Chapter 12
Kalevi carefully adjusted his forest green tie, glancing at himself in the mirror with a mix of nerves and excitement. The Yule Ball was just hours away, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. Standing beside him, August looked equally dapper in his dark red velvet suit, a perfect complement to his status as a participant in the Triwizard Tournament. As they buttoned up their jackets, Kalevi couldn't help but notice how their contrasting colours symbolised their unique journeys that had led them to this moment. Kalevi ran his hands through his curly hair in an attempt to smooth it down, revealing the nerves that lay beneath his confident facade. Meanwhile, August adjusted his bow tie with precision, his steady hands betraying no sign of anxiety. The excitement in the air was palpable as they made their way towards the grand entrance of the castle, joining the throng of students and faculty eagerly anticipating the night's festivities.
Kalevi's heart raced as he entered the Yule Ball, his eyes scanning the crowd for Draco. And then, he saw him - Draco, standing tall and confident in his perfectly tailored suit. The sight took Kalevi's breath away. The crisp black fabric hugged Draco's form, accentuating his aristocratic features and commanding presence.
Soon Professor McGonagall quickly approached August and his date, a slytherin named Kayla in her last year at Hogwarts, the same as August.
“It's traditional that the three champions or in this case four are the first to dance, are you and Ms.Route ready,”
August nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, Professor McGonagall," he replied confidently. He extended his hand to Kayla, who graciously accepted with a smile of her own. The two couples made their way to the centre of the dance floor as the music began to play.
The Triwizard champions began to dance, professors soon followed, then students. Kalevi stood on the floor awkwardly, watching the groups as he had no one to dance with. Even Draco had someone to dance with, Tyhmä Pansy Parkinson.
Kalevi's eyes darted across the dance floor, taking in the swirling couples. His heart sank as he spotted Draco, locked in a passionate embrace with Pansy Parkinson. Unaware of the non consensual nature of their kiss, Kalevi's mind raced with thoughts of betrayal and jealousy. He felt a knot tighten in his chest, an ache that threatened to consume him. As the music continued to play and the dancing continued around him, Kalevi stood frozen in place, his eyes fixed on Draco and Pansy. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the painful sight before him. He felt his eyes well with tears as he made his way out of the dance hall.
He sat on the stairs, wiping his face muttering to himself.
"Tyhmä Kalevi, Sinä olet sellainen Itkupilli, Draco ei ole homo, miksi edes luulit sen toimivan?" he mumbled wiping his face trying to stop the tears.
Draco's footsteps echoed on the stairs as he made his way towards Kalevi. Confusion etched across his face, he approached cautiously, unsure of what had just transpired. "Kalevi," Draco called softly, his voice laced with concern. "Why did you run out? What happened?" Kalevi's tear-stained face turned towards Draco, a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes. He struggled to find the words to explain the pain that consumed him. But before he could speak, Draco was kneeling down beside Kalevi. His touch was gentle as he wiped away the remnants of tears from Kalevi's cheeks. "I don't understand," Draco whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "Tell me what's wrong." And in that moment, Kalevi found solace in Draco's presence. With a shaky breath, he mustered the courage to open up about his feelings of betrayal and longing.
"Why did Pansy kiss you?" Kalevi stuttered barely speaking.
Draco's face softened as he realised the source of Kalevi's pain. He took a deep breath before responding, his voice filled with regret. "Kalevi, I didn't ask Pansy to kiss me," Draco explained earnestly. "It was unexpected and unwanted." Kalevi looked at him sceptically, unsure whether to believe him or not. But there was a sincerity in Draco's eyes that made it difficult for him to dismiss the words. "Kalevi," Draco paused before continuing, "Do you have a crush on me?"
Kalevi's heart skipped a beat at Draco's question. The vulnerability in Draco's voice was evident, and it mirrored the vulnerability Kalevi felt in that moment. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. But then he nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Draco's gaze. "Yes," he admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Draco stared blankly for a moment before speaking once again.
"Can I kiss you?"
Kalevi's breath caught in his throat at Draco's unexpected question. His heart raced as he considered the possibility of finally being able to feel Draco's lips against his own. With a mix of anticipation and nervousness, Kalevi nodded, unable to form any words in response. A small smile tugged at the corners of Draco's mouth as he leaned closer, closing the distance between them. Their lips met gently, and in that moment, all doubts and pain melted away. It was a kiss filled with longing and understanding, a silent promise of something more to come. As they pulled apart, their eyes locked once again. Draco's heart pounded in his chest, and a mix of flustered delight and typical pettiness swirled within him. He couldn't help but smirk, his eyes gleaming mischievously as he looked at Kalevi. "Well," Draco said, his voice laced with playful arrogance, "I hope that kiss was enough to make up for Pansy's mistake." A blush colored Kalevi's cheeks, but there was a spark of amusement in his eyes.
"It definitely helped," Kalevi replied, unable to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
They sat there in comfortable silence, their hands intertwined, basking in the newfound connection between them. It was as if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders, and they could finally be themselves without fear or judgment.
"Now what?" Kalevi whispered.
Draco's mischievous smirk faded, replaced by a look of sincerity. "Now," he whispered back, "we can take this a step at a time, and we can go back inside the dance hall," Kalevi nodded in agreement, his heart filled with hope and happiness.
After a few stolen glances, they couldn't resist stealing one more kiss before reluctantly making their way back to the vibrant dance hall. The taste of anticipation still lingered on their lips as they walked through the dimly lit corridor. Each step felt like an eternity, as if time itself was conspiring against them, trying to keep them apart. But nothing could dampen the electric connection that pulsed between them - a magnetic force drawing them closer with every passing moment.
As they approached the entrance of the dance hall, the sound of music grew louder and more intoxicating. It beckoned them inside like a siren's call, promising another round of exhilarating twirls and passionate embraces on the crowded dance floor.
They entered the bustling room together, Kalevi quickly was pulled away by August and Draco being pulled away by Pansy. As they walked their different ways, Kalevi couldn't help but see Draco wink at him.