Two weeks had passed since their last conversation, and excitement filled the air of Daleside High as the Fall Ball loomed just four weeks away. In an aromatic corner of the bustling school corridor, Hayley, with her round glasses perched on her nose, looked around at her friends with glee. A soft blue sweater hugged her shoulders, complementing the delicate floral skirt that swished around her knees.

“One month to go, guys! Eee, I’m so excited!” she exclaimed, her hazel eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Emma, dressed in a cozy mustard sweater that brightened her fair complexion, raised a brow in confusion. “One month till what, Hales?” she shot back, flicking through her notes, oblivious to the anticipation hanging in the air. “Most application deadlines aren’t until January...”

Layla, wearing a deep green dress that contrasted beautifully with her sun-kissed hair, leaned closer with a knowing smile. “She was talking about the Fall Ball, Emma. You're the only one worrying about college applications this early in the term.”

“Not true!” Emma protested, a hint of indignation slipping into her voice. “I saw you looking through admissions brochures in the library yesterday, Layla!”

The trio shared a laugh, but Layla, always the responsible one, gave a light-hearted sigh. “Alright! You and I are the only ones worrying about college applications this early in the term.”

“She’s right!” Hayley chimed in, her excitement overshadowing Emma’s anxiety. “I haven’t even looked at the application site yet!”

Liam, casually dressed in a grey hoodie and dark jeans, ambled over, nodding along. “Same here. I think that might be an honor student thing.”

Layla crossed her arms, looking stern yet amused. “Seriously, you two should at least start thinking about it. You’re going to be in college for the next four years—that’s a long time, and January will be here before you know it!”

“Yes, Laylay,” Hayley replied, trying to stifle another squeal of excitement.

Liam grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’m lucky I have you two around to be a good influence on me. Any chance you could come with me to college to stop me from spending all my time at frat parties?”

“I mean, if we end up going to the same school, I’m going to be right there dancing with you,” Emma said, her tone teasing.

Layla threw her head back in a sarcastic laugh. “Cause you’re such a party animal, Emma. We’ve been clubbing once this semester, and you left early, remember?”

“I’m with Emma!” Hayley added, her excitement bubbling over. “House parties, club nights—college is gonna be so AWESOME!”

Layla shook her head, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. “You know that you have to study in college, right, Hales?”

“Spoilsport,” Hayley retorted playfully.

“Moving this conversation back into the shorter term,” Layla interjected, “are you three still up for our cinema trip next week? Let me know and I’ll book the tickets.”

“I am!” Hayley replied quickly, her vibrant spirit unmistakable.

“Me too,” Liam added, though he smirked. “Though, just to be clear, if I wasn’t going with Emma here, no power on earth could induce me to watch a rom-com.”

“Aw, c’mon, it’s going to be fun!” Emma encouraged, nudging him playfully.

“Alright, alright, I said I was going!” Liam conceded, and laughter erupted among the group, filling the air with warmth as the sunlight streamed through the corridor windows.

Emma turned to Liam, a sudden urgency in her voice. “Come on, we’d better go… history class is on the other side of school, and you know how grumpy Mr. Henry gets when people are late! See you, Haylay!”

As the two girls walked off, Hayley couldn’t help but share her thoughts with Layla. “It’s weird...”

“What’s weird?” Layla asked, intrigued.

“The cinema trip next week—it’s gonna be kind of like a double date. Only Emma and Liam won’t know it.”

“They don't need to know about it for that to be true,” Layla said with a sly grin.

“Yeah, I guess…” Hayley pondered, her brow furrowing slightly with concern.

“Hey,” Layla said gently, noticing the unease creeping into her girlfriend’s voice, “if it's bothering you, we can always tell them about us. I don't wanna come out to the whole school or anything, but I'm sure Emma would be okay with it.”

Hayley shook her head, her anxiety bubbling to the surface. “Oh, no. I really don’t think that’s a good idea, Laylay. I mean, in my last school, I got teased pretty badly about liking girls. It got pretty bad. If that started happening again here, I—”

“Hey, calm down,” Layla interrupted, concern in her voice. “If you don’t want to tell anyone, we don’t have to. No one’s going to find out. As far as anyone knows, we're just friends.”

