The chill of late autumn was already settling into the air, and the trees lining U.A.‘s campus were ablaze with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. The crisp breeze carried the faint scent of falling leaves, and students were buzzing with excitement as the Annual U.A. Dance crept closer—just a few weeks before Christmas break. I couldn’t help but feel the energy crackling in the air, but that excitement quickly turned into a bundle of nerves twisting in my chest.

I’d made sure to ask you to the dance early—before anyone else had the chance. The idea of someone else, some random classmate, standing next to you under those shimmering lights made my stomach twist. No, I wanted it to be me. I wanted everyone to see us together.

And now here I was, standing on your porch, shifting from foot to foot like I was waiting to face off against a villain instead of waiting for my girlfriend. The cool concrete chilled the soles of my shoes as I tapped anxiously, trying to focus on the rhythmic sound instead of the way my heart was hammering in my chest.

I glanced down at my outfit, fidgeting with the knot of my tie. The bright red suit stood out more than I’d anticipated, and the yellow shirt underneath was bold, to say the least. But Mom had insisted it was festive, and I didn’t have the heart to argue with her. Besides, she’d tied the knot in my tie herself—tight and slightly off-center, just like when I was a kid. The thought made me smile despite my nerves.

The porch light flickered, and I straightened up immediately, my pulse jumping as the door creaked open. The cold was the last thing on my mind now. All I could think about was seeing you step out and hoping I’d somehow manage not to trip over my own feet the moment I saw you.