Chapter 24
Potion-crossed Sweethearts (Part 6)
After the rather unpleasant ordeal with the corset, Qing Yi finally parted ways with his sisters, taking a deep breath as he stepped out of the Hufflepuff common room. Today, all students had been granted a free hour for special dance practice within their respective houses, a tradition upheld every year in preparation for the Fall Dance.
As Qing Yi made his way to the Slytherin dungeon, his mind still reeling from the dress fitting and his sisters' advice, he collided with what felt like a wall of expensive perfume and attitude.
"Oof!" he grunted, stumbling backwards. His emerald eyes traveled up, up, and further up until they met the piercing gaze of Cassiopeia Rosier. She stood a full head taller than him, her dark hair pulled into an elegant high ponytail that cascaded down like a waterfall of ink. Her fair skin seemed to glow in the dim dungeon light, and her emerald eyes, a shade darker than Qing Yi's, glittered with amusement.
A smirk played on Cassiopeia's lips as recognition dawned in her eyes. "Well, well," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness,
"If it isn't our little surprise package. Tell me, tiny tim, are you practicing your curtsy for when you inevitably lose the Fall Queen title?"
Qing Yi's cheeks flushed pink, clashing adorably with his silver hair. He straightened his robes, trying to regain some dignity.
"I'm terribly sorry, Senior Rosier. I didn't see you there." He paused, then added with a hint of sass, "Though that's hard to believe, given your... stature."
Cass's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed dangerously. She leaned down, her face inches from Qing Yi's. "My, my. The kitten has claws." Her lips curled into a smirk. "How... refreshing."
One of Cass's cronies, a girl with striking blue eyes and a cascade of golden curls, reached out and pinched Qing Yi's cheek. "Aww, look at him trying to be fierce! It's like watching a Puffskein attempt a war cry!"
The other crony, a statuesque brunette with high cheekbones and a perfectly painted pout, giggled. "Maybe we should transfigure him into a Pygmy Puff. At least then he'd be useful as a fashion accessory!"
Qing Yi swatted their hands away, his face a storm cloud of annoyance. "I'd rather be a Pygmy Puff than whatever breed of Kneazle you're trying to imitate," he muttered under his breath.
Cass's eyes flashed, caught between amusement and irritation. She patted Qing Yi's head condescendingly.
"Run along now, little one. The grown-ups have a dance to prepare for." With a swish of her robes that would have made Snape jealous, she sauntered into the common room, her minions in tow.
Qing Yi watched them disappear into the room, his cheeks burning with embarrassment and indignation. Cassiopeia's condescending tone and superior demeanor grated on his nerves, igniting a spark of intense dislike. He clenched his fists, silently vowing to prove her wrong.
A familiar voice piped up behind him. "Well, that was... something."
Qing Yi turned to see Nie Huaisang, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and mischief.
"Please tell me you didn't just witness that entire humiliating encounter," Qing Yi groaned, his face now resembling a ripe tomato.
Nie Huaisang strolled over, grinning like he’d just watched the best bit of entertainment all day. "I see you’ve had the pleasure of meeting our beloved queen candidate, Cassiopeia Rosier."
Qing Yi let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping with resigned annoyance. "Great. Thanks for the reminder. As if being verbally torn apart by the actual Slytherin Queen nominee wasn’t enough, now I get to reflect on how my chances of winning are about as good as Filch winning a personality contest."
Nie Huaisang's fan snapped open with a crack like a whip. "Excuse me? Did I just hear you admit defeat? Who are you and what have you done with my friend Qing Yi?"
Qing Yi blinked, taken aback by Nie Huaisang's sudden intensity. "But... but did you see her? She's like if elegance and intimidation had a love child and raised it on a diet of pure ambition!"
Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes so hard they were in danger of getting stuck. "So what? You're like if charm and sass had a baby and taught it to shoot fireballs out of its eyes!"
A small smile tugged at Qing Yi's lips. "Fireballs out of my eyes? Really?"
"Work with me here," Nie Huaisang pleaded, his fan fluttering dramatically. "The point is, you can't give up before you've even started! Where's that Qing Yi spirit? The one who managed to charm Professor Flitwick into giving you extra points for making your feather do a backflip instead of just levitating during our first Charms class?"
