Hearts in Bloom

Chapter 6

The school cafeteria was buzzing with its usual lunchtime energy. Students filled the tables, chattering about assignments, weekend plans, and the latest gossip. At their usual spot near the windows, Aria, Tobias, Mia, and Jaxon sat together, laughing about the day’s earlier events.

Aria was still blushing slightly from the memory of her earlier slip in the hallway. She glanced at Tobias, who seemed unusually quiet, pushing his food around on his tray. Mia, ever the observant one, raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“Seriously, Aria, you’ve gotta watch out for those wet floors,” Jaxon teased, grinning as he took a big bite of his sandwich. “I thought you were going to face-plant!”

Aria rolled her eyes but smiled. “Yeah, well, luckily Tobias here saved me from total embarrassment,” she said, giving Tobias a thankful nudge with her shoulder.

Tobias chuckled softly, but his ears were once again turning red at the mention of the incident. “It was no big deal,” he mumbled, still avoiding her gaze. But the warmth from catching her earlier hadn’t left him, and his heart raced every time he thought about how close they’d been.

Mia smirked, watching the exchange. “Tobias the hero,” she teased, winking at him. “Always there just in time.”

“Knock it off, Mia,” Tobias muttered, though his lips twitched in a small smile.

Before anyone could tease him further, a sudden announcement crackled through the cafeteria speakers. The familiar voice of the school principal filled the room, instantly silencing the chatter.

“Attention students, we have an exciting announcement! This year’s prom will take place in just a few weeks, on the 15th of November! We’re looking forward to seeing all of you dressed in your best for an unforgettable evening. More details will be posted on the school bulletin board, so start planning your night now!”

The cafeteria erupted in excited murmurs as students immediately started talking about dates, dresses, and who would ask whom. Aria’s eyes lit up at the announcement. “Prom!” she exclaimed, turning to her friends with a wide smile. “I can’t believe it’s already time for prom! This is going to be amazing.”

Mia clapped her hands together, just as excited. “I know, right? We have to find the perfect dresses! Oh, and hairstyles too—this is going to be so much fun.”

Jaxon groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically. “Great. Just what I needed—more pressure to wear suit, do hairstyles and look handsome. But hey, free food, right?”

Aria laughed. “You’ll survive, Jaxon.”

As Mia and Aria dived into discussions about dresses, shoes, and prom night fantasies, Tobias remained silent, his mind swirling with thoughts. Prom. The perfect opportunity. His heart pounded at the idea of asking Aria to be his date. They had been good friends for so long, and while it seemed natural to go together, it felt different for him.

He wasn’t just a friend who wanted to go to prom with her. He wanted her to see him as something more. But how could he ask her without making it awkward? What if she didn’t feel the same way? He glanced at Aria, who was now animatedly discussing hairstyles with Mia, completely unaware of the turmoil inside him.

“I need to figure this out,” Tobias thought to himself, fidgeting with the edge of his tray. He could feel Jaxon’s eyes on him, as if sensing his internal struggle.

“So… anyone thinking of asking someone special?” Jaxon asked casually, shooting a glance at Tobias. His tone was light, but there was a knowing look in his eyes.

Mia’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she turned toward Tobias. “Yeah, Tobias, anyone in mind?”

Tobias flushed, the tips of his ears burning once again. “I—I don’t know yet,” he stammered, trying to sound nonchalant. “I haven’t really thought about it.”

Aria, still caught up in prom excitement, didn’t notice the awkward tension. “Well, whoever you ask, Tobias, they’ll be lucky,” she said cheerfully, giving him a warm smile.

Her words made his heart skip a beat. “I hope so,” he mumbled under his breath, barely audible, but no one seemed to hear him.

As the lunch period came to an end and they gathered their things, Aria linked arms with Mia, still chattering excitedly about all the prom preparations they would need to make. Tobias followed behind, lost in thought. The idea of prom had sent his emotions into overdrive, and now he couldn’t shake the weight of his feelings for Aria. How could he tell her? Was prom the right moment, or would it complicate everything?

As they walked out of the cafeteria together, Tobias glanced over at Aria, who was completely oblivious to the internal battle he was fighting. To her, it was just another exciting high school event. But for Tobias, it felt like his last chance to finally let her know how much he cared.

Jaxon nudged Tobias as they trailed behind the girls. “You’re gonna ask her, right?”

Tobias sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I want to. But… what if she doesn’t feel the same?”

Jaxon gave him a knowing look. “Dude, you’ve been into her for years. If you don’t make a move now, someone else will. And trust me, you don’t want to miss your shot.”

Tobias knew Jaxon was right, but that didn’t make the thought any less terrifying. He would have to gather his courage. Prom was coming, and whether he liked it or not, it was the moment he’d been waiting for.

As they headed to their next class, Tobias made a silent promise to himself: he would find the right time to ask Aria. But for now, he’d focus on enjoying these moments with her. After all, little moments had a way of turning into something much bigger.

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The excitement surrounding the prom announcement was palpable throughout the school for the rest of the day. Aria and Mia continued to gush over dresses and decorations, while Tobias remained more introspective, plotting how to make his move.

But as they walked out of school together that afternoon, with the sun dipping below the horizon and casting a warm glow over the street, Tobias couldn’t help but feel that prom would be a turning point—one way or another.

And though he wasn’t ready to ask her just yet, he knew the moment was fast approaching.

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My Random Silly Thoughts:

Library Rules:
Librarian: "Please remember to whisper."
Kid: "Okay."
(Whispers loudly): "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?"
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