𝖱𝖾𝖻𝖾𝗅 𝖧𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍, 𝖣𝗂𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖲𝗈𝗎𝗅

ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ¹⁴: ᴾʳᵒᵐ ᴺⁱᵍʰᵗ ᵁⁿᶠᵒˡᵈˢ

The grand gymnasium was transformed into a dazzling wonderland for prom night, with twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling and colorful decorations adorning the walls. Laughter and chatter filled the air as students swayed to the music, couples lost in their own worlds.

Jay and Heeseung stood off to the side, their eyes fixed on Irene and Wonyoung as they danced with Yeji and Karina. The girls were animated, laughter bubbling up as they waited for Ningning to arrive.

"I can't believe she's late," Jay said, trying to keep his tone light, though he couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern.

"Don't worry. She'll show up," Heeseung reassured, though his gaze drifted back to Irene, who was glowing under the lights.

Just then, the crowd parted, and Ningning finally appeared, looking radiant in her dress. "Sorry, guys! I got caught up," she exclaimed, breathless and beaming.

Irene rushed over, her excitement contagious. "You look amazing, Ningning! Let's get you dancing!"

Sunghoon, having just arrived, approached Ningning with a charming smile. "May I have this dance?" he asked, extending his hand.

Ningning's cheeks flushed as she nodded, and the two glided onto the dance floor. Wonyoung leaned over to Irene, grinning. "Look at her! She's glowing!"

"Definitely! Sunghoon's a good guy," Irene replied, her heart lifting as she watched her friend twirl.

As the music shifted, Hyunjin and Jeongin approached Wonyoung and Irene, both asking them for a dance. Wonyoung raised an eyebrow at Irene, teasing, "Ready to steal the spotlight again?"

Irene chuckled, her nervousness fading as she accepted Jeongin's hand. They joined the rhythm of the music, laughter mixing with the melodies.

After a while, Irene felt the need for some fresh air. "Excuse me," she said softly to Jeongin, stepping away from the lively crowd.

Heeseung had been watching from a distance, noticing her leave. He quickly excused himself and followed her outside, where the cool night air enveloped them.

"Irene," he said, a gentle urgency in his voice. "Are you okay?"

She nodded, but her eyes reflected uncertainty. "It's just a lot... I didn't expect to feel this overwhelmed."

Heeseung took a step closer, their proximity igniting an unspoken tension. "Can I have this dance?" He pulled her close, swaying to the music that drifted outside.

As they danced under the stars, the world around them faded. "Soon, we can be happy," Heeseung murmured, gazing into her eyes. "Just after this plan is over."

"I know," Irene whispered back, her heart pounding. "And Karina can never be you. I love you, Heeseung."

Just as their lips brushed, the moment shattered when Ni-ki burst out of the doors, panic written all over his face. "Guys! Jay and Hyunjin got into a fight!"

The urgency in his tone sent a wave of dread through them. "What?!" Heeseung exclaimed, pulling away from Irene.

Inside, chaos erupted. Wonyoung had already spotted the commotion, her eyes widening as she saw Jay and Hyunjin squaring off, their voices rising in anger.

"Get away from her!" Jay yelled, pointing an accusing finger at Hyunjin.

Wonyoung rushed over, trying to intervene. "Jay, stop! What's going on?"

Hyunjin shot a disdainful look at her. "I don't want to be involved with someone like you while he's around!" His words sliced through the air, and Wonyoung flinched.

"Don't you dare insult her!" Jay shouted, his fists clenched. The tension in the room escalated as students turned to watch, some pulling out their phones to record the scene.

"Why are you even here? You don't belong with us!" Hyunjin retorted, a cruel smile on his face.

The girls and remaining boys rushed to Wonyoung's side, ready to defend her. "Back off, both of you two!" Irene shouted, stepping forward.

Jeongin quickly grabbed Hyunjin's arm, pulling him away from the confrontation. "Let's go. This isn't worth it."

Meanwhile, Wonyoung stood trembling, hurt evident on her face. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she looked at Jay, who was still seething. "I didn't want any of this!" she cried.

"Wonyoung, I—" Jay started, but the words got caught in his throat as he saw her distress.

Hyunjin, still heated, spat out a final insult before Jeongin dragged him away. "You'll never be good enough!"

As the crowd murmured, Wonyoung broke down, the weight of everything crashing down on her. The cheers and laughter of the night felt distant now.

Sunghoon rushed to her side, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "It's okay, Wonyoung. You're amazing. Don't let them get to you."

Irene stood beside them, her heart aching for her friend. "You're better than that, Wonyoung. We're all here for you."

Ningning joined the group, her eyes wide with concern. "What just happened?"

Jay watched the scene unfold, his heart torn between anger and regret. He had wanted to protect Wonyoung, not drive her away. As Yeji approached, her expression unreadable, he knew he needed to make things right.

But as the dust settled, the aftermath of the fight hung heavily over the prom night, leaving everyone to grapple with their emotions, and the uncertainty of what would come next.