The slow dance began.
Soft lights glowed across the ballroom, casting warm golden reflections on the polished floor. The melody floated like a quiet whisper, gentle enough to make every heartbeat audible.
Chris placed her hands lightly on Twilight's shoulders.
He placed his hands carefully, almost shyly, around her waist.
And the world around them slowed down.
To Twilight, this moment was everything.
This wasn't just a dance.
It was the one memory he had dreamed about from the day he stepped back into her life—Chris standing this close, her breath mixing with his, her long eyelashes fluttering as she looked up at him.
His chest felt tight, full, almost trembling.
To Chris… it was different.
It was just a dance.
But she was genuinely happy—laughing softly, spinning a little too fast, teasing him by stepping on his foot and then pretending she didn't.
She wasn't thinking about monsters, shadows, masked men, weird presences.
Just this moment.
Just Twilight smiling at her with eyes she couldn't read.
Henry & Lily – Something Unexpected
Across the ballroom, Henry and Lily were dancing too, hands intertwined, steps perfectly matching even without trying.
Henry looked at her like he didn't want to blink—like he might miss something important if he did.
Lily felt her heart tug in a strange way.
She had never seen Henry this soft before.
He always annoyed her, fought with her, tried to show off around her.
But tonight… he was someone else.
Someone she didn't mind getting lost in for a few seconds.
For the first time, Lily looked happy with him.
Really happy.
And Henry couldn't stop smiling.
Everything felt perfect.
Almost too perfect.
The Masked Guy – Silent Street Battle
Meanwhile, far from the glowing lights of the school, the masked guy stepped deeper into the silent street.
A cold, unnatural wind passed by.
Then—
A monster appeared in front of him.
Seven feet tall.
Twisted body.
Eyes glowing like two poisonous lanterns.
Its growl echoed in the empty road.
The masked guy didn't even flinch.
He stood there, calm.
Almost bored.
The monster rushed.
He moved once—just once.
A silver flash.
A slash faster than sound.
The monster froze, then split apart cleanly before evaporating into black smoke.
The wind carried the ashes away.
The masked guy whispered under his breath—
"One hundred ninety."
His eyes glowed a faint red inside the mask, shining in the darkness.
Something was coming.
Something bigger.
And he could feel it.
Back to the Ballroom – Magic in Motion
The song faded softly, the last notes drifting through the hall.
All four friends were completely lost in the moment, unaware of the danger moving closer in the dark of the city.
Suddenly—
the music stopped.
A staff member tapped the mic.
"Attention, students! The next segment is the final dance. The winners will be chosen as the Prom King and Queen!"
Excited squeals filled the auditorium.
Chris's eyes widened—then sparkled.
She wasn't going to miss this chance.
Without even waiting for Twilight to react, she grabbed his wrist.
"Come on!" she shouted happily. "We're entering!"
Twilight stumbled after her, completely lost in how cute she looked when she was excited. Her smile was bright, her eyes were glowing, and her hair bounced as she ran.
He couldn't help but stare.
She had never looked this alive before.
Twilight whispered to himself—
"She's beautiful…"
He didn't even realize he said it out loud.
Lily & Henry – Small Jealousies & Quiet Hopes
Lily clapped happily, excited to see her best friend running toward the registration table.
"She's gonna win that crown," Lily said proudly. "I know it. She deserves it."
Henry looked at her, admiring the fire in her eyes.
"You really want Chris to win?" he asked.
Lily nodded firmly.
"I want her to feel special tonight. Completely special."
Henry smiled—but deep inside, he also wanted to go for the last dance.
He wanted to stand on that stage with Lily.
He wanted to hold her close in front of everyone.
But Lily saw that look.
"Not yet," she said softly. "Let her go first."
Henry frowned. "But—"
"Just trust me."
He sighed.
He actually wanted to say no.
Wanted to grab her hand and insist they go right now.
But then she smiled.
And everything inside him just melted.
"…Fine," he whispered with a small grin. "You win. Again."
Lily rolled her eyes. "Of course I win."
But she blushed.
He didn't miss it.
Backstreet Warrior – A Bad Feeling Rising
The masked guy wiped the black blood off his sword.
His breathing turned heavier.
His vision flickered for a moment—
like he was sensing something powerful.
Something wrong.
He looked toward the direction of the school.
His eyes narrowed sharply behind the mask.
"…It begins."
His crimson eyes glowed brighter, cutting through the dark like flames.