down a glitter pen, clearly debating.

Eve watched him, finding his serious expression oddly endearing. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

“It’s my birthday,” he said, eyeing the glitter pen on the table. “I don’t know if I should go with the usual eyeliner… or go for a bit more flashy style today? But that wouldn't make look like an honor student.”

“You wore bright pink and leopard print to bed.”

His ears turned red. “T-that was different!”

Smiling, Eve leaned in, plucking his eyeliner pen from the table. “Here. Let me do it.”

“E-Eh?! I-I can do it—!”

Before he could finish, she was already brushing a stray strand from his face and re-clipping his hairclip in place. Then, with a gentle grip on his chin, she drew the thin eyeliner line upward from the outer corner of his eye, matching the curve exactly like the signature spade shape he always wore. She filled it in carefully, her hand steady and light.

Deuce tried not to breathe too loud, hyper-aware of how close her face was. When she finished, she pulled back, examining her work with a satisfied hum. “Perfect.”

Deuce, meanwhile, was still frozen in place, staring back at her with his heart pounding.

“Oi, what are you two doing down there?”

The sudden voice from upstairs nearly made Deuce jump out of his skin, almost knocking over his mirror. Ace stood at the top of the stairs, rubbing his eyes.

“Morning, Ace,” Eve greeted him casually, as if nothing had happened.

Ace squinted. “Huh? What’s with the set-up?”

Deuce cleared his throat, attempting to be casual but failing. “We were just… doing makeup.”

Eve chuckled, calm as ever, as she tidied up her things. “I’ll go wake Grim before he oversleeps again,” she said, gliding past the boys and heading upstairs.

As she left the lounge area, Ace turned his gaze to Deuce, who was still sitting at the desk, a little dazed, still staring at the mirror.

“…Did something happen?”

Deuce didn’t look away from his reflection, lightly brushing the spade mark Eve had drawn.

The hallway buzzed with the shuffle of students packing up after a long lecture. Grim stomped ahead of the group, his tail flicking with every annoyed grumble.

“Ugh, my ears are still ringing from all that scolding,” Grim grumbled, paws crossed and his ears twitching.

“Yeah, seriously,” Ace chimed in with a shrug, arms behind his head. “It’s not like we were snoring or anything—I wasn’t even that asleep. Just closed my eyes for a second!”

Deuce walked beside him, shaking his head with a disappointed frown. “You were both clearly dozing off. You can’t blame Professor Trein for calling you out.”

Ace scoffed. “Oh please. I bet you couldn't even understand half of what Professor Trein said today.”

“I do too!” Deuce insisted, though the flush on his cheeks suggested otherwise.

Eve walked quietly beside them, a small sigh escaping her lips. She’d been seconds away from nodding off herself, but she managed to snap awake just before Trein’s gaze swept her way. Barely, really.

She pulled her cardigan tighter around her, watching Grim move ahead as Ace and Deuce bickered.

“Anyway,” Ace changed the subject with a roll of his eyes, “I don’t have to worry about Riddle chewing me out later. He's busy with club practice today. Unless someone tattles…" he trailed off, casting a suspicious glance at Deuce, who scowled at him.

“I don’t tattle!”

Eve’s interest perked. “Club practice? Which one?”

“The Equestrian Club,” Ace replied lazily. “Riddle mentioned it yesterday at our tea party back at the dorm. Said they’ve got riding practice this afternoon.”

Eve slowed her steps slightly. “Equestrian…?”

Grim immediately stopped walking, tilting his head back toward her. “You mean with the horses?”

“Yeah,” Ace said. “Why? You interested?”

“I’ve never seen a horse up close before…” Eve said, her voice soft with curiosity. “Do you think… we could watch?”

Grim nodded eagerly. “Yeah, yeah! I wanna see one too! I bet I could ride one easy!”

“I dunno…” Deuce hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “We’d probably get in trouble if we showed up without a reason.”

“We’ll stay out of sight,” Eve said, clasping her hands. “We’ll just watch from a distance! The club won’t even notice us.”

Grim nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! We'll be like...super stealthy!”

Ace and Deuce exchanged looks.

“…Fine,” Ace relented. “But if we get caught, you’re explaining it to Riddle.”