Qing Yi's emerald eyes twinkled at the memory. "That was just luck. And maybe a bit of accidental magic."
"Luck, he says!" Nie Huaisang exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "You had half the class trying to make their feathers breakdance by the end of the lesson!"
Qing Yi's emerald eyes began to sparkle with renewed determination. "You know what? You're right!" He straightened up, puffing out his chest. "I am Qing Yi, descendant of the ancient Koeh race, and I will not be intimidated by some... some overgrown Veela wannabe!"
Nie Huaisang whooped, fanning himself excitedly. "That's the spirit! You show them what you're made of!"
"I'll face this challenge head-on," Qing Yi continued, his voice rising, "even if I end up with a few bruises along the way. The Fall Queen title will be mine!"
Only then did they notice the small crowd that had gathered around them, watching with a mix of amusement and bewilderment.
"Yeah, that's the spirit, Queenie!" someone called out mockingly. "Go show her who's boss!"
Another voice chimed in less enthusiastically, "Merlin's beard, it's just a stupid made-up title. What's with the over-the-top announcement?"
Qing Yi and Nie Huaisang's faces flushed bright red, the color rivaling a ripe tomato. Nie Huaisang grabbed Qing Yi's arm, practically dragging him towards the common room entrance. "Let's go in quickly," he hissed, his earlier bravado evaporating.
They jogged into the common room, their faces burning with embarrassment, leaving behind a wake of snickers and bemused stares. As the entrance sealed behind them, the cool, damp air of the dungeon washed over them, a small relief from their flaming cheeks.
Trying to regain some composure, they made their way to a pair of empty armchairs in a quieter corner of the room. Qing Yi sank into the plush green leather, grateful for a moment to catch his breath. As his racing heart began to slow, he found his gaze wandering around the room.
That's when he spotted them. Jin Guangyao and Wen Chao sat across the common room, their heads bent close in hushed conversation. As if sensing Qing Yi's eyes on them, they looked up simultaneously. Jin Guangyao's lips curled into a sly smirk, while Wen Chao's eyes glittered with undisguised amusement.
Qing Yi felt a flicker of annoyance ignite in his chest. But instead of cowering, he felt a steely determination settle over him. If they thought this Fall Queen scheme would break him, they were sorely mistaken.
Just wait and see, he thought with a quiet fury. I’ll wipe those smug looks off your faces soon enough.
Professor Slughorn stood at the center of the room, his rotund figure practically bouncing with excitement. "Gather 'round, gather 'round!" he called out, his walrus mustache twitching merrily. "Today, we commence our practice for a most cherished tradition - our annual Fall Dance!"
With a flourish, Slughorn pulled out his wand. "But first, let's give ourselves a bit more room, shall we?"
He flicked his wand with a dramatic swish, and the common room began to transform. Furniture slid gracefully to the sides, the floor expanded, and the ceiling seemed to rise, creating a spacious dance floor in the center of the room. The students gasped and murmured in appreciation at the magical transformation.
"Now then," Slughorn announced, clapping his hands together, "boys on one side, girls on the other, if you please!"
There was a flurry of movement as the students sorted themselves out. Once they were in position, Slughorn made his way to the center of the room, positioning himself next to an old-fashioned gramophone that had appeared with another flick of his wand.
The newly expanded common room buzzed with anticipation as Slughorn continued, his voice booming with enthusiasm.
"This marvelous event not only heralds the arrival of the crisp autumn season but also kicks off our illustrious Quidditch season! It's a time to celebrate our four magnificent Quidditch teams and their daring captains!"
Students cheered, their house pride evident in their excited faces. Slughorn beamed, clearly in his element.
"And of course," he went on, building the suspense, "as tradition dictates, our four Quidditch captains will compete for the coveted title of Fall King!"
The room erupted in applause as Slughorn gestured grandly towards Huang Ming Zhe. This year, representing Slytherin, we have the ever-talented Huang Ming Zhe!”
