Dreaming of YOU

Chapter 6: A Night of Choices

The rhythm of the music pulsed through the gym, vibrant and alive, but Yvo felt a different kind of energy building within him. Dancing with Elara was like stepping into a dream, yet the reality of the moment pressed at the edges of his mind. He could see his friends—Onyx, Charles, and Brix—laughing and enjoying themselves, their carefree spirit a stark contrast to the conflict brewing in his heart.

As the song came to a close, Yvo pulled Elara to the side, wanting to catch his breath and gather his thoughts. "You're an amazing dancer," he said, genuinely impressed.

Elara smiled, her cheeks flushed. "Thanks! You're not so bad yourself. I can tell you're having fun."

"I am, but..." Yvo hesitated, searching for the right words. "I feel like there's something more going on tonight. It's like I'm caught between two worlds."

"What do you mean?" Elara asked, tilting her head slightly, her curiosity evident.

Before he could respond, Onyx barreled over, a wide grin on his face. "There you are! I've been looking for you, Yvo! We need to do a group photo!"

Yvo glanced at Elara, who looked amused. "Sure, let's go."

As they gathered with their friends, Yvo felt a surge of warmth. This was his life—messy, loud, and filled with the chaos of friendship. Charles positioned himself at the front, holding a handful of snacks while Onyx struck an over-the-top pose. Brix stood off to the side, arms crossed but smiling subtly, a look of pride in his eyes.

"Say 'snack time!'" Charles called out, and everyone burst into laughter as the flash of the camera captured the moment.

When the photo was taken, Yvo felt a rush of gratitude. Despite the confusion of his heart, these moments with his friends grounded him.

"Alright, everyone! Group photo done!" Onyx declared dramatically. "Now, who's up for a game of truth or dare?"

"Isn't that a bit juvenile for prom?" Brix replied, his tone teasing.

"Come on, live a little!" Onyx insisted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, it's the perfect way to break the ice!"

Yvo exchanged glances with Elara, who seemed intrigued. "I'm in," she said, her smile infectious.

"Great! Let's find a circle to sit in," Onyx said, leading the way.

As they settled into a makeshift circle on the gym floor, Yvo felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Truth or dare could reveal secrets and push boundaries, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for that tonight. But there was something about Elara's presence that encouraged him to take risks.

Onyx started, grinning mischievously. "Okay, I'll go first! Elara, truth or dare?"

Elara raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Dare."

Onyx rubbed his hands together. "I dare you to give Yvo a compliment that he doesn't already know about himself."

The group erupted into laughter, and Yvo felt heat creep up his face. Elara looked at him thoughtfully, her expression serious. "Alright. Yvo, you're more than just a pretty face. You have this way of making people feel valued and heard. You might not realize it, but you have a good heart."

Yvo was taken aback, the sincerity of her words hitting him hard. "Thanks, Elara. That really means a lot."

Next, it was Charles's turn. "Brix, truth or dare?"

"Truth," Brix said, a hint of caution in his eyes.

"Okay, what's the one thing you wish people knew about you?" Charles asked.

Brix took a moment to consider, his expression contemplative. "I wish they knew I'm not just quiet; I observe a lot. I see more than people think, and sometimes, that can be heavy."

The group nodded, a newfound respect for Brix washing over them. Yvo admired his friend's honesty, and it made him reflect on his own struggles.

When it was Yvo's turn, he felt a mixture of dread and anticipation. "Onyx, truth or dare?" he asked, determined to flip the script.

"Dare!" Onyx proclaimed confidently.

"I dare you to go up to the DJ and request a song of your choice," Yvo said, stifling a laugh.

"Easy!" Onyx jumped to his feet, ready to seize the moment. He marched up to the DJ, and the group watched as he animatedly requested a ridiculous dance track. The DJ nodded, and soon, the music shifted to an upbeat, playful song that filled the room with energy.

As Onyx returned to the group, he struck a ridiculous pose, and everyone laughed, the mood lightening.

"Okay, my turn again! Elara, truth or dare?" Onyx asked, his playful grin back in place.

"Dare," she replied, her confidence unwavering.

"I dare you to take Yvo's hand and lead him to the center of the dance floor!"

Elara turned to Yvo, mischief dancing in her eyes. "You okay with that?"

"Sure," he said, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside him.

Hand in hand, they made their way to the center of the floor, where all eyes turned to them. The music pulsed, and Yvo could feel the heat of everyone's gaze. As they began to dance, he felt a rush of exhilaration wash over him.

In that moment, it didn't matter that the dream girl lingered in the back of his mind or that he was navigating complex feelings. All that mattered was the way Elara moved, her laughter ringing in his ears as they spun and twirled.

But then, the beat shifted again, and Yvo caught a glimpse of something—or someone—out of the corner of his eye. The dream girl was watching him from the edge of the crowd, her expression unreadable.

The sight jolted him, and for a moment, he was torn. Who was he meant to be with? The girl who was right in front of him, dancing with joy, or the one who had captivated his dreams?

As the song played on, he felt a sense of urgency rise within him. Tonight was about choices, and he needed to figure out what his heart truly desired before the night slipped away.