Sometime around three years ago...

"James, you told me you'd let me meet your sister."

"Later, Andrea. Later," the handsome man smiled at his cute girlfriend as he tapped her hand that is clinging around his arm.

"Okay. Then, where shall we go tonight?"

"Night market," James said beaming.

"What? Why? It's..."

"I heard it's quite popular. I want to try the street foods."

Andrea faked a smile. "Oh right. Haha. You'll surely enjoy them."

What a spoiled child. I try to climb up the ladder but he is letting me return. I should keep up with his attitude. Anyway, he's a gullible man.  Andrea thought to herself as they walked.

She hated the smoke from the food stalls. She acted as if she didn't come from poverty. She doesn't even want to bump with the people crowding the stalls.

She intend to fool around with a crazy rich young man. She seduced him several times but he was a gentleman and he didn't touch her even if they slept together in the same hotel room one for night. They were caught in the harsh storm and no vehicles could travel so even if he had a car, he couldn't drive.

Around the same time, Legis works part-time in a small cafeteria after school. The owner stationed him in the counter one time and because of that, customers have been lining up. He doesn't care about his looks. But thanks to it, he could attract more customers. He also got tips from rich customers who are fond of him.

After work, he goes home, budgets his money, talks with his girlfriend on the phone, and study before going to bed an hour before midnight.

It is his daily routine. For some reason, even if he felt tired, he could still spare some time for a woman he loves. He could smile even just by thinking about her. Her simple gestures and kisses make him dream even bigger. He may just be a poor boy, but he believes that he could achieve something beyond expectation from normal and idle people.

"James, where are you?" Legis called on the phone as he delivered the pastry in the wedding reception.

"Legis, sorry I can't be in the party. Could you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Dance with my sister. Don't worry. It's a masquerade party. She is one of the bridesmaids and I'm one of the groomsmen. I also told the groom that you'll switch with me tonight."

"Wait..."

"I shall hang up bro..."

"James, who is that?"

A woman? Legis frowned upon hearing a woman's voice on the other line before the call ended. It sounded familiar but he shrugged it off. He shoved his phone into his pocket and finished his job.

Legis stared at the costume in front of him. It's an expensive suit he knew he couldn't afford with his meager salary. There's a black mask elegantly patterned with gold and a long black feather glued on one side. He thought of every possible way out but he couldn't ignore a friend's request. James has helped him a lot and he could only pay him back with a small gesture such as dancing with his sister.

After a thorough consideration, he finally decided to wear the suit and the mask.

Alissa dressed up in burgundy tulle gown. Her pale skin radiated against the dark fabric. Among the women in the hall, she had the least charisma. If she dressed up to her style, she would stand out and she could even grab the spotlight from the bride.

The hall slowly became crowded and she kept looking around for her brother's mask. It's a black version of her white one.

Legis got lost in the hallways but he managed to catch up to the set time. As he stepped into the entrance, the clock struck at exactly 8:00. There was a blackout and after five seconds, the arc where he stood lit up. Crimson and azure lights blinked as he heard shutter sounds. An official photographer took a photo of him while others, who must have known that part of the program and waited, took snapshots with their cellphones.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we caught the lucky buzzer beater! This man shall be another groom in three years!" The emcee announced through her microphone. The crowd cheered as they congratulated Legis.

The company 'Ideal' has a tradition of catching the man who entered the reception hall at the exact start of the program. And they held so many weddings that all turned those 'buzzer beater' men into grooms within three years after getting caught. That tradition made them famous in the country, especially among the people in high society. And because they are expensive, only rich people can afford their services.

Legis smiled dryly as a sign of respect but he turned towards the crowd not minding their greetings. He only took the card the emcee gave him, wrote his complete name, and slipped it into the suit's pocket. Then, he continued to search for a burgundy dress. He could see different shades of red dresses among the women but there are no masks that looks like his mask.

There should be a white one.

He continued his way as the crowd dispersed and calmed down.

Alissa was feeling nauseous upon taking a sip from her wineglass. "What did you put in my drink?"

"What? What do you mean?" Her friend asked with the same expression she has. Blushing, fanning herself, and a bit swaying.

"Oh dear. You guys must be first timers," the waitress noticed their reactions as she stopped by. Then she called for assistance.

Alissa and Lina were ushered towards an open space. There is a semi-circular couch and another waitress brought a medicine kit. "You really prepared for this?" Alissa asked with her blurry vision.

"Our customers know this kind of drink. But there are people who can't handle both alcohol and the special ingredient. Don't worry. It's not aphrodisiac. It's against our rules. Here, take them," a woman in suit with eyeglasses passed each of them a tablet.

"I still need to dance," Alissa grumbled as the medicine took effect. She felt sleepy and she collapsed on the couch.

"So here you are," a man's voice reached her ears before she completely lost her consciousness.