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One of Roman's friends was throwing a fancy ball-like party for her birthday and as soon as he received the invitation, he was over the moon. Of course, he can't pass up an opportunity like this. He had to go! And he spent the day before the party going around the mall looking for a gift to give to his friend and for something extravagant to wear, he's got to slay at that party. After hours of searching, Roman finally found the perfect gift and outfit for the party. He bought a beautiful necklace with a matching set of earrings for her friend and him, he bought a glamorous and slick white and red suit and a few accessories.
When the big day arrived, Roman is practically bouncing off the walls with happiness. The whole time on the way there the thought keeps floating through his head and it is how excited he is to attend such a party. And now here he was;
"Wow!" Roman exclaimed as he stepped inside the party venue. The place was stunning, with twinkling lights, lush flower arrangements, and a grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Even though the party wasn’t very crowded yet, everyone seemed extremely busy doing their own thing, talking among themselves or mingling together. Once he spotted his friend, who was wearing a stunning ball gown and made his way over to her.
"Happy Birthday, !" he said, presenting her with the gift. She unwrapped it eagerly and let out a gasp of delight when she saw the necklace and earrings. "Oh my gosh, Roman, these are beautiful! Thank you so much!"
Roman grinned, "You're welcome," he said.
He then added, "Wow, this place is wonderful, Diane. And you look stunning in that gown, it's giving Cinderella vibes!" Roman giggles.
Diane laughed, "Thanks, Roman! I'm so glad you could make it. And you look amazing too, that suit is so unique and eye-catching!". Roman grinned at her complimenting words.
" Anyway, I can't stay long, Ro. I have to maintain the other guests and stuff. Enjoy yourself!" Diane told him and pressed a kiss on his cheek. Roman nodded, "Alright, good luck birthday girl." He watched his friend disappear into the crowd with a soft smile before walking towards the buffet table. As he was browsing through all those snacks, when he suddenly heard, “My my, fancy seeing you here, Roman~”.
Roman whipped around to find his one and only rival, Janus. He was Diane's older brother and Roman's long-term archnemesis. Roman's smile immediately faded at the sight of him. Janus was leaning against the table, arms crossed and a smug smirk on his face. "Janus," Roman greeted him coolly. "Nice to see you here as well." He says with a hint of sarcasm.
"I loooove your suit by the way, you look like a walking candy cane," Janus remarked, his smirk widening. Roman resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He knew Janus was just trying to get under his skin. "Thanks, I guess," he replied, trying to keep his tone neutral. He then looked up and down at Janus, "Thank you, look like a proper villain in that suit." he retorted, not able to resist the opportunity for a comeback. Janus raised an eyebrow and smirked even wider. "Touche, Roman," he said.
Roman and Janus resumed their small-talk conversation, competing with one another's witty remarks. Roman made an effort to ignore Janus' remarks and concentrate on having fun at the party, but Janus' presence just served to irritate him more.
Roman found himself roaming about the party area as it continued, taking in the décor and watching people dance. He even began conversing with some of Diane's friends and enjoying himself. But every so often, he would catch a glimpse of Janus, who was always lurking in the shadows and sporting the same smug grin. God, he really was some villain wannabe. Roman couldn't help but feel like Janus was purposely trying to ruin his night. But he wasn't going to let him succeed. He was going to enjoy himself no matter what.
As the night wore on, Roman found himself dancing with some lovely stranger along with other people on the dance floor. He was having a great time and completely forgot about Janus' presence.
"Mind if I cut in?"
Speak of the devil.
Roman excused himself from his dance partner and turned around to face Janus. Roman narrowed his eyes at the other male, "What do you want?" he asked. Janus raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Just wanted to dance with you, Roman. Don't be so hostile," he said with a smirk. Roman wasn't buying it. He knew Janus too well to trust him. "I'll pass," he replied curtly.
"What? You're too afraid to have a lil dance with me or you just don't know how to dance?" Janus taunted. Roman glared at him, "For your information, I KNOW how to dance.". Janus chuckled, "Prove it then." He held out his hand, gesturing for Roman to take it. Roman hesitated for a moment, considering the offer. He was going to show Janus how amazing he is at dancing. Finally, Roman took Janus' hand and pulled him closer as they began to dance.
Janus places a hand on Roman's shoulder while the other one holds Roman's hand. Roman placed his free hand on Janus' hip as they both danced to the music. Roman tried his best to ignore Janus' smug grin and focus on the dance. He moved gracefully, twirling Janus around and dipping him. For a moment, Roman almost forgot that he was dancing with his arch-nemesis.
Roman couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of anger and attraction towards Janus as they moved to the music. Janus' hand on his shoulder felt firm, and his other hand holding onto Roman's was warm and steady. Roman had to admit, Janus was a good dancer, but he refused to let him know that. Instead, he tried to outdo him with his moves. Despite their rivalry and dislike for each other, he couldn't deny that there was something alluring about Janus. His scent, the way his body moved against Roman's, the heat that radiated from him; it was all so intoxicating. Roman's heart was beating faster and he could feel his body responding to Janus' touch.
Janus leaned in close to Roman's ear, his breath hot against his skin. "You're a good dancer," he murmured, his voice low and husky. Roman shuddered at the sensation, his eyes fluttering closed. He couldn't believe he was feeling this way about his rival.
"Thanks," Roman replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "You're not so bad yourself."
After dancing for a while longer, the song changed. They stopped their movements and Roman reluctantly released Janus' hold on him. Janus smiled playfully, causing Roman to blush slightly. Roman cleared his throat.
"Well, looks like we're done here," he said as he averted his eyes from Janus.
Janus raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" he said, stepping closer to Roman. "Don't you want to dance again?". Roman took a step back, trying to maintain some distance between them. "I think I've had enough dancing for tonight," he said, his voice a little shaky. Janus chuckled. "I'm quite disappointed, Roman," he said. "But if that's what you want, I won't force you to dance anymore."
Roman nodded, feeling relieved. He turned to leave but felt Janus grab his arm. He turned back to face him, his heart racing. Janus leaned in close, his lips hovering just inches away from Roman's. "You know, Roman," Janus whispered, his eyes locking onto Roman's. "I think there's more between us than just a rivalry."
Roman's breath caught in his throat. He felt a surge of conflicting emotions, unsure of what to do or say. Janus' lips brushed against his own, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. "I'll see you around, Roman," Janus said, pulling away and giving him a sly smile before walking away.
Roman stood there, rooted to the spot, watching Janus disappear into the crowd. He was left with a million thoughts swirling through his head. He didn't know what to make of what had just happened, but he knew one thing for sure; things between him and Janus were far from over