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Ran felt his heart race rapidly as the announcer spoke once more. The whole thing was just so surreal. He hadn’t been in a dance competition for almost five years. He was totally invigorated! It no longer mattered if they win. All that mattered was that he got to dance his heart out. Anna’s fingers tightened around his own. 

[quote=Announcer]"Will it be our returning champions! Orrrrr, will our newcomers win?" The entire room erupted into cheers and Harper laughed, it was clear who the winners would be.[/quote]

The screaming and yelling was absolutely crazy when the announcer mentioned the returning champions – Casper and Leena – yet when they were mentioned the room erupted into a huge resounding roar. Ran felt his mouth hang open. [i]No way. No freaking way! They. They actually won! He fisted his hand and pulled it close to his chest. YES! They actually won. 6000 stars![/i]

He was so called up with the thrill of the moment that he didn’t even jerk away when Anna leaned in to kiss him. Instead he pulled her into a bear hug before swinging her round and round. The trophy was the last thing on his mind. Their adoring fans literally swamped the dance floor, and soon both of them were carried towards the stage. Gosh he felt like an absolute rock star at the moment! He bet he could even leap off stage and the Nobodies would catch him. Secretly he wondered if he could do a little crowd surfing. Then again he decided against trying. The humans would be leaving quite soon, and he had no intention of hobbling around with crutches. 

“Thank you.” He murmured graciously as the female Nobody in the white dress handed him the trophy. 

Ran held it out so that Anna could hold onto the other handle. Once she managed to steady her grip, the dancing duo hoisted their trophy up in the air for everyone to see. A few tiny stars fell from the overflowing. Gradually the partners lowered their prize and took a deep bow. 

He blew a few kisses to the crowd before bowing once more. “Thank you everyone! We wouldn’t have won without your support. You guys are awesome!” 

[quote=Anna]”Let’s give all of you three cheers as well.”[/quote]

“Hip… hip… HURRAY!” 

As the last hurray faded off away, their rivals came on stage to congratulate them. Ran shook Casper’s hand and gave Leena a hug. The illustrator was happy to see his Nobody partner being just as gracious. All hostility had faded away completely. 

“That was really fun! I hope we can dance again.” 

The winners remained on stage holding hands as they waved farewell to Leena and Casper. The euphoria was finally dying down. The lights came back on as the band struck up once more, and the Nobodies began dancing. Ran chuckled as he saw how some of his moves were catching on. He was willing to bet that one day they will be coming up with moves that will dazzle him. All they needed was a little push. 

Anna was busy talking to the organizers about how the two of them had agreed to divide the prize. He wasn’t too bothered how she planned to do it. The cat-eared Nobody didn’t seem like the type of person to cheat him of his share of the winnings. He scanned the crowd and spotted a familiar boyish face. Woah! Harper is smiling. He grinned as he leaped down the stage, and ran towards his fellow human. 

[quote=Harper]"Congratulations you two. That dance really was something." [/quote]

 “Hey kid!” Ran greeted jauntily as he grabbed the boy into a bear hug and playfully muzzled up the kid’s hair. “I am glad to see you smiling. Try to smile more! I think it suits you way better than that hurt, lost boy air you were sporting the last few days.” 

A familiar gurgling came from his stomach. The man felt his entire stomach bubbling. He winced. This is bad! It had to be the diary he ate earlier. He squeezed his right eye close as he doubled over slightly. He clamped his teeth tightly. Ran knew he had mere minutes before things get ugly. Once the gas starts it won’t stop till god knows when. His stomach was punishing him for glutting on all those forbidden milk based stuff.

“Oh erm kid! I have to go to the … BATHROOM!” 

Ran yelled hurriedly as he dashed out of the door. He paused for a brief second outside the ballroom doors. He swiveled his head right then left. Which way was it? Hazarding a guess, the adult human ran down the nearest corridor at record speed. He tried to hold back the gas as best as he could. Desperately he pushed against the nearest door and burst into the room. He slammed the door as a loud fart rip through his pants. He sighed as another one followed it. He clutched his stomach as he held onto the door knob. More gas followed for a good five to ten minutes before the pain retreated momentarily. Hopefully there was a toilet in this room. Tiger eyes scanned the room. All he saw was a mini lagoon that filled up half the room. 

“Oh erm… hello?” Ran asked tentatively as he limped away from the door. “Err… is there a toilet here?”