trapped in a photograph || chenji

𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕏𝕏 : 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕖𝕟

Chenle, His father, and Jisung entered the ball. From what Jisung had read, there was a certain formality to how things were done. Such as, one could not ask a woman to dance without a proper introduction.

Mr. Ferrer promptly went off and returned in a few moments with a small card and handed it to Jisung. He also gave Him a pencil.

"Here is your dance card, Chenle is engaged, so He is not likely to be asked to dance as it would seem not in good taste. But in case you are not familiar, it is a list of all the songs and dances they will play and a line to put down who you plan to dance with."

"Thank you," He replied.

Jisung had heard the term of dance card before, yet never actually had seen one. But that was how things were done, so He decided to play along.

Jisung's little play was not due for another hour so He, Chenle, and Mr. Ferrer walked around and mingled. Jisung was introduced to several well-to-do people; Young men, old men, proper ladies, etc. They are all engaged in polite conversation with many asking about America and what it was like.

Though He had no interest in women, He quickly noticed several of them seemed to be interested in him. Several of the young women were struck by His beauty and just the fact that He was so different. After a short while, Jisung had been asked to dance by at least 6 women. Not wanting to be rude, He graciously accepted and penciled them in on His dance card.

Chenle wanting to see the food, pulled Jisung aside and took Him into the adjoining room where a buffet of light finger foods was presented in a most elaborate manner. The table had Tea, coffee, an assortment of Ices, biscuits, Cakes, Cracker bonbons, and small sandwiches. All of them were on sterling silver trays and each piece of food looked delicious.

Jisung chuckled to himself at the sheer fanciness of it all. He couldn't help but think of some of the parties He attended back in high school. A half-barrel in one room, a DJ in another room, red alcohol cups on the floor, and sometimes a few bags of potato chips to munch on. This was light years ahead of that.

After nibbling on a few sandwiches, it was time for Him to dance with one of the women who had requested. He had explained that He didn't really know the steps, but they didn't seem to care.

Jisung of course pretended to enjoy the rather formal dance. He did so for two reasons, first not to be rude, and secondly, maybe it would make Chenle just a bit jealous.

Chenle then spent a lot of His time with His father or talking to some of the older ladies in attendance. All the while, He kept one eye on the mysterious Korean-American beauty, as Jisung danced with the young women. Chenle found himself not liking it one single bit, much to His surprise.

Finally, it was time to prepare for the small play. Jisung and His costar quickly changed into their costumes as Sir Miles announced that for his guests that he was going to have a couple of short scenes from Shakespeare presented to them.

The little play was presented on a small but ethereal stage that had been constructed in one corner of the ballroom.