Two days before the ball
Ilyas couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly at Orpheus’s less-than-stellar retort. He replied with an air of indifference, “Well, you know what they say about stray rodents – they usually find the best scraps in the most unexpected places.” The exchange was far from the usual witty banter he enjoyed with friends, but with Orpheus, it was a game of one-upmanship, and he intended to play his part.
As Ilyas bantered with Orpheus, his thoughts drifted for a moment. He pondered why their interactions always devolved into petty rivalry. He couldn’t pinpoint the root cause of their hate, but he knew Orpheus’s presence never failed to amuse him. Despite the simmering tension, Ilyas was determined to maintain his nonchalant demeanor, concealing the unease that gnawed at him beneath the surface.
Ilyas’s lips curled into a sly grin, his tone laced with a hint of mischief. “It’s a captivating name, Orpheus. Such a pleasure to enunciate.” His comment was delivered with a playful cadence, and he met Orpheus’s gaze steadily, challenging him to continue their verbal duel.
Ilyas quirked an eyebrow at Orpheus’s statement, his dry humor resurfacing as he replied, “But Orpheus, I thought you enjoyed admiring my handsome face from a distance.” His words were delivered with a sardonic twist, a playful jibe aimed at his rival. The atmosphere between them remained charged, each word sparking another round of their verbal sparring.
As Orpheus loomed closer, his breath heavy with tension, Ilyas met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. Their close proximity did little to quell the palpable friction between them, each moment laden with unresolved hostility.
lyas could practically feel the heat of the anger radiating off him. With a sly grin, Ilyas leaned in slightly and quipped, “Well, I must admit, your sharp tongue only adds to your allure.” The words dripped with a flirtation but were laced with a subtle intent to stoke the fires of irritation within Orpheus.
Ilyas couldn’t resist a playful smirk as he leaned in closer, the alcohol making him bolder. “Maybe I should whisper sweet nothings in your ear, Orpheus. It may bring out your charming side.” His words dripped with sarcasm, and he knew he was pushing the limits of their rivalry, but it was hard to resist the opportunity to rile Orpheus up even more.The tension between them was electric, and Ilyas reveled in it, pushing the boundaries of their contentious relationship even further.
@DandelionKate hehe