The clapping intensified, with some students even whistling in approval. Qing Yi found himself applauding too, his eyes drawn to Ming Zhe's confident stance. To his surprise, Ming Zhe turned and flashed him a warm smile. Qing Yi, taken aback by the unexpected attention, quickly looked away, a mix of confusion and discomfort coloring his cheeks.
Slughorn waited for the applause to die down before speaking again. "And now, for the ladies. Our Fall Queen candidate—representing Slytherin with grace, beauty, and intellect—is none other than the elegant Cassiopeia Rosier!"
The reaction was immediate and intense. The male students erupted into enthusiastic cheers and applause, many craning their necks to get a better view of Cassiopeia. She stood gracefully, acknowledging the attention with a polite nod and a demure smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Qing Yi couldn't help but share a brief glance with her. Cassiopeia's gaze met his, her expression unreadable but carrying an unmistakable air of superiority, as if she were looking at someone who posed no threat whatsoever. The silent message in her eyes was clear: You're not competition.
Qing Yi’s jaw tightened in annoyance. He could practically feel her pride and vanity radiating from across the room. It irked him more than he'd like to admit. Without realizing it, Qing Yi's eyes narrowed, his chin lifting slightly as he met her challenge head-on. His competitive spirit flared to life, transforming his usual gentle demeanor into something more... intense. It was as if an invisible gauntlet had been thrown, and Qing Yi was more than ready to pick it up.
Nie Huaisang, sitting next to him, suddenly felt the air grow thick with tension. He glanced at his friend, then followed his gaze to Cassiopeia, then back again. His eyebrows shot up in alarm as he sensed the dangerous aura emanating from Qing Yi.
Leaning in close, Nie Huaisang whispered, "Merlin's beard, Qing Yi! What's with this sudden murderous aura? I feel like I'm caught between a basilisk and a dragon!"
His words snapped Qing Yi out of his staring contest. "What? Oh, it's nothing," Qing Yi mumbled, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Just... admiring the competition."
Nie Huaisang snorted behind his fan. "Admiring? More like plotting her downfall. Remind me never to challenge you to a game of Exploding Snap."
Their hushed exchange was interrupted by Slughorn's booming voice. "Now then," he announced, his eyes twinkling, "who would like to volunteer to demonstrate some dance steps with me?"
The room fell silent, students suddenly finding the floor or their shoes incredibly interesting. Nie Huaisang leaned close to Qing Yi, whispering behind his fan, "If he picks me, I swear I'll fake a fainting spell."
Qing Yi stifled a laugh. "You'd probably trip over your own robes before you hit the floor," he teased back.
Just as the silence was becoming uncomfortable, Cassiopeia rose gracefully from her seat. With an air of confidence, she glided towards Slughorn, her elegant posture drawing all eyes in the room.
"Ah, Miss Rosier!" Slughorn beamed, his walrus mustache twitching with delight. "Our very own Slytherin Queen nominee herself. Come, my dear, let's show them how it's done!"
Cassiopeia took Slughorn's outstretched hand with a polite smile.
"Now, before we begin," Slughorn announced to the room, "let's remember our etiquette. Gentlemen bow, and ladies curtsy."
Without missing a beat, Cassiopeia executed a perfect curtsy, lowering herself gracefully with one foot behind the other, her head slightly inclined. Slughorn, in turn, gave a gentlemanly bow.
"Excellent form, Miss Rosier!" Slughorn beamed. "Now, let us demonstrate the basic steps."
As they began to dance, Cassiopeia's movements were fluid and graceful, perfectly complementing Slughorn's surprisingly nimble steps. Her poise and elegance were evident in every turn and glide across the floor.
"One, two, three—one, two, three," Slughorn counted, guiding Cassiopeia through the waltz. "Notice how Miss Rosier maintains perfect posture throughout. That's the key, everyone!"
The entire room watched, mesmerized by Cassiopeia's grace. Nie Huaisang's jaw dropped, his fan forgotten in his lap. "By Merlin's beard, she moves like a veela," he whispered in awe.
Qing Yi rolled his eyes. "Oh please, it's just basic footwork. Anyone can do that with a bit of practice."
"Says the one who nearly tripped over his own feet earlier," Nie Huaisang retorted with a smirk.
