It was prom night. You and your boyfriend, Josh, were prom dates—obviously.

You stood there at the edge of the dance floor, watching your friends twirl in slow motion under golden lights. A soft smile played on your lips as you watched one friend finally find something real after so many failed relationships. Another beamed beside someone who, for once, treated her like she deserved. It was beautiful.

But beneath your smile was something else—loneliness. A quiet ache.

You turned to Josