The night of the Beacon dance shimmered with excitement. Lanterns and crystal lights hung from the grand hall windows, casting glimmers of gold across the polished floor. Students dressed in dresses and tailored suits streamed inside in clusters of chatter and laughter, music already drifting faintly through the open doors.
And standing just outside the entrance was Weiss Schnee waiting for her boyfriend.
Her short white dress hugged her form with elegant precision, the sleeveless design showing just enough to be tasteful yet striking. The translucent mesh at the yoke shimmered faintly under the moonlight, and the cutouts at her waist added a daring touch she would never admit she’d chosen on purpose. White pumps clicked softly against the stone as she shifted her weight, silver hair styled and her pale blue eyes scanned the courtyard for one person in particular.
Her date. Her late date.
Weiss huffed, tapping her foot, ready to scold the moment he appeared. ‘He better not keep me standing here much longer. If he dares show up with his shirt untucked—’
“Sorry, Weiss! I’m here!”
She turned sharply to see Issei Hyoudou jogging across the courtyard, nearly colliding with a pair of students on their way in. He waved sheepishly as he reached her, his black suit slightly rumpled from running, tie crooked, and his hair was of course in an absolute mess like always.
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose. “Issei, honestly! Do you have to make an entrance like you were chased here by Grimm? You’ve kept me waiting.”
He scratched the back of his head, giving her a sheepish grin. “Sorry, sorry! I was wrestling with this stupid tie. I swear, it hates me. Just… wouldn’t tie itself properly.”
Her eyes flicked down at the offending tie, then back up at his hopelessly messy hair. She exhaled, the beginnings of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth despite her exasperation. “You are utterly hopeless without me.”
Issei chuckled at that, rubbing his neck. “Can’t even argue with you there.”
Before he could make another excuse, Weiss stepped closer, her delicate hands already reaching for his tie. She tugged him down slightly, straightening the fabric with a practiced touch. “Hold still,” She instructed, her voice soft but carrying that sharp precision she always spoke with.
Issei went quiet for once, watching her fuss over his clothes. She smoothed his lapel, brushed an imaginary wrinkle from his shoulder, and stepped back with a critical eye.
“There,” she said, satisfaction in her voice. “Now you look… presentable.” She paused, her gaze flicking to his hair. A sigh escaped her. “But fixing that disaster would be an impossible issue.”
He grinned, running a hand through the untamable mess. “Hey, I like it this way. It gives me personality, y’know?”
She rolled her eyes but let it go. ‘It suits him in its own infuriating way.’
It was then Issei really looked at her. For the first time since he arrived, his grin faltered into something softer, his eyes widening slightly as he took her in—the dress, the poise, the quiet confidence she wore like a second skin.
“...Wow,” He said finally, his voice low and almost reverent. “You look… beautiful.”
Weiss felt a flutter in her chest but masked it with a small, knowing chuckle. “It took you long enough to say it.”
He laughed, scratching his cheek, embarrassed but genuine. “Guess I was just distracted by trying not to trip on the way here.”
She shook her head, extending her arm. “Come along, Hyoudou. We’re already late.”
He grinned, looping his arm through hers without hesitation. “Lead the way, Princess.”
Together, they stepped into the light of the ballroom—Weiss poised and radiant, Issei rumpled but handsome in his own chaotic way—two complete opposites, yet perfectly side by side.
And as the doors closed behind them, the music swelled, and for a moment Weiss forgot her worries, her pride, and her carefully rehearsed composure. Because walking into the dance with Issei on her arm felt… right.
—-------------------------------------------
The ballroom of Beacon Academy shimmered from lights and fogs. The buzz of conversation from students and laughter filled the air, mixing with the steady beat of music that Yang had oh-so-enthusiastically curated.
Weiss Schnee never thought she would admit it, but despite the questionable playlist and the occasional chaos, she was… having fun.
Issei of course was the reason why.
The pair had spent the evening mingling among their friends, Weiss politely greeting others while Issei trailed alongside, wolfing down anything the buffet had to offer. He had somehow managed to balance two plates in one hand and still wave to Ruby with the other.