“Thanks, Laylay. Sorry for freaking out.” A sense of relief washed over Hayley.

“You don’t have to apologize!” Layla replied, her demeanor softening. “I’m queer AND dark. I totally get it. Now let’s get you to class before we both end up in detention. And Hales?”

“Yes?” Hayley replied, glancing back as they walked.

“If anyone wants to tease you, they’re going to have to get through me first,” Layla declared, a protective glint in her eyes.

As they reached the classroom door, Hayley smiled, warmth blossoming within her.

***

A week later, the atmosphere in the library was a stark contrast to the bustling cafeteria. Liam, with an air of playful confidence, made his entrance, clutching his backpack under one arm. “...HELLO!”

Startled, Emma nearly jumped out of her seat, her heart racing. “Waah! Oh, Liam, you scared me!”

“That’s what you get for being too focused on your work!” He chuckled, flashing a grin, the corners of his lips tilting mischievously.

Emma, her eyes now settling back into the study mode, blew stray hair out of her face. “How’s it going?”

“Pretty well, thanks,” she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve almost finished my application!”

“Woah, already? Good for you! You feeling confident about it?” Liam asked, genuinely impressed.

“I think so. Stanford’s my first choice, and their acceptance rate is only five percent, so it’s a bit of a long shot,” she admitted, the tiniest hint of anxiety creeping into her voice. “But Ms. Ford thinks I’m in with a chance!”

Liam's eyes sparkled mischievously as he leaned closer. “My guess would be that you’re in with more than just a chance. You have the highest GPA in the year, right?”

Emma nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Tied first with Mason Nieves. Not that I’m boasting or anything.”

“Of course not,” Liam said, rolling his eyes playfully. “Well, that work focus of yours may make you easy to sneak up on, but it’s clearly paying off.”

“How about you, Liam? Have you chosen which schools to apply to yet?” Emma asked, diverting the conversation back.

“Nah,” he replied casually, shrugging his shoulders. “I thought I’d take a look closer to the time.”

“Seriously? Most college application deadlines are getting pretty close already,” Emma pressed, concern lacing her words.

“They’re still months away! Besides, things have a way of working themselves out,” Liam said, his relaxed attitude evident.

“I wish I had your attitude. I’d probably live longer,” Emma remarked, sounding half-serious.

“No, you don’t. If everyone was as relaxed as me, nothing would ever get done,” Liam quipped, winking at her. Emma laughed, the weight on her shoulders slightly lifting. “Anyway, are you finished yet? The cinema awaits!”

***

The neon lights of the cinema flickered against the deepening evening sky, casting colors that danced on the pavement as the friends approached the entrance. Excitement buzzed in the air, mingling with the aroma of buttered popcorn wafting from the concession stand. The group gathered at the doors, their laughter and chatter blending into the usual evening hum of moviegoers.

As they finally stepped inside, Liam led the way, his ultra-casual attire giving him an air of relaxed confidence. He turned around, grinning. “Sorry we’re late! Someone couldn’t be torn away from her desk!”

Layla chuckled, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. “Why am I not surprised? You know, Em, I’m pretty sure Stanford won’t reject you for taking one evening off.”

Emma, ever the diligent student looked back, a playful smirk on her lips. “Hmm, I dunno, Layla. You might want to double-check their entrance requirements.”

Hayley burst out with sudden realization. “We get it!” She waved her hands dramatically. “Stanford are a bunch of jerks who have abducted our best friend... and replaced her with a mindless, application-completing robot!”

Laughter erupted from Layla and Emma, easing the tension that had been hovering around Emma’s college applications. “But for this evening only,” Hayley declared with gusto, “the real Emma is back, and we’re painting the town red! So no more college talk, please? Thinking about leaving Daleside makes me nervous.”

Emma laughed, her laughter bubbling like champagne. “Got it. You won’t hear another word on the subject from me.”

Layla took a quick check of her phone and raised an eyebrow. “Has everyone turned their phones off?”

