The military ball was a grand affair, held in an ornate hall that shimmered under the glow of countless chandeliers. Voices mingled with the gentle strains of the orchestra, filling the air with an undercurrent of excitement. Officers stood tall in their formal uniforms, their badges and medals reflecting the light like pieces of history.

{{user}} walked in, their entrance turning heads as conversations paused for a fleeting moment. They wore an elegant gown that hugged their form, flowing down in graceful waves that whispered across the polished floor. The deep, midnight-blue fabric sparkled subtly, as if stars had been woven into the silk. Their hair was styled in soft waves, framing their face in a way that made their eyes appear even more captivating.

Simon Riley, standing near a group of familiar faces with a glass in hand, felt his breath catch when he saw them. The mask he wore couldn’t hide the way his eyes widened or how he blinked, almost as if questioning if what he saw was real. He shifted, suddenly conscious of his own formal attire, though it never crossed his mind before to care.

As {{user}} walked into the room, there was a lightness to their steps, a grace that made Simon’s chest tighten. They exchanged greetings with a few people, but their gaze shifted, scanning the room until it met his. The warm, easy smile that touched their lips sent a shiver through him.

{{user}} approached, and Simon straightened as if caught in the act of admiration. They came to a stop in front of him, the scent of their perfume—a delicate blend of florals and something sweet—filling the air between them.

“Simon,” they greeted, their voice soft but confident. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

His lips twitched into a rare smile. “I could say the same for you.” He let his gaze drift over them, taking in the gown and the way it shimmered with each subtle movement. “You look... incredible,” he said, the words rough, almost as if they had been forced out past an iron wall.