Sophie's Life

Special Chapter 1: How to Ruin a Date 101

**Aaron's POV**

I'm sitting in the corner of the school cafeteria, watching as Riley and Kenji leave together, laughing about something I probably wouldn't find funny. It's not like I'm jealous—I just don't think Kenji's good for her. Or maybe I'm just sick of the way she keeps acting like I'm invisible whenever he's around. Whatever it is, I decide tonight's the night I'm putting a stop to their little date.

I follow them out of the cafeteria, keeping my distance until they reach the local café where they're supposed to be meeting. I hang back, waiting for the right moment to make my move. They settle into a booth, and I can see Riley's face light up as she talks, gesturing with her hands like she always does. Kenji's smiling, nodding along, and I grit my teeth. Just when their food arrives, I walk up and slide into the seat next to Riley.

"Room for one more?" I say with a smirk, barely giving them a chance to answer.

Riley's eyes narrow, irritation flashing across her face. "Seriously, Aaron? Can't you see we're kind of... busy?"

Kenji sighs, clearly uncomfortable but too polite to tell me to leave. "Uh, hey, man. Didn't know you'd be here."

"Oh, I'm just here to keep an eye on things," I reply, throwing an exaggerated glance between them. "Making sure you're treating Riley right, you know?"

Riley rolls her eyes. "Aaron, no one asked you to play the knight in shining armor."

"I think it's sweet," I say, leaning back and folding my arms, pretending I don't notice her glaring daggers at me. "I mean, I'm just looking out for my... friend."

Kenji clears his throat, looking increasingly uncomfortable. He shifts in his seat, glancing between us before finally speaking up. "Actually, I think I should be honest here," he says, his tone surprisingly serious. "Riley, you're amazing, but... I just don't see you that way. I thought maybe if we hung out, things would change, but... they haven't."

Riley freezes, clearly taken aback. "Wait, what? So, you're saying you're not... into me?"

Kenji gives her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lead you on."

I can't help it—a grin spreads across my face. "Tough break, Riley. Guess he's just not feeling it."

She turns to me, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger. "Oh, like you're one to talk! You couldn't care less who I date, so why are you even here?"

I can feel my face heating up as I scramble for an answer. "Maybe I care more than you think," I mumble, the words tumbling out before I can stop myself. Her eyes widen, and suddenly I'm cursing myself for being so stupid. Why did I have to say that out loud?

There's a beat of silence before I decide, if I'm already this deep, I might as well go all the way. "Look, Riley," I say, forcing myself to keep eye contact, "I'm not good at this stuff, but I... like you. And maybe I don't show it in the best way, but it's true. So, I'm asking you... will you go to prom with me?"

Riley stares at me, absolutely dumbfounded. She crosses her arms, her expression hardening. "You? Asking *me* to prom? Aaron, you're the last person I'd ever go with. You make my life miserable every chance you get. Why would I even consider it?"

I clench my jaw, trying not to let her words get to me. But they do. They hit harder than I'd like to admit. "Fine. If that's how you feel, maybe I was wrong about you, too," I snap, standing up so fast the chair scrapes loudly against the floor. "Have fun being alone, Riley."

Without another word, I storm out of the café, my heart pounding. As I walk away, I can't help but feel the sting of rejection mixed with a strange, bitter satisfaction. I'd gotten what I wanted: Riley's date was ruined. But it hadn't ended the way I thought it would, not by a long shot.