A few chuckles could be heard from the students watching, but the scene soon sparked more curiosity than amusement. A few male students, now emboldened by the demonstration, stood up, eyeing the girls sitting across the room. One by one, they began to approach the girls, offering their hands in a bid to practice the dance. The room filled with the sound of shuffling feet and awkward laughter as students tried to follow along with Slughorn’s instructions.
Qing Yi and Nie Huaisang watched from their corner as the scene unfolded. They noticed a group of shy boys hanging back, while a crowd of girls seemed to gravitate towards one particular spot.
"Three guesses who they're all swooning over," Qing Yi said with a smirk, nodding towards the center of attention.
Nie Huaisang followed his gaze and chuckled. "Bet you a Chocolate Frog that Ming Zhe's about to be mobbed."
As if on cue, they watched several girls approach Ming Zhe, their faces flushed and eyes sparkling with hope.
"I think 'mobbed' might be an understatement," Qing Yi quipped. "It's like watching moths drawn to a particularly handsome flame."
Nie Huaisang snorted, nearly choking on his laughter. "A handsome flame? Really, Qing Yi? That's the best you could come up with?"
"Hey, I'd like to see you do better under pressure," Qing Yi retorted, his emerald eyes dancing with amusement.
As they bantered, they watched Ming Zhe smile politely at the gathering crowd before smoothly making his way towards Cassiopeia. The other girls quickly stepped aside, their faces a mixture of disappointment and grudging respect. Cassiopeia, ever graceful, executed another perfect curtsy as Ming Zhe approached with a gentlemanly bow.
Qing Yi and Nie Huaisang shared a knowing look.
"Of course, the king and queen have to practice their royal dance together," Nie Huaisang said with a dramatic sigh.
"They do look annoyingly good together," Qing Yi grumbled. "It's like watching two swans glide across a lake while the rest of us are just awkward ducklings."
Nie Huaisang snickered behind his fan. "Swans and ducklings now? Your metaphors are getting worse by the minute, my friend."
"Oh, shut up," Qing Yi said, playfully swatting at Nie Huaisang's arm. "At least I'm trying. Unlike some people who are content to hide behind their fans and make snarky comments."
As Ming Zhe and Cassiopeia glided effortlessly across the dance floor, their movements synchronized with the music, Cassiopeia raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small smirk.
“You’re surprisingly a very good waltzer, Ming Zhe.”
Ming Zhe gave her a confident smile. "Surprising? Come now, Cassi. You know as well as I do that we've been drilled in these 'gentlemanly arts' since we could walk." He rolled his eyes slightly, the faintest hint of disdain coloring his words. “Of course, useless things like waltzing were included. How tasteless.”
Cassiopeia’s smirk deepened, easily seeing through his feigned indifference. "True. Though you hide your distaste for it remarkably well. Every bit the cunning Slytherin, aren't you?"
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Ming Zhe chuckled softly, his amber eyes gleaming.
The two moved seamlessly in perfect rhythm, both aware of the subtle competition in their conversation. Cassiopeia's eyes glinted with amusement as she added, "You know, I was half-expecting you to ask me to the dance. Imagine my disappointment."
Ming Zhe sighed, his smile laced with mock exasperation."Oh? And here I thought I was full of surprises today. Besides," his voice took on a knowing tone, "why would I play into your little game with Lan Xichen?"
A flash of irritation crossed Cassiopeia's face before it smoothed into a practiced smile. "Busted, am I? You're sharper than you look, Ming Zhe."
“I’ll take that as another compliment.” Ming Zhe’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his smirk remained. "Though I wonder, why the urgency? You and Lan are practically betrothed already. You'll have plenty of time to win back his affections once that bond is sealed."
Cassiopeia’s expression shifted ever so slightly, a flicker of annoyance passing across her face. “I don’t like waiting. Patience has never been one of my virtues.”
“Clearly,” Ming Zhe muttered under his breath.
Cassiopeia continued, her eyes sharpening with determination. “No matter. I’ll have him back, one way or another. Xichen’s known for his long attachments to those he cares about. I’ll make sure that attachment stays fixed on me.”
