The soft and sweet music started fading away while the upbeat music slowly filled up the hall I suddenly felt suffocated so I stood up and went outside. I checked the time on my phone and saw that it was almost midnight which would mean that my social battery was almost out. I needed some time alone to recover.
I shivered as I felt the cold wind on my arm and back but I still strolled going to the mini garden where I usually do my sketches. I know that the teachers warned us not to leave the hall but the loud music was giving me a headache. I sat down on the bench there and looked up at the sky. I got immersed in staring at the stars to calm myself.
“I can’t remember the last time that I looked at the stars peacefully,” I said to myself.
After some time, I looked around the garden and saw fireflies flying around. I smiled as I watched them flickering in the dark. I was thankful that the light from the gate was faint so they were visible.
“As expected, I would find you here,” Vladimir said which caught me off guard
“Hey, what are you doing here? Please don’t report me to the teachers.” I pleaded
“Chill. I won’t if you will let me accompany you,” he whispered
“But I wanted to be alone,” I whispered back
“Then good luck with the punishment,” he whispered again
“Why are we whispering anyway? We aren’t doing anything wrong.” I said
“So other people won’t know that we are hiding here,” he replied
“What do you mean hiding? I am not hiding. I just wanted to be alone.”
“I was looking for you inside but you were not there. I wanted to tell you something.”
“Oh, the secret. Well, you came to the right place because music isn’t that loud here.” I grinned
I stood there waiting for him to speak. He stared at me without uttering a single word. I frowned and then made faces that made him laugh.
“Aren’t you going to speak? Let’s go back inside then because I am feeling cold.” I said after some time
I slowly walked away from him but he pulled my hand. I was caught off guard and lost my balance so I fell backward. I closed my eyes and waited to hit the ground.
“You can open your eyes now. You landed on my chest.” Vladimir whispered
“Thank goodness you are strong. I’ll give you that for being an athlete. I suddenly feel dizzy,” I said while holding unto his arm since my feet are wobbly
“I didn’t mean to do that. Are you okay? You are shaking.” he assisted me to sit down on the park bench in the middle of the garden
“I’m fine. I was shaken a bit.”
“Here, put on my coat first because I need to tell you something important. Your hands are cold so I am assuming that you are starting to feel cold.”
“Thank you. What is it?” I asked
“Remember the secret that I was telling you.”
“Yeah. I was waiting for you to share it with me.” I smiled thinking that it would be a gossip
“I like you,” he said
“Ummm, I’m sorry. I think I misheard you. I mean, of course, you like me because we are friends.” I stammered
“I love you. I like you more than friends. I didn’t even know that my feelings for you are too noticeable but you are the only one who didn’t notice.” he said seriously
“Oh…You like me. Are you sure about that? How will I know that you are telling the truth?” I said with a thumping heart
“Why don’t you try asking other people? Your friends maybe. They know about it and you might have noticed their teasing. You are the only one who doesn’t notice.” he explained
“Oh my goodness! That’s why they have been acting weird.” I said covering my mouth as I realized and got a flashback of their awkward behaviors
“I realized this would be the perfect time to confess my feelings for you. No pressure. I just wanted to let it out.” he said
“Can you give me some time to think? I felt so overwhelmed that I am still trying to process what is happening.” I said
“Of course. I do understand that. I just want one thing” he said
“What?” I asked
“I want to be your last dance. We better get inside before you catch a cold,” he said
“You seem shaken? Did something surprising happen to you outside?” May said as soon as I sat on my chair
“I look cold. What’s with that question?” I raised an eyebrow
“I saw you coming in with Vladimir. Did something happen? Did you???” Jessica asked while pouting her lips as if asking for a kiss
“No! He just came to check on me in case I am cold because I am his date. He is just being responsible.” I said blushing
“Oh. I was expecting some drama tonight but I think I won’t be seeing it.”
“It is prom night! Are you expecting to have some hair pulling and wrestling?” I said in disbelief
“Don’t worry. I got your back in case those girlfriends of your friends pull your hair. I might be in a dress but I can still fight.” she laughed
“I know that you will always be to the rescue but will you stop acting weird? Let’s just enjoy the rest of the prom and there is not going to be a fight.” I said
“Fine. I was just informing it to remind you,” she smirked
“I know that everyone is enjoying the prom but sad to say that we only have 3 more songs to play before we call it a night.” the MC announced
I checked the time and it was almost midnight. We are living in the province and parties or activities in schools don’t last until the morning. I am enjoying the prom but my social battery is almost out and I am afraid that I might be out of myself.
“Can I have this dance?” I heard Daniel's voice
“Go on! I’m giving my permission.” Jessica said
“I don’t want to give mine but since the night is almost over, I am allowing you.” May seconded
“Well, my parents agreed so yeah,” I said sarcastically before scowling at my friends
“I’m sorry for what my friends did back there. I don’t know what came to them to be that rude. You know that they are not usually like that.” I apologized to Daniel
“I understand why they are being rude to me. I really should apologize to you. I know that I made a big mistake for what I did.”
“Don’t dwell on it too much. It’s not a big deal.” I smiled at him
I’m still mad at him but I don’t want to tell him. I don’t have the energy to argue with him and make him feel guilty for leaving me in the air.
“Do you have a ride later?” Jackson asked
“Will you stop bumping into me intentionally? You can ask that question while dancing?”
“It’s more fun that way. You can join us later and we will deliver you to your house safe and sound,” he said
“I’ll check on you later after the program. Thank you for the offer which you normally don’t do.” I smirked
‘Why would I offer? There are boys out there willing to offer and walk you home but I won’t allow it tonight since you are too precious and gorgeous in that dress. I never thought that you would look like a girl someday.” he teased
“I don’t know if that is a compliment or an insult but thank you. Focus on your partner because it is rude to be talking to me while dancing with someone else.” I said
“Can I have the next dance with my date if you don’t mind?” Vladimir said
“Oh sure,” Daniel said giving my hand to Vladimir before leaving the dance floor with shoulders dropped
The intro for the song VALENTINE started playing in the background as our eyes meet each other. I blushed when he placed his hand on my waist. I didn’t expect that his confession would affect me this much.
“I hope my confession didn’t make you uncomfortable,” he whispered
“Ummm no. I mean I like you too because what is there not to like about you? You’re handsome, athletic, and taller than me. Oh my gosh! What am I saying? I meant to say that I… I…” I could feel my face getting hotter after realizing what I said
“So? Do you like me or what? You have to be clear because I might get the wrong idea,” he whispered
“I like you. Okay now?”
“Does that mean that we..? You know because we feel the same way?” he asked