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Jeno sighed, feeling a drop of sweat slide behind his red mask. In a few minutes it would finally be midnight, the exact time to start everything. The decoration was ostentatious, the candle lights were dim and the music of the orchestra accompanied the footsteps of the masked people who danced in the center of the room. He had kept a low profile throughout the event, trying to remain unnoticed to prying eyes, staying out of the crowd. Nevertheless, this didn't stop a young man from approaching. He had a black mask, as dark as his hair, with silver details that gleamed just like the smile spread in his face when he extended his hand in invitation. He shouldn't. Jeno knew he should stay focused on his purpose. But who could refuse such a tender expression and sweet request?
He took his hand and allowed himself to be led. The other male took Jeno´s hand in his, and put the other on Jeno´s waist, as they began to sway, following the melody of the violins. Each step they took was coordinated, moving in sync from one side to the other with delicacy. Their bodies never parted, just like their eyes, that seemed to have found the place where they belonged, connected with each other.
Jeno lost track of time, haunted by the other´s captivating smile and deep gaze, feeling warmth all over his body. When the music stopped and the dancing died down, the man with the black mask whispered softly in Jeno's ear
“My apologies, but I am afraid I must go” Jeno felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up, feeling the sigh of his words, the heat of his breath, the aroma of his essence “It's been a pleasure to dance this piece with you” he added, breaking the grip that held their bodies together, turning his back on Jeno, slowly walking away.
“May I know your name, please?” Jeno asked with hooded eyes, still drunk of him.
The gentleman stopped, just turning his face to show him one last smile.
“Maybe later”
And he disappeared, sliding in the shadows of that sea of people who continued to dance, possessed by the delirious music of the violins.
He let out a sigh, just realizing that he had been holding his breath. A sudden icy breeze came through one of the windows, waking Jeno from his reverie, reminding him of the reasons why he had attended to the ball from the beginning. He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall, which read two minutes past midnight, as well as the one on his wrist. He had to get going.
After sliding down several corridors, turning and counting doors, he reached his goal. He looked around and sharpened his ears to catch if there was someone near him, the din of voices and music already attenuated. Noticing that no shadow was approaching and silence enveloped him, he slowly opened the door and slipped into the room.
Darkness surrounded him, only a streak of moonlight came through the open window, illuminating a shelf crowned by a diamond necklace. There was nobody there, just the sound of the waves hitting the shore could be heard. He walked slowly, approaching the precious object and then… steps. Subtle, but definitely real, those footsteps stopped in front of the door. His breath hitched. He watched as the handle lowered, and the door gave way to the push of a body that slipped into the room. He felt his heart stop when he made eye contact with that stranger who led him on the dance floor minutes ago.
“What are you doing here?” Jeno whispered.
“I could ask you the same” He answered him, painting his charming smile “I told you ´maybe later´. I thought you were going to wait for me there, but seeing how that did not happen, I decided to venture and follow you” He approached slowly without breaking the connection that linked his eyes.
“You can´t be here” Jeno asserted, clenching his jaw, nervousness tripping up his body.
“I'm right where I’m supposed to be”. He answered, pinning his body against the shelf, one hand on Jeno's waist, a smile still on his face.
Jeno put his hands on the male's chest, trying in vain to keep the minuscule distance that still separated them. He couldn't miss his chance and he knew that if he let that happen, there would be no turning back. “You don't understand, you really can't be here, and you don't kno-”
“I only know what my heart wants” He interrupted, the hand on Jeno's shoulder sliding down to his neck, then stroking his cheek and tracing the delicate shape of his scarlet mask with his slender fingers. Jeno relaxed under the touch, his eyelids closed slowly, his mind falling asleep, cradled by the verses and the warm breath of the gentleman in front of him, his purpose already forgotten “And right now, the only thing I know is that… my heart wants you” Jeno felt himself tremble, chills running down his spine, as he felt how the man's hand took his mask, sliding it delicately, revealing his eyes, which fluttered freely, allowing him to see better that devilish smile that had captivated him. He only had time to breathe once, before closing the insignificant space that had kept their lips parted. They let the passion consume them, and just like on the dance floor, their lips moved in sync, but with determination and madness. It didn't seem to be enough, as Jeno clenched his fists on the other's shirt and pulled him closer, pressing their bodies even more. The kiss kept getting deeper, the stranger's hands traveling on Jeno's sides, their skin burning with desire. Jeno let his hands drift through the stranger’s broad shoulders, wandering up his neck, caressing his jaw right after. He brought his fingers to the back of the male's head and untied the knot that held the beautiful black and silver mask, letting it fall; having now more access to the man´s face, Jeno pressed their mouths together with renewed fervor, refusing to let him go. Eventually, they found themselves against the wall -far from the shelf where everything started, both masks laying forgotten in the carpet, foreheads pressed against each other and heavy breathing.
“You know… I really should be going now” the man whispered softly and Jeno loosened his grip on his shoulders, letting his eyes closed “I´ll be waiting for the moment when we meet again” Jeno could feel the smile in his hushed voice, the traces his fingers left on his skin, and then… he felt something missing. Jeno could hear the sounds of his own heartbeats speeding too, as he heard the sound of the trigger guard being pulled “It was a pleasure, Officer” the man had now Jeno´s gun in his right hand, pointing at him while he walked backwards, approaching the opposite side of the room, where the window seemed to wait for him.
”Oh I almost forgot… “ the guy smiled one more time “as I promised…” he raised his left hand, showing a shining diamond necklace tangled between his slender fingers “my name is Jaemin” he winked and disappeared right after.