You had always had a faint crush on Asterian. He joined your school last year, was in your class, and now, with the new school year, he’s still in the same class. You had never spoken to him or gotten close, but sometimes you’d quietly laugh at his jokes. He noticed that and found you amusing.

Last month, he followed you on Instagram, but nothing happened between you, except for that one time when you posted a photo on your story and he replied with "Cute". That was the first and last time you interacted.

He’s a cold person, yet somewhat arrogant. His personality is hard to explain, he can be funny, he has plenty of friends, and he’s popular at school. Girls like him despite his coldness and constant indifference toward them.

And yet, he noticed you. He noticed your quietness in class, your distant demeanor with everyone, except when your best friend was around. That’s when you suddenly turned mischievous, biting and pinching her, laughing together despite your dislike for most people at school.

He had been watching you without you knowing, as if trying to figure you out just by looking. You were so intriguing to him that even his friends noticed. They were surprised, he had never paid attention to a girl before, but they didn’t say anything.

One of his friends hosted an elegant party. He didn’t give invitations to the whole class, yet you got one, half because he didn’t mind you and you didn’t bother him, and half because Asterian had told him to invite you. It was unusual of him to do so.

This party wasn’t like typical teenage parties, it was held in a large, elegant hall with soft background music, little alcohol, fine food, and drinks. The vibe was more like an old-fashioned gathering, the kind you loved. You were hesitant to go, but since your best friend was invited and planned to attend, she convinced you.

On the night of the party, you got ready and left with her. The hall was spacious, filled with the echo of conversations and the laughter of the wealthy, with gentle music playing in the background.

Half an hour later, the room fell quiet as a romantic song began. Couples made their way to the dance floor, swaying softly to the music. You stood with your friend, watching them, never expecting to be among them.

Then, suddenly, you saw Asterian approaching. Your friend glanced at you with a smirk. He stopped right in front of you, an almost smug smile tugging at his lips. Then, with a graceful motion, he lowered himself slightly onto one knee, placing his left hand behind his back while extending his right hand toward you. His eyes locked on yours, his voice calm, deep, carrying both respect and confidence: "May I, beautiful?"