chapter thirty-eight:
❛ prom ❜

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The late afternoon sunlight bathed the room in a warm golden hue, making the pale lavender of Sunny's prom dress glimmer as it hung off her frame. She stood stiffly in front of the mirror, one hand gripping the edge of the vanity while the other fidgeted with the silver chain of her necklace. Her reflection stared back at her, wide-eyed and uncertain, her lips pressed into a nervous line.

Behind her, Moon flitted around the room like a gentle breeze. Her twin sister was a vision of effortless calm, dressed in a flowy floral skirt paired with a turquoise crop top and adorned with her usual collection of rings, necklaces, and bracelets. She hummed a soft tune as she picked up various items from the bed-a misplaced shoe here, a clutch there-before making her way to Sunny with a makeup brush in hand.

"Sunny," Moon said in a sing-song voice, pausing to place a hand on her sister's shoulder. "You've been staring at yourself for, like, ten minutes. Do I need to call in backup to remind you how stunning you look?"

Sunny let out a heavy sigh, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I don't feel stunning," she mumbled. "I feel... weird. Like I'm trying too hard or something." She brushed her hands down the front of her dress, smoothing out non-existent wrinkles. "And then there's Eli."

Moon immediately perked up, setting the makeup brush down and turning to face Sunny fully. "Ah, yes. The real reason for the nerves," she said knowingly. "Okay, spill. What's going on in that beautiful but overthinking head of yours?"

Sunny bit her lip, hesitating before letting the words tumble out. "I just don't get why he asked me to prom. I mean, he barely goes to school anymore. Every time he's there, I can see how uncomfortable he is-like he thinks everyone's staring at him because of..." She trailed off, gesturing vaguely toward her own head.

Moon's expression softened. "Because of what Cobra Kai did to him," she finished for her sister.

Sunny nodded, her voice shaky as she continued. "Exactly. And I don't blame him for hating it there, Moon. I hate seeing him like that. He used to walk into a room like he owned the place, you know? Now it's like he's a completely different person. So why-why would he want to go to prom? What if it's too much for him? What if-"

"Sunny," Moon interrupted, her voice gentle but firm. She crouched down so she was eye level with her sister, placing her hands on Sunny's knees. "Breathe. First of all, Eli asked you to prom because he wants to be there with you. Not because he feels obligated or pressured, but because he chose you. And second of all..." She gave her sister a small smile. "Maybe he needs this. A night to feel like himself again, with the person who makes him feel most comfortable. That's you, Sunny."

Sunny swallowed hard, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "But what if I mess it up? What if I say the wrong thing or make it worse?"

Moon shook her head, squeezing Sunny's knees reassuringly. "You won't. You always know how to make him feel better, even if it's just by being there. And yeah, maybe tonight won't be perfect. But it doesn't have to be. What matters is that you're showing up for him. That's all anyone could ask for."

Sunny exhaled a shaky breath, her shoulders loosening slightly. "You make it sound so simple."

Moon grinned and stood up, grabbing the makeup brush again. "Because it is simple. Now, stop doubting yourself and let me finish your makeup. We're not going to prom looking like you just cried during the saddest scene in a Hallmark movie."

Despite herself, Sunny let out a small laugh. "Okay, fine. Fix me up, hippie."

Moon beamed as she went to work, dusting a light shimmer over Sunny's eyelids and blending a soft blush onto her cheeks. Her movements were gentle and precise, and all the while, she hummed a calming melody that seemed to ground Sunny.

When Moon finished, she stepped back to admire her work, her hands on her hips. "There. You're radiant. Like, drop-dead gorgeous. Eli is going to lose his mind when he sees you."

Sunny glanced at her reflection again, this time with a small, tentative smile. "Thanks, Moon. For everything."

"Always, sis," Moon said, leaning down to kiss the top of Sunny's head. "Now let's get your hair done before Eli shows up and starts honking the car horn like a caveman."

The two sisters laughed, the tension in the room lifting as Moon began to braid small sections of Sunny's hair, weaving in delicate silver clips to match her dress. By the time they were done, the sound of a car pulling up outside signaled Eli's arrival.

Sunny's heart skipped a beat, but Moon gave her a reassuring nudge. "You've got this. Now go knock 'em dead."

Sunny took a deep breath, smoothed her dress one last time, and headed downstairs, feeling just a little bit lighter with her sister's words still echoing in her mind.

