#def not a repost haha 👩🏻‍🦯‍➡️

[rindreamery]

nishi's thoughts ─ itoshi sae x reader ─ enemies to ?

"i would rather tread through mud in a new dress than dance with you," you whisper harshly through gritted teeth, gazing into his eyes with animosity. but the polite smile on your lips never falters.

even with the crescendo of the violins in the background, and the chatter of the ton surrounding the two of you, you hear sae scoff under his breath. loud and clear. but he doesn't let it show— his face simply remains neutral, lips pressed into a relaxed line, as he sways you around the ballroom. keeping up the facade of a pleasant dance for anyone who may be watching keenly.

mainly, your mother and his, who had forced the two of you together.

"charming," comes his rather dry, but expected, response. there is not a hint of care in his voice, just irritatingly smooth and monotone as he speaks. "no one is stopping you."

and as if to prove a point, his grip on you loosens at that, his once firmly placed hand on your waist merely hovering. but you sway with him regardless, not making a move to leave.

“scared?”

it takes everything in you to resist the urge to roll your eyes, lips twitching as you fight back a frown. your eyes flicker over to your mother momentarily, checking, only to see that she’s staring right at the two of you. there’s a kind smile on her face as her eyes trail after you two, but you know better— it’s kind, but threatening. reminding you to be nice to him, or else.

you hold your tongue, bringing your gaze back to the man in front of you. “judging from the fact that you won't truly let go of me, it seems you are too.”

like you, he glances over to his mother, and then back at you. “then, i suppose that leaves you with no choice but to dance with me.”

you breathe in heavily, dreading the thought, and you force your smile to be even sweeter and more sickening. “i will pity your next partner—” before you fake a stumble, pretending to trip over your feet as you ‘miscount’ the steps to the beat. you tighten your grip on him, gloved fingers digging into his shoulders, and stepping deliberately onto his foot, angling the heel of your shoe into his with added emphasis.

sae’s body stiffens imperceptibly, and a sharp wince flashes across his face, gone before anyone else can notice. but you don’t miss the way his eyes narrow, ever so slightly, almost glaring at you. maybe, even a little bit in disbelief. you chortle at that, restrained as you try not to make too loud of a sound.

to other people, it looks like a clumsy mistake— a small misstep in your footing. but judging from the look in his eyes, you know he knows.

he grips onto your waist in retaliation, though, with not nearly as much force. provoked. “how unfortunate for you, then.”

© rindreamery, 2025