Christine stood in front of her mirror, nervously brushing her fingers through her long, golden hair. The reflection staring back at her seemed more fragile than she remembered. Tonight was the night she would confess her love to Alex, and it was terrifying.

“What if he doesn’t feel the same?” she whispered to herself, heart pounding. “Even if he doesn’t, he deserves to know. I owe him the truth.”

The door to her room creaked open, and Christine’s mother stepped inside, a warm smile lighting up her face.

“You look absolutely stunning, darling,” her mother said, admiring Christine’s mustard-yellow dress. It flowed gracefully, accentuating her soft curves and radiating elegance. Her hair, cascading in golden waves, shimmered in the soft light. Her mother helped pin a few loose strands behind her ear, revealing the delicate sparkle of her earrings.

Christine smiled shyly. “Do you really think Alex will like it?”

Her mother chuckled. “If he doesn’t, he’s a fool. Now come on, it’s time.”

As her mother dropped her off at the school, Christine spotted Lara and Bella standing near the entrance, chatting and laughing. Lara looked unusual, dressed in a grey tuxedo, and Bella, with her bubbly personality, was sporting an eye-catching orange dress.

Christine approached them. “Lara, why are you dressed like that?” she asked with a soft laugh.

Lara shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a hint of discomfort in her eyes. “I’m not comfortable in dresses. They don’t suit my short hair.”

Bella piped up with a giggle. “She’s my date tonight! I couldn’t find anyone to go with, so I forced her into my brother’s suit.” She wrapped her arm around Lara’s, laughing.

Christine and Bella shared a moment of laughter, and the three posed for pictures, with Bella clicking away on her camera. Despite the lightheartedness, Christine couldn’t help but notice a faint tension in Lara’s expression.

As they prepared to head inside, Christine looked around but couldn’t see Alex. She decided to wait outside, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

Lara suddenly interrupted, her voice quiet but strained. “I forgot my inhaler, Kay. I’m afraid I’ll need it later. I might get anxious in the crowd.”

Christine, always the kind-hearted friend, offered to help. “I’ll get it from a nearby pharmacy. Don’t worry!”

As Christine rushed off, Lara's eyes darkened with a wicked smile playing on her lips. "Sorry, Kay. I can't let you attend the prom tonight," she whispered to herself.
Lara asked Bella to go inside claiming she would wait for Christine.
Shortly after, Alex arrived, and Lara lied, saying Christine was already inside. Afterwards, she went inside and made her way towards Bella, a sly grin on her face.

While Christine frantically searched for an inhaler, Alex sent several texts, but there was no reply. Lara had switched off Christine’s phone while they took pictures. Minutes passed, and the entry gates were about to close. Christine was nowhere to be found.

Christine finally found an inhaler and rushed back to the school, only to find the gates closed. Her heart sank as disappointment washed over her. Tears began to well in her eyes, but before she could break down, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder.

She turned to see Alex, standing with a bouquet of sunflowers in hand. His smile was warm, reassuring.

"These are for you," he said, holding out the bouquet.

Christine’s face lit up as she took the flowers. “You know sunflowers are my favorite!” she beamed.

Alex chuckled softly. “Of course, I do.”

But Christine’s smile faltered as she realized the prom had already started. “We can’t get inside now... What are we going to do?”

“We were never supposed to go inside, Chris. I have something else planned,” Alex said with a twinkle in his eye. He offered his hand, and Christine took it, curious but trusting.

Alex led her behind the auditorium, to the school’s backyard. It was dark and quiet.

“What are we doing here?” Christine asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

Before Alex could answer, the entire backyard lit up with glowing bulbs and fairy lights. A small stage stood in the corner with a music system set up, and out of nowhere, Bryan, Bruce, Rachel, and Sarah appeared, smiling at her.

“Surprise!” they all cheered.

Alex grinned. “Bryan and Bruce helped me set all of this up. We’re going to have our own private prom night.”

Christine’s heart melted. “You guys! This is amazing.”

