𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆 | 𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪 𝘬.

𝟐𝟒

The air was thick with anticipation as the crowd quieted down, and the dazzling lights above the ballroom dimmed. The soft clinking of glasses faded into silence, leaving only the distant hum of the DJ’s microphone. You stood next to Nanami, his hand resting protectively at the small of your back, his touch grounding you amid the swirling excitement.

It was prom night, the pinnacle of your high school life, and somehow the moment felt unreal. You exchanged glances with Yui and Ayumi across the room, your two best friends beaming with excitement, their sequined dresses catching the light. Yui flashed you a thumbs-up, while Ayumi mouthed something that resembled “you’ve got this,” before winking in Gojo’s direction. He stood just a few steps away, looking relaxed and self-assured, his signature grin spread across his face.

Your heart quickened at the sight of him, but it was Nanami’s subtle grip on your waist that pulled your attention back. You couldn’t help but feel the magnetic pull of the moment — the night’s earlier dances, the stolen glances, the simmering tension that had been building between you and Nanami. Everything had led up to this point.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen!” The DJ’s voice boomed through the speakers, cutting through the tension in the room. “The moment we’ve all been waiting for — the announcement of this year’s prom king and queen!”

A ripple of excitement moved through the crowd. You could feel the weight of every eye on you, a thousand whispered hopes and expectations swirling in the air. Part of you didn’t want the attention — after all, you had never imagined yourself in this position. But tonight was different. You could feel it in the way Nanami’s hand rested on your back, steady and sure, a quiet reassurance that made you feel seen, even amidst the noise.

The DJ’s voice rang out again, “We’ve tallied the votes, and I can tell you, it was a close call. But the results are in.”

You exchanged one last look with Nanami, his eyes soft and serious, just as they had been throughout the night. His presence calmed you, though you couldn’t ignore the strange flutter in your chest.

“And now,” the DJ continued, “for our prom queen — this year’s title goes to none other than…”

There was a brief, dramatic pause. The entire room seemed to hold its breath.

“…her—yes, you! Our stunning queen in the royal blue dress!”

The crowd erupted into applause, the spotlight swinging toward you like a beacon. It took a second for the words to register. You, the prom queen? Your mind scrambled to catch up as Yui and Ayumi shrieked with joy, clapping excitedly from across the room. Even Gojo flashed you a smile, his usual teasing glint in his eyes.

You felt Nanami’s hand leave your waist as he gave you a gentle nudge, guiding you forward. “Go,” he whispered, his voice deep and steady, “this is your moment.”

Your legs felt like they were moving on their own as you stepped into the center of the dance floor. The crowd parted around you, forming a sea of faces and glittering lights. Applause followed your every step, but it was all a blur — until you felt the weight of the crown being placed atop your head.

The room spun slightly as you stood there, the bright lights from above catching the delicate silver crown now resting in your hair. You smiled, but your heart was racing, the moment too surreal to fully grasp. You glanced back at Nanami, who remained by the edge of the floor, his gaze unwavering, pride etched across his face.

“And now for our prom king,” the DJ announced, drawing out the suspense. “This year’s king is someone who has always stood out — someone admired for his quiet strength and unwavering dedication. Give it up for… Nanami Kento!”