The next evening, the group gathered in the expansive hotel suite, the tension in the air thick as they prepared for the high-stakes mission ahead. The weight of what they were about to do hung over them, the usual lighthearted energy between friends now replaced by an intense focus.
Kira stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing her hands over the fabric of her midnight-blue gown. The dress shimmered under the soft light, hugging her slender frame perfectly, making her look every bit the high-society guest she needed to be tonight. Her jet-black hair, streaked with hints of blue, was swept into an elegant updo, though a few loose strands framed her sharp face, giving her an edge that reminded everyone in the room she was no stranger to danger. Her reflection revealed more than just a beautiful woman in a stunning gown—it showed a capable spy, ready to do what had to be done.
Behind her, Eren adjusted his cufflinks, his expression calm but carrying the intensity he always wore before missions. His suit, black with subtle silver accents, clung to his tall, muscular frame. He caught her eye in the reflection of the mirror, placing his hands on her shoulders as he stood behind her. "You look perfect," he murmured, voice low, his thumbs brushing lightly against her skin. There was a softness to his eyes as he gazed at her, a momentary slip from the hardened demeanor he held for the mission.
Kira gave a faint smile, but her mind was spinning. "Thanks, but let's just get through tonight. There's no room for mistakes," she said, her voice steady, though betraying a flicker of nerves.
Suddenly, the door flew open with a bang, and Sasha breezed in, dressed in a fitted, emerald-green gown that accentuated her curvy frame. Despite her usual mischievous grin, there was a seriousness in her eyes, though her playful tone remained. "Damn, Kira! You look like you could charm the skin off a snake," she teased, throwing an arm around Kira's shoulder. "This is gonna be easy—flirt with the guy, get his card, and bam! We're outta there."
Kira rolled her eyes but smirked, her gaze shifting to Sasha. "Right, because flirting is totally my thing," she replied sarcastically, earning a laugh from Sasha, whose energy never wavered, even in the face of danger.
Connie leaned casually against the doorframe, his grey-dyed buzz cut making him look sharper than usual in his dark grey tux. His posture was relaxed, but his expression held a seriousness that didn't match his usual laid-back attitude. "Just don't trip in those heels, and we'll be golden," he joked, though his eyes flicked to Eren. "We'll be outside watching your every move. You've got this."
Jean and Mikasa entered next, both dressed sharply for the occasion. Jean's ash-blonde hair was swept back, and his classic black suit gave him an air of confidence. "Let's not screw this up, yeah?" he quipped, though the glint in his eye suggested he had no doubts about their success.
Mikasa, elegant in a deep crimson gown, her short bob framing her face perfectly, nodded silently as she assessed the group, her piercing eyes showing she had everyone's back. "Stay close to Suna. We'll keep communication tight. Armin's running surveillance," she added calmly, her voice steady, as if this was just another day for her.
Armin, hunched over the equipment he was setting up in the corner, stood and adjusted his own suit jacket. "We've been through the plan a hundred times. Stay sharp, Kira. You'll do great."
Kira took a deep breath, pushing down the tension that threatened to bubble up. "Alright, let's do this."
The Ball: Infiltration
The ballroom was an ocean of opulence. Glittering chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm golden glow across the elegantly dressed guests who moved through the space like pieces on a chessboard. The air was thick with the scent of champagne, expensive perfumes, and the quiet hum of conversation punctuated by the soft notes of a live orchestra.
