Today was finally the D- day as most of you would call it. But I call it the deathtrap- day. I've never been this scared before. Not only would I be presenting a speech today but be presenting to a crowd that I've never seen before. Did I mention that I've phobic disorder? I'm afraid of so many things at the same time.

The location for the so- called prom was none other than the school's auditorium- like what the hell! That's just too revealing and crowding. How many people are going to be present here? A thousand?

Nervously, I rocked my heels back and forth as the prefects were being paired in twos. What's a prom without a partner? I breathe out a sigh. I really missed the times Minuet would be by my side watching and defending me, maybe I've been taking that for granted- but now I realize it's just me and me alone to face my own problems.

Please tell me he's not out there with a random someone now. I can't deal with the fact that he's with someone else and I'm racking my head here.

"Minuet". I gritted through the mindlink.

"I'm like fourteen feet away from you and you're still mindlinking me". He snorted over the mindlink.

"What?". I instinctively turned away, running my eyes through the scanty chairs across the auditorium, my eyes then fell on just one person and I forgot to breathe.

I watched as he crossed his arms with a smug on his face. Okay, I don't know where he got those clothes from but- wherever he did, it was so worth it. I don't think I'd have no reason not to jump from this backstage and run into his arms. I'm sorry but him in a gorgeous blue trux suit with his hair crimped, is something I want to touch so bad. This is clearly a sign that my night is gonna be something I'd cherish forever. I hope so.

"Should I be worried with the look on your face?". He teased over the mindlink. I could practically hear him laughing at me.

"N-no".

"Wait. W-what are you doing?". I could barely hide the anger in my mindlink when I noticed the number of persons that were suddenly swarming around him.

"Don't kill anyone now, I'm just asking for some reservations". He confessed.

"Yeah right, I'm so blind to see what they're actually doing!". I scoffed over the mindlink.

"Oh sorry, I see what's wrong here". He chuckled teasingly. "You know you are the only one that could compliment me in person".

My face completely went red completely when I saw how serious he sounded. I quickly scoffed to cover up my blush and withdrew the curtains of the stage with a deep sigh. He wants me to die of heartattack, nice try. The auditorium have started to get filled up- I need to go get changed quickly before the show starts.

I cocked my head to the side to see the girls already changing into their luxurious displays. Well, it's a good thing I'm in the girls room already. Although, I'm not any compared to their expensiveness.

With a sigh, I walked over to the clothes hanger, swiping furiously through the dull colours there. These are the ones the school has provided for us- as a spare clothing. If not that I don't have to use magic, this would have never been on my list this night. The colours are terribly dull and pale- there's no way I can win this prom with these odd clothes.

With a small groan, I undressed myself and hung my clothes in my own assigned locker- locker 0021. I ran my hands through my packed hair, letting it fall loose over my small bare shoulders.

There was a dull mirror besides my figure, and I could see the reflection of my half naked body. I was in a white simple lingerie, one that barely covered some of my skin, but it's way better than parading with my boobs and curves. I just hate showing so much skin.

I shook my head and focused on picking something that was...not so bad. My eyes fell on a short tea gown hanging at the edge of the rack.

Just when I was about to unclip it, something attractive caught my eyes. I held my breath in surprise and let my fingers feel the texture of this gracious mysterious gown before unclipping it from it's hook. I've never seen this gown around here before- but I'm already in love with it. I'm no girl of fashion but this...this is too much. Whoever that did this, I'm willing to go out on a prom date with him- or maybe her.

As if on cue, a brown note fell off from the gown's collar. I looked around, making sure no one was tricking me, and bent down- trying to unwrinkle the paper. I didn't have time to see what it said when my eyes landed on the writer.

Xander.

No way.

No no no.

I take back my words.

I..I can't wear this..

"The prom starts in the next ten minutes!". The M. C boomed from the stage as a head up to us. "Be ready to warm up those shoes".

No no no no no.

"Oh look, she's wearing her grandma's lingerie". scoffed someone from across the room. "Now she's about to wear her mother's pajamas".

The whole room erupted into laughter, making me turn red into embarrassment. G- grandma's lingerie? My mother's...

It hurts so much but I just kept on wearing the gown Xander brought for me. The funny aspect is that I didn't get to struggle with the zipping, the gown just fit perfectly, like it was my very size. How the hell did Xander know my exact size?

My face went pale at some thoughts that came crawling in my mind but I shrugged them off and zipped it up. I turned around to notice the awkward silence that was hanging from across the room- everyone had now kept silent and were now strangely staring at me- more of awestruck and envy. Was there something on my face?

"And there's my queen". whispered someone in a low deep voice behind me. I jumped instinctively and turned pale to see Xander and the prefects.

Were they here the entire time?

"X-xander, did you...". I paused, with my face reddened at my assumptions.

"We just came in now". He smiled, never letting his eyes off me. "And wow...I knew this was the one".

"You mean that I knew this was the one?". Another voice butted in, making me tilt my head to see the persons behind Xander. It was Thomas.

"I told you dinner gowns goes well with the evenings". Thomas laughed, slapping Xander's shoulder.

