A Petty Friendly-Match Off

As the priest's voice echoed through the garden, Alise and Auston exchanged knowing glances, sharing a silent moment of exasperation. They discreetly glanced at the surrounding crowd, thinking, "We're stuck in this, aren't we?"

Suppressing a cringe, they inched closer to each other. Alise whispered hastily, "To make it more convincing, we should extend the kiss a bit longer." She gently wrapped her hands around his neck, and he held her waist.

As they leaned in for the kiss, Auston was surprised by the intensity with which she was kissing him, but he was dedicated to the act.

As the kiss went on The cringe hit her hard. She slyly pinched his neck, and he responded by discreetly pinching her waist. The crowd's applause rolled on.

In her thoughts, she pondered, "Did he just pinch me back?"

As the guests rose, offering compliments and well-wishes, their lips parted. Inside, her thoughts raced: "How dare he?" But then she acknowledged her own actions, thinking, "I can't be a hypocrite; I pinched him first."

He gave her an inquisitive look as he began to descend from the altar, prompting her to do the same.

She walked closer to him, her hands finding their place in his arms, and they strolled together. He glanced down at her, and she averted her gaze, feigning innocence.

As if she had forgotten their pinching squabbles just a moment ago, he couldn't help but think she was amusing.

As they proceeded down the aisle, guests followed behind them, tossing petals into the air as they entered the building.

Inside, the reception was in full swing, and the newlyweds found themselves amid the elegantly decorated hall. Tables adorned with exquisite centerpieces and soft, warm lighting filled the space.

Taking their seats, it was clear that they were just trying to get through the event. As Alise's eyes caught a servant passing by with a tray of wine glasses, she swiftly scooped one up for herself.

Auston, looking at her, whispered, "You couldn't get me one?"

Alise shot back with a sarcastic smile, whispering in his ear, "Oh, sure, why not? Get it yourself," as she sipped her drink, a playful glint in her eyes.

He responded with a curt "Okay." However, his petty side was in full effect as he patiently waited for a waitress to approach. With a sly grin, he gestured for a waitress as she drew closer.

Gently taking a glass of wine from her hand, he remarked, "Oh, yes, please have them play some lively music."

The waitress nodded and said, "Yes, I'll get right to it."

He continued, "My dear Alise wants to dance with everyone."

Alise gasped, almost spilling her wine, and stammered, "What?"

"Don't be shy; I'm sure everyone will join you on the dance floor."

That's when their parents chimed in, saying it's customary for the bride and groom to have the first dance.

He froze, realizing he had inadvertently roped himself into it.

Alise smiled mischievously and spoke up, saying, "Yes, it's tradition."

Setting her wine aside, she rose and, taking his arm, led him to the dance floor.

A coy smile graced her lips as the music filled the room, and she teasingly said, "Don't be shy."

In response, he met her challenge with a confident grin, replying, "Shy? I hope you can keep up."

Alise, her expression marked by puzzlement, echoed, "Keep up?"

As he slowly slid his hands down to her waist, pulling her closer, a smirk on his face revealing a silent invitation.

He whispered in her ear, teasing, "So, who's shy now?" Her face blushed, and she rolled her eyes in response.

However, she was not one to sit still. She wrapped her arms around his neck, locked eyes with him, and gave him a determined look, as if to say, "Let's go."

As the music began, they began a leisurely sway in a clockwise motion around the room, keeping in sync with the music's beat. Onlookers admired how well they danced together, their movements perfectly complementing the music.

Alise decided to be funny by increasing the tempo, testing if he could keep up. This prompted him to whisper, "Why the slow pace?"

She responded with a playful grin, "Slow? Well then."

With a twinkle in her eye, she remarked, "Let's find out if this is slow." He simply replied with an affirmative "Mm-hmm."

Alise took the lead, her gentle guidance keeping Auston in perfect sync as they swayed from side to side, their steps naturally following the music's rhythm.

Their hands were intertwined, providing a firm connection as they glided across the floor with a grace that seemed effortless. Their eyes locked onto each other in a shared moment of pleasant surprise at how well they danced together.

The room seemed to spin around them with every twirl and dip, as they continued to waltz. Alise couldn't help but express her amazement, "Okay, I'm impressed. That was smooth. I'll give it to you."

Auston smiled and said, "Oh, I know," as he spun her out and then back in. In that breathless moment, their eyes locked, hearts pounding. It felt like a spark had ignited just as the song reached its final note.

Reluctantly, they separated a bit, using the excuse of catching their breath. As the song ended, the dance floor quickly filled with new couples, all eager to share a dance with each other.

As the dance floor filled, she subtly shifted her focus towards the cake being passed around by a waitress. It was precisely at this moment that a pair of enthusiastic guys, eager to dance, approached her. They extended their hands and complimented her dancing skills.

"Care for a dance?" one of them inquired, offering a compliment, "Your dancing is so beautiful."

She replied with a gracious smile and a polite decline, saying, "Thank you, but I'm feeling quite tired. I think I'll pass." With her excuse ready, she gracefully left the dance floor, attempting to swipe a piece of cake from a passing waitress nearby.

As she glanced around the room, she observed that everyone was engrossed in eating, chatting, and dancing. Seeing this as an ideal opportunity to make her escape, she discreetly slipped onto the balcony.

As Auston observed Alise leaving the dance floor and making her way to the balcony, he decided to follow her.

While Alise enjoyed the fresh air and savored her cake on the balcony, she suddenly felt a presence behind her. At first, she dismissed it as paranoia, but then a shadowy figure materialized, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. In a reflexive response,she turned around and swung in mid-air.