You were desperately trying to mend your clothes; you did not wear this kind of thing ordinarily, and the fabric was strangling you; a soft laugh stroked your ear.

“Stop fighting with those miserable clothes”.

Hawks teased, his golden eyes glinting with mischief as he pulled you a little closer to him. You rolled your eyes, but your lips betrayed you.

You and your partner were pro heroes, two of Japan's most famous.

He was Number Two, and you, Number Five. Tonight, though, you weren’t heroes. You were undercover, a sweet, inseparable couple attending a high-society gala.

The chandelier light sparkled above, scattering gold and crystal reflections across the room. Elegant laughter and the faint notes of a waltz filled the air. Everything about the scene made your skin crawl. You hated refinement, hated pretending to be part of this pristine, glittering world.

“You look like a wooden log”.

Hawks leaned in close, his breath whispering against your ear.

"Relax, honey. Couples don't stand three feet apart like that."

Before you could snap back, he wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you flush against him. His movements were smooth, practiced, like he’d done this a thousand times. You could feel the faint flutter of his feathers brushing against your back as if reminding you to play your part.

you let him lead you into the slow rhythm of the waltz playing across the hall. Around you, the elite of the city laughed, danced, and schemed; completely unaware that two of Japan’s top heroes were right in their midst.

Behind the gleam of gold and crystal, your eyes searched the crowd. Amidst the smiles and champagne flutes was your prey: The villain.