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

✨ Chapter Thirty Two

"Ah, sorry again Professor," Zack said, cleaning up the spilled drink with a quick hydro spell. "I was really just floored with y/n." My face immediately flushed with the heat of a thousand fires, just overhearing my crush's compliment. Emma nudged my shoulder playfully, giving me a wink. "All going to plan." She giggled, handing Norman a cup. He'd came to his senses by now, and was still bright red from processing my costume. "You're- You're really so different, y/n. I mean- It's not a bad thing. You do look really pretty, but with your usual hot headedness, it's just an accident waiting to happen." Emma elbowed his guy harshly, making the white haired boy choke on his drink. "Ugh, shut up mom, let her live." Oliver nodded vigorously, the puppy ear headband shaking with his head. "She's right, Norman. It's Halloween. It's by far the funnest thing us students have to look forward to, there's no need to dampen her mood." It was rare to see Emma agitated. It was even more rare to see Norman encourage an argument. He would usually just walk away, or let her have her way. But today, the air felt tense. He rolled his eyes, obviously annoyed. "Someone has to look out for her. For all of you. I'm the one constantly cleaning up your mess, Emma. I'm the one waking you up for class, I'm the one giving you notes and helping you with your homework. You should thank me for being your 'mom'. Because god knows where you would be without me." Emma clicked her tongue, stomping towards him. Oliver shut himself up real quickly, and all I could think about was what the fuck was taking Zack so long. "And where's that, Mom? Where would I be without you?" "Not in Grace Field because you're too fucking stupid and reckless to be here on your own!"

Maybe... Maybe we shouldn't have gone... To this party... If we'd just cut like usual, we'd probably be playing Monopoly, or braiding each other's hair, or doing something that wasn't arguing. This- This was my fault. They're fighting because of me.

The loud rock music that was blaring in the room had started to give me a headache. I wasn't particularly sure I wanted to be there anymore. I've lost all my motivation. As I'd finally lifted my head, my gaze locked with Ray's. Who looked surprisingly distressed. His lip quivered as if he wanted to say something, but his fists were clenched tightly, keeping those words bottled in. He's usually one to speak his mind. But I guess today was opposite day. The eye that you'd usually see on Ray was his right one. His left was always covered in his stupid lopsided bangs. But tonight, I was staring at that elusive left eye, the right one hidden underneath that white mask. If I told him he looked handsome, would he cheer up? Oliver and Emma stormed off, the orange haired girl's emerald eyes wet with tears. Norman's glare was directed towards the ground.

I wish I had something to say. But honestly, I didn't even know what to think. I was still processing the argument. I stepped towards the distraught pair, trying to formulate a plan to make them smile. But someone grabbed my wrist, startling me. I nearly tripped in these damn heels, stumbling clumsily into someone's chest. My hand landed flat onto his obviously chiseled abs, a familiar voice teasing me. "I was about to ask how you walk in those things, haha." A little surprised, upset, and confused, I found myself at a loss for words coming face to face with Zack. "Do you... wanna get some fresh air? They opened the balcony for tonight and I think it'll do you some good. Especially with... what just happened." So he did see. I nodded silently, allowing him to intertwine his big, warm hands with my cold shivering ones. Maybe I should've gotten matching gloves with this cape. I didn't know I would've been so cold.

Zack shoved his way through the crowds of students, holding me closely behind him. The event hall was a wing of the school I'd barely been in. Mostly because I ditched any reason I'd have to be here, like orientation or school parties. Not for Halloween, not for Christmas, not for graduation or guest speakers. I hated people. I hated being around people. But I'm here now, at my first party in my sixteen years of living. Eventually, the flashy neon purple lights of the dance floor started to fade, along with the k-pop that had replaced Ariana Grande's new song. Zack led me through the arched doorways of the far right side of the room, a gust of cold Autumn air sending chills down my spine. It was already dark outside, tiny diamonds of stars littering the bleak navy blue sky. I took a deep breath, stopping at the stone railing guarding the edge of the balcony. "I'm sorry." I whispered, the argument playing over and over again in my head. "For what?" Zack asked, his right pinky meeting my left. "That fight... It was my fault. They were arguing because of me." "What?" He turned to me, obviously confused. "They were fighting over me. Norman said I was too reckless, and Emma-" "I know what they said, y/n. I'm not 'what'ing that. I'm 'what'ing why you think that it has anything to do with you." "But it was because of me, because I-" "Because you were being you? I don't know, y/n." His voice became softer, like he was trying to comfort me with his words. "If anything, it sounded like they were projecting their own insecurities through you. Norman knows you're not recklessly wild. And Emma knows she needs someone that takes care of her and helps her with her responsibilities. Norman's really just upset with Emma, and trying to mess up your head by calling you irresponsible and immature. But those are Emma's traits. And Emma accuses Norman of being overbearing and more of a mom than a friend, and that you hate it when he's like that. But actually, she needs him, don't you think? They balance each other out. And I think they're both just going through some stuff. You just happened to be there."

I could see Zack's point. He wasn't wrong. But I didn't know if he was right either. The only thing I did know was that he made me feel better. His fingers touching mine, his warmth, his voice, his thoughtfulness. This was the reason why I fell in love with him. "You're surprisingly insightful for a jock," I giggled, leaning closer to him. "What do you mean?" He laughed, shaking off his coat. He swung it over my shoulders, covering my bare arms. I felt my whole body grow warm, from both embarrassment and the literal heat from his body dwelling on the jacket. I was going to confess tonight. So I might as well confess everything. "Actually, Zack, before I met you, I always thought that people like you... Popular people... Were always assholes. Boys like you dated cheerleaders. Boys like you ditched class, didn't give shits about other people, messed around with girls and feelings. But now I know that it isn't true. You've always been good to me. You've always been a good friend. I just wanted to thank you, y'know. For being there. For being here, right now, too." Zack smiled warmly, squeezing my left hand tightly. I don't think my heart could beat any faster. "We're here to have fun, right?" I nodded my head, the boy pulling me away from the balcony. Another k-pop song was playing, a mischievous smile creeping across Zack's face. "To thank me, you could promise me a dance. I've never seen you dance before." "And for a good reason!" I giggled, allowing him to lead me back inside. "I can't dance for shit!" "It doesn't need to be pretty, y/n. Just fun." Something hot had nudged my right thigh, almost making me jump. But Zack... He was smiling so brightly. Whatever it is, I'll deal with it later. Right now, I'm going to have fun. I promised him, after all.