"Shut up. I'm the one with the money". Xander snorted, brushing away his hands. "All you always get to do is make mockery of my taste".

The whole time they were arguing I've been admiring every single one of them. They all looked dazzling and hot- not to mention that fact that they looked cute as they were fighting over some stupid sale.

I chuckled, finally attracting their attention. "Thank you, the both of you".

We all shared a smile for a while but my smile faded when Marcus came in with a long face. What had happened?

"Guys, I heard that-". He stopped and turned at me with an amused look. "And hello to you, beautiful".

I smiled and waved back shyly. I didn't want to talk so that they won't all start another argument- considering the look on Xander and Thomas's face.

"The presentations have been lengthened to two hours per person". Marcus announced, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

Two hours of speech?!

I instinctively let out a cough and held my head at the sudden change. "I can barely stand there for two minutes and you guys changed it to two hours?!".

"Relax babe, it's just two hours of speech". A voice butted in from across the room, making our heads turn to the direction of the voice. It was Luke. "Darn, you're smoking hot"

"Two hours?!". I repeated in a questioning tone.

Dude, seriously?

"That was both I and Xander's idea, baby girl". A familiar feminine voice replied from behind me. I almost jumped in surprise. Where the hell are they all coming from?

I didn't even want to look at the redheaded girl right now, or I'd feel very discouraged.

"So, the whole school's here?". I whispered in a squeaky voice, looking left and right for any means of escape but found none.

"Boys and girls less talking and more thinking...". Xander suddenly boomed from behind us, making our heads turn to his direction. "It's time".

I let out an anxious sigh, checking myself out at the mirror, over and over again.

"As for you, it's more talking and less thinking". I could feel Xander's hands coil around my waist from behind as he spoke. With a gulp, I stared at the reflection of us in the mirror- he looked so good in those pants and as a bonus, our clothes are almost matching. I couldn't help but just smile shyly whereas the look in his eyes darkened with lust surprisingly.

"And as for you handsome, it's more actions than talking".

                                    ******

It wasn't long before the prefects started getting in their respective lines. Xander walked to my side since he was partner- and so did Sebastian. I already started to feel all nervous and cringy again. I don't know if it's because of the fact that he's undeniably attractive or that there's a freaking hunter by my side.

My eyes widened when the curtain ring was being pulled, making the curtains slowly give way to the opening grounds. I could feel myself going into hyperventilation at the sight of the crowd. If I'm correct, there were over a thousand here, maybe even five thousand!

I'm going to die from this kind of population...no, overpopulation!

"First up, Xander and his colleagues!". The announcer declared, pointing at our approaching figure. "The seniors!".

A smile appeared when I caught a glimpse of Minuet amongst the crowd. I don't know how I was able to see him that fast but I'm relieved I did anyways. Although, he had a surprised look plastered on his face, I could see him battling with something in his mind.

There's no doubt he'd hate me for accepting this from Xander- if he finds out.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen". Xander started, taking the mic from the announcer with a huge grin. "I've to say, you're all looking dazzling tonight. I'm quite jealous myself".

I could hear some chuckles and screams of joy- probably from the crazy fans of his.

"Thanks for lending me this nice opportunity once again. It's been quite a long time since the King got his stand back in the crowd". He continued with a dramatic stretch, earning some laughs from the audience. I've to say, he's really an entertaining guy. He always have his way of brightening up someone's mood.

"Well, the semester had come and gone now- I'm sure a lot of you who have been on my neck for that must be simpering by now".

I let out a sigh as I rocked back and forth on my feet, silently praying and waiting for time to pass by quickly.

Soon, seconds became minutes and minutes began hours. And hours became two hours.

"As we all know, our prom King is in search of his prom's Queen". I didn't realise when he was done and had given the announcer the mic back. Wait, what?

"If you are to pick one of the ladies out here, who would that be?". The guy asked Xander, who was already seated in his throne. All eyes averted to the King and silence filled the whole place, awaiting his answer.

I raised my head and watched as his eyes shifted to the auditorium carelessly, before he eventually wore a smile, looking at me from the corner of his eyes. "Well, she's...".

I gulped. "Please don't choose me". I pleaded at the back of my mind, even though I knew he couldn't hear it.

"She's among us here tonight". He began, sparking up everyone's curiosity. "But..".

My eyes fell on him as he indicated there was something else.

"It'd be fair enough to see everyone's votes, just like the good old times". He declared, clasping his hands with a sigh. "That would be fair for everyone".

"Very well". said the random guy. "The King has spoken".

Nothing was compared to how I was relieved now- although I was sort of disappointed too.

"Now, before the presentations continue, the prom ladies need to show up for the voting".

I gawked at the beautiful ladies that quickly lined up at the stage, obviously they were all fan-girls of his. Jealousy stirred within me at how they're only going to get closer to him- and how I'd not only miss my chance of being by his side, but as well miss the chance of getting closer to know his deepest secrets as a hunter. I'd to do anything by all means to get closer to him, but how?

There are just so many of them!

