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Kagami stared at her reflection in the mirror, letting out a sigh.
Kagami knew what she could do. She could use practically any weapon, and what she didn’t know how to use, she knew how to throw. She knew exactly what to do in most situations, from combat to curtseying. She had it all mastered.
That’s why it felt shameful to be so uncertain during a gala.
Kagami knew respect, but galas demanded more from her. It demanded elegance, ease, bland rounded opinions everyone in the room would agree with.
Kagami shuddered and stood up. She wanted to splash water on her face, but that would ruin her makeup, so she tried to recreate the feeling in her mind.
She pushed open the women’s restroom door and stepped into the hallway. To her left, she could hear the gala. Gentle talking mingling with the sound of non-offensive classical music.
“Psst!” came a voice to her right.
She turned and saw Chloe leaning against a wall, holding a champagne flute with ease.
Kagami walked over, checking the hallway for bystanders. Finding none, she stopped before Chloe.
“Drinking at a young age poses many health problems,” Kagami chided, choosing to not lean against the wall.
“Oh please, it’s non-alcoholic,” she retorted, taking a sip.
“Ah,” Kagami said, an awkward silence forming between them.
Kagami and Chloe had an… arrangement. She knew Chloe wanted to be more open. But Kagami saw no benefits to that.
Chloe took another sip. “You know what your problem is?”
Kagami turned her head towards Chloe. “I am sure this will be enlightening.”
“You’re too… restrained. Galas are meant to be fun! If you’re not having fun, why are you here?”
Kagami raised an eyebrow. “A gala is a high-class meeting room designed to con others into signing business contracts or marrying off their firstborns. Fun is very low on the list of priorities.”
Chloe skulled the rest of her drink and left the glass on the windowsill.
“Come on, time to dance,” Chloe said, grabbing Kagami’s hand and pulling her towards the ballroom.
“Let go of me. This is highly disrespectful,” Kagami scolded.
“We both know you’re stronger than me. You can break free at any time,” Chloe retorted.
Kagami said nothing, but started walking faster, so Chloe wasn’t just dragging her.
Chloe pushed open the massive doors to the ballroom. Kagami could see her mother in the corner, talking with Mr. Agreste. She noticed Mr. and Mrs. Bourgeois sitting a few tables apart.
“What exactly is your plan here?” Kagami hissed, removing her hand from Chloe’s grasp, leaving them in the middle of the dance floor.
There weren’t many other people dancing. A few couples Kagami didn’t know, and a random kid.
“To dance, drink, and be merry. With my girlfriend,” Chloe crowed, taking Kagami’s hand and positioning her in a waltz.
“Not so loud!” Kagami berated, seeing her mother’s head turn. She stepped back, falling into the woman’s choreography, with Chloe choosing to take the lead.
“Oh please, everyone just thinks we’re two teenage girl-friends having fun,” Chloe whispered back.
“I guess,” Kagami considered.
“So you agree?” Chloe smirked. “It is socially acceptable to have fun at a gala!”
Kagami grinned and rolled her eyes. If they were alone, she would’ve kissed Chloe to shut her up.
“I don’t see the point, but I appreciate it,” Kagami said, trying not to blush.