As Sunny descended the stairs, the muffled sound of her dad's deep voice carried through the house, growing clearer with each step. She paused on the last stair, clutching the banister as she took in the scene below. Her father, Jameson Reynolds, stood tall and imposing in the entryway, his arms crossed and his expression stern as he addressed Eli, who looked slightly uncomfortable but resolutely nodded along to whatever lecture he was receiving.

"Listen here, Eli," Jameson said, his tone calm but firm. "I trust you, but prom or no prom, this is still my daughter we're talking about. You make sure to keep her safe tonight-no exceptions. If I hear otherwise..." He left the sentence unfinished, his raised eyebrow saying everything he didn't.

"Yes, sir," Eli said quickly, his voice respectful. He straightened up, meeting Jameson's gaze head-on. "I promise I'll take care of her."

Sunny's heart swelled at Eli's sincerity, even as her dad's overprotectiveness made her cheeks burn. Clearing her throat to announce her presence, she stepped down onto the floor, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood.

When Eli turned and saw her, his jaw visibly dropped. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed to forget how to breathe. His stunned reaction made Sunny's earlier doubts melt away, replaced with a shy but genuine smile.

"Wow," Eli finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sunny... you look so-" He paused, shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts before finishing with awe, "You look so pretty."

Sunny could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, but she couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips. "Thanks, Eli. You clean up pretty well yourself." She gestured toward his tailored black suit, paired with a dark green tie that perfectly matched his eyes. It was clear he'd put in the effort, and it made her heart skip a beat.

Eli smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks. Uh, here-this is for you." He reached into a small box he'd been holding and pulled out a delicate corsage of white roses and baby's breath, accented with a touch of silver ribbon.

Sunny extended her wrist, and Eli gently slid the corsage onto it, his fingers brushing against her skin. "It's perfect," she said softly, admiring the detail before looking back up at him. "Thank you."

Jameson cleared his throat pointedly, cutting into the moment. "Alright, let's get some pictures before you two head out."

"Dad!" Sunny groaned, already anticipating the barrage of photos.

"It's tradition," Jameson replied with a shrug, pulling out his phone. "And besides, your mom would've done the same if she weren't stuck at that work conference."

Moon appeared at the top of the stairs, leaning casually over the railing with a grin. "Make sure you get one where Eli looks like he's still scared of Dad," she teased, earning a glare from Sunny and a chuckle from Jameson.

Reluctantly, Sunny and Eli posed for photos in front of the entryway, the staircase, and even in front of the door. Jameson insisted on capturing every angle, much to Sunny's embarrassment. Eli, however, didn't seem to mind-he kept sneaking glances at her in between shots, his expression full of admiration.

"Alright, that's enough," Sunny finally declared, pulling Eli toward the door. "We don't want to be late."

Jameson gave Eli one last look, his stern demeanor softening slightly. "Have fun, but remember what I said."

"Yes, sir," Eli replied again, his voice steady. He offered his arm to Sunny, who looped hers through his, and together they walked out to his car.

As Eli opened the passenger door for her, Sunny glanced back at the house to see Moon waving enthusiastically from the doorway. Her dad stood beside her, a proud but slightly worried look on his face. She gave them both a reassuring smile before sliding into the seat.

Once they were on the road, Eli glanced over at her and smiled shyly. "Your dad's a little intense," he admitted, his tone light.

Sunny laughed, her earlier nerves completely gone. "Yeah, well, he's always been that way. You handled it pretty well, though."

Eli shrugged, his grin widening. "Guess you're worth it."

Sunny blushed at his words, her heart fluttering as they drove toward the night she had been so anxious about-now feeling a little more ready, with Eli by her side.

The ride to the restaurant had been filled with music and light conversation, the kind of chatter that helped keep Sunny's nerves at bay. Eli seemed relaxed, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel in time with the beat of the song playing softly through the speakers. Every so often, Sunny would catch him sneaking a glance at her, and each time, it made her cheeks warm. She was certain her heart skipped a beat every time he smiled.

When Eli parked the car in front of the restaurant, Sunny's breath caught. It wasn't the kind of flashy place she'd imagined for prom night; instead, it was warm and intimate, with string lights twinkling above the entrance and the faint scent of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. It felt perfect-thoughtful and special.

