The grand ballroom was an opulent masterpiece of flickering chandeliers, polished marble, and laughter echoing through the high-vaulted ceilings. Tonight marked the annual Winter Solstice Ball, a spectacle attended by nobility from all corners of the realm. But even amidst the sea of elegance and glittering jewels, there was one man who stood out: Duke Choi San.

He is dressed in an ensemble of midnight black, the Duke cut a striking figure. His silk shirt shimmered faintly under the light, with its high collar and intricate embroidery trailing down to a fitted waistcoat. A long cape draped over one shoulder added an air of mystery, fastened by a silver clasp shaped like a crescent moon. His gloves, smooth as velvet, flexed slightly as he clasped a goblet in one hand, his piercing gaze scanning the room like a predator in search of his next move.

Y/n pov

I stood near the edge of the ballroom, fingers brushing the stem of my wine glass as I tried to ignore the chatter around me. My family, minor nobles of modest standing, had insisted me attend this grand affair. In my heart, however, had little interest in dancing or schmoozing with the aristocracy. That was, until my eyes fell on him, the Duke.

It was said that Choi San had risen to his station not through inheritance but through cunning, loyalty, and a battlefield strewn with his enemies. He was whispered about in drawing rooms and hushed corners, a man whose charm was as dangerous as his reputation. And yet, as he moved through the crowd with an effortless grace, there was something inexplicably magnetic about him.

When his gaze met mine's, the world seemed to still. His dark eyes glinted, a subtle smirk playing at his lips as he tilted his head, almost as if he were daring me to look away. And I froze, heart hammering in my chest. Before I could decide whether to flee or pretend I haven't noticed, he began walking toward me.

The crowd parted like the sea for him. As he approached, I became acutely aware of everything, my breathing, the warmth of the room, the way his presence seemed to command attention even without words.

San: Good evening.

His voice smooth and rich, with a lilt that sent shivers down my spine. Up close, his beauty was almost unreal, sharp cheekbones, soft lips, and an aura that seemed to blur the line between elegance and danger.

Y/n: Good evening, Your Grace.

After a while, I finally managed to speak up, and praying that my voice didn't betray how nervous I felt. I dipped into a curtsy, but before I could rise fully, he had his hand reached out, gloved fingers gently taking my hand, and lifting it up towards his lips.

San: Such formalities aren't necessary. Not with someone as captivating as you.

My breath hitched as his lips brushed the back of my hand. The kiss was featherlight, yet it felt as if it had left an indelible mark on my skin. When he straightened, his smirk deepened, as though he knew exactly the effect he had on me.

San: Dance with me.

It was not a question, it was a command, though his tone held a softness that made it impossible to refuse.

And with wordlessly, I nodded, allowing him to lead me onto the dance floor. As the orchestra began a new piece, he placed one hand on my waist, the other holding mine's firmly. The touch was electric, his movements assured yet gentle as he guided me into the waltz.

San: You seem surprised. Surely, someone like you is accustomed to attention.

He murmured, leaning close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my ear.

Y/n: I...I didn't expect this.

And my words failed me. How could I explain that no one had ever looked at me the way he did, as if I am the only person in the room?

He chuckled softly, the sound low and intimate. "Good. I prefer to keep people guessing."

For a moment, it felt as if the world had melted away. The music, the other dancers, the grandeur of the ballroom, all of it faded into the background. All that mattered was the way he held me, the way his eyes never left mine's, the way your heart seemed to beat in time with the rhythm of the dance.

As the final notes of the waltz rang out, he pulled me into a fraction closer, his gaze dropping to my lips.

San: Would you allow me the pleasure of stealing you away from this crowd?

He asked me, and his voice barely above a whisper. And my breath caught because of his words. The answer was already on my tongue, but before I could even speak, a voice interrupted, a nobleman approaching to speak with the Duke. San's expression shifted, a flicker of irritation crossing his features before he masked it with a polite smile.

San: Another time then, I guess.

He said, his voice low enough for only me to hear. He brought my hand to his lips once more, his eyes locking with mine's in a silent promise.

