A Gentleman and his Lady

Chapter Four - A SHSL Ball!

"We have a cry about boys and suddenly there's an all too convenient ball? Nyeeeeeh.."

We surround Himiko, who was holding a flyer for the Hopes Peak Annual Ball. I'm pretty sure Hopes Peak hadn't had a ball before but that's not what I was worried about. Dance. Dress. Date. This was definitely a rom com waiting to happen.

"Apparently they wanted to try a western tradition as a way to welcome us all to Hopes Peak. Showcase our talents, and what not. And it's up to us to make sure this happens!

 We all look at Kaito, who piped up in the midst of our cohort that was slowly forming.

"We'll be planning everything from the catering, the decorations and the music. They've got representatives from around the world checking in and they want to see what we're capable of" he continued.

Instant chatter fills the room. Questions of what to wear and who to go with were the main subject. Kaito speaks up once more.

"Alright guys we should get this out of the way early so we don't have to keep stressing about it the day before. Kirumi, Rantaro, Kiibo and Angie you guys will handle the food. Kaede, Miu and Korekiyo will figure out the music. Miu, nothing inappropriate. The rest will handle the decorations while Maki Roll, Shuichi and I will put it all together and make it work. Anyone got any problems with that?"

Everyone murmurs in agreement, except for Kokichi, who raises his hand with a grin on his face. Luckily, everyone was smarter than that.

"Nothing? Great! We get to work after class!" Kaito claimed. We scattered across to our seats with a 'sad' Kokichi whining as he sat down. I caught Gonta's eye as he looks in my direction. He smiles widely while my cheeks flush in response. What an exciting opportunity..

*Time skip brought you by a Maki Roll*

Classes have ended and we were set to work ASAP. I was approached by Kaede to teach dance lessons because 'What's a ball, without ballroom dancing?'

But to be honest, she had a point. Showcase my talent and teaching the rest, it made sense.

"Alright, has everyone got their partners?"

It wasn't hard for everyone to find someone. Kaito practically grabbed Maki from across the room. Ryoma asked Kirumi though the height difference would prove to be difficult for the two of them. Miu winked at Kiibo and there was that. Tenko and Himiko, Shuichi and Kaede.. Angie claimed that Atua wanted her and Rantaro to dance, Kokichi yanked Tsumugi by her hand which meant Korekiyo would be by himself. Though that didn't prove to be an issue since he was more than happy to observe.

And of course Gonta asked to help out with the lesson, making him my partner. I mean, I definitely wasn't going to complain! He knew all of the basics at this point.

"So you place your hand here, and here" I instruct. Gonta was one step ahead and had already put his hand on my hip, an eager smile on his face.

"The man always leads the lady, or if you're Tenko and Himiko, Tenko can lead since she's taller. Ryoma, I'll help you and Kirumi in a moment" I explain. Everyone seemed to pick it up relatively well. Even Ryoma seemed to do alright with Kirumi on her knees so he could reach her. They all seemed to have a nice time with the practice itself. But I feel they never could, as much as I did.

"You're doing so well Gonta, I can't ever believe you called yourself stupid for minor mistakes".

"It's because Gonta had the best teacher like Mi- Um, Emiko".

He stares deeply into me, and suddenly wraps his entire arm around my waist. I was held so tightly and yet so delicately at the same time. It was unlike anything I've ever felt with any other partner. It was nothing less than enchanting..

I was so comfortable that I hadn't even realize how close we had gotten. I also didn't realize how quiet it was, since the entire class was staring at us.

"Hehe, Atua sees a blossoming romance between Gonta and Emiko!"

Rantaro laughs nervously "Don't worry about her, Emiko. Are we doing alright though?"

I managed to retain my composure, and take a slight step back from my partner. "You're all doing really well! We'll continue these lessons as we figure out everything else for the ball, if you wish".

Everyone seemed to agree, all while all the girls seem to smirk at me. Well, I mean at least I wasn't doing too badly. I could feel Gonta staring at me, but it took everything in me to not look back at him. After the short lesson, everyone had a discussion on how to utilise their talents with this display.

"Should Gonta release butterflies at the ball?"

"Oh! I can make the decorations and statues"

"I'll compose the music!"

Ideas were flowing left and right, all with Kaito writing everything down as quickly as he could.

"These are great guys, this'll be done in no time!" He grins.

I've never seen anyone have so much fun planning something. And this was only the first day! I couldn't even begin to think of the upcoming events that were to take place. Everything would be more lively than a nationwide dance competition, at least in a different way. So many different personalities seemed daunting at first. Now I couldn't think of anything more thrilling!