Eli jumped out first and quickly moved to her side, opening her door with a flourish. "Milady," he said with a dramatic bow, offering his hand.

Sunny rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't keep the smile off her face as she took his hand and stepped out. "You really are leaning into the whole gentleman routine tonight."

"What can I say?" Eli replied with a smirk. "You bring out the best in me."

The comment made Sunny's heart flutter as she looked away to hide her smile, pretending to adjust her dress. Eli, however, didn't miss the faint blush on her cheeks, and his grin widened as he led her to the entrance.

Inside, the restaurant was even more charming. The soft hum of conversation mingled with the gentle strains of classical guitar music playing in the background. Small tables covered in crisp white linens were scattered across the room, each adorned with a candle flickering softly in its center. The lighting was dim but cozy, casting a warm, golden glow over everything.

A hostess greeted them with a smile and led them to a table by the window, which offered a view of the bustling street outside. Eli pulled out Sunny's chair for her, earning another giggle from her as she sat down. "You're really committing to this chivalry thing, huh?" she teased.

"Well, prom's a big deal," Eli said, sitting across from her. "And I'm not taking any chances with you thinking I'm a jerk."

Sunny shook her head, her smile growing. "I'd never think that."

As they looked over the menus, Eli couldn't resist pointing out the dishes he'd heard good things about, especially the gnocchi, which he swore Miguel had called "the best thing on Earth." Sunny was torn between that and the chicken piccata, but Eli's enthusiasm eventually won her over.

When the waiter came by, Eli confidently ordered for both of them, adding an order of garlic bread for the table. "Trust me, you can't come here and not get the garlic bread," he said with a wink in Sunny's direction.

As they waited for their food, the conversation flowed easily. They talked about everything from Moon's over-the-top prom prep advice to their favorite memories from the past year. Eli told her about the ridiculous amount of time it had taken him to tie his bowtie, which had her laughing so hard she almost had tears in her eyes.

"Twenty minutes? Really?" she asked, still giggling.

"Don't laugh. It was a very traumatic experience," Eli replied, trying to look serious but failing miserably when he started laughing too.

When their food arrived, Sunny immediately understood why Eli had been so insistent about the garlic bread. One bite in, and she was hooked. "Okay, you were right. This might actually be the best garlic bread I've ever had."

"Told you," Eli said smugly, taking a bite of his gnocchi. "I have a sixth sense when it comes to good food."

They ate slowly, savoring the food and the moment. The restaurant buzzed quietly around them, but for Sunny, it felt like it was just the two of them. Every time Eli looked at her, she felt a little more at ease, her earlier nerves melting away.

When the check came, Eli reached for it before Sunny could even think about arguing. "I've got this," he said firmly, pulling out his wallet.

Sunny narrowed her eyes playfully. "Fine, but I'm leaving the tip."

Eli smirked. "Deal."

After settling the bill, they stepped back out into the cool night air. Eli, ever the gentleman, opened the car door for her again. "You're really committed to this whole act, huh?" she teased as she slid into the seat.

"It's not an act," Eli replied, his voice softer this time. "You deserve to feel special tonight."

Sunny felt her cheeks heat up again, and she looked down at her hands, unable to hide her smile. When Eli got into the car and started it, he glanced over at her, his green eyes twinkling. "You're smiling," he said teasingly.

"Am not," Sunny said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Are too," Eli shot back, grinning as he pulled out of the parking lot.

As they drove toward the prom venue, the excitement in the air was palpable. Sunny's earlier anxiety had been replaced by something else-anticipation. She wasn't sure what the night had in store, but with Eli by her side, she was ready to find out.

The bass thumped steadily in the gym-turned-ballroom, the dance floor filled with couples swaying under the shimmering light of the disco ball. Eli and Sunny stood near a table off to the side, their hands loosely intertwined. Eli, as usual, stood cool and collected, while Sunny kept sneaking glances at her phone. The secret they were keeping was almost too much to bear. They knew the night was about to get a whole lot better-for Demetri, at least.

"This sucks," Demetri grumbled, leaning on the table with an exaggerated sigh. "I get broken up with, and now I'm third-wheeling you two lovebirds. Fantastic."

