The crowd holds its breath as nevernotny’s words echo through the arena, their erasable pen raised in defiance. I take a measured step forward, my smirk unwavering as I meet their narrowed gaze, something about the fire in their eyes making my heart skip—just for a moment.
"Love, you say?" I reply, my voice steady but tinged with challenge. "Admirable indeed. But love without victory is nothing but a dream unfulfilled. And I…" I twirl my pen effortlessly in my hand, the motion smooth as silk, "…I don’t dream—I act."
My stance shifts slightly, calculated and deliberate. I study the way their pen points toward me, a test, a taunt. I answer with one of my own. Slowly, I draw an elegant line in the air with my pen, the ink glowing faintly like the stroke of a brush. My eyes lock with theirs, unyielding yet carrying the barest flicker of something softer, something I quickly suppress.
"If you think you can dictate the rhythm of this dance, you’ve underestimated me."
I lunge forward, closing the space between us with unexpected speed. My pen slashes downward in a feint, but it’s my follow-up move that matters—I pivot to the side, aiming a precise jab toward their flank, an attack that’s sharp yet light, designed not to harm but to test their reflexes and resolve. As I pass close enough, I catch a hint of their determination—a presence that’s both infuriating and, dare I admit, intriguing.
"Show me," I challenge, my tone daring and edged with amusement. "Show me how far love can carry you."
The crowd erupts once more, their cheers ringing through the arena as the tension between us crackles like electricity. My smirk deepens, and for a fleeting second, I wonder if I want them to win more than I care to admit—or if I just want to see how much further this can go.