Beneath the Surface

Chapter 17

The hallway buzzed with its usual midweek energy as Y/N, Lizzie, Mia, and Jess made their way to their lockers between classes. It was a typical day at school, but there was something different in the air—something that had the entire student body buzzing with excitement. Prom season had officially started, and with it came the creative, sometimes over-the-top promposals scattered around campus.

As they approached their lockers, Mia was the first to bring it up, her voice full of enthusiasm. "So, I've already seen like three promposals today. It's starting early this year."

Jess snorted, tossing her bag into her locker. "Seriously? Already? We're still weeks out."

"I know, but some people get way too excited," Mia laughed, leaning against the lockers as she looked over at Lizzie and Y/N. "Speaking of prom, have you two thought about it?"

Lizzie glanced over at Y/N, who was rummaging through her locker with a calm, unbothered expression. Y/N's nonchalant attitude always amused her, especially when Mia and Jess were on one of their excited tangents.

"Prom?" Lizzie repeated, raising an eyebrow. "It's still a while away, isn't it?"

"Not too far away," Mia pointed out with a grin. "I mean, if you guys aren't planning to go, I get it. But... you're going, right?"

Y/N looked up from her locker, catching the playful glint in Mia's eyes. She gave a small, almost teasing smile before turning her attention back to Lizzie. "I don't know. What do you think? Do you want to go?"

Lizzie shrugged, but there was a playful sparkle in her eyes. "I mean, it's prom. It could be fun, right?"

Mia groaned dramatically, throwing her hands up. "Come on, guys, you're acting like it's some casual school dance! It's prom—the one night where everyone gets dressed up, dances like they've never danced before, and makes terrible life decisions."

Jess laughed, shaking her head. "You're making it sound like we're going to the last party on Earth."

Mia ignored her, her attention back on Lizzie and Y/N. "You two have to go. And Y/N, I'm expecting a top-tier promposal. Don't let me down."

Y/N chuckled softly, closing her locker. "No pressure, huh?"

Lizzie gave Y/N a playful nudge, her eyes narrowing with mock suspicion. "You've got something up your sleeve, don't you?"

Y/N smirked, but didn't say anything. The truth was, she did have something in mind—something that involved more than just a simple promposal. But she wasn't going to give it away, not yet.

"We'll see," Y/N replied, keeping her tone casual, though her mind was already running through the details of her plan.

Jess leaned in, her voice low but full of curiosity. "Okay, seriously. What's the plan? Spill."

Y/N shrugged, playing it cool. "You'll find out soon enough."

Lizzie rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her smile. She knew Y/N well enough to recognize when she was hiding something. "You're up to something. I can tell."

Y/N gave her a soft, knowing look but didn't offer any more clues. The idea of surprising Lizzie had been bouncing around her head for a while now, and with prom coming up, she figured it was the perfect opportunity to plan something special.

Mia, who had been listening intently, let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine, keep your secrets. But you better make it good. Prom is supposed to be magical."

Jess snickered, nudging Mia playfully. "Relax, Mia. I'm sure Y/N will deliver."