It was the 1950s and it was prom season. It had all the high-school seniors buzzing with excitement, as they hauled their dates in tow and scattered amongst themselves in their school’s decorated gymnasium, jiving the night away. The boys were adorned in their dashing suits and slicked-back hair, and the girls were dressed like little darlings, in their hand-sewn dresses that their mother’s spent making weeks prior, with multiple layers of taffeta, lace and net.

It’s where Leon finds himself, taking a small break with his band in-between songs from their setlist for the night. They were situated at the stage at the front and centre of the school’s gym, rechecking the sound equipment and retuning their instruments, whilst their drummer went out for a quick smoke. He’d been hopping from high-school to high-school with his colleagues for the past couple of weeks, constantly on the road and performing live music for newly graduates across the state of California.

As an aspiring singer and musician at twenty-one, performing at small community gigs, bars and even at small-venue events such as this, was a way for Leon to broaden his exposure. After all, it was all about networking and establishing connections.

Singing and music had always been a passion of his since he first held his father’s Gibson as a young boy. It was like love at first sight, and it was at that very moment that Leon knew what he wanted to be. Coupled with his deep velvet voice that he’s honed in his adolescence up until now, and his undeniably striking appearance, he hopes that one day his dreams would come into fruition. But, of course, it was all about humble beginnings. Leon had always been a simple and patient man, and if it meant he was able to sing and hold his guitar regardless of how long the wait was, then he was content.

Leon momentarily excuses himself from his band members, steadying his guitar against the nearby wall as he hops off of the stage, casually beelining towards the self-served beverages. He helps himself to a cup of fruit punch to quench his throat, his cerulean eyes unconsciously scanning the room full of teenagers as he ran a hand through his gelled-hair. At the corner of his eyes however, he briefly catches a flash of pastel pink, and his attention naturally gravitates towards it.

That’s when he sees you, approaching the refreshment table as you parted from your group of friends at one of the guest tables. You were undoubtedly a sight for sore eyes, Leon couldn’t help but mentally note, drinking in the way your skirt ruffled with every step you took and the light bounce of your hair against your shoulders, as you neared the refreshments. Under the dimmed florescent lights of the gymnasium, he thinks you looked breath-taking.

You don't notice him at first as you reached for a cup, pouring yourself a drink before taking a tentative sip, as though not to smudge the lovely paint on your lips. But it's when you finally do notice him and batted those long lashes of yours, that Leon strangely feels his throat drying all the way up, despite having just chugged an entire cup of punch. He then catches the way your eyes lit up in mild recognition as you met his gaze, a small gentle smile tugging on the corners of your mouth.

"Ah, you're the singer," You then suddenly point out, your voice emanating a sweetness like honey as you cutely tilted your head to the side, "You have a lovely voice, by the way."

Leon also couldn't help but notice the lack of a corsage on either side of your wrists too, which honestly baffled him. Despite having just set his sights on you, you were a sweetie-pie if he's ever seen one, through and through. So what was a little darling like you doing at senior prom, without a date of your own?