Rachel hugged her. “We just wanted to have some special time with you before school ends. Plus, we can join everyone else for the meal and contests after our dance!”

The music began to play, and soon, everyone was dancing, laughing, and enjoying the night. Christine felt like she was floating in a dream, surrounded by her closest friends.

After a while, Bryan and Rachel snuck off, claiming they needed to take couple photos by the pool. Bruce and Sarah followed them with mischievous grins.

Christine’s eyes widened. “Wait... Bryan and Rachel are dating? And so are Bruce and Sarah?”

Alex laughed softly. “You didn’t know? They’ve been together for a while.”

Christine shook her head in disbelief, her eyes meeting Alex’s. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth in her chest.

“Hey, I got you something,” Alex said, pulling out a small box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a delicate golden bracelet. “I thought it would look good on you.”

Christine’s heart fluttered as she looked at the bracelet. “It’s beautiful, Alex, but you didn’t have to…”

“I wanted to,” Alex replied, gently placing the bracelet on her wrist.

Christine admired it for a moment, her eyes sparkling with happiness. Then she looked up at Alex, and for a moment, time seemed to slow down. He was staring at her with an intensity that made her heart race.

Alex was busy admiring Christine's beauty. Her long eyelashes, those big beautiful eyes full of childlike innocence, her beautiful hairs, her soft cheeks and his eyes landed on her lips when Christine suddenly spoke

“What are you doing?”

Alex stammered. “I-I wasn’t... I mean, I was just…”

Alex was caught off guard, he didn't know what to say when Christine with gentle footsteps started nearing him. She brought her face closer to Alex's and looked him directly in the eyes, her gaze softened...

"What are you doing to me Alex?" she mumbled softly and hugged Alex tightly.

Alex’s breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding. He hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around her, holding her close. He could feel the softness of her hair against his cheek, the warmth of her body pressed against his.
Alex did not know how to respond, he was feeling soo many emotions at the same time... He was unable to phrase a proper sentence..

" Um... Chris..." he was about to say something when Christine lifted her head up from his chest and looked at him . "Shhhhh......"  she mumbled and placed her finger on his lips...
" Don't say anything now, let's dance " she said.

As the slow music played, they swayed together, lost in the moment. Christine’s arms were around Alex’s neck, and his hands rested gently on her waist. The world faded away as they moved in perfect sync, their eyes locked on each other.
Christine looked at Alex, trying to find courage drowning herself inside his deep blue eyes.

"Alex?" she said softly..
"Um......" he hummed, maintaining eye contact with her, hypnotized by her warm gaze.

"Would you believe it if I say I love you?" Christine asked, looking at him intently..

Alex's breath hitched as she continued...

"I love you soo much Alex, I don't even know how to express it. Your presence makes my heart go wild....I feel.... I feel like I am going insane. I want to drown inside your deep blue eyes, I want to hold you tight so that you can never go out of my sight... I.... I ..I can't imagine a life without you Alex... I am scared..... I am sooo scared." she said tears dropping from her eyes..

Alex gently wiped her tears with his hand and was caressing her cheeks when Christine placed her head on his shoulder, her gentle breath touching his ears sending shivers down his spine. She found a mole on his neck and brushed it gently with her fingers, blush rising up on Alex's cheeks.
She took a step back, raised her head looking adoringly at Alex making him freeze, she tiptoed and cupped Alex's face with her hands, gently pulling him towards her. Alex suddenly felt a pair of warm lips on his own.
Christine closed her eyes as their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss. It was soft, sweet, and filled with all the emotions they had kept hidden for so long.

Witnessing this scene was Lara from the other end of the backyard, her blood boiling at the sight in front of her. Her plan failed..

Christine detached herself from Alex realising what she just did when Alex held her hand..
"Um...Chris..you know.... actually I, I was planning..." he was about to say something when suddenly Lara entered and took Christine's hand into hers.

"Kay, where have you been? Come, it's time for the prom meal, let's go" she said almost dragging her along.
Christine was looking back, her eyes still on Alex expecting her answer but maybe she has to wait a little more..