ᴇᴄʜᴏᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ

A Bold Move

Izuko's POV

The aftermath of our performance buzzed through the school, but my thoughts kept circling back to Natasha. I had hoped she'd learned her lesson, but it was clear she had other plans. The day after our big moment, she cornered me by the lockers, her usual smirk plastered on her face.

"Hey, Izuko! Nice job at the talent show," she said, sarcasm dripping from every word. "But let's be real. How long do you think you'll keep that up? You don't really have what it takes to be in the spotlight."

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. "Coming from you, that means nothing, Natasha. You're just mad because I actually have friends who support me."

"Oh, please! We all know you're just playing dress-up. Do you even have the guts to ask anyone out on a date?" she challenged, her voice taunting and sharp.

I felt a surge of defiance rise within me. "I could ask someone out if I wanted to!" I shot back, my heart racing.

She chuckled, clearly not convinced. "Oh really? Like who? I doubt you could get anyone to say yes. You're just... safe, Izuko."

Safe? The word stung. I hated that it rang true in some ways, but I wasn't going to let Natasha see that.

"Watch me," I said, my voice steady. "I'll ask someone out, and you'll be the one looking safe in the corner."

Her eyes widened in mock disbelief. "Oh, this I've got to see. You? Actually putting yourself out there? Good luck with that!"

Sarah's POV

I had just stepped out of the bathroom when I spotted Izuko and Natasha by the lockers. My heart sank as I overheard their conversation. I knew Natasha had a knack for getting under Izuko's skin, and right now, she was doing just that.

As Natasha smirked and tossed her hair back, I felt a rush of anger for my best friend. I started to walk over but paused when I saw Izuko straighten up, determination flashing in her eyes.

She replied with such confidence that it took me by surprise. "Watch me. I'll ask someone out, and you'll be the one looking safe in the corner."

I could hardly believe my ears. Was Izuko really going to do it?

"Seriously?" I thought, a grin forming on my lips. "This is going to be epic."

Izuko's POV

With Natasha's laughter echoing in my ears, I felt a surge of adrenaline. The challenge hung heavy between us, and I had no intention of backing down. I spotted Sarah watching from a distance, a curious expression on her face. I could feel my heart fluttering, especially with the thought of asking her out.

But wait—what if I actually went for it?

I took a deep breath, channeling all my sass. "Alright, I'll do it. I'll ask someone out. And I'm not going to just pick anyone. I'm going big."

"Who?!" Natasha demanded, her confidence wavering just a little.

"That's for me to know and you to find out," I smirked, turning on my heel and strutting away, feeling more empowered than ever. I needed a plan, and fast.

Nya's POV

As I walked down the hall with Jenna, I noticed Izuko storming past us with fire in her eyes. "What just happened?" I asked, my eyebrows raised.

"Natasha was pushing her buttons again," Jenna replied, shaking her head. "But Izuko totally stood up for herself this time."

"Wait, is she really going to ask someone out?" I asked, feeling a surge of excitement.

"I think so! She looked ready to take on the world," Jenna replied with a grin. "This is going to be good."

Izuko's POV

After school, I paced my room, running through my options. Who should I ask out? My mind kept landing back on Sarah. She was sweet, funny, and had this glow that made my heart race. But what if I chickened out?

I grabbed my phone, typing a message to Nya. I might need a little backup.

Nya's POV

When I saw Izuko's message, I couldn't contain my excitement. We're going to make this happen!

We quickly planned to meet up, and soon I was at Izuko's house, bursting with ideas.

"I think you should totally ask Sarah," I said, bouncing on my feet. "You've been spending so much time together, and you clearly have a connection!"

"I know, but what if she doesn't see me like that?" Izuko admitted, biting her lip.

"Then we'll make sure she does!" I said confidently. "Let's practice how you're going to ask her. No backing out!"

Sarah's POV

As I sat at home, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change between us. Izuko was different lately, bolder in a way that made my heart flutter.

When I saw her coming down the street towards my house, I felt a rush of excitement.

"Hey!" I greeted her, trying to play it cool, but my heart was racing.

"Hey!" she replied, but there was something in her voice that sounded off.

"Everything okay?" I asked, sensing her nerves.

"Yeah, just... I have something I want to ask you," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly.

My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

"I—uh, I was wondering if you'd want to go out sometime?" she blurted out, looking both determined and terrified. "Like, on a date?"

I froze, my mind racing. Did she really just ask me out? "Izuko...are you serious?"

Izuko's POV

The moment hung heavy in the air, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. I had just taken the leap, and now I was holding my breath.

"Uh, yeah," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, but I could hear the nervousness in my own voice. "I mean, if you're interested..."

Sarah's eyes widened in surprise, and I couldn't tell if it was good or bad. "Absolutely! I'd love to!" she said, her face lighting up with joy.

Relief washed over me, followed by a rush of excitement. I had done it! "Great! How about Saturday?"

"It's a date!" Sarah beamed, and I couldn't help but smile back, my heart soaring.

Nya's POV

As I watched the two of them from a distance, I felt a wave of happiness. Izuko had done it! She had asked Sarah out, and it had gone perfectly.

Maybe Natasha would think twice before messing with Izuko again.