Clandestine

PROM DATE

Jennie's POV:

Summer had finally arrived, my favorite season. I loved the warm sun, and at the end of the month, we would have a week-long break. What's more, this week was leading up to our high school prom, an event that promised to be one of the most memorable experiences of our junior year.

There was just one thing nagging at the back of my mind: who would I go to prom with? I had friends, of course, both classmates and schoolmates I was close to. I was a bit shy at times, but when I reached out to someone, I could be quite friendly.

However, it seemed that I might end up going alone. But that was okay; I couldn't wait to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event.

As I observed my classmates, they chatted loudly, lost in their own world during our vacant period. I wasn't in the mood for their noisy interactions; I sat alone in the farthest left corner, next to the window, which gave me a nice view of the tall buildings and fresh air outside.

My seatmate, Joan, was nowhere to be seen, and this gave me a clear view of the person seated next to her. He appeared lonely, leaning back in his chair and looking like he could fall asleep at any moment, judging by his frequent yawns. It was bothering me, and I let out a sigh as I zoned out.

After what seemed like three to five minutes, I was startled by a long sigh, which snapped me back to reality. It was him, now gazing at me.

"Done staring?" he asked with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "Quit it. I was clearly spacing out." He was the type of guy whose every word could be annoying.

He laughed, leaving me baffled. "You're cute," he said, and I almost felt like I needed to clean my ears later.

"Anyway, seriously, what were you thinking?" he asked, attempting to initiate a conversation. This quiet and collected guy was actually engaging in conversation with me for the first time since the school year began. It felt unreal.

"What about it? And why do you actually care?" I asked.

"I didn't say I cared. I was just obviously asking it in a ...nice way?" he replied. I was starting to get irritated. He definitely wasn't my type, and he was close to being on my list of blocked people.

I gulped. "Ugh. I hate you and how you talk, you know that?" Before he could respond, I continued, "But whatever, I need someone to talk to, nonetheless. I need a male's opinion about this."

He didn't say anything, but I could tell he wanted me to continue. So, I did. I was surprised when he started listening attentively, staring at me, and it felt strangely comfortable.

"You know, it's almost prom, and I haven't found a date yet. I mean, I could go alone, but it's different when you go with someone. I get it; you're supposed to enjoy it with friends, but... it's the experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." He nodded in understanding, and it wasn't as awkward as I expected.

I'd let it all out, and I waited for his response. But he remained silent, and for a moment, I thought he might find me desperate. Regret crept in, and I wished I had kept my thoughts to myself.

I shrugged. "Whatever! I don't need your opinion." It was then that I noticed he was lost in thought. Had he even been listening to me? I felt butterflies in my stomach after seeing his softened gaze.

Our classmates had left, and only a few remained, reading or napping. I wondered where everyone had gone. How many hours had passed?

"Who do you want to go with?" he asked.

I was startled when he spoke. He was now seated right beside me. "Hmm?" I shifted my body to face him. "Sorry, what was that again?"

"You said you wanted my opinion. I'm sorry I didn't say anything after your rant. It's just that, I don't know what to say, honestly."