Ming Zhe’s smirk slipped, his expression turning mockingly sympathetic. “And yet, it’s curious, isn’t it? Why would Lan Xichen stray from such a charming, compassionate lady like yourself?” His tone was thick with sarcasm, each word laced with irony.
Cassiopeia glared at him for a split second, but quickly replaced it with a smooth smile, unfazed. “Ming Zhe, sarcasm’s more of a Gryffindor trait, wouldn’t want anyone mistaking you for one.”
Ming Zhe chuckled softly, leading them into another turn on the dance floor. “Trust me, Cassi, no one’s making that mistake.”
Cassiopeia shot him a sharp glare, but it quickly melted into a cool smile. She knew better than to let his words get under her skin, especially with so many eyes on them.
They continued dancing, their banter flowing as smoothly as their steps, both well-versed in these verbal sparring matches. Beneath the surface, though, each was fully aware of the power dynamics at play—Cassiopeia’s ambition and Ming Zhe’s quiet amusement, always watching, always calculating.
More couples began to twirl around the room, joining Slughorn in the middle. Nie Huaisang watched with growing excitement, his fan fluttering nervously as his eyes darted from one girl to another. Despite his eagerness, he seemed rooted to the spot, unable to muster the courage to approach anyone.
Qing Yi, noticing his friend's predicament, stood up and extended his hand. A mischievous glint sparkled in his emerald eyes as he said, "Huaisang, if you're going to spend all night admiring from afar, you might as well dance with me."
Nie Huaisang blinked in surprise, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. His heart skipped a beat at Qing Yi's invitation, and for a moment, he struggled to maintain his usual composure. Then, trying to hide his excitement, he grasped Qing Yi's hand.
"Well, well," Nie Huaisang said, his voice a blend of amusement and affection, "if our Fall Queen needs a dance partner, who am I to refuse? Consider me your royal stand-in, in case Jin Zixuan gets cold feet."
Qing Yi chuckled, effortlessly falling into their familiar banter. "A stand-in king, is it? I suppose that makes you my knight in shining armor for the evening."
"At your service, Your Highness," Nie Huaisang replied with a playful bow. "I'm always prepared for any eventuality. Shall we show these amateurs how it's done?"
With a shared laugh, they joined the whirling couples on the dance floor. Despite their joking, their movements were surprisingly graceful. Their natural chemistry as friends, even in this short time at Hogwarts, translated into an easy rhythm as they glided across the floor.
Slughorn's delighted voice rose above the music. "Excellent form, Mr. Nie, Mr. Koh! What a delightful surprise!"
As they spun past the professor, Qing Yi caught sight of Ming Zhe. The Slytherin Quidditch Captain was moving with his usual effortless grace, his partner matching his skill step for step.
Slughorn's praise continued to ring out. "Marvelous, everyone! Mr. Huang, your footwork is particularly impressive. Light as a feather, graceful as a hippogriff in flight!"
Ming Zhe smiled politely at the professor, then turned, his gaze landing on Qing Yi. His amber eyes held a mixture of curiosity and quiet intensity that made Qing Yi's breath catch. There was something in Ming Zhe's confident poise that always managed to impress Qing Yi, while also leaving him feeling slightly off-balance.
As the song came to a close, Ming Zhe smoothly disengaged from Cassiopeia, offering her a respectful nod. Cassiopeia, still basking in the attention from the dance, smiled back at him—until she noticed where he was heading. Her eyes followed Ming Zhe as he crossed the room, making his way directly toward Qing Yi.
Cassiopeia’s smile faltered for a moment, surprise flickering across her usually composed features. Ming Zhe rarely approached anyone outside his close circle, and even then, he was selective. Her curiosity piqued—why Qing Yi? He was a first-year, nominated as queen as a joke, no less. Cassiopeia had already deemed him no competition. She had already dismissed him as unimportant, certainly not a threat.
But now, seeing Ming Zhe suddenly take an interest in Qing Yi made her pause, a spark of caution igniting in the back of her mind. She quickly composed herself, masking her thoughts behind a neutral expression, though her eyes remained fixed on them.
Ming Zhe reached Qing Yi and Nie Huaisang, his amber eyes locking onto Qing Yi with a calm, almost intrigued expression. Extending his hand with a slight bow, he spoke with a poised elegance that sent a shiver down Qing Yi’s spine.