Sunny shot him an empathetic smile, though her eyes briefly flickered toward the dance floor. Her twin sister Moon twirled gracefully with her girlfriend, Jade, the two of them radiating happiness. The sight made Sunny's heart swell a little-she loved seeing Moon so carefree and joyful. "I mean," she said lightly, "Jade did say she'd give you a platonic slow dance if you wanted."

Demetri raised an eyebrow at her, unamused. "Oh, great. A pity dance. Just what I needed to salvage this magical night."

Eli bit back a smirk, leaning closer to Sunny as if sharing a private joke. They both knew Demetri's night was about to take a dramatic turn, but for now, they played along.

"At least we're not the only ones having a boring night," Demetri continued, shrugging. "I heard Logan Wang's legendary after-party got canceled. So there's that."

Sunny gave a nonchalant shrug. "Eli and I weren't planning to go anyway," she said. "We were gonna hang out at my place tonight. Have a little sleepover. My dad's out with his friends, my mom's on a work trip, and Moon's crashing at Jade's."

Demetri's eyebrows shot up, and he gave the couple a knowing look. "Ohhh, I see. You guys were gonna, you know..." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Do it. Since it's prom night."

Both Sunny and Eli's faces flushed bright red. Sunny looked like she'd just been slapped with a bucket of ice water, and Eli shifted uncomfortably beside her. "What? No!" Sunny stammered. "We were gonna watch movies!"

"You mean to tell me you guys haven't..." Demetri trailed off, his voice filled with disbelief. "Really? I would've bet money that during Eli's red mohawk phase, you two had already-"

"Demetri!" Sunny cut him off, her cheeks burning. She bit her lip and avoided looking at Eli, who was now glaring daggers at his best friend.

Eli cleared his throat, his voice calm but firm. "We'll get there when we're ready, okay? I'd never force Sunny to do something she's not comfortable with."

Demetri raised his hands in mock surrender, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Okay, okay, my bad. Didn't mean to pry."

Before Sunny could muster a response, her attention was drawn to the entrance. Her eyes lit up as she saw a familiar figure walking in-a striking girl in a deep green dress, her hair styled to perfection. "Demetri," Sunny said, nudging him with her elbow. "Look."

Demetri turned toward the direction she was pointing, his mouth falling open as he recognized her. "Mar-Martiza?" he stammered, blinking as if he couldn't believe his eyes.

Martiza smiled, her confidence unwavering. "Of course I remember you, Demetri," she said, stepping closer. "I got my memories back... and I've decided to shoot my shot."

Before Demetri could even process what she meant, Martiza leaned in and kissed him, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders. The kiss was bold and passionate, leaving Demetri utterly stunned when she pulled away.

He blinked rapidly, his brain trying to catch up with what had just happened. "Uh, wow," he managed to say, his voice a little shaky. "That was... unexpected."

Martiza laughed softly and took his hand. "Let's dance," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Demetri allowed himself to be pulled toward the dance floor, still in a daze. Behind them, Sunny and Eli burst into laughter, unable to hold it in any longer.

"Well," Eli said, smirking, "looks like Demetri's night just got a lot less boring."

Sunny grinned, watching as Martiza and Demetri joined the crowd of dancing couples. "Told you it'd be fun soon," she said, nudging Eli lightly.

"Guess you were right," Eli replied, pulling Sunny a little closer. "Now, about that sleepover..."

Sunny rolled her eyes, but her smile stayed as she leaned against him. Somewhere out there, prom magic really did work after all.

The upbeat music faded, replaced by a slow, melodic tune that seemed to wrap itself around the room like a warm embrace. Couples began to pair off, swaying gently under the dim lights. Eli turned toward Sunny, his expression softening.

"You wanna dance?" he asked, holding out his hand.

Sunny blinked, a little surprised. Eli wasn't exactly the slow-dancing type-at least not in public. But there was a vulnerability in his eyes that made her heart melt. She smiled and took his hand. "I'd love to."

Eli led her onto the dance floor, weaving through the other couples until they found a small space for themselves. He placed his hands on her waist, and she looped her arms around his neck. For a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

"This is nice," Sunny said softly, meeting his gaze.

"Yeah," Eli agreed, his voice low. "You look beautiful tonight, by the way. I mean, you always do, but..." He trailed off, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

Sunny laughed quietly, leaning her forehead against his. "You're pretty handsome yourself, Hawk," she teased, using his old nickname.

Eli chuckled. "Haven't heard that one in a while. You make it sound good."

