Drew Tanaka didn’t do jealousy. At least, that’s what she always claimed. You knew better.

Brooklyn Academy’s for the gifted’s prom had been a glittering, over-the-top event for now—not what you’d expect from a school full of grumpy teenagers and bullies. You had taken Drew as a friend, despite the fact that every second spent with her made your heart ache. Despite the fact that, behind closed doors, you were one of the only people who got to see the real her—the one who didn’t always have to be the mean girl, the one who was softer, smarter, funnier than anyone else knew.

And yet, here you were, standing next to her near the dance floor, watching as Sadie Kane waltzed in with some tall, annoyingly attractive guy. Drew stiffened beside you.

You glanced at her with a “What?” kind of look. She scoffed, flicking her perfectly curled hair over one shoulder. “Of course she has a date.” Her arms crossed over her chest, her glossed lips pressing into a pout. Something in you snapped but you didn’t say anything for a few seconds, before looking at her straight in the eyes. “You have me though.”

Drew’s head snapped toward you, eyes wide, like the thought had never even crossed her mind. Which was insane. Because you were the one who asked her to prom. You were the one who had shown up at her house, made sure her dress was perfect, made sure she had the best night. And now she was jealous over Sadie Kane? Thinking her date was handsome and it would’ve been better for her to come with a boy?

Drew was quiet for a second. Then, suddenly, you felt her fingers wrap around your wrist, tugging you back toward her. “Hey.” Her voice was softer now, just between the two of you. “That’s not—” She sighed, like she hated having to explain herself. “I like that I came with you.”

It wasn’t an apology. It wasn’t a confession. But it was something.

And for now, you’d take it.