From the moment I opened my eyes on the morning of my eighteenth birthday, something in the air felt... different. Not in the today-is-my-debut-so-I-should-feel-excited way, but in a way I couldn't quite explain. Like destiny was stretching its limbs, preparing for a grand entrance into my life.
Maybe it's because I've always been the serious type. The kind of girl who reads too much into glances and overthinks conversations. I'm not shy—just... realistic. Especially about relationships. I've never had one. Not because I wasn't interested, but because I believed love shouldn't be rushed. My parents set the bar high, and watching them build their life from scratch after marrying young only made me more intentional with mine. They were proof that love wasn't about flowers and fairytales—it was about foundation, faith, and building dreams together.
And me? I was still waiting for my first chapter to begin.
But last night—it happened.
My debut. My one night of feeling like a princess in a masquerade castle. The kind of night you can only dream of until it dances into reality.
And oh, it did dance.
---
I didn't think anything could top the moment I saw the ballroom decked in silver, violet, and gold. Chandeliers sparkled like stars had dropped from the sky just to celebrate with me. My parents gave me full control of the party—"It's your night, sweetheart," Mom had said—and I made sure to mix class with chaos. There was a grand staircase, fog machines, a mini-concert stage, and... no limit on my 18 roses.
That's how it happened.
In the middle of the 14th dance, I spotted him.
No. Not spotted—felt him.
He didn't speak. He didn't even introduce himself. He just walked up through the fog and asked for a dance with a bow like he had stepped out of another century. His tuxedo was tailored to perfection. His mask, elegant and mysterious. And his touch—gentle, secure, like I had always known him.
We danced.
It was slow, yet timeless.
I didn't know his name, and I couldn't see his face. But somehow, my heart moved to a rhythm I had never known before.
---
I told myself it was just the magic of the night. Maybe the fog, the violin music, the masquerade theme, the adrenaline of turning legal. But then he disappeared right after the dance ended, like a dream that slips from your fingers when you wake up too quickly.
I should have forgotten him.
But fate had other plans.
The concert part of my debut began—my moment to shine. With my bandmates (who also happen to be my best friends), I sang my lungs out and rocked the stage like I had waited my whole life for this moment.
My parents watched from the front row, eyes shining, pride painted all over their faces.
Then they came up on stage, surprising me with a message that would be carved into my heart forever.
> "Dear, what we witnessed tonight is a reflection of our dream for you. Be as happy as we raised you to be. May God guide you as you step into this new chapter. You are free to discover life—just be responsible in everything you do. We'll always be here, cheering you on."
Yes, I cried. No, it didn't ruin my makeup. Waterproof, darling. I'm still as gorgeous as my mom, thank you very much.
Then—he came back.
---
He approached slowly while I was still dabbing my eyes. In front of everyone, he reached out with the softest, thinnest handkerchief I've ever held. He took off his mask, and I swear I stopped breathing.
He was... beautiful.
Not just handsome. Beautiful. His features, soft yet striking, were almost too perfect. He had eyes that looked like they'd seen galaxies and lips that curved with a quiet confidence.
How could I not have recognized him during our dance?
Dad smirked from the stage, clearly enjoying the drama. I glanced at him with my eyes screaming, Why didn't you warn me?!
He mouthed, "You'll see."
Whatever that meant.
The band transitioned, and my parents began to perform with their old group—yes, they're still full-time musicians with part-time parenting skills that deserve a standing ovation. The guy—still nameless—watched them, clearly stunned.
> "So… you're a family of musicians," he said with a soft grin.
> "Yup," I replied, almost shy.
> "You're all incredible. I've seen your parents' performances on YouTube... and yours too."
> "Mine?" I blinked. "How?!"
> "I'm a fan. I've followed your family for years," he chuckled. "I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Artum Wolin. I'm 20. A music and art professor. I help run my family's creative business. We perform too—my parents and yours used to be close friends, and still are, actually."
Wait, what?
> "So... we're basically the same breed of unicorns," I said, laughing.
> "Even our names match," he added, smiling wider. "Do you know what 'Suci Mrat' means?"
> "It's just my name," I said, confused.
> "Nope. It's 'Music and Art.' Rearranged. Your name is their passion."
I froze. I'd never even thought of that.
> "And mine?" he continued. "Artum. Art and Music."
I couldn't help it. I laughed in pure disbelief. "Our names are twins."
Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Dad.
> "Honey, your guests are about to leave. Five minutes—are you going to say something to wrap it up?"
> "On it," I replied.
He teased over the phone, "With Art?"
Ugh. Dads.
---
Artum offered me his arm. "Shall we?"
I looped mine through his, heart racing. "Let's."
We returned to the stage together. I took the mic and faced the crowd.
---
SUCI'S POV
> "Thank you, everyone, for celebrating my 18th birthday with me. I'm overwhelmed by your love and presence. To my parents—you spoil me with everything I never knew I needed. To my sister, who's always there like my personal superhero. To my friends, mentors, and bandmates—thank you for making this night unforgettable.
> "Today marks the start of a new chapter. I've been given so many blessings in my 18 years—opportunities that many girls don't get. I don't take that lightly. I'm excited to discover who I'm meant to become, and I hope you'll all stay part of my journey."
---
ARTUM'S POV
As she spoke, I saw it.
A vision.
Suci... in a wedding gown. Me, standing across from her. Our hands joined. Our vows whispered between tears and laughter.
I shook my head. Too soon, Artum. Snap out of it.
But something felt different about her. Familiar. Real. Not just from the videos I secretly watched. There was a warmth in her that felt like home.
I should've left. The party was over. But I couldn't move. I was still listening for her voice.
And then, there she was again.
> "Art, thank you for tonight. It was magical. First dance... first meeting. And maybe... the last?"
My chest tightened.
> "Why do you say that?" I asked.
> "I kinda... stalked you." She laughed nervously. "And saw a photo of you holding hands with a girl. You looked... close."
Oh.
So she saw that.
Before I could think, my instincts took over.
I reached out, pulled her in gently by the waist—and kissed her.
Soft, sure, and completely mine.
---
You know those contract marriages you see in K-Dramas or C-Dramas?
Yeah. Ours was real.
Ten years ago, our parents signed an agreement. When Suci turned 18, we'd be officially engaged. Arranged marriage with a modern twist.
But what no one expected... was that I'd fall for her long before she knew who I was.
I watched from afar all these years, protecting her from the sidelines. Letting her grow, letting her shine.
And now—she's finally within reach.
Not just a dream anymore.
She's real.
And she's mine.
---
And that's how our story began.
Not in a fairytale.
Not in a movie.
But on a dance floor, behind a mask, beneath a thousand lights,
With one unforgettable kiss.