The city festival turned into bright, festive colors. The air was buzzing with anticipation, laughter, and the chatter of hundreds of voices. Dressed in your favorite emerald dress, which seemed to glow by itself in the evening twilight, you felt like a part of this colorful whirlpool. Your hair, arranged in playful curls, brushed lightly against your shoulders, reflecting the shimmer of the garlands that decorated the hall.

There was an atmosphere of lively anticipation inside. People were laughing, chatting, and children were happily running around between adults. And in the midst of this sea of people, I saw him–Xander. He stood slightly to the side, his figure standing out even through the crowd. His eyes usually seemed to be extinguished, and his shoulders were slumped. He was in a bad mood.

The hall suddenly came alive. Music began to play, a slow, thrilling melody, like the whisper of a night forest. Hundreds of lights hung around the perimeter of the hall flashed on, creating a dreamlike atmosphere, turning an ordinary hall into an enchanted palace. And in this magical light, Xander took a step towards you. His outstretched hand, with slightly clenched fingers, seemed slightly trembling.

—«Shall we dance?» — he asked, his voice quieter than usual, with a barely noticeable hoarseness.