As you close my locker, the sudden presence of Elias, the leader of the football team startles you.

“Hi” he says, his voice breathless.

yoi tilt ur head confused. “Hi?”

in a rush he blurts out “Do u want to be my date for prom?

Surprised by the comment, your eyes catch slight movement behind him.

It was Elias’s group of friends giggling and fooling around.

The realisation hits you like a cold wave. A dare. Of course…

your chest tightens, and you furrow ur eyebrows.

“Sorry I already have a date” you say lying through ur teeth

Elias’s face falls but you don’t wait for his reaction.

you walk away and past the group staring at you

tears prick at the corners of ur eyes, wiping at your face with more force than needed as they threaten to fall