Just then, Emma’s phone chimed with a text notification, capturing her attention. “Huh, that’s a coincidence. I’ll just see who it is.” She read the message that had popped up.

“Mason: Heard you're dating again :) Just wanted to say I'm happy for you, Emma.”

A warm smile blossomed on her face as she sent a reply. “Thanks, Mase. That means a lot to me. Hope you and Crystal are well?”

Her heart touched by the familial support, she continued reading. “Mason: We are, thanks. You going to be at the Fall Ball?”

She replied immediately. “Yep :) Liam and I are going together. See you there?”

“Mason: See you there.”

“Well, anyone interesting?” Liam asked, pushing curiosity to break the lingering anticipation.

“Not really—just an old friend.” Emma shrugged before consciously deciding to turn her phone off. “Okay, turning my phone off now.”

“Right, let’s get this over with!” Liam gestured toward the entrance of the theater.

“Aw, romcoms aren’t that bad, Liam!” Hayley expressed, her enthusiasm lighting up her face.

“Oh, I know,” he replied, his tone dripping with humor. “They’re just girlfriend maintenance.”

“What?” Hayley frowned, her expression shifting from amusement to disapproval.

“You know, like, you take a girl to the movies, you buy her flowers. You don’t have to like it—it’s girlfriend maintenance,” Liam explained casually.

Hayley visibly stiffened, her brows knitted together. “That’s not a very nice way of talking about it.”

“Relax! Emma knows I’m joking, Hales!” Liam insisted, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

“Do I?” Emma shot back, arching an eyebrow, a playful edge in her voice. “Cause it sure doesn’t sound that way.”

“Oh, c’mon, don’t be like that. I was kidding. Come on, let’s go find ourselves some seats. The movie’s about to start,” he urged, a cheeky smile returning as he led them to a row near the back of the theater.

The lights dimmed as they settled into their seats. Laughter and chatter faded, replaced by the ambiance of the movie screen coming to life.

***

After the movie, the girls emerged into the fresh night air, elated. The cool breeze felt exhilarating against their skin. Hayley clasped her hands together excitedly. “That was awesome! What did you think of it, Emma?”

“SO. FREAKING. GOOD!” Emma exclaimed, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. “That scene with the cat in the elevator... priceless!”

“I know, right? I wonder if it’s coming out on Netflix?” Hayley mused, her face lighting up at the thought.

Liam, however, wore a grimace that seemed out of place in the vibrant post-movie atmosphere. “I didn’t really see the appeal. Nina Dobrev looked hot in that strapy top though.”

A sudden awkward silence fell over the trio as they exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond.

Emma finally broke the quiet. “Well, I should probably go home and do some more of the ‘s’ word.”

“‘S’ word? What’s the ‘s’ word?” Hayley inquired, looking genuinely puzzled.

“Hales, you said I wasn't allowed to talk about it!”

“‘Snakes’, ‘Sneakers’?”

“Studying!!” Emma burst out laughing at the bewilderment on her friend’s face.

Liam chuckled too, shaking his head. “I should go too. C’mon, Emma, I’ll give you a lift.”

“Bye, Haylay!” Emma waved as they made their way out together, already chatting about the movie.

Once they were gone, Hayley turned to Layla, a frown curving her lips. “So... was it just me, or was Liam a bit of a jerk back there?”

“It wasn’t just you,” Layla agreed, her brow furrowing. “The way he was talking to Emma was totally inappropriate.”

“Do you think we should be worried?” Hayley asked, her tone laced with concern.

“I don’t know…” Layla replied, deep in thought. “I mean, you’re the one who’s always saying that I should let Emma make up her own mind about stuff.”

“I agree… but there’s a difference between interfering and letting her know that we’re there for her if she’s having problems,” Hayley pointed out, determination in her voice.

“Okay, I’ll have a word with her next time the topic comes up,” Layla resolved, her expression softening. “Then it’s settled. Now you do want to come out for dinner with me?”

“Of course I do!” Hayley responded, her eyes lighting up again.

With laughter and whispers, and hands woven together, they walked side by side down the moonlit path.