Invitation to a Dance

Yoo-ah has never been much of a party-goer. That’s why, when she receives an invitation to Cupid’s Waltz… Well, she supposes the phrase ‘color me surprised’ would be appropriate in this case.

The witch can’t tell why exactly she’s been invited and even considered refusing this invitation. Before she could, however, Hani somehow had caught wind of the fact that this letter arrived in her hands, prompting her to come running to her doorsteps. When she learns that Yoo-ah thought of not attending… She started nagging at her, going off about how she’d be crazy to throw away this opportunity and how this might be a one in a lifetime thing – why and who invited her be damned.

“Do you know how much I wanted to go?!” Hani complained, puffing her cheeks with air as she stared at the letter invitation with eyes full of jealousy. “You absolutely must go! Absolutely! And tell me everything that you see there!”

Yoo-ah certainly had never seen Hani this excited and worked up over something before… She won’t even be the one attending it.

“I don’t think I have a fitting attire to attend such an event…” Yoo-ah tried to argue, propping one arm on the other and resting a palm on her cheek. Perhaps she can be let off with this excuse…

Unfortunately, Hani’s lips lifted into a smile and her eyes brim with delight in response to her words. “I’ve got the perfect outfit for you!”

That is how Yoo-ah finds herself in this situation ; dressed up in a modest pink ballroom dress while lingering around an empty inconspicuous table, sipping on a drink in this fancy, large ballroom. She feels like a fish out of water, unsure of what to do in a setting like this and ultimately settling on simply idling around. 

That is the plan, until she catches sight of a familiar face from the corner of her eyes.

“Whitlea?” Yoo-ah blinks, doing a double take to check and make sure that it is who she thinks it is and she’s right!

Yoo-ah doesn’t waste another second in approaching Whitlea, calling her out by name when she’s closer in proximity. “Whitlea, hello. It’s nice to see you here.” There’s a brief pause, then a warm smile. “You look lovely in that dress.”

Whitlea blinks, a little surprised to see a familiar face herself before a grin blooms on her face. “Yoo-ah! Didn’t expect to meetcha here. You’ve got a lovely dress too.”

When Whitlea’s the one complimenting her like that, Yoo-ah definitely thinks she means it. Though, she’s more than certain that her outfit isn’t quite on par with the other’s. “You flatter me,” Yoo-ah chuckles. “What brings you here?”

Her question brings about a rather curious reaction from Whitlea, whose eyes quickly glances around as if to check if anyone’s listening in before she leans closer with a hand cupped around her mouth.

“Keep this between me and you, sugar, but I’m here investigatin’ somethin’.” Oh? This certainly catches Yoo-ah’s interest and she, too, leans in a little bit more. Whitlea doesn’t seem to mind. “We got some unfamiliar folks asking ‘bout the Watcha Tree and I got the feeling they sent this invitation.”

Yoo-ah’s lips forms a small ‘o’ and she nods. That makes sense.

“I’d be happy to help you out if you need an extra pair of ears and eyes.” She offers with a wink. Whitlea’s eyes widen a little, but she looks appreciative and she lets out a soft laugh.

“That’s lovely of you, sugar.”

The witch smiles. Right as she’s about to ask for more information, music begins to play within the ballroom, catching both of their attention and cutting their conversation regarding the topic short as people begin to dance.

Whitlea doesn’t seem fazed by this, however, and simply offers a hand to the other. “Well, since we’re here. How ‘bout a dance?”

Unexpectedly, Yoo-ah seems to fluster at this. “Oh, I’m not much of a dancer…”

Rather than taking it as a rejection, Whitlea puffs out her chest in confidence and grins. “Just follow my lead, sugar.”

The look on the other’s face tells Yoo-ah that she’s likely not going to get away from this ; not that she could, considering the fact that they are surrounded by other dancers. A faint sigh escapes her, her hand lifting to accept Whitlea’s hand, prompting the other to step closer and place a hand on her hip.

Just as Whitlea promised, she takes the lead ; guiding Yoo-ah in a steady rhythm to the music. Yoo-ah struggles at first, but thankfully, Yoo-ah has always been a fast learner. It doesn’t take long for her to familiarize herself with the steps once she notices the repeating pattern. Her quick wit earns a smile from Whitlea.

When the music ends, the two take a step back from one another. Yoo-ah’s cheeks are a little heated, likely from exhaustion. She has never been much of an athlete, after all. Still… She had fun, and Whitlea can tell.

“You’re a natural.” Whitlea compliments, drawing out an embarrassed laugh from the witch.

“And you’re a good teacher. I didn’t know you could dance like that.”

“You don’t know much ‘bout me, sugar.” Whitlea winks. Yoo-ah can’t refute that. She wonders if the farmer has some other hidden skills… 

“How ‘bout we take a seat and have some drinks? I can catch you up on our conversation then.” Whitlea suggests, interrupting Yoo-ah’s wandering thoughts.

She hums, “that would be nice.”