Walking back slowly and carefully, I was able to sneak out from the spot without a trace, since I was probably short and somewhere behind the others. With a relieved sigh, I ended up at the backstage, the very one that I was surprised with.

Okay, think think think!

If I was on a prom date, what would I wear?

Wait, I'm already in something. I can't change it, Xander would notice.

Jeez...someone remind me to facepalm sometime.

Wait, I know what to do.

I was about flickering my arms when something stopped me immediately, or rather someone. It felt like my powers were suddenly stuck at my veins, unable to flow in and out of me.

"If not that you're not looking Isabelle-ish tonight, I'd have seriously dealt with you".

Did he just...compliment me?

"Don't you dare use magic. Are you crazy?". He scolded over the mindlink. "It's a good thing I restrained your powers while you were asleep".

"I-I'm sorry, I'm just nervous. I don't think I can make it out there without ma- ".

"How many times do I've to tell you, Isabelle. You don't need magic to be something you're not, just breathe in and out, and everything would be fine". He cooed in a motherly tone. I could almost picture him standing behind me, but I let the thought slide, as it'd only force my powers to eventually make that happen.

"Hey". His voice gradually became softer over the mindlink. "I'm watching you, nothing bad would happen. Now come out already, will ya!".

"Thanks". My voice was barely a whisper. "Can I compliment you? It'd only make me feel better".

The back of my mind became silent for some seconds. I thought that he might have gone and sighed, but he spoke again.

"You're clearly making that up to say sweet words to me. Aren't you?".

"N-no, I mean...yes?". I hated how he always caught me at things. He didn't even need to read my mind to know what's going on there. So embarrassing.

His sudden laugh caught me off guard but then he hummed softly. "Fine, but hurry up. They'd soon call you out, Cinderella".

My face went red. What was I supposed to say? What should I even start complimenting with?

"You are...you have a...I think you're...". Words could barely come out of my mind. "You look really...darn it! I can't say it!".

"It's so cute when you're speechless. Focus on the prom now, and not me- Your time on me has expired". He confessed with a gentle and cute voice, not sounding like a tease this time. "If you get everything played out pretty well, then I might have a little something for you".

"Something?". Minuet wanting to show me something or maybe give me something sparked some curiosity and determination in me. I wonder what he wanted to give me. Probably just a taste of his tease?

"Where did you get this suit from? I've never seen them before, Minuet". I asked, very curious.

"From your credit card". He chuckled and cut off the mindlink instantly.

From my what?!

I barely had time to react when my name was announced from the stage. "Isabelle Wintman, please come forward!".

Shit...I can do this...I can do this...

Or maybe not...

Taking some deep breaths like Minuet had suggested, I took some few steps forward and made my way to the stage once again. I guess there was no need for going to the backstage after all. I held my breath and made my way to the throne as all eyes were settled on me. Darn, this is so uncomfortable.

The girls were already by his front and were ready to show off their booties. Just kidding. They, I mean we...are all ready to show off our dancing skills to please you know who.

He chuckled at my reluctance and stood up with a bow, making me to curtsy as a response. I don't know why but everyone were staring at me strangely, like they had saw a unicorn pooping rainbow in the skylight.

Was it the gown's glamour?

"And let the dancing...". A guy raised his hand in the air before lowering it down with a smug. "Begin!".

Okay, I'm not the best dancer, neither I'm I the best Cinderella. I watched as the other girls partnered up and tried dancing to the tune of the waltz.

I sighed relief when someone came over to my mind and felt my voice hang in my throat to see that it was Amy.

Oh.

No.

She bowed whereas I reluctantly curtsied and wrapped my arms around her waist as her hands coiled around my shoulders. It wasn't smooth but we were able to steady ourselves.

"So, how's your evening going so far, baby girl". She began, staring at me with a funny look in her eyes.

"N-not bad, what about yours?". I swallowed back the urge to push her and run away.

"Mm, not bad too". She said. "Let's just say...things are about to get interesting tonight".

Huh?

I gulped and stole a glance at Xander, who was clearly observing everyone's display. What did she mean by that?

I let out a squeal when she spun me unexpectedly and caught me just before I could hit the ground. Well thanks to her, I'd be more focused and alert now. Why her out of everyone else?

"Buckle up, this is the last dance". She groaned at the fourth time I had missed a step. "He's watching everyone so behave".

Why's she so squeaky all of a sudden?

I decided to let my body flow with the rhythm and waltzed around the stage with the one girl I despised. I didn't even realize when everything had come to an end until Amy pulled me by the hair.

A moan left my lips at the pain as I regained my composure. Xander stood up from his seat and slowly circled everyone one of us, tapping his chin as he does so. I could feel the inside of me burning as he was nearing our direction.

"D-do you think that we'd win?". I nervously asked the impatient redheaded girl besides me.

"It's not us...". She scoffed. "It's one of us, and that's me".

"Nice, our king's already making a move for it". A commentator from the technical room began. "Who would be his lucky queen this night?".

I walked back in fear as Amy flashed me a scary intimidating look. I'm out of here before she kills me.

I walked back slowly and tried to run but it was too late.