"Hey♪~ Himeko, I brought her over just for you~"
Elysia led Hua through the crowd, hand in hand.
Himeko turned around, her red hair tied high behind her head, a look of surprise on her face. "So that's why I couldn't find her anywhere. You snatched her away."
She walked closer with a smile, giving the freshly made-over Hua a once-over. "Hua, did she bully you? Tell me, I'll get justice for you."
"Ah♪~ Himeko, how can you say that? I didn't bully her at all. She was willing the whole time."
She turned to Hua and blinked. "Hua, isn't that right?"
"Mhm."
Even though she'd mentally prepared herself, actually standing before everyone in a dress still made her feel a little self-conscious.
"That's good then."
Himeko's smile grew even warmer.
Hua did look quite beautiful in that outfit.
Elysia really is something, managing to get Hua into a dress.
As she thought this, a tender smile graced Himeko's lips.
"Hua, it really suits you."
"Captain... please, don't say that."
"Of course I have to say it when you look this lovely."
Himeko continued with a laugh.
"Well, time to get down to business♪~ Aren't you two going to share a dance?"
"Elysia, so that was your plan all along."
Himeko chuckled.
Elysia innocently spread her hands. "Not at all. Actually, Hua wants to as well, she's just too shy to say it."
"Senior..."
Hua's face flushed slightly.
"Alright, alright, the mood is set, you two hurry up and go!"
Elysia nudged them both forward, her tone full of anticipation.
"Captain..."
"Let's go, Hua." Himeko gently offered her hand.
"Mhm."
Hua took a deep breath and placed her hand in Himeko's.
...
Under the ballroom lights, the two began...
Given Hua's martial arts talent, the various movements of the waltz were naturally no challenge.
What she lacked was practice.
So, during a slightly more complicated sequence of steps, Hua made a small misstep.
Himeko promptly steadied her by the waist, offering a soft reminder. Her warm hand gave Hua immense reassurance, and their steps soon regained their fluidity.
And so, no further mistakes occurred.
"Relax."
...
At the edge of the dance floor, Carole and Vya held small plates piled high with desserts, their eyes fixed on the performance.
Vya's little mouth was stuffed full, puffing out her cheeks like a greedy little hamster, yet she still managed to clap for Hua.
Munch, munch, just keep eating.
"Hua's actually dancing quite well," Carole remarked, spearing a piece of strawberry cake with her fork and popping it into her mouth.
"How about you go up and give it another try?"
Dystopia's voice suddenly piped up beside them as she appeared, saying it with a laugh.
"Ah, give me a break."
Carole made an exaggerated gesture of surrender, making Vya giggle.
Back with Hua and Himeko, the two concluded with an elegant motion.
"Well done."
Himeko released her hand, her eyes full of appreciation.
"Mhm, thank you, Captain."
Hua said gratefully.
"Wow, that was truly splendid♪~"
Elysia walked over, applauding as she spoke.
"Want to see the photos I just took? How about rating my photography skills?"
...
The ball continued in full swing. Hua was soon whisked away by Carole and the suddenly appearing twins, Fuxi and Nuwa—no one knew when the pair had slipped into the venue.
Himeko gathered with Elysia and Kevin.
...
"Sigh, it's a bit of a shame we won't be able to see each other for a while now."
"Is it that mission to Australia?"
Elysia set aside her playful demeanor, a flicker of concern passing through her pink eyes.
"Yeah, it's our Fifth Squad's turn on the roster."
Himeko spread her hands, sounding somewhat resigned. "The situation over there is getting more and more serious too..."
Kevin stood to the side, silent as ice. His gaze occasionally swept across the venue—Mei, in the end, had not come.
His eyes drifted over Vya, who was being fed dessert by Dystopia.
Then he glanced at Kosma, who was being buttonholed by Erwin for a chat, a complex emotion flashing in Kevin's eyes.
He wanted to sigh, but in the end, he just pressed his lips together.
"Hey~ Kevin, aren't you going to say anything?"
"Nothing to say."
"Goodbye."
Having tossed out those two words, Kevin turned and left.
Elysia called after his retreating back, "Ah♪~ So rude again. Careful, or I'll go tattle to Mei~"
But Kevin acted as if he hadn't heard...
Walking straight ahead, as always.
The joyful sounds and laughter of the ball continued, the music drowning out all worries.
Not far away, Hua chatted with her companions, occasionally offering a shy smile.
Vya contentedly licked a fork covered in cream.
Elysia plastered a bright smile back on her face and pulled Himeko away to sample the newly arrived desserts.
No one noticed the fine rain beginning to fall outside the window against the night sky, a hint of the storm that might develop, though no one knew when it would fully arrive...
…
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