Premium Seats [Klance] ✅

41 - Prom Night

KEITH

"If you hadn't been so holed up in that new house 'til you lost track of days, you wouldn't be in this state of panic right now,"

"First; I'm not panicking," Keith countered, though the restless flutter of his fingers told otherwise. "Second, it's not a new house. I'm just moving back into my old house and hope I don't get traumatised."

Allura put the boot she had been examining back on its shelf and regarded Keith with a frown. "That's not funny,"

"Perks of being diagnosed with anxiety is that you can make fun of it yourself,"

"Keith,"

"Can't hurt me when the blade's already embedded inside, right?"

Allura rolled her eyes. "Decided on your bow, yet?" she asked, moving down the aisle to admire some expensive watches inside a glass case.

"I still can't choose," he said, distress evident in his tone as his gaze swept from the scarlet bow tie to the midnight blue one. Because on one hand, he liked blue; it was, after all, his favourite colour. But on the other hand, the red one would match his burgundy floral tuxedo.

"Just get both!" she called out. Keith looked over; she had already disappeared down the next aisle, the only thing indicating her presence being that of her bushy white hair.

He puffed out his cheeks, weighing up his choices. Sure, if his pocket money allowed it, he'd buy both. In fact, he wouldn't even be in this panicked state right now. The floral tux had already cost a lot. He'd bought it on impulse, entranced by its pattern, prompted by some cash that Krolia had given him. Like a kid in a candy store.

Now that he was faced with a crisis in his budget, he could feel himself regretting all those unnecessary spendings on iced coffee, snacks and sketchbooks. Not that he'd mention any of it to Allura, especially not after he'd politely declined her offer to buy them for him. No, he would rather let the bow ties jeer at him than have her raise her eyebrows in an I-told-you-so manner.

The red one, advised his inner voice. Matches your suit. Besides, Lance says red looks good on you. Lance would—

Lance.

Because the boy in question had just entered the shop, rendering Keith immobile. Deep in conversation with Rachel, the boy – albeit his height – didn't see Keith lurking at the corner near the entrance. Of course, of all the places they would meet other than at school, it was here. At this very shopping centre, where nearly everyone he recognised from school also goes. Well, apparently it was the best one their town had. And considering it was prom season, it shouldn't be that big of a surprise. But still.

In his haste, Keith put the blue bow tie back in its case and strode towards Allura in the next aisle. She looked relatively alarmed at Keith's pace. "That was quick," she noted, eyeing the red bow.

"Yeah, we've been here long enough,"

"You know, I think I'll buy that blue one for you,"

"What?"

She chuckled. "You need to upgrade your wardrobe, Keith,"

"By what, collecting fancy bow ties? Saw a polka dot one just now,"

"It's a start,"

"Did Coran put you up to this?"

"Didn't have to,"

"I can come back another day when I actually have enough in my— Allura, wait!"

But she was already heading back towards the display rack that held up various styles of bow ties. With a muffled groan, he followed her.