Later that evening Miso and Luna turned their house into a runway. They both accompanied them to the pre-filming event. Since Luna was allowed to bring someone to escort.
The amble ballroom glittered under chandeliers, the air heavy with anticipation. Luna walked in with Miso by her side, as she was allowed to bring someone to accompany as a ball partener. Both dressed a notch above their usual, though Luna was still adjusting to this new, surreal reality.
The idea of being here,about to be part of a celebrity dating show,felt like walking through a dream, or perhaps, a carefully orchestrated nightmare.
Miso nudged her as they passed a group of sleek-looking women, their masked faces oozing confidence. "I can't believe we're here. Look at them…they could be anyone. A-list actresses, singers, maybe even that model we saw in the magazine last week."
Luna offered a half-smile, still feeling out of place. "Yeah, or maybe they're just better at faking confidence than I am."
Miso shook her head, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Stop being so modest! You're here for a reason, Luna. This is your chance to step out into something... epic."
Luna wasn't so sure about that, but she couldn't deny the attraction to the event. This was different. After everything that had gone wrong at work, maybe this was a way to reset, even if it meant diving headfirst into the unknown.
THE EVENT BEGINS
The ballroom filled with the soft hum of conversation, each guest wearing a mask, all concealing the true faces behind them. It was like living in a modern fairytale, one with high stakes and higher expectations. Luna was moving restlessly with her own mask, a sleek red one that felt heavier than it looked.
"Ladies and gentlemen," a voice drew everyone's attention. The event coordinator stood at the center of the room, commanding everyone with an almost regal presence.
"Welcome to The Masquerade of Hearts!
Before we dive into the show, tonight is a special occasion…an exclusive pre-filming event where our contestants can mingle and get a feel for the competition. But remember...to tell...no names, no identities, just your numbered masks."
A ripple of excitement coursed through the room as people turned toward each other, their curiosity barely contained.
Miso leaned in, her eyes darting around as she lowered her voice. "This is wild. Everyone here could be famous, and you'd never know. That guy over there," she pointed subtly, "could be a movie star. Or maybe a tech billionaire. And that woman…definitely a singer. I feel like I'm in a spy movie."
Luna chuckled nervously, her eyes wandering across the room. "Or we're all just pretending not to be completely terrified."
Before she could continue, her gaze landed on a figure standing near the bar. Masked like everyone else, this person…No. 13…stood out, his stance casual, but there was an undeniable air of authority about him. He held a drink, swirling it absently, as if he were too comfortable for someone supposedly anonymous. His black suit was tailored to perfection, his mask a sleek silver.
Luna frowned, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. There was something about the way he stood, the subtle way he observed the room as if he owned it. Could it be...? No, it was ridiculous. But her curiosity was piqued.Miso caught her staring and grinned. "Ohh, someone's caught your eye?"
Luna blushed. "I wasn't—okay, fine. It's just—something about him seems familiar, but I can't place it."
Miso wiggled her eyebrows mischievously. "Who knows? Maybe it's destiny. Or maybe he's your knight."
Luna rolled her eyes. "Or he's just a regular guy who happens to look good in a suit."
Miso laughed. "Sweetie, no one in this room is 'regular.' Don't forget that."
Luna's eyes lingered on No. 13 for a moment longer before shaking her head, forcing herself to focus on the event at hand as she placed her thoughts.Whoever he was, it didn't matter. This is a game, after all, and everyone here had their own role to play,perhaps I'm too sparkled with the shine tonight.
The Hidden Producer's Observation
From across the room, No. 13 …who was, unbeknownst to the other contestants, the secret producer of the show…sipped his drink and allowed himself a moment of quiet amusement. He had chosen to blend into the pre-filming event, observing how the contestants interacted before the cameras started rolling.His gaze found Luna once more, her red mask making her stand out in the crowd. She seemed lost in thought, still adapting to the whirlwind around her. He watched her with quiet curiosity. She was different from the others…less polished, more real. That intrigued him.He smirked beneath his mask as if he recognised her.
As the night wore on, Luna found herself drawn deeper into the atmosphere. She mingled with the other masked contestants, her nerves were beginning to settle. But something still nagged at her—the feeling that this was all a little too surreal, too... orchestrated.
"You okay?" Miso asked, noticing her friend's distracted expression.
"Yeah, just... I don't know, I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop," Luna admitted, glancing around the room.
Miso shrugged. "Maybe it is,I sure can tell"
Luna gave a noncommittal smile. "Or I could embarrass myself on live TV."
Miso laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Either way, it's going to be entertaining. And if nothing else, we'll have great stories to tell."
Luna sighed, feeling the weight of her red mask pressing against her face. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's just hope I don't trip on my way to stardom."
Suddenly , the doors swing open,and in strides Rosalie, making a shimmering appearance,dressed in a red gown,her striking presence gathered all the attention on her. She didn't wear a mask. Perhaps to outshine everyone. Since there was no rule that you cannot enter without it, it wholly depends upon one.
She dramatically clutches her chest as she speaks,"oh my gosh, i can't believe i was so worried i wouldn't get here in time to support my friends."
She looks around catching the eyes of a fellow contestant she knew,who began to comfort her saying, "you're here that's what matters!"
The fellow contestant mentioned here was none other than a well known actor,recognized for his good looks and charisma and scandalous life, RYU , who often led those with mixed opinions about him. Despite that he maintained a loyal fan base drawn to his charm and his talent. And hence his motivations were self serving and that's when he appears to lead rosalie to masquerade of hearts aiming to maintain his public image. He then continues… "Now are you happy that you're on the show along with me"
Rosalie lightens up with a feigned cheerfulness "of course Ryu."
Meanwhile, Luna and miso exchanged puzzled expressions,slowly piecing together "is that…? No way…rosalie" Luna nods at miso as she looks at rosalie in disbelief. "yes look she said ryu"
Miso acknowledges "She knows Ryu…that actor, I can't believe he is here" she muttered to Luna who nodded equally taken aback. miso continues "oh my god, you had any clue?"
Rosalie laughed at one of the contestants' jokes as she mingled. "I think I know why exactly she is here. Ryu is doing a selfish charity and she can go that far to take that charity." Luna smirked beneath her mask.