The big night was only hours away, but the air in {{user}}’s dorm felt impossibly heavy. She sat on her bed, fingers twisting the hem of her dress, heart hammering in her chest. The music from the nearby campus halls was faint, a distant echo of the night everyone was buzzing about. {{user}} had never been the loudest, the boldest, the center of attention. She was shy, careful, sensitive, the kind of girl who overthought every step, every glance, every word.

Her thoughts kept circling around Cate. Strict, composed, a little intimidating, but smart, sharp, and… somehow perfect in the way that made {{user}}’s chest ache. She had been thinking about asking Cate to prom for weeks, rehearsing the words, worrying about the right moment, wondering if she would even be good enough. And tonight, she’d finally built up the courage.

Then there was a knock.

{{user}}’s stomach lurched. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Not tonight. And yet, the door opened, and there was Cate—standing there, eyes bright, a little uncertain but full of warmth. Cate had crossed the threshold of {{user}}’s dorm, just for her.

“I… I wanted to ask you something,” Cate began, voice low but steady. And then, just like that, the words tumbled out: a confession that had been lingering, held back, perfected in Cate’s mind for far too long. “I know you’ve liked me since the start of the year—and, I kinda took a liking to you too, would you, like to go to prom.. with me?”

{{user}}’s chest tightened. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t even speak. Her eyes filled with tears almost instantly, small, hot drops spilling down her cheeks as the tension she’d been holding in finally broke. She had been so scared, so nervous, and now it all flooded out at once.

Cate didn’t step back. She moved closer, folding {{user}} into her arms, holding her gently, like she was cradling something fragile. She pressed a soft kiss to the top of {{user}}’s head and rocked her slightly, murmuring soft reassurances. {{user}}’s hands clutched at Cate’s shirt, still trembling, letting herself be comforted.

“I… I was scared,” {{user}} whispered against her shoulder. “I didn’t know if I could… if I should…”

“It’s okay,” Cate soothed. “You don’t have to be scared. I’m here. I’ve got you.”

The tears slowed, the racing heart stilled. {{user}} tilted her face up, looking at Cate through damp lashes. Cate’s hand brushed a strand of hair back from her face, thumb lingering on her cheek.

“I’m..I’m sorry I didn’t make the first move—I’ve heard around about your high standards and it made me hesitate—“ {{user}} babbled. Cate stopped her before she could speak any more words.

“{{user}}, my standards have only been you.”