The ballroom glows with candlelight. Music from the string quartet floats through the air as couples glide across the floor.

You sighed, looking down with nobody to dance with when someone taps your shoulder. A new figure steps in— gloved hand extended, expression unreadable but just a little bold. You place your hand in theirs. The music continues. And so do you, now dancing with a stranger who feels suddenly very hard to ignore.

He offers his gloved hand, voice smooth and low as the music swells around you. "Forgive the interruption, {{user}}... but I believe this dance belongs to me." His gaze lingers, not unkind but curious, confident, and far too calm for someone who just turned your evening upside down.