"Well," Ming Zhe said, his eyes never leaving Qing Yi's, "since you're our house's surprise queen nominee, care to show everyone how it's done?"
Qing Yi and Nie Huaisang exchanged a quick, startled glance, both taken aback by Ming Zhe's sudden gesture. For a moment, they seemed frozen in place, unsure how to respond to this unexpected turn of events.
Before either could find their voice, a few snickers and whispers broke out among the onlookers.
"Ooh, looks like our Fall Queen's getting her dance after all!" jeered a voice from the back.
"Careful, Ming Zhe! Our 'queen' might turn you into a frog with those weird Koeh powers!" another student called out, eliciting snickers from their friends.
Ming Zhe's eyes flashed dangerously as he turned to face the crowd. "Enough," he said, his voice low but carrying a clear warning. The volume in the room decreased, though whispers and muted conversations persisted. Some students still cast curious glances at Qing Yi, their smirks not entirely faded.
Qing Yi's jaw clenched briefly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face at the continued murmurs. But he quickly composed himself, drawing on his own inner strength and determination to rise above the teasing. With a steady hand, he reached out and took Ming Zhe's offered palm.
"I'd be honored," Qing Yi said, his voice steadier than he felt.
As they moved to the center of the room, Qing Yi could feel all eyes on them. But with Ming Zhe's assured grip guiding him, he found himself standing a little taller, ready to face whatever came next.
Nie Huaisang watched the pair glide onto the dance floor, his eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. Ming Zhe's sudden interest in Qing Yi was unexpected, especially given his popularity and status. What game was the Quidditch captain playing? Nie Huaisang couldn't help but wonder about Ming Zhe's true intentions, his gaze flicking between the dancing pair and the reactions of their housemates.
As Ming Zhe's hand settled on Qing Yi's waist, a small jolt of electricity seemed to pass through the younger Slytherin. The common room faded into a hushed backdrop, the soft melody of the music enveloping them in their own private world.
As they began to move, Qing Yi was struck by the fluid grace of his partner's movements. Ming Zhe led with an effortless confidence, each step precise yet flowing like water. Qing Yi found himself following instinctively, his body moving in perfect harmony with Ming Zhe's. The sensation was exhilarating, almost magical.
'Wow,' Qing Yi thought, his emerald eyes widening slightly. 'I didn't expect Senior Huang to be this good.' A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, a mixture of surprise and admiration.
As they twirled across the floor, Qing Yi's thoughts began to wander. The image of Lan Xichen floated into his mind, unbidden but not unwelcome. 'I wonder if Senior Lan is practicing now too,' he mused, his brow furrowing slightly. 'Is he as smooth and skilled as Senior Huang?'
The mental picture of Lan Xichen dancing with an unknown girl suddenly materialized, causing a sharp pang in Qing Yi's chest. His heart seemed to constrict, a wave of sadness and longing washing over him. 'Who is he taking to the dance? ' he wondered, a hint of wistfulness coloring his thoughts. 'Is she a nominated Ravenclaw queen? I bet she's pretty...'
Lost in his musings, Qing Yi's expression grew distant. His emerald eyes, usually sharp and alert, became slightly unfocused. His movements remained in sync with Ming Zhe's, but his mind was far away.
"Not bad at all," Ming Zhe's voice cut through Qing Yi's reverie, the words accompanied by a subtle squeeze of his hand.
Qing Yi blinked rapidly, his eyes refocusing as he looked up at Ming Zhe. A mix of confusion and embarrassment flitted across his face. "I'm sorry, what?" he asked, his voice slightly breathless.
A light smile played on Ming Zhe's lips, his amber eyes twinkling with amusement. "I said, you're quite light on your feet. It's a pleasant surprise."
A faint blush bloomed across Qing Yi's cheeks, the color deepening as he realized he'd been caught daydreaming. He averted his gaze, focusing on a point just past Ming Zhe's shoulder.
"Oh... it's all thanks to your excellent guidance, Senior Huang. I'm just following your lead," he murmured, his voice a mix of genuine praise and slight embarrassment.
