Hearts in Bloom

Chapter 10

The night had finally arrived. November 15th, the day everyone had been talking about for weeks. Aria stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down the elegant black gown that Mia had helped her pick out weeks ago. The fabric shimmered with every movement, hugging her frame just right. She wore a small diamond pendant around her neck, a gift from her mother. She was wearing earrings that matched with her dress and her pendent. Her hair was set loose with some matching hairclips on her hair. She wore a bracelet. She then did some light makeup and took one last look in the mirror.

Her phone buzzed on the bed, snapping her out of her thoughts. She saw a message from Tobias:
"I'm outside. Come down when you are ready."

Her heart fluttered. Tobias had always been her rock, her best friend, but tonight felt different. There was an energy in the air that she couldn't quite place. It wasn't just prom night—it was something more.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her purse and made her way downstairs. Her parents had left for a dinner party, so the house was quiet, except for the thudding of her own heartbeat.

When she opened the door, Tobias stood there, leaning casually against his car.

The sight of him made her breath hitch. His usually messy hair was neatly styled, and he wore a perfectly tailored black suit that matched her dress.

Tobias was waiting for her. And when she came, He was one again taken away by her beauty. She looked amazing. She was wearing a simple and elegent black gown which hugged her body perfectly and it wasn't too revealing. Her hair was set loose with some hairclips on her hair. She was wearing wearing matching pendent, earrings and bracelet. She also had light makeup on her face and she looked fabulous. She was looking like some kind of angel.

"Wow," he finally managed, his voice barely a whisper. "You look... stunning."

Aria felt a warmth creeping up her neck and into her cheeks. "You don't look too bad yourself," she replied with a small smile, trying to ignore how fast her heart was racing.

As she stepped closer to him, she noticed something familiar—Tobias's ears were slowly turning red. They always did that when he was nervous or embarrassed or around her, but it made her smile. Even tonight, when he looked so confident and put together, there was still that trace of vulnerability.

He cleared his throat, offering his hand. "Ma'am, shall we?"

Her fingers brushed against his as she took his hand, and she felt a little spark between them. Aria's breath caught again, but she pushed it aside. This was Tobias, her best friend. Nothing more.

Right?

---

The gym had been transformed. Twinkling fairy lights hung from the ceiling, casting a magical glow over the room. The soft sounds of chatter, laughter, and music filled the space as couples danced and groups of friends gathered for photos. The prom was everything Aria had hoped for.

Mia rushed over as soon as they arrived, practically bouncing with excitement. "You guys look perfect! Oh my God, Toby, Ari—you both match! You both look like the most perfect couple. Was this planned?" she gushed, giving them both a wide smile.

Tobias chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Uh, yeah. We kind of planned." he admitted, casting a quick glance at Aria.

The night passed in a blur of laughter, dancing, and photos. But through it all, Tobias kept stealing glances at Aria, his feelings for her growing stronger with each passing moment. His plan for tonight was simple: confess. He was going to tell her his feelings which he kept hidden all these years.