⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰
Atlas’s lips curled into a smile gazing upon the scene — the warm glow from the chandeliers, the elegant velvet drapes, the crowds of people mingling in their masked attire. It was like a blur between fantasy and reality, past and present. He felt excitement coursing through his veins the moment the stepped in. He was surrounded by familiar faces, yet their masks concealed their identities to be almost unrecognizable. There was a certain intrigue which came with the unknown, getting to share a laugh and a drink with your closest friends as if they were strangers, and your enemies as well.
Out of all the events, Atlas favored the masquerade balls the most. Though, not only because it signified a new beginning. Slipping a mask on and concealing his identity, he could move among the crowd without a care. He could give up on perfection and let his actions come naturally, guided by what feels right rather than what’s expected. And not one person would get the same impression of him. He would slip into a different role with each conversation, playing with their expectations to his heart’s content. And at the end of the night, nobody would know who he really was, inside or outside. There was a thrill in keeping the anticipation high, letting his identity remain an enigma for the rest of eternity. That’s how he preferred it.
He let the music direct his movement, as he entered the ballroom with grace. The light danced along his deep blue suit, which he’d chosen for its resemblance to the night sky. Musical notes adorned his mask, its golden accents shimmering with the lighting. The elegant melody added to the enchanting atmosphere, freeing him of his concerns and making him feel as if he’s floating. Atlas closed his eyes briefly, focusing on how the instruments blended together in perfect harmony. But the more time passed, the more a bitter feeling began to settle in his stomach. His smile slowly faded as he glanced at the performers. If things were any different, he would’ve been among them, violin in hand and guiding the rhythm. But he’d become just another spectator of that grand performance. One meant to be seen by all the students, staff, faculty, everyone who’d step foot at the event.
Soon, he told himself. Soon he could return to his old life, soon he’d experience the euphoric feeling of being among the performers. But for now, he had to pass by them and continue on as if he wasn’t affected. Because he wasn’t, everything was okay. He took a drink from a tray, swirling it in his hand yet never bringing it close to his lips. He sighed, his thoughts drifting off.
The headmaster’s speech had reminded him how much he missed the university. Though the mention of an unexplained absence would raise alarm among new and old students alike, Atlas wasn’t one of them. He found it pointless to waste time worrying, Miles would return. It was tradition at that point, one that Atlas wasn’t in the mood to question. Another school year had begun, after all, and it was a new chance to aim for the top and prove himself. That was the goal, nothing could hold him back from it. His mind would no longer wander aimlessly as it did during the summer. As much as he loved its golden rays and the freedom to pursue his hobbies, he missed the thrill of academic expectations weighing on him. Exams, deadlines, constant new material to keep up with. There was always something to do, and as unhinged as he sounded, he enjoyed the pressure.
And he was back among his friends, acquaintances and strangers he was yet to befriend. Though he could barely tell the guests apart, he moved from person to person with a friendly smile. He’d exchanged words with so many people that he lost count. Playful banter, clinking glasses and shared dances, he continued to navigate the crowd with enthusiasm. Most of his conversations were brief, shallow, yet he wouldn’t have it any other way. Because if he let them stay in his presence for too long, they may start to piece things together. And where was the fun in that?
As he waved goodbye to a group he’d just met, his eyes scanned the crowd for someone new to get acquaintaned with. A captivating sight walked in front of his view. It was a woman whose deep blue dress caught his attention, its white sequins resembling stars on the night sky — a sight that was so familiar, and so dear to him as well. Hidden beneath her mask, she was unrecognizable, and there were no other hints to her identity. Atlas took a step forward, his smile warm as he approached her.
“Enjoying the ball so far?” he asked, his eyes trailing up to her mask. “I’ve attended a few times already, and I still can’t get enough of the scene. Might just be me though,” he added, taking a sip of his drink. Though a complete stranger, there was something familiar about her. Atlas couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was, maybe she resembled someone he knew or just met, or maybe his intuition was wrong. But now he was left wondering who could be hiding behind that mask. With a mischievous grin, he glanced at her dress. “Were you trying to match with me? I’m honored,” he chuckled.