Behind a veil of trees and bushes near the race track, the four of them crouched like children sneaking extra desserts from the dorm kitchen. The field was alive with thundering hooves as the club members raced around the perimeter, jumping over fences and weaving through obstacles with practiced ease.

“There’s Riddle,” Eve whispered, eyes wide as she peeked through the branches. The Heartslabyul housewarden sat confidently atop his horse, watching the club members with the intense stare of a commander. Her eyes sparkled as watched Riddle and the other students, her gaze lingering on their slick black coats, crisp collars, and gold accents gleaming under the afternoon sun. “They look so elegant…”

Ace scoffed behind her, muttering, “Our club's uniform's cool too, y’know…”

But Eve didn’t hear him. Her gaze drifted across the riders until she spotted a familiar figure—silver hair shimmering like like moonlight, his expression calm and focused as he guided his white horse gracefully across the track.

“Isn't that… Silver?” Eve asked, blinking.

Deuce nodded. “Yeah. There's Sebek too,” Deuce said beside her, watching as Silver and Sebek rode side by side, weaving between the obstacles like it was second nature. “Sebek and Silver are amazing… Look at how they just glide over those jumps.”

Eve could hardly believe her eyes. She saw Silver nearly every day at school—but here, on horseback, he looked like a different person. Clad in the polished Equestrian Club uniform, he rode like a storybook prince on his noble white steed. It made Eve’s breath hitch just slightly in awe.

But their moment of quiet wonder didn’t last. Riddle's sharp eyes had already locked onto the suspicious shapes behind the trees. The four heads poking out weren’t exactly subtle.

“You four!” Riddle called from across the fence, his sharp voice making all four of them jump.

Ace groaned. “We’re doomed.”

One by one, they slowly emerged from their hiding spot, caught red-handed as they shuffled sheepishly toward the fence. Grim tried to laugh it off. “Eheh… surprise?”

Riddle trotted over atop his horse, Vorpal, and narrowed his eyes. “Care to explain why you're hiding in the bushes near the stables?”

Deuce stepped forward, bowing his head. “S-Sorry, Housewarden! Eve and Grim wanted to see the horses—but we didn’t want to interrupt club practice, so we thought we’d just… quietly watch…”

As the commotion drew attention, other students slowed their pace. Among them, Silver and Sebek broke from the pack, trotting over to the fence.

Silver’s horse huffed and stamped a hoof, stopping close to the group. Eve instinctively stepped back, startled by the imposing animal.

Silver noticed. He gently patted the horse’s neck. “Don’t worry. He won’t hurt you. Samson’s a little stubborn but very gentle.”

Eve hesitated, then slowly held out her hand. Samson leaned forward, sniffed it curiously, then pressed his warm snout to her palm.

“Oh—!” Her face lit up. “He’s so soft…”

Silver tilted his head, watching her quietly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“I want to pet it too!” Grim hopped on Eve's shoulder.

Riddle sighed. “As long as you don’t agitate them.”

Sebek, predictably, scoffed. “The stables are no place for idle socializing!”

Just as Sebek was about to pull his horse away, Tempest stepped forward on his own, leaning toward Eve. Completely ignoring his rider, the stallion gave her shoulder a gentle nudge. Sebek stared, momentarily stunned.

“…Tempest?”

“Seems like it likes Eve more than Sebek,” Deuce laughed.

Eventually, Riddle relented. “Very well. You may stay and observe, but stay out of the way. That especially applies to you three—” He pointed firmly at Ace, Deuce, and Grim.

The club practice resumed, and Eve watched every moment with gleaming eyes. She sat near the fence with her friends, watching the horses run, eyes wide with awe. She found herself smiling the entire time. Then, during a break in practice, Riddle walked up to her.

“You seem rather taken by the horses. Are you interested in horseback-riding?”

Eve blinked, flustered by the unexpected question. “I just... think they’re really amazing,” she said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Horseback riding seems cool, but… I’m kind of scared. I’ve never ridden before.”

Silver, now walking his horse along the track, overheard her and approached with Samson’s reins in hand.

“I could teach you,” he said gently.

Eve blinked. “Huh? Oh—uh—I wouldn’t want to bother your practice—”

“It’s okay. I don’t mind,” Silver said, offering a hand. “Only if you’d like to try.”