“Issei, must you eat everything in sight?” Weiss muttered, though her lips betrayed the faintest of smiles.
He shrugged, cheeks puffed slightly as he chewed. “Hey, dances are about food too, right? Can’t fight on an empty stomach, can’t dance on one either.”
She rolled her eyes, though she didn’t pull her hand away when he interlaced his fingers with hers.
At one point, they had both cornered Ruby, who lingered at the edge of the dance floor with an expression that screamed discomfort.
“C’mon, Rubes!” Issei coaxed, tugging gently at her wrist. “One dance, just to loosen up!”
Ruby flailed, her face turning red. “N-no! Heels are basically torture devices! I’ll fall on my face!”
Weiss sighed, brushing her bangs back with one hand. “You are the leader of our team, Ruby. Try not to act like a child in front of everyone.”
Ruby pouted, muttering something about betrayal before scurrying back to the refreshment table.
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose. “Hopeless.”
“Don’t worry,” Issei grinned. “She’ll warm up eventually.”
—-------------------------------------
As the night wore on, Weiss found herself… surprisingly charmed. Even though Yang’s energetic music choices grated against her ears, even though some students were far too loud, she still caught herself laughing at Issei’s jokes, even smirking as he mimicked some of the more awkward dancers.
And then—
She blinked, stunned.
On the dance floor, Issei wasn’t flailing. He wasn’t stumbling over his own feet or dragging her across the floor like she had feared. Instead, he was leading with surprising ease, his steps steady, his frame confident as he twirled her at the right moments and guided her with subtle movements.
Weiss, who had fully expected to be doing the teaching, found herself following his lead without difficulty.
“…You can dance?” She asked, incredulous, as he spun her lightly before drawing her back close.
Issei scratched his cheek sheepishly, though his movements never faltered. “Guess so. Honestly, I thought I’d make a fool of myself. But maybe my body just… remembered. Maybe I learned it before I lost my memories.”
Her brows knit, curiosity sparking in her chest. ‘So his body retained skills from before… but not his mind?’ She pushed the thought aside for now.
“I must admit,” She said with a faint smirk, “I was rather looking forward to teaching you.”
He laughed, his grin sheepish but warm. “Sorry to disappoint, Weiss. At least I didn’t step on your feet?”
“That is something to be grateful for.”
They were interrupted briefly by the sight of Jaune Arc—yes, Jaune Arc—leading Pyrrha onto the floor with surprising grace. Both Weiss and Issei paused, staring.
“…Did not see that coming,” Issei muttered.
Weiss hummed in agreement, eyes narrowing slightly. ‘Perhaps there’s more to Arc than I assumed.’
Then Team JNPR, as if emboldened by Jaune’s competence, unveiled a short but synchronized routine that had the room cheering. Weiss clapped politely, but even she couldn’t hide her impressed expression.
The evening shifted again when the tempo slowed, the energetic beat fading into a soft, melodic tune.
Weiss glanced up at Issei, heart skipping.
He smiled down at her, far less goofy this time, and extended his hand. “Want to… y’know. Do the slow one?”
She hesitated—only for a moment—then placed her hand in his.
And soon, they were swaying gently to the music, the chaos of the evening fading until it was just the two of them. Weiss rested her hand lightly on his shoulder while his arm curled around her waist.
“I admit,” she said softly, her voice nearly drowned by the music, “I’m still surprised you can dance like this.”
He chuckled, eyes warm as he looked down at her. “Yeah… me too. Guess there are parts of me that even I don’t understand.” His grin softened. “Still glad I didn’t embarrass myself in front of you.”
Weiss exhaled, her lips curving upward. “You came close. But… you did well.”
Their steps matched perfectly, their bodies moving in harmony.
And in that moment, beneath the glow of the chandeliers and the hush of music, Weiss forgot about everyone else—the dance, the expectations, the judgments.
All that mattered was the boy in her arms.
Then as the dance ended both leaned in and gave each a kiss locking their lips to finish the night.