Samurai ↔ Nishimura Riki

twenty two

Madame Byun snapped her fingers. Instantly, the band snapped to attention. Music poured out of their instruments, filling the room with a slow, warbling melody.

She recognized it. It was quite a popular piece of its time, written by a famous composer who had died a few years ago. If she recalled correctly, it was his last piece before he died of heartbreak, drinking everyday ever since his wife had died.

The teacher swept Riki towards the middle of the floor. "Try to feel the rhythm of the music as I guide you. Don't get too frustrated if you don't do the steps correctly. Let the sound of the koto echo in your ears. Plant your feet apart. Okay, now follow me. Take a small step forward with your left foot..."

Needless to say, it was the most boring thing all day. Hyewon yawned. It was such a bore watching them, she'd rather prick her eyeballs with razor hot needles. Silently watching them, she hoped Riki would trip. At least that'll offer some source of entertainment.

And trip he did.

"Now twirl me around," Madame Byun instructed. "Good. Now take a few steps to the right"

Ironically, her wish came true. Thanks to his long legs (gods bless the tall genes), he stumbled forward, tripping on the glossy wooden floor. His legs gave out beneath him and down he went with the teacher.

"Oof!"

She stifled a laugh. Now that was high entertainment after hours of boredom.

Madame Byun recovered quickly from the fall. She hastily stood up and dusted her gown. "Don't worry, dear, you'll get the hang of it soon. I'll get you dancing on your feet in no time before the ball," she reassured the prince, extending one hand to him, which he took albeit reluctantly, cheeks flaming. "Now..." Hyewon didn't like the way the elder's eyes roamed towards her. "Prince Riki, why don't you get accustomed to dancing with Hyewon while I go fetch something? Hyewon, dear, you know the traditional waltz right?"

She stood there, surprised that she had been brought into the conversation. She wanted to cleanse her ears. Did she hear what she said right? Dancing? With him?

Hell no. Hyewon was barely on talking terms with Riki. Couldn't she just stand in the corner, looking depressed like a normal body guard. Was Madame Byun that dense not to notice they weren't on good terms?

She had taken too much time to think, now the prince was looking her way too. Despite her urge to respectfully decline the proposal, several years of proper etiquette said otherwise. She cleared her throat awkwardly. "Yes, ma'am."

Madame Byun beams. "Perfect! You two can dance with each other while I go get something from my office. Toodles!"

And then she strutted away, the train of her frilly gown trailing behind her like a tail, leaving Hyewon alone with the male. (Well, except the small band, but cough, leT's pretend this is a main character moment lmao).

She made no effort to change her position as she brushed off specks of dust on her sword sheath. It wasn't like they had to actually dance right? No one was exactly watching to make sure that she and Riki were dancing right?

"Hey. Are you just going to stand there or something?"

The guard's head jerked upwards. Gods. The prince's face was only a few inches away from hers. He blinked his eyes innocently. Since when did he get so close?

She didn't like their close proximity. A bit too close for her comfort. Slightly flustered, Hyewon shoved the prince away, making sure there was more distance between the two of them. "Go away. Have you never heard of personal space?" she spat at him.

His eyes curled into small crescents. His lashes were awfully long. How could he smile like that, acting like there hadn't been anything between them the past two weeks? Riki shrugged, all poised-like. "Well, didn't Madame Byun tell us to dance? I'm simply complying."

"Dance?" She raised an eyebrow. "I'd like to see you try. It's not like I need to, no one's going to know either way."

"Fine, be like that." Suddenly, he grabs her hand and drags her forward to the center of the room.

She grits her teeth. "Yah! What the hell do you think you're doing-"

"I'm making you dance, obviously," As he twirled her around, he leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "Come on. It isn't that hard. Or are you afraid?" the prince taunts.

Hyewon scoffed, but let him spin her around. "Says that person who fell earlier." she fired back.

"Do me a favor and shut up, okay? No one asked, period."

"Funny thing is that you think I'm going to do that, hm? Not a chance."

His breath fanned her ear. "Just follow me. If you don't, I'll kindly remind you that the ensemble is watching. If that doesn't convince you," Riki shrugs again. "Well, I could always tell on you."

"Tch. Spoiled brat," she muttered under her breath. "Using the prince trump card now, are you?"

He offers a wide grin. "Yes, yes I am. Now dance. Mind you, you need to hold onto my shoulders."

She rolled her eyes, but complied anyway. Immediately, she felt his arms encircle her waist. Her body tensed at his touch as Hyewon cringed inwardly. This was so, so awkward.

The melody shifted into a faster pace, so naturally the movements were quicker as well. Hyewon had to admit, it wasn't too bad dancing with him. Maybe the rift between them was starting to mend. That was what she thought until he stepped on her foot.

"The hell?" she yelped, letting go of his shoulders. She stomped on both of his feet, making the prince in pain. "What was that for?!?"

"There's no need to be aggressive, woman! It was an accident!"

"It's called payback, stupid." Hyewon huffed. "And you were acting oh-so professional about dancing."

"Hey! At least I take lessons, unlike you."

"And what makes you think I never took any? They had waltzing lessons back at the academy too, stupid! Knowing how to ball dance isn't some magical ability only royals can do!"

At that moment, the doors creaked open. For a moment, the guard thought it was Madame Byun coming back from her office, but the reality was much worse.

"Ki!" Lia squealed, entering the room. "I've been looking for you for so long!"

Annoyance bubbled in her system. Just hearing her voice pissed her off. Hyewon stood up taller and crossed her arms. "No one invited you here, Yoon." she replied scathingly.

The latter's eyes traveled towards her and she let out a high pitched laugh, higher than her usual tone. "Oh, Hyewon, I never knew you were there. Why don't you continue being invisible and unimportant as always?"

"And why don't you continue your way out of the ballroom and wipe off all those layers of powder on your face? We all know it's fake anyway." she retorted sarcastically. "Please and thank you. The exit's the way you came in, just in case you didn't know."

"Oh please, at least I have naturally good looks. You can't even dream of comparing yourself to me."

"Hyewon, stop arguing with Lia." Riki says quietly, nudging her on the side, but she ignores him. "You call that face beautiful? Girl, first you need to wipe off your makeup and your hair extensions and change that bratty personality of yours, then we can have a conversation about who's prettier, because frankly, your personality is trash, especially with all that foul garbage you spit out everyday, you fake, two faced princess wannabe. You're just after the throne, aren't you?"

Hyewon felt a twinge of satisfaction as the minister's daughter's face fumed red with anger. "Shut up, you stupid-"

"I told you to stop, didn't I?" the voice behind her chimed, the last thing she heard before she was whirled around, her lips landing on his.