She paused, then placed her hand in his. “Okay… Just for a little.”

Grim, Ace, and Deuce cheered from the side for her. With Silver’s help, Eve climbed onto Samson’s back, her legs a bit stiff and unsure. Silver followed, lifting himself behind her, one hand on the reins, the other gently correcting her grip.

“Hold the reins gently,” he instructed, gently adjusting her fingers. “Good. Now keep your back straight, but relaxed… like that.”

Eve nodded, fixing her grip and posture as they began to trot gently around the edge of the field. The rhythm of the horse’s steps echoed in her chest, her eyes wide with a mix of nervousness and excitement as she tried to get used to the motion. Silver remained quiet, calmly pointing out how to shift her weight when turning, how to guide Samson, all while keeping a gentle but protective hand around her to steady her.

From the sidelines, Ace and Grim snickered. “She looks like a stiff little tree branch,” Ace said.

Deuce disagreed with him. “I think she’s doing great.”

Eve, meanwhile, was too focused to hear them. With Silver’s calm presence behind her, she slowly grew more confident, her posture relaxing.

“You’re doing well,” Silver said softly. “You have a calm presence. Horses can sense that.”

She blushed, her nerves giving way to quiet joy. “Thanks, Silver.”

By the end of the practice, the sky was painted in orange hues. Club members dismounted and began cleaning up, removing obstacles and leading horses back to the stables.

“Guess we should head back,” Deuce said, stretching his arms.

“Yeah, I'm getting hungry too,” Grim added.

Eve slid off Samson with Silver’s help, patting the horse affectionately. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“Well,” Riddle said, dismounting from Vorpal, “You four should return to your dorms now. We still need to put away the equipment.”

Eve turned to them with a soft smile. “Thank you. And… would it be okay if I visited again sometime? Just to see the horses?”

Riddle nodded. “As long as you ask beforehand and don’t disrupt our training, I don’t see why not.”

“You’re welcome anytime,” Silver added with a gentle smile. “Samson would be happy if you visit him again.”

Sebek, meanwhile, folded his arms while grumbling something under his breath—but didn’t outright protest.

“Yay!” Grim cheered. “Next time, I’m riding too!”

“Let’s not get carried away,” Riddle warned.

You eagerly spent the day exploring its famed landmarks, shopping at the Crystal Galleria, and soaking up the city's magic. However, as nightfall fell, the thrill of the day faded, replaced by a growing sense of unease. You were lost. The once-enchanting roads now felt unfamiliar, and no matter which direction you took, you only ended up even more confused.

Standing beneath the warm light of a lamppost, you set down your shopping bags, your arms aching from the weight. You took out your phone to check for directions, only to be met with the red flicker of a depleting battery on the screen. You let out a soft curse. Your phone was dying, and the thought of asking strangers for directions was too embarrassing.

Just as you were about to panic, a soft, melodious voice came from behind you, breaking through your thoughts.

"Bonsoir, mademoiselle."

Startled, you turned to find a man standing just beyond the lamplight, dressed in a fine suit and a wide-brimmed hat that framed his sleek blonde hair. He gently tipped his hat, a smile spreading over his lips. His piercing green eyes met yours, and you felt your heart skip a beat.

"Pardon me for startling you. My name is Rook Hunt." His voice was smooth, laced with a mysterious allure as he stepped closer into the light. "I could not help but notice the distress that clouds your radiant visage. Are you perhaps lost? Fairest City can be quite the puzzle for those unfamiliar with its winding roads."

You stammered, heat rising to your cheeks, "Ah…y-yes."

A soft chuckle escapes him, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, what fortune, to come across such a radiant flower on this moonlit eve… surely, it is fate that our paths have crossed." He took another step forward, extending his gloved hand toward you. "Would you allow me the honor of being your guide tonight, mademoiselle? The moon is full and bright, and Fairest City is far more enchanting at this time of day. It would be a shame to let such beauty pass unnoticed, no?"

His words lured you in, like a sweet temptation that you couldn't refuse. You hesitantly placed your hand in his, a spark of warmth passing between you despite the cool evening air.

