Hearts in Bloom

Chapter 8

The next day at school, excitement filled the air as students busily prepared for the upcoming prom. Posters decorated the hallways, showcasing vibrant colors and themes, and the buzz of eager chatter echoed in every corner. For Aria and Tobias, the anticipation felt both thrilling and daunting.

During lunch, they found a spot at their usual table, joined by Mia and Jake, who were engrossed in their own plans for the prom.

"So, what are you guys thinking for the prom?" Mia asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Are you going to wear matching colors or something?"

"I haven't really thought about that yet," Aria admitted, glancing at Tobias. "I guess we'll figure it out as we go."

Tobias smiled, but inside, he felt a whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind. He'd agreed to go to the prom with Aria, and while he was thrilled, he was also anxious about how to confess his feelings. The idea of declaring his love for her felt monumental, and he didn't want to mess it up.

As Mia and Jaxon exchanged ideas about their outfits, Tobias took a moment to focus inward. He leaned back slightly, letting the chatter wash over him as he began to practice what he wanted to say to Aria on the prom in his head.

"Hey, Aria, I've really liked you for a while now. Will you be my girlfriend?"

He cringed at how clumsy it sounded. No, that's not right... He sighed quietly, trying to gather his thoughts. Maybe something simpler?

"Are you okay, Tobias?" Aria asked, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Yeah, just thinking about the prom," he replied quickly, forcing a smile. The last thing he wanted her to know was how much he was struggling internally.

As lunch continued, Aria turned her attention back to Mia and Jake. "So, what's your plan for the night? I hope you guys have something special in mind."

Jaxon grinned, wrapping his arm around Mia's shoulders. "Oh, we definitely do! I've got a surprise for Mia that she's going to love."

Mia's eyes widened in curiosity. "Really? What's it, Jax? You can't just leave me hanging!"

"Not telling," Jake teased, and the two erupted into playful banter, leaving Tobias feeling both happy for them and envious of their apparent ease with each other.

Meanwhile, his mind was racing again, replaying different scenarios and rehearsing potential lines. What if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin everything?

"Hey, Toby!" Mia's voice broke through his thoughts, and he snapped back to reality. "Are you even listening?"

"Sorry, I was... just thinking," he replied, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.

"About what?" Aria pressed, a hint of concern in her tone.

Tobias felt a flutter in his chest, suddenly aware of how much he wanted to tell her everything. "Just... you know, trying to figure out what to wear. Do you think a suit is too much formal?"

Aria shook her head, her smile reassuring. "Not at all! You'll look great no matter what you wear."

Tobias's heart raced at her words. Maybe this could work out after all.

As the lunch period drew to a close, Tobias couldn't shake the feeling of urgency to confess before the prom. He knew he needed to find the right moment to let Aria know how he felt, but with every passing hour, his nerves only seemed to heighten.

After lunch, they moved to their next class, but as the teacher droned on, Tobias's mind drifted back to his earlier practice sessions. He couldn't help but mentally rehearse different ways to approach the conversation.

"I really like you, Aria."

That sounded decent, right? He chewed on his pencil, trying to keep his mind focused while simultaneously battling a growing desire to express his feelings.

Finally, the school day came to an end, and as they gathered their things, Tobias caught Aria's gaze. Her expression was filled with that same warmth he had grown to adore, and it only fueled his determination.

"Hey, Aria?" he said, his voice steadier than he felt. "Do you want to talk about our plans for the prom more? Maybe we could meet up later?"

"Sure! I'd love that," she replied, her eyes brightening. "Let's figure out everything we need to get done!"

As they walked out together, the anticipation of the evening filled Tobias with both hope and trepidation. He was more determined than ever to find the right moment to confess his feelings and make prom night unforgettable for both of them. The clock was ticking, and he couldn't wait much longer.

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My Random Silly Thoughts:

The Secret Recipe:
Grandma: "This pie has a secret ingredient."
Kid: "What is it?"
Grandma: "Love."
Kid (inspects pie): "So... can I get a recipe without any feelings in it?"
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