They swayed gently to the music, their movements perfectly in sync. After a few moments of silence, Eli's voice softened even further. "About what Demetri said earlier..." He hesitated, his eyes searching hers. "You know I'd never pressure you, right? I don't care when it happens. I just... I don't want you to feel like you have to."

Sunny felt a wave of warmth rush over her. She reached up, brushing her fingers lightly against his cheek. "I know, Eli. I know you'd never push me into anything. That's one of the reasons I love you."

Eli's breath hitched slightly, and his lips curved into a genuine smile. "You love me?"

Sunny nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yeah. I do. I've known for a while now."

"I love you too," Eli whispered, his voice steady and full of sincerity. "I've been wanting to say it, but I guess I was waiting for the right moment."

"This feels like the right moment," Sunny said, her voice barely audible over the music.

They stayed like that for a moment, their foreheads touching, lost in their own little world. Eli's hands on her waist tightened slightly, pulling her just a little closer.

"And about tonight..." Sunny began, her voice taking on a slightly teasing tone. "Maybe it'll be the night. But we'll see."

Eli chuckled, his head tilting back slightly as he looked at her with pure adoration. "You're full of surprises, Sunny Reynolds."

"Only the good kind, I hope," she said, her eyes sparkling.

"The best kind," Eli replied, his voice warm.

As the song came to an end, Eli leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Sunny closed her eyes, feeling completely at peace in his arms. For the first time all night, everything felt absolutely perfect.

The slow dance ended, and for a moment, the dance floor felt suspended in time, the couples reluctant to let go. But then, the DJ's voice crackled through the speakers.

"Alright, everyone, time to pick up the energy! Here's a little something to get you moving!"

The opening beats of a high-energy pop song blasted through the room, and the entire atmosphere shifted. Neon lights flickered and pulsed, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Sunny turned toward Eli, laughing as he shrugged.

"Go on," Eli said, nodding toward the dance floor. "I'll grab us some water."

Sunny gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before stepping back. Just as she turned, she saw Moon waving her over from the center of the floor, already pulling Jade along with her.

"Sunny!" Moon called, her grin as bright as ever. "Get your butt over here!"

Martiza appeared out of nowhere, grabbing Sunny's hand. "Come on, no excuses! Let's show these people how it's done!"

Sunny laughed, allowing herself to be dragged into the center of the action. Jade and Moon were already dancing together, their movements effortlessly synchronized. Jade twirled Moon under her arm, earning a playful cheer from the onlookers.

"You guys are too cute," Sunny said, clapping as she joined the rhythm of the music.

Martiza spun around and struck a dramatic pose. "Alright, ladies, let's give this prom something to remember!"

The four of them formed a loose circle, letting the music take over. Moon threw her arms up and swayed her hips to the beat, her signature carefree energy radiating in every move. Jade matched her perfectly, their chemistry undeniable.

Sunny joined in, her movements less practiced but full of enthusiasm. She twirled in her dress, the skirt flaring out around her. Martiza, ever the bold one, flipped her hair dramatically and shimmied her shoulders, drawing laughs from the group.

"Sunny, you've got to loosen up!" Moon called over the music, spinning her twin around.

"I am loosened up!" Sunny shouted back, laughing.

Martiza grabbed Jade's hand, pulling her into the center of the circle. "Show us what you've got, Jade!"

Jade smirked and executed a smooth spin, dipping Moon at the end with exaggerated flair. The group burst into cheers, clapping and hollering.

Sunny found herself fully letting go, the music thumping in her chest. She raised her arms, laughing as Moon and Martiza danced on either side of her, hyping her up.

"You've got moves, Sunny!" Martiza called, spinning around her.

"Who knew prom would turn into a music video?" Jade teased, throwing a playful wink.

As the song reached its peak, the girls joined hands, forming a chain that circled around the dance floor. Other students joined in, the energy infectious.

From the sidelines, Eli stood with a bottle of water in each hand, watching with an amused smile. He leaned toward Demetri, who had just returned from dancing with Martiza.

"She's having fun," Eli said, more to himself than anyone else.

"She deserves it," Demetri replied, still catching his breath.

Back on the dance floor, Sunny caught Eli's eye and waved him over. He shook his head at first, but the look in her eyes was impossible to resist.

As Eli reluctantly made his way to the center, Sunny laughed and pulled him into their circle. The girls cheered, and even Jade gave Eli a nod of approval.