You walk through the city's illuminated streets together, Rook's voice filling the air with poetic musings and stories of Fairest City's history. The streets felt different now, their beauty heightened by the moon's brilliance and the sparkling city lights, but it was Rook who drew your attention the most. Every glance he sent your way, every brush of his arm on yours, sent your heart fluttering.

You eventually arrived at a familiar square, the hotel where you were currently staying now visible just across the street. You hesitated, turning to face him, suddenly unwilling for the evening to end. "Thank you, Rook. I had a wonderful time tonight."

Rook’s expression grew warmer, a strange light dancing in his eyes. "Mademoiselle, it is I who must thank you. They say that Fairest City reveals its true splendor when shared with those who wander its streets. And tonight… I have been most fortunate to share it with you."

His voice dipped into an almost intimate tone as he softly took your hand again, bringing it to his lips and kissing the back of it. The sensation sent shivers down your spine, your breath seizing in your throat as you stared at him with wide eyes.

Before you could utter a response, he took a step back, his smile both mischievous and tender. "Merci for this unforgettable night. I hope that fate will be kind enough to bring us together again."

With those last words, Rook vanished into the night, leaving only the lingering warmth of his touch on your hand and the echo of his voice. Even as you returned to your hotel room, your thoughts were consumed by the memories of those moonlit streets, those gorgeous green eyes, and the fleeting contact with a man who had your heart racing.

After putting a stop to Rollo’s grand scheme of ridding the world of magic, the ball proceeded as planned that night. You observed from the sidelines as students swarmed the center of the hall, a small band playing music in the corner while people danced under the warm glow of chandeliers.

You, however, weren’t a fan of fancy social events. But being a student at the prestigious Night Raven College, you found yourself attracting more attention than you thought. You could feel your face aching from the forced smiles and politely turning down every students' requests for a dance. Luckily, your friends swooped in to save you.

“You alright, Y/N?” Epel asked, his head tilted with concern. Rook had already distracted the crowd that had surrounded you, drawing them away with his usual flair for conversation.

“Yeah. Thanks for the help.” You flashed Epel a grateful smile, adjusting the mask on your face. “Talking with so many people really drains my energy. But I didn’t want to be rude by pushing them away."

“You should probably take a break,” Epel suggested, his tone soft.

You nodded. “Good idea. I’ll get some fresh air outside,” you said before waving and slipping out of the hall.

Once outside, you exhaled a sigh of relief. The cool evening breeze kissed your skin, and the moon hung high in the sky, casting a serene glow over the school grounds. You sat on one of the courtyard benches, pulling your mask off and leaning back, savoring the moment of solitude as you unwind.

“There you are, Child of Man.”

Your heart skipped at the familiar voice, and you quickly turned to see the Diasomnia housewarden standing at the courtyard’s edge, his imposing figure somehow even more striking under the pale light.

"Malleus?" You stood up, a bit surprised. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be inside, enjoying the ball?"

“I noticed your absence from the ball,” Malleus said, his voice calm as he approached. “After asking your friends, I came to seek you myself. Why are you out here? Does the gathering not suit your tastes?”

“Oh, it’s not that,” you said quickly, waving your hand. “I’m just… not good with crowds. It’s overwhelming.”

“I see.” Malleus tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing with understanding. "The clamor of such events can be taxing, especially for those unaccustomed to it."

Malleus tilted his head slightly, gazing up at the moon. "The moonlight looks beautiful tonight. “It would be a shame to let the night pass without enjoying its splendor.”

Before you could ask him what he meant, Malleus extended a hand toward you, his green eyes glowing faintly beneath his mask. "Would you care for a dance?"

You blinked, taken aback by the unexpected offer. “A dance… out here? B-But I’m not really good at dancing,” you stammered, feeling your cheeks warm under his gaze.

Malleus chuckled softly, his deep voice resonating in the still night air. “Then allow me to lead. You need only follow.”

With a slight hesitation, you placed your hand in his. His grip was firm yet gentle, the music from inside the hall a distant hum as he guided you effortlessly into a slow waltz under the bright moonlight. For a while, neither of you spoke, simply letting the tranquility of the moment envelop you. It was only when Malleus gently spun you out and then back into his arms that he broke the silence.