Ming Zhe let out a soft chuckle, the sound unexpectedly warm and rich. It sent a small shiver down Qing Yi's spine. "Is that so?" Ming Zhe mused, his tone playful. He observed Qing Yi for a moment, his gaze searching and intense.
"Though I suspect that's not the whole story, given how your mind seemed to be wandering moments ago."
Realizing he'd been caught, Qing Yi felt a flash of panic. He quickly said, "I apologize. I was just daydreaming a bit. I'll focus more." His words came out in a rush, his eyes darting nervously to meet Ming Zhe's before looking away again.
"It's quite alright," Ming Zhe assured him, his voice softening. His amber eyes seemed to glow in the dim light of the common room, filled with a warmth that Qing Yi had never noticed before.
"I rather enjoy your dazed expression. You looked..." he paused, searching for the right word, his brow furrowing slightly in concentration, "very serene."
The softness in Ming Zhe's voice caught Qing Yi off guard. He found himself meeting the older student's gaze, drawn in by the unexpected gentleness he found there. The usual intimidation he felt around Ming Zhe began to ebb away, replaced by a flutter of nervousness in his stomach and a growing sense of admiration.
Feeling his face heat up even more, Qing Yi looked away again, trying to hide his deepening blush. But from the knowing glint in Ming Zhe's eyes and the slight upturn of his lips, Qing Yi knew his efforts were in vain.
As Qing Yi and Ming Zhe twirled across the dance floor, the Slytherin common room erupted into a chorus of whispers and wide-eyed stares. The flickering torchlight cast an enchanting glow on the pair, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
"Merlin's beard," a girl with pigtails whispered, her eyes wide as saucers. "Why does this look strangely... cute?"
Her friend nodded, barely suppressing a giggle. "I know, right? Who knew our Ice Prince Ming Zhe could melt like this?"
Across the room, a group of boys watched with furrowed brows, their expressions a mix of confusion and begrudging admiration.
"What's Huang playing at?" one muttered, scratching his head.
Another shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Who cares? This is the best entertainment we've had all term!"
Meanwhile, Wen Chao stood rooted to the spot, his entire body rigid with tension. His eyes, narrowed to slits, were fixed on the dancing pair with an intensity that could have burned holes through their robes. His face twisted into a scowl, a mix of anger, confusion, and something deeper he couldn't quite name.
"Would you look at that," he growled under his breath, his words barely audible over the music. His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles turning white. "The little wildcat's turned into a purring kitten. With me, he's all claws and hisses, but with Huang? Suddenly he's as docile as a Puffskein!"
Jin Guangyao, ever the opportunist, slid up beside him with the silent grace of a Kneazle. His eyes glittered with mischief as he leaned in close. "My, my, Wen Chao. Green isn't your color, you know. If it bothers you so much, why not cut in and sweep our 'queen' off his feet?"
Wen Chao's head whipped around, his hand lashing out to smack Jin Guangyao, who nimbly ducked the blow.
"Are you mental?" Wen Chao hissed, his face flushing a deep crimson. "That's... that's revolting. I'm not 'like that'." He turned back to the dance floor, his scowl deepening as he saw Ming Zhe pull Qing Yi into a graceful spin. "What in Salazar's name is Huang thinking? It's appalling!"
Jin Guangyao straightened up, brushing imaginary dust from his robes. "Oh? Perhaps you should take notes from Ming Zhe. At least he has the backbone to go after what he wants. Unlike some people who just stand around and seethe."
Wen Chao's eyes narrowed, his glare so sharp it could have sliced through stone. "Watch your mouth, Jin," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "My tolerance for your smugness has its limits. Push it further, and you'll find out just how short that fuse is."
Jin Guangyao's lips curled into a mocking smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. He placed a hand dramatically over his heart and gave an exaggerated shudder.
"Ooh, scary," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm positively quaking in my dragonhide boots. Whatever shall I do in the face of such terrifying threats?"
The tension between them crackled like static electricity, a stark contrast to the flowing movements of the dancers they'd been watching. It was as if they were engaged in their own dance - one of words and wits, each step carefully calculated to wound and provoke.
****