𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑁𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡．

1 || Rivalry.

       I awoke in my bed, the sunlight was shining brightly in my eyes.. It was about only a month into Winter before a rival family of my own decided to have a debate. As everyone knows, both of us have the same amount of importance, though the Hachirou family's leader did not agree with that statement. That being said, it was now a fight to see who will keep the highest place. As I was being informed of this situation, I was shocked, though I do not tend to show much emotion around people. Yes, I was polite and kept to myself, but I always kept a cold stare on my face. I wouldn't have been surprised if Mieko gave his family the idea of fighting for the title. He was rather " charming " and had this smirk on his face that just gave you the idea he was a douche. As kids, he would tease me about anything he got the chance to tease me about. He also was quite the troublemaker and always got away with the things he did because he had a name and had money. It disgusted me that people would call him handsome, he's really not in my opinion. It could just be the fact that we've been rivals ever since we laid eyes on each other. But that's enough of that.

      Today was probably one of the most busy days I've had. Every year during winter time, my family hosts a Masquerade Ball to the nearby wealthier families and of course, our rivals, although today was only just the scheduling for the event.. Do I even have a clue why our family does it ? Absolutely not, but almost every year, I end up dancing in the arms of Mieko near the end. The thought of it makes me mad, but I'm sure that's just another thing Mieko can tease me about. Don't think that Mieko doesn't hate me, I know he does. He's done some nasty things to me and my family that I did not approve of. He just has that " Charm " that makes him cocky, and an asshole at points.

      With my thoughts slowly being drowned out by my concentration, I took a step outside. There was soft white snow covering the ground, and icicles hanging off of the ragged tree branches. I personally loved winter, it was rather calming for me.

      Until Mieko ruins it by reminding me of all the awful things that still could occur. Speaking of that bastard, I could hear his irritating voice from the left of me. " Look who it isss~ My dearest Kana.. " Mieko laughed at me. He was only just a few inches taller than I was, which he often teased me about. I scoffed in reply to his laughter, " What do you want ? " I swung myself to face him, still having a cold expression on my pale face. Mieko smirked once his cedar eyes fell onto mine, " Lighten up ! You almost look pathetic with that cold stare. " He only laughed more. If I ever got the chance to kill him, I gladly would. Ignoring Mieko's jokes, I turned away, he was never worth my time.

      Mieko whined, " Oh come on ! Aren't you gonna tell me that I'm wrong~? " He reached for my arm. I quickly swatted his hand away, " Don't even dare think about touching me. You're gross. " I snapped, which Mieko chuckled at my sudden response. Mieko was the person to get so close to a person. I don't know if he even knows what personal space is, it would sound foriegn to him. " It's so sad that I have stuff to do, although I would stay here longer..~ Until we meet again. '' Mieko grumbled, still holding the smirk on his face as he turned and disappeared into the winter snow. I stared exactly where he stood, my thoughts starting to rage through my mind as I lost my concentration. I never really understood Mieko's behavior, it was something I've never seen someone act like. It was strange. After many moments of just constant thinking, I finally gained my concentration back, deciding to head back inside before I got too cold. The building was covered in silver, shining brightly in the sunlight. The scheduling had just begun.

      As the second in line Heir of the family, it was important for me to attend. Even though I was second, my opinion still counted. The head of my family usually made the final decision in this case. This time it felt different. All of the important family members that attended had a feeling that I've never felt in this situation before. They all seemed eager for the discussion, usually they didn't have any type of feeling to them and just wanted to get it over with. " You've finally arrived, Kana. " I heard a voice. At the end of the hall, the Head of my Family's name was standing there, waiting for me. She was a rather elegant woman, rather tall and had silky raven hair. I never knew her name, so I decided to call her Mistress.

      I nodded and walked toward her, my arms folded behind my back. I always made sure to look more proper when she saw me, not only was it a respectful thing but that was just how my family decided things to be. We were strict, but polite. Once I arrived in her presence, she attempted to fix a few strands of my hair that were sticking out. When I realized, I quickly slipped my hair back. " You look just like your mother.. " She sighed, smiling at me. I only nodded my head in response, I never wanted to waste her time with nonsense talking. " Shall we begin then ? " Mistress looked around at the rest of the family, all of them agreeing that we should begin the scheduling. It didn't take us long to figure out a date and time for the event, people who never spoke once during this time were giving reasonable answers. What is going on ?

      While I was thinking, I didn't notice that Mistress had turned toward me. " Kana, you usually end up dancing with the heir of the Hachirou family, yes yes ? " She tilted her head and smiled. I quickly pushed my thoughts aside and gave her a simple nod in response. She giggled, " Good to know. You'll be purposely partnered with him this year. " She spoke. My heart sank once I heard those words come out of her mouth. Me ? Purposely being partnered up with someone I've never had good ties with ? What are they planning to do ? " ..What? " I mumbled. From her expression, I could tell she knew I was surprised with the news she gave me. " You heard me right ! " She said, " Since this has been going on so long, The Hachirou family agreed with us to have some...violence during the event. " I rubbed my head in confusion, going to speak but the words never came out. Did I just suddenly have my life on the line ? Or am I just imagining all of this ? " Are you saying we can try to kill each other while we're dancing- " My voice was cracking every time a word came out of my mouth. I didn't talk much afterward, like I mentioned earlier, I don't like to show extreme emotion around anybody.

      " That's exactly what I mean ! " She laughed, I only stared at her. I've never been so shocked with something in my entire life. " Now don't fret about it, we made it to where you can only try to kill each other when the music stops. '' '' But the music isn't that lon- '''' Trust me Kana, it'll be more simple than you think. " She patted my shoulder. For the rest of the discussion and planning, I never spoke once, nor did I give eye contact. It was just so...weird. Why would they want me to dance with my enemy..? Especially Mieko... I would rather not think about that..