"Come on, Hawk, show us what you've got!" Moon teased, clapping her hands to the beat.

Eli rolled his eyes but gave in, pulling out a surprisingly smooth spin that earned cheers from everyone around him.

"This is the best prom ever!" Sunny shouted, her voice barely audible over the music.

And as they all danced together, laughing and carefree, it felt like nothing else mattered.

The night sky was dotted with stars as prom finally came to an end. Students trickled out of the venue, their laughter and chatter echoing in the cool air. Sunny and Martiza stood together by the entrance, waving as Moon and Jade walked away, hand in hand, both glowing with happiness.

"See you later, you two!" Sunny called out.

"Bye! Text us when you get home!" Moon shouted back before disappearing into the night with Jade.

Eli and Demetri had gone off to retrieve their cars, leaving Sunny and Martiza with a few quiet moments to themselves.

Sunny turned to her best friend, her smile softening. "I really missed you, Martiza."

Martiza smiled back, her eyes shimmering. "I missed you too, Sunny. So much. And... it's like I finally feel like me again. No more amnesia. All my memories are back."

Sunny's heart clenched at her words, a mix of relief and lingering guilt washing over her. "You know how badly I felt after you fell? And Miguel... I mean, he ended up in a wheelchair, and you lost your memories. It was like everything came crashing down all at once."

Martiza sighed, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Yeah. That whole tournament... it changed everything. But Miguel and I, we were never going to work out. He was looking at me and Demetri tonight, though... like he was jealous or something."

Sunny tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "You think so?"

Martiza shrugged. "Doesn't matter. He forgot about me. He moved on with Samantha LaRusso. And honestly? I'm done worrying about him. Tonight wasn't about him. It was about me finally taking my chance with Demetri."

Sunny hesitated for a moment, then glanced over Martiza's shoulder. "Are you sure about that?" she asked softly, nodding toward something-or someone-behind Martiza.

Martiza turned around slowly, her breath catching when she saw Miguel walking toward them. His hands were tucked into his pockets, his face unreadable as he approached.

Sunny placed a gentle hand on Martiza's arm. "I'll leave you two to talk," she whispered, just as Eli's car pulled up to the curb.

Eli leaned out the driver's side window, flashing a crooked grin. "Ready to go, Sunny?"

Sunny smiled back at him, then turned to Martiza one last time. "Bye, Martiza. And hey-don't overthink it. Tonight was your night. Own it."

Martiza gave her a small nod, her lips twitching into a smile. "Thanks, Sunny."

As Sunny climbed into Eli's car, she glanced back at her friend, who was standing frozen as Miguel stopped in front of her. Sunny couldn't hear their conversation as Eli drove off, but she could see the way Miguel's gaze softened as he spoke, and the hesitant way Martiza began to smile.

"You think they'll work things out?" Eli asked as they drove away.

Sunny leaned her head back against the seat, a content smile on her face. "I think tonight's full of surprises."

Miguel stopped in front of Martiza, the sound of the evening wind gently rustling the leaves in the distance. He hesitated for a moment, almost as if gathering his thoughts before speaking. "So, uh... you going to the after party?" he asked casually, but his eyes were searching hers, a hint of uncertainty there.

Martiza shook her head, her lips curling into a soft, genuine smile. "No, not tonight. I've had enough excitement for one evening." She looked at him for a second longer before adding, "How are you? You're walking again. It's good to see."

Miguel's face softened at her words. "Yeah... walking," he replied quietly. "It took some time, but I'm back on my feet now."

Martiza nodded, her heart tightening just slightly as she looked at him. "I'm really glad for you, Miguel," she said, her voice quiet but sincere. There was a long pause between them, a lingering sense of unfinished business hanging in the air.

Martiza shifted on her feet, her words hesitant but bubbling up as if they had been waiting to be said for a long time. "I'm sorry... about everything. The way things ended between us... I just didn't know what to do. I was trying to make sense of everything."

Miguel's expression faltered, his gaze softening with regret. "No, I'm sorry," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "I was such a jerk to you when we dated. If I could take it all back, I would. I... I didn't know how to handle things, and I pushed you away. I would love a second chance, but I guess Demetri beat me to it." He gave a half-hearted chuckle, but it was clear that the words had an undertone of sadness.

