10 Days to Prom

The Beginning

"Was he crying?", Henry asked, from the front seat, turning back.

"Well...", Rohan stopped speaking after Mike pinched him, in the darkness of the backseat.

"What?", Henry asked again.

"Not really. He just got a bit emotional. No crying.", Rohan said.

"Oh. So everything's cool?", Henry asked.

"Shut your mouth, Henry. Enjoy the night wind.", Dave said and placed his palm on Henry's mouth, from the backseat.

Mike was quiet, sitting in between Dave and Rohan, praising himself again, for joining the gym. If it were a year ago, he wouldn't have fitted there. Rohan, exhausted, after all the things that happened earlier, leaned on Mike's shoulder and closed his eyes. Mike was used to it now. He smiled by himself and shifted in his seat towards Rohan.

When they arrived at the school gate, it was already crowded. They got out from the car when Henry's dad said, "I am supposed to take you guys home. I will be back at 10:30. Wait here for me."

Four of them agreed and waved him bye. They met Ricky, Lucy, Pavel and a few others, inside, in the hallway. The three of them decided to stand aside and enjoy, after realising how awkward it was for them because initially they had planned to stay home and play games. Mike on the other hand was successful in convincing them to dance together, to lessen the awkwardness. As usual, Rohan and a girl named Anna was chosen for the prom king and queen. After a while when Rohan, Dave and Henry had successfully persuaded Mike to try on the crown and was about to take a photo together, Anna called him from behind,

"Hello, rival!"

Rohan looked back, alarmed. On seeing her he gave a bright smile and said, "Hi!"

"Neck and neck...till the end.", Dave stated, monotonously.

"That's what I would call consistency.", Anna said.

"Well, a surprising one, actually. I thought, nerds were not meant for these things.", Dave said, focusing on the buffet, just across the room.

"Did you just call me a nerd?", Anna retorted, taking of her crown, getting ready to smack him with it.

"Calm down, Anna. Let's end this on a good note.", Rohan said, putting his hand up.

"Could you stop being so cool about this? You are the one who should be giving this reaction. But this prick who never came in top 10 is doing your job.", Anna said, pouting.

"Exactly...this prick here is standing up for his best friend.", Dave said, looking back at Anna.

Mike who was surprised at this interaction suddenly said, "I guess we should leave them alone."

"Excellent idea!", said Henry and walked towards the buffet.

Rohan too pulled Mike away with him. Dave and Anna looked at each other once and looked away again pretending to sulk.

"I didn't know about them.", Mike said to Rohan.

"Yeah...they had been in a beef since a long time. I never had to say anything to Anna...Dave always had the answers ready.", Rohan said, walking, still holding Mike's hand.

"So where are you taking me? I thought you were hungry.", Mike said, mischievously.

"Hungry? Yes. I am a bit hungry. But a prom night isn't a prom night without a few things in particular.", Rohan said.

A few minutes later, they stopped in front of the lockers. Mike looked at Rohan, confused.

"What?", Mike asked.