~2~

"Anndddd, done!" Aki exclaimed wiping the sweat off of her forehead. It had gotten dreadfully hot in the room and we had finished the last dress for the night.

"Finally..." I yawned. I rubbed my eyes, which threatened to shut and go to sleep any moment now.

"Ya know, you didn't have to stay here this late (Y/N)," Aki said noting my inability to keep awake. "I already got you measurements for your dress, just go home and get some sleep while I make yours, ok?"

I sighed in defeat as I began to make my exit. "Thanks for everything Aki," I began.

"No, thank you (Y/N), without you, I might not have been able to complete all this work!" Aki said with a happy tone in her voice, pushing away from her work desk to kick back for a moment. Though I only did simple tasks for her, due to my lack of experience, we made a pretty good team.

"Heh, no problem Aki, anything for a friend," I smiled cheerily at her before returning to my way out the door.

"Goodnight (Y/N). Godspeed!" Aki ended as the door shut behind me.

I began making my way towards my home, when I felt a chill through my spine. I paused for a moment, feeling the eyes of another glued on my back. I felt a sudden rush of adrenaline and fast walked to my house. I didn't dare check my theory and look behind me.

When I got to my house, I threw open the door and slammed it behind me, locking it shut. I let out the breath that I just realized I had been holding and began to trudge upstairs.

I quickly threw on a less suffocating dress and flopped onto my bed. Before I knew it, I had drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

~♛~

Awakening from a heavy slumber, I rolled to my side attempting to drift back into sleep. Searching through my thoughts, I then instantly remembered the ball. I jumped out of bed and threw on a dress that was easiest to slip on. I grabbed my money then bolted out the door.

I swung open the door, greeted by the same joyful chime. A familiar face peeked out from around the corner.

"Ah! (Y/N)! You're just in time!" She chirped.

I began to walk towards her but she abruptly stopped me. "Wait! Close your eyes! You're not allowed to see it until it's on you!" She halted.

"Ok ok , finneee," I giggled before closing my eyes shut. It seemed a bit odd at first, but I understood she wanted it to be a surprise.

She led to the back where I took my dress off and she put the new one on over my undergarments. At first I felt extremely awkward, but she's been doing this for years now, so it made me feel a bit less on edge. I could barely breath when she tightened the dress, but I guess that's what we women have to deal with in this society.

When Aki finishes, she took a step back, beginning to admiring how I looked in the dress. "(Y/N)... You look stunning..." she gaped in awe.

"Can I pleaaaase open my eyes now?" I pleaded impatiently.

"Ok, you can open them now." She replied. In relief I opened my eyes and couldn't even believe what I was seeing.

On me was a (F/C) ball gown with detailing of silver. The stitching was incredible and the entirety of the dress was fit for a princess, or rather a queen. My jaw was practically hanging with astonishment.

"Eeek! (Y/N), you look like a goddess! Now I'm going to do your hair and makeup!" She squealed with excitement.

After another 40 minutes of work, she had finished my hair and makeup leaving me even more mesmerized by my own reflection. She neatly styled my hair into an effortless looking updo with a flowy looking effect with small flower decals resting on top. And makeup was put on lightly, Aki said that she wanted my natural beauty to shine through, and that she didn't want to cake it on so I looked hideous.

"I'm so happy, it looks so good on you!" She said wiping a tear from her eye, "You're queen worthy, I'm sure of it!" I let out a deep breath.

"Aki, I don't know what to say..." "Then don't say anything, go on and get to that ball! You can't be late!" I nodded to her before I began to walk towards the door, until suddenly, "Wait (Y/N)! I have this for you!" She said holding something in her hand. "I was told that the ball was a masquerade, so I made you this!" She said handing me a mask that matched my dress.

"It's beautiful..." I said taking it into my hands, admiring the way it way so perfectly made. I carefully put it on, not wanting to ruin it.

"I'm glad you think so," she smiled cheerfully. "Now go on!" She said shooing me out the door.

I took one step out of the door feeling the warm evening air brush against my skin before I adjusted the mask on my face. I never called for a carriage, so I figured walking would be easier, thank god Aki supplied me with flats instead of heels.

~♛~

By the time I made it through the gate and beautiful gardens, I stopped before a large staircase which lead to the entrance. I took my first step, but I felt a sudden wave of regret. Why am I even here? I thought to myself. I'm not fit to be a queen, I'm just a peasant who is looked down on, who would want that. I should just go...

As I thought about leaving, I remembered everything that Aki had done for me to even be at this ball, and how she sacrificed going herself just for me. Ugh, but I can't go in there, I'll only make a fool out of myself...

I sighed in anger as I plopped down and sat on the stairs. It's hopeless, I thought aloud. In a moment, I heard footsteps descending the stairwell. I had assumed it was just someone leaving, so I ignored the sound completely.

All of a sudden I felt a hand rest on my shoulder, I looked up in confusion to see a charming young man with dark hair and a lovely traditional Japanese styled mask.

Before I could utter a word, he began speaking. "My my, what is a beautiful young maiden like you doing out here all alone?" I looked back down at the ground, slightly flustered by the compliment.

"I... I wasn't feeling w-well," I stuttered, surprised by my own actions. Woah, (Y/N). You never stutter, what gotten into you?

"I see, well I insist I shall be your escort into the ball," he stated calmly.

"Oh... sir, there's no need. I'm perfectly capable, you go enjoy yourself," I answered respectfully.

"I couldn't simply enjoy myself while thinking of you out here all alone, now come with me, I insist," he replied quickly.

I realized there was no getting around him, so I flashed an appreciative smile towards him, "Alright, if you insist." He smiled brightly as a response to my approval.

"Great! Then let's get going shall we?" He said extending his hand for me to grab.

I gratefully took his hand as he lightly chuckled and we began our trip up the stairs. His grasp on my hand was firm, and my second thoughts on coming to the ball were washed away. Maybe coming here tonight wasn't a bad idea after all...