✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿ The Thread that bind Us ✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿

Prom Night

The gymnasium was alive with the pulsing beats of pop music, the air thick with the scent of hairspray and cologne. Shimmering lights danced off the sequined dresses and polished shoes, reflecting the excitement of the night. Among the throng of students, Risa Anders stood like a beacon, her indigo dress with a subtle shimmer swirling around her as she laughed, a sound that could cut through the chaos. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her magnetic personality that captured everyone's attention.
Noah White lingered at the edge of the dance floor, his heart pounding in rhythm with the bass. He had donned an indigo suit, a last-minute decision that had made him feel both hopeful and foolish. He watched as she flirted effortlessly with Jason, who seemed to bask in her glow, his hand possessively resting on her shoulder. Noah clenched his fists, feeling the familiar sting of jealousy.
"Come on, Noah," Ralph said, nudging him. "You should go talk to her."
"I can't," Noah replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's... with him."
"Just go for it! What do you have to lose?" Ralph encouraged, his eyes flicking toward the pair of them.  But Noah shook his head, his stomach twisting. He had almost asked Risa to prom, but the moment Jason had appeared, that dream had crumbled. "I'm not her type," he muttered, folding his arms as he shifted uncomfortably.
Just then, Amber appeared beside him, her expression twisted in disdain as she glared at Risa. "Look at her with Jason," she spat, her hands fisted at her sides. "She's so fake."
"Maybe," Noah replied, not wanting to engage. He didn't believe in love, after all, and the whole prom scene felt like a farce. "But she's still... nice."
"Nice?" Amber scoffed, her voice rising over the music. "She's a manipulator. She doesn't deserve you, Noah." Her tone softened, revealing the underlying affection she held for him. "You should take me instead."
"No, I—" Noah started, but his words were cut short when Risa caught his gaze but before he could muster the courage to smile, Jason leaned in closer, whispering something that made her laugh.
"Ugh!" Amber groaned, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "I can't take this anymore." Without thinking, she grabbed a cup of juice from a nearby table and, with a swift movement, splashed it across Risa's dress. The juice splattered against the indigo fabric, staining it a darker hue. Risa gasped, her laughter dying as she stared down at the mess.
Amber smirked, satisfied. "Oops," she said sweetly, turning on her heel and disappearing into the crowd.
"Excuse me," Risa said, her voice strained as she brushed past Noah, heading toward the restrooms. He watched her go, a mix of admiration and concern flooding through him.
"Nice one, bookworm," Jason taunted, sidling up to Noah with a group of his friends.
"Shut up, Jason," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "This isn't funny."
"Oh, but it is," Jason sneered, stepping closer. "Look at you, standing there like a lost puppy. You think she'd ever choose you over someone like me? You're just a boring little bookworm."
"Just leave me alone," Noah replied, he tried to push past Jason. But Jason's friends blocked his path, their laughter echoing in his ears.
"Where do you think you're going?" one of them jeered, shoving Noah back. He stumbled but regained his balance.
"Come on, Noah!" Ralph called from a distance, but he was too far away to help.
"Why don't you show us how smart you are?" Jason said, shoving Noah again, this time harder. "What's the answer to this: How do you get a girl to notice you?"
Noah glared at them, his fists clenched. "I'm not interested in your games."
Before he could turn away, Jason lunged forward, shoving him again. "What's wrong, Noah? Too busy reading to fight back?"
Noah felt a surge of anger and pushed back, but it only escalated the situation. The laughter from Jason's friends grew louder as they closed in, fists raised. The punch landed squarely on his side, knocking the wind out of him. He stumbled, falling to his knees as they surrounded him, their taunts ringing like a chorus of nails on a chalkboard.
Suddenly, the commotion drew Risa back. "Noah!" she cried, her voice cutting through the haze of pain and anger. Jason's hand shot out to grab Risa's arm, but she wrenched away, her eyes blazing with fury. "What are you doing?" she demanded, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of nearby students.
"Just a little friendly game," Jason smirked, but Risa was having none of it.
Without thinking, she slapped his face, the sound echoing in the suddenly quiet gymnasium. "Don't you dare touch him!" she shouted, her cheeks flushed with anger. The crowd stared, some gasping in disbelief, others smiling at the drama unfolding before them. Jason stood frozen, his friends speechless.
Risa took Noah's hand, her grip firm and reassuring. "Come on," she said, pulling him up. "Let's get out of here." Noah's heart raced, not just from the confrontation but from the warmth of her hand in his. "Risa, I—"
"Not now," she said, leading him away from the crowd. They slipped out onto the balcony, the moon casting a silver glow over the night.