San: This isn't the end. I promise.

And just like that, he was gone, disappearing into the crowd as though he had never been there. But the memory of his touch, his gaze, his voice, it lingered, a ghost that refused to be forgotten. And I had a feeling that from now on, my life would never be the same again.

Time skip

The Winter Solstice Ball was over, but the memories of Duke Choi San lingered like a haunting melody in mine mind. I returned to the quiet chambers of my family's estate, the heavy cloak of the evening's events wrapped tightly around my thoughts. The warmth of the ballroom, the intensity of his gaze, and the way his gloved hand had guided me effortlessly through the dance, they played over and over again in my head, as if it's etched into my soul.

It was nearly midnight, and the silence of my room was broken only by the soft crackle of the fireplace. The embers cast flickering shadows on the walls, but I couldn't find any peace. There was a restlessness deep within me, urging me to leave the confines of my chambers. Perhaps a walk in the garden would calm my racing thoughts.

Wrapping a thick shawl around my shoulders, I stepped into the cool night. The garden was serene, bathed in the silver glow of the moon. Frost clung to the edges of the hedges, and the air smelled faintly of snow. The quiet crunch of my boots against the gravel path was the only sound as I wandered aimlessly, lost in my thoughts.

I stopped by the fountain at the heart of the garden, its surface frozen into a perfect sheet of ice. The moonlight reflected off it, creating a soft, ethereal glow. I sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. Just as me were about to turn back toward the house, a voice spoke up, smooth and familiar, broke into the silence of the night.

San: You shouldn't wander alone so late at night.

Hearing his voice makes me froze at my spot, and my heart leaping into my throat. Slowly, I turned to find him standing at the edge of the clearing, partially hidden in the shadows. His black ensemble seemed to blend seamlessly with the night, the silver accents catching just enough moonlight to make him look otherworldly. He had shed his cape, but his gloves remained, and his hands were clasped casually behind his back.

Y/n: Your Grace...

I whispered, your voice trembling slightly, though I weren't sure if it was from the cold or his sudden appearance. And he stepped closer, his boots silent against the frosted grass.

San: I didn't mean to startle you. But I couldn't leave without seeing you again.

He said, his tone is more softer now.

Y/n: Seeing me? But how did you—?

I echoed, and my heart pounding furiously. And he interrupted with a hint of amusement in his voice.

San: Find you? Let's just say I'm very good at getting what I want.

There was no arrogance in his words, only a quiet confidence that sent shivers down my spine. He closed the distance between the two of us, his gaze had never leaving mine's. Up close, the moonlight illuminated his features, making him look even more striking than I remembered. His dark eyes held a softness that was at odds with the sharp, dangerous aura he exuded.

San: You left the ball so suddenly, I was disappointed not to have more time with you.

He said, his voice low and intimate, as if the two of us were the only people in the world.

Y/n: I didn't think you would notice.

I admitted, the words slipping out before I could even stop them. And he chuckled, a deep, rich sound that seemed to wrap around me like a warm cloak.

San: You underestimate your effect, my lady. Do you think I ask just anyone to dance?

I didn't know how to respond. The intensity of his gaze made it impossible to look away, and the way he spoke made it feel as if he could see straight into my soul.

Y/n: I don't know what you want from me.

I finally said, and my voice barely above a whisper. And San's expression softened, he reached out to gently brush his gloved fingers against my cheek. The touch was featherlight, but it sent a spark through me.

San: Perhaps I am also not sure myself. But I know I can't seem to stay away from you.

He admitted, and his voice carrying a rare vulnerability. The sincerity in his words left me breathless. For a moment, neither of us spoke, the silence filled only with the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, San leaned in, his face mere inches from mine.

San: May I?

He asked, his voice barely audible, and let the question hanging in the air between us.

And I nodded, unable to form words. Slowly, he closed the remaining distance, his lips brushing against mine's in a kiss so gentle that it felt like a dream. The world around me seemed to fade, the cold of the night forgotten as his warmth enveloped me. His hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me more closer to him, and for a moment, it felt as though time itself had stopped.

