✨ A Little Bit of Magic || READER X RAY || The Promised Neverland

✨ Chapter Thirty One

When I open this door I'll be right at the grand staircase leading to the event hall.

When I open this door, I'll be face to face with Zack.

When I open this door, I can't turn back.

So, I'll rock this outfit. I'll have fun with my friends. And I'll confess to Zack. Easy enough of a checklist, right? I snickered to myself, very well knowing how difficult it would be to say those three words when I get the chance. "I like you. I like you. I like you, I like you, I like you." I whispered the words, my cold palms flattening against the thick wooden double doors. Just those three words. I can get it done.

They opened with a loud creak, but the noise which would have startled anyone was drowned out by the louder festivities on the floor below me. The large chandeliers in the limestone room were lit dimly with purple and orange flames, the whole hall a sort of dance floor. Large speakers were placed in every corner of the room, the floor shaking with some weird pop song I didn't know. The vast crowd of students shocked me. I didn't know so many people attended Grace Field. But I guess that's the price of being a depressed shut-in. My dress shuffled softly as I slowly walked towards the staircase. I really, really didn't want to trip in these shoes. I don't think I'd ever be able to get up. Scanning the crowds for a girl with orange hair, someone else caught my eye. "y-y/n?" He stuttered, shoving his way through the groups of students. I guess he noticed my struggle in these damn heels. But Ray has always been like that. He could always tell.

The boy quickly made his way to side, jumping up the flight of stairs and offering me his hand. Even under the wild neon lights of the disco dance floor I could notice his bright red cheeks. Was it from running here? Was it from my outfit? He answered the question I'd said in my head fairly quickly. "Y-Your shoes... I thought- I thought I'd help you." It was a rare occurrence to see Ray embarrassed and at a loss for words. But I guess this was my treat for tonight. On the other hand though, Ray looked... Surprisingly handsome as well. A white mask covered his left eye, his stupid uneven bangs slicked back for the first time in forever. He wore a raven black suit with silver accents on his sleeve cuffs and collar. He was one of my favorite musical characters, adding some type of allure to his costume. "The phantom?" I whispered, allowing him to lead me down the stairs. "Of the opera," he finished, chuckling lightly. His hand was so warm... So gentle... He glanced at me as we finally hit the floor level for the party, those tomato red cheeks finding a way to get even brighter. I should compliment him, right? But what if- What if I sound weird? What if I make it awkward? I- I just- My thoughts were abruptly stopped by my right hand being squeezed gently by that boy in my head. Ray's lip quivered oh so slightly, what I assume to be a sentence about to leave his mouth. "You- You look amazi-"

A hand grabbed my shoulder. "Yo, Ray! Who's that pretty girl you got there?" I whipped around, my heart jumping out of my chest. "O- Oliver! You can't do that!" I hissed, pulling myself away from the two boys. Emma followed closely behind him, immediately jumping into my arms. "y/n!" She shouted, squeezing my chest. "I was afraid you were gonna ditch us!" My heart still pounding, I glanced at Ray, who was sheepishly looking in every direction except mine. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." I giggled, turning to the two white haired boys with dropped jaws. Oliver's red eyes were sparkling with excitement, while Norman looked dead inside. "Oh my god. That's- That's y/n! That's y/n!" The older of the two shouted, jumping into our hug. "I've only seen you in hoodies, what the fuck is this!" He laughed, scanning my outfit from feet to head. "You look fucking amazing, y/n!" I felt a blush wash over my cheeks as I thanked him softly. "You look adorable too, Oli. All of you look so cute." I glanced at the trio of pets, Norman's expression still locked in a lifeless stare. "My- My y/n... Is... Gone... My sweet, innocent y/n... Where did she go, Emma? Where?" I giggled at the blue eyed boy's reaction. Just like a mom, I guess. But that's kinda what Norman's always been for me. The responsible one who always looks after my well being. "Where's Zack?" I asked, pulling myself away from Oliver's long embrace.

"Ah, he said he would be getting us drinks- He should be back soon." As Oliver finished the sentence, a soft plastic clattering echoed behind him. Speak of the devil. Literally. What would've been his usual accessory of a white sports headband, Zack donned a pair of devil horns, sticking right out of his fluffy black hair. He- Me- I- We were- We we're matching! Zack and I- We're matching! Professor Lucas' shouts for a janitor was drowned out by the beating of my heart. Zack stepped towards me slowly, all the noises of the room becoming muffled and fading away. "Haha, we didn't even plan this!" He laughed, his fingers grazing past my hands. It was crazy, really. Our outfits are same color scheme too. This has to be sign, right? Something's definitely going to happen between us tonight!

Maybe he likes me? Maybe he'll confess? Maybe... Maybe he'll kiss me?!