Martiza looked down for a second, her heart stuttering at his confession. But she lifted her gaze to his, holding his eyes with an honesty she hadn't realized she'd been holding back. "Yeah, well... you're with Samantha, so..." Her words trailed off, but there was a quiet finality in them.

Miguel shrugged, running a hand through his hair. "Sam and I aren't together," he said, almost as if testing the weight of the words as they left his mouth. "We just came to prom together 'cause we didn't have anyone else to go with."

Martiza blinked, her eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, what?" She couldn't hide the shock in her voice, the confusion evident as she processed his words.

Miguel's gaze softened, his eyes flicking briefly to the ground before looking back at her. "Yeah, Martiza. It's... complicated. But I never stopped thinking about what we had. I just... I don't know, I was stupid." He took a small step back, his voice quiet now. "Anyway... I guess I'll see you around."

Martiza stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing. She felt her old feelings bubble up to the surface, raw and unexpected, making her heart race. She watched him turn away and walk toward the parking lot, her breath caught in her chest. Everything inside her was screaming at her to stop him, to say something-anything-but all she could do was stand there and watch him disappear into the night.

Her gaze remained fixed on his retreating figure, the familiar mix of emotions swirling inside her. The weight of their past lingered, but it wasn't just the past that was heavy-it was the pull of what could have been, what might still be. She felt her heart ache, a sense of longing she hadn't realized was still there.

But before she could process the sudden rush of emotions, the engine of a car pulled her from her thoughts. Demetri's car rolled to a stop beside her, the familiar sound of the engine cutting through the silence. He flashed her a grin from the driver's seat, his voice bright and cheerful.

"You ready?" Demetri asked, his eyes full of mischief.

Martiza quickly wiped her hands on her dress, forcing a smile as she turned toward him. "Yeah. Let's go," she said, trying to push down the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings.

She climbed into the car, and Demetri pulled away, the headlights cutting through the darkness as they sped off toward the next chapter of their night. Martiza, still lost in her thoughts, couldn't help but glance one last time at Miguel's retreating figure.

The lights in Sunny's living room were dimmed, creating the perfect atmosphere for a cozy night in. The sound of the movie hummed in the background, but neither Eli nor Sunny were paying much attention to it anymore. The night had already taken a much more intimate turn, and they were completely engrossed in each other. Sunny had slipped into her oversized hoodie, the one she loved to wear when she wanted to feel comfortable and relaxed, and Eli was in his usual sleepover clothes-a simple T-shirt and sweatpants.

They were nestled on the couch, sunny leaning into Eli's side as his arm was draped around her shoulders. Their bodies were close, their legs tangled slightly, but it was the warmth and familiarity of being with him that made her feel like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Eli leaned in to kiss her, soft and slow, his lips warm and gentle against hers. She responded, letting herself fall into the moment, the sensation of his touch taking her mind off everything else. The kiss was deepening as her heart raced, and she could feel her pulse quicken, the way their connection seemed to grow stronger with every touch.

But then, she pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against his. She needed to say something, something that had been on her mind all night, building up inside her like a quiet, insistent whisper.

"Eli," she whispered, her voice soft but determined. "I'm ready."

The words hung in the air between them, and Eli immediately stilled. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his expression concerned, but full of care. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice tender. It was clear that he wanted to make sure she wasn't rushing into something she wasn't truly ready for.

Sunny took a deep breath, feeling a little vulnerable but more certain than ever. She met his gaze with a soft smile, nodding. "I am," she said, her voice steadier now, with an underlying confidence she hadn't realized was there before. She had thought about it long enough to know, and in this moment, with him beside her, it felt right.

Eli studied her for a moment, his eyes softening. His hand gently cupped her cheek as he leaned in again, brushing his lips against hers. The kiss was slow, deliberate-an affirmation of everything they shared. His hand moved to the back of her neck, pulling her closer, as if he couldn't get close enough.

The kiss deepened again, slow and passionate, as their connection seemed to intensify. Everything else faded-the movie, the outside world. There was only the feeling of their lips, the softness of the moment, and the quiet reassurance that they were both in this together.

Then everything from there felt magical for Sunny. It was the perfect prom night.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

we're one chapter away from s5! im combining ep 9&10... i have a plan for this next chapter :)
nothing bad!!! all good things!!

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
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im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up bt votes not its hard for my motivation!