When he finally pulled away, his forehead rested against mine, and his breath mingled with mine's in the cold night air.

San: You have no idea what you've done to me.

He murmured, his voice filled with a mix of longing and restraint. And before I could respond, the distant sound of footsteps reached my ears. San straightened, his expression hardening slightly as he glanced toward the source of the noise. And he said.

San: It seems our time is up,"

And I found that there's a trace of regret in his voice. He stepped back, his gloved hand lingering on mine for a moment before he let go.

San: But this won't be the last you see me.

With that, he melted back into the shadows, leaving me standing alone in the moonlit garden with my heart racing and my lips tingling from his kiss. As I made my way back to the house, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life had just taken a turn that I could never have anticipated.

When I returned to my room, the house was silent except for the faint crackling of the dying embers in the fireplace. And moments later, my hands had find its way up to my lips and lightly touched it, as if it still wanting to feel the lingering warmth of his kiss. Even though it was gone, his presence remained, like a soft whisper wrapped around me. And his last words echoed in mine mind: This won't be the end.

The next morning, as sunlight flooded my room, the memory of the previous night stayed with me. And my heart beat wildly at it, torn apart between fear and the longing of seeing him again. And I couldn't be certain if fate would allow a meeting like this again.

Days later, the family steward brought me a letter, a letter sealed with a familiar silver crescent insignia. The edges of the envelope were embossed with intricate patterns, and the silver wax seal shimmered faintly. My fingers trembled slightly as I carefully broke the seal, sliding out the folded parchment.

"To my moonlight dance partner,"
"Time is merciless, turning our brief encounter into the past. And yet, I cannot drive you from my thoughts. Your smile, your gaze, even your silence have become a haunting melody in the quiet of my nights. I am not one to make promises lightly, but I vow this: It's only the beginning of our story."

"Yours, faithfully,"
"Choi San"

I stared at the letter with my fingertips tracing the elegant handwriting and my heart pounded so fiercely that the rest of the world seemed to fall silent, leaving only the letter and me.

A few days later, a messenger arrived with an invitation, a private gathering at a castle on the outskirts of the kingdom. Unease stirred in my chest, but a quiet voice inside urged me to go. After some time of thinking and thought about the good and bad, I finally agreed.

That evening, as I stood in the grand hall of the ancient castle and dressed in my finest gown, My eyes searched the crowd for the familiar figure. And finally, I spotted him, there he was, dressed once again in black, like a shadow brought to life. He stood near the archway leading to the balcony, with his dark eyes fixed on me. A faint knowing smile is tugging on his lips, as if he wants to say that "I knew you would come."

And it makes my heart skipped a beat. Just as I hesitated, unsure whether to take the first step or not, he was already moving towards me with graceful confidence, his presence commanding attention without effort. He didn't wait for me to speak; instead, he leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. "

San: This time, no one will interrupt us.

His voice was low and intimate, sending a shiver down my spine. Before I could even respond, he took my hand and led me away from the crowd, out into the garden lit by the moon. And then he turned to face me as he held my hand tightly. He spoke up with a serious tone, and his eyes searching for mine's.

San: That conversation we didn't finish last time. I hope you'll give me an answer this time.

Y/n: An answer?

I asked softly, while looking up at him. And he nodded and stepped closer, his gaze both intense and tender, as if he had been waiting for this moment for far too long. "

San: The answer to whether you'll let me remain in your life or not. I admit that I'm not a perfect man, but I'll give everything I have to protect you, to stay by your side, if you'll allow it.

The moonlight bathed him in a soft glow, making him look both warm and enigmatic. And his words struck my heart, leaving me utterly defenseless. Taking a deep breath, I gave in to the pull I could no longer deny and nodded.

A radiant smile spread across his face, warm and genuine like the first light of dawn. He leaned down, capturing my lips in another kiss, this one more certain, more passionate. The moon bore witness to my unspoken promise, and the gentle breeze seemed to carry the earth's quiet blessing.

From that moment on, I knew that my life would no longer be a solitary story but a one that will be written together with him.