"It seems you can dance just fine," he remarked, a soft smile on his face as he looked at you.

You smiled up at him. "That's because I have a good partner."

Just then, you heard the sound of footsteps, followed by two familiar voices calling for Malleus. You sighed, stepping back reluctantly. "It seems Silver and Sebek are looking for you."

You exchanged a glance with Malleus, and a small, almost regretful smile tugged at his lips. “It seems our solitude is at its end.” His eyes lingered on you for a moment longer before offering you a slight, regal bow. "Shall we return, then?”

Amid the swirl of music and laughter in the grand hall, you found yourself quietly standing by the buffet table. You swirled the grape juice in your glass absentmindedly, watching students glide across the dance floor.

“You’re not going to dance?” A familiar voice cut through your thoughts. You turned to find Deuce standing beside you.

Shaking your head, you placed your glass on the table. “What about you?” you asked, picking up a macaron and taking a bite.

"I, uh…” Deuce trailed off, glancing at the dancing crowd, then back at you. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

A teasing smirk tugged at your lips. “Can’t dance?”

“Wha—! Of course, I can!” Deuce straightened up quickly, his voice rising a bit too defensively. “Our housewarden taught me how to waltz before!” he added, though his eyes seemed to avoid yours. “I just… don’t feel like dancing right now.”

“Oh, really?” You raised an eyebrow, stifling a laugh. “So, it’s not that you’re shy or anything?”

“N-No! Not at all!” Deuce denied it again, but the pink color on his cheek betrayed him.

“Right, right,. If you say so.” You chuckled, taking another bite of your macaron as your eyes wandered back to the dance floor, watching as couples spun around in elegant masks and outfits. "This has been a fun trip," you said, recalling the earlier events. “Well, minus the whole Rollo Flamme incident.” You chuckled when you caught sight of Rollo and Malleus dancing together across the room.

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I thought you said you weren’t in the mood to dance?”

Deuce hummed in agreement, but his attention seemed elsewhere. His hand twitched at his side, and after a moment, he cleared his throat, drawing your attention back to him.

“Hey, uh…” He hesitated for a moment, before taking a deep breath and turning toward you again. You blinked, catching his nervous tone as he extended a hand toward you, the faint blush on his cheeks deepening. “Would you… like to dance with me?”

Deuce fumbled for words, his hand still outstretched. “I—well, this is a special night, right? It’s not every day we get to attend a ball like this. Shouldn’t we make the most of it before we head back to school tomorrow?”

His earnestness was impossible to ignore, especially with that blush dusting his face. You couldn't help but smile at his awkward yet sweet gesture. "Alright.” You gently placed your hand in his. The way his eyes lit up almost made you laugh, and with a slightly shaky grip, he led you toward the dance floor.

Facing each other, Deuce raised your joined hands while his other hand cautiously slid to your waist. You could feel the slight tremble in his fingers, his red face illuminated by the soft glow of the chandelier.

“You don’t have to be so tense,” you teased, your voice light. “I can lead if you’re too nervous.”

“N-No, I’ve got this!” he insisted, though his voice wavered. “I’m the guy here—I should be the one leading the dance.”

You chuckled but didn’t press the issue. His movements were awkward at first, stiff and careful, as if afraid of accidentally stepping on your toes. His gaze kept darting between your feet and your face, making you stifle a laugh.

“Relax, Deuce,” you urged gently. “It’s just a dance. We’re here to have fun, remember?”

“Right… fun,” Deuce repeated under his breath, glancing up at you. For a brief moment, the tension in his shoulders eased. “Yeah… I can do fun.”

Slowly but surely, his grip on your waist loosened, and his steps became smoother. Soon he was guiding you more naturally across the floor, and as the music picked up, he even managed a clumsy little spin, which caught you off guard and made you laugh.

When the music finally slowed to a stop, Deuce let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “That was… actually really fun,” he admitted, scratching his neck.

“See? Told you it wasn’t so bad,” you teased, giving him a playful nudge.

The next song began to play, and students flooded the dance floor once more. Deuce didn't move from his spot, his hand still loosely holding yours. “Do you, uh… wanna go for one more?” His voice was soft, the blush on his cheeks returning as his hopeful gaze met yours.

You smiled, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.