SUMMER BREAK.

Chapter 12: A Dance of Hearts

Yesterday had been an exhilarating whirlwind, and today promised to be just as unforgettable. The Bad Boys were set to perform at the camp that evening, and the anticipation had everyone buzzing with excitement.

Despite the lingering memories of the pain in my leg and back—which had mysteriously vanished—I was eager for the night's festivities. Nick's presence had been a comforting constant, and while the pain was gone, my emotions were still tumultuous. My roommates had given me space, not inquiring about last night's events, which was a relief.

Nick and I had been spending more time together recently, and though he acted as if nothing significant had happened between us, his mere presence made me feel as though I were drifting in a sea of emotions. It was difficult to stay composed around him.

Practice that day went smoothly, though Lana and her roommates had made an appearance, looking more glamorous and aloof than ever. Their true colors had surfaced with the prank they pulled, revealing a side that wasn't particularly endearing.

As the evening approached, the air was electric with excitement for the Bad Boys' performance. Everyone was dancing and enjoying the music, and I couldn't help but think of Bethany. She was missing out on a band she adored, and it saddened me that she wasn't here to experience it.

"Charlotte, who do you think will ask you to the dance?" Chloe's voice broke through my thoughts.

"I don't know," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual.

"Don't act like you don't know. I mean, you and Nick have been inseparable lately," Zoë said with a teasing grin.

"Yeah, you two are adorable together," Nikki added dreamily.

"Just because we hang out doesn't mean he's going to ask me out," I said, trying to play it cool.

"That's a lie. We saw him kiss you yesterday," Phoebe chimed in.

"You saw him kissing me?" I asked, my cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

"Of course we did. If you don't want us to see Nick kiss you, you should do it somewhere private. That way, if you decide to take things further, no one will be watching," Perrine said with a playful giggle.

"Eww, gross! That's so nasty," I said, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

"Girls, guess what?" Jacob announced as he joined us.

"What?" we chorused.

"I just asked Lola to the dance," Jacob said, beaming with excitement.

"And what did she say?" Chloe asked.

"Yes," Lola replied, joining us with a smile.

Jacob's quick proposal surprised me. It seemed like the excitement was contagious. When Nick arrived, Chloe decided to revisit the topic of the dance festival.

"I think Louis is going to ask me to the dance. I heard he has a crush on me," Chloe said confidently.

"You can always ask him to the dance festival if you want," Nick suggested.

"That's not how it works. Girls don't ask guys to dances. It's totally weird," Phoebe said, rolling her eyes.

"Hey Nick, who are you planning to ask to the dance festival?" Nikki asked, giving me a sidelong glance.

"You'll just have to wait and see," Nick replied with a smile.

I was relieved he hadn't mentioned another girl. The thought of him asking someone else made me uneasy, but the idea of him asking me was almost too overwhelming to consider. I didn't want to think about it too much.