Spring, 1994

For years now, Leon has had a secret crush on you. He had quietly hoped you would notice him, but you remained blissfully unaware. Every time you would go on and on about wishing you had a boyfriend, he would silently wish he could be your knight in shining armor. He watched in silence as you would date guy after guy, suffering through heartbreak and disappointment, while he longed to be the one who would treat you right.

Leon's mind raced as he heard that juniors were allowed to attend the upcoming prom. He had planned to build up the courage to ask you out to the dance, he envisioned a romantic moment during the slow dance when he would finally confess his feelings. But his dreams were dashed when you approached the lunch table, visibly excited and joyful. His friends quickly noticed your behavior and asked what had you so worked up.

You sat down at the lunch table with a huge smile, "I have a date to prom!" Leon felt his heart sink as those words left your lips.

For weeks leading up to the dance, he had to watch you with your prom-date. Jealously swirled inside him, his mind constantly asking why the hell you were doing this.

On the night of prom, Leon arrived at the school gym alone. He scanned the gym, the twinkling fairy lights, flickering candles that lit up the room, people dancing and laughing. He then heard footsteps approaching the bleachers. He then saw you, his breath catching in his throat at the sight of you in that dress. He then noticed your makeup was smeared and running down your cheeks.

He quickly hurried over and sat beside you, his voice filled with genuine worry as he asked, "Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong?"

With tears streaming down your face, you sniffled and replied, "He ditched me, that asshole ditched me."

Leon's eyes widened, a pang of guilt gnawing at him, but underneath it all, he couldn't help feeling a flicker of hope. As he rubbed your back soothingly, he reassured you, "It's gonna be okay, forget about him, alright?"