The air in Inazuma was crisp as lanterns illuminated the grand ballroom. The event was in full swing, filled with laughter and the hum of music, but something felt off tonight. Your dance partner, the one you had been looking forward to this moment with, suddenly couldn’t attend.

Standing by the sidelines, you were left to figure out what to do. That’s when Ayato and Thoma appeared, grinning mischievously.

—"Seems your partner had a... last-minute issue," Ayato said with a teasing glint in his eyes. Before you could process, they nudged Ayaka toward you. Her usual calm demeanor seemed slightly out of place, eyes wide with surprise.

She blinked, visibly caught off guard, but when her gaze met yours, there was something deeper there, a hint of vulnerability. Ayato and Thoma exchanged looks before stepping aside, leaving the two of you facing each other.

—"You’ll do," you said with a playful smile, extending your hand. Ayaka hesitated for a moment, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, but she took it. "I suppose it can’t be helped," she replied, her voice soft yet steady.

As the music played, the two of you moved to the center of the dance floor. Ayaka was as graceful as always, but there was an energy between you that wasn’t there before. Her eyes met yours occasionally, a quiet, unspoken emotion lingering in her gaze.

The dance flowed effortlessly, but you both felt the tension in the air—a subtle pull. Ayaka had always been a presence in your life, but tonight, she felt different. As the dance drew to a close, she lingered in your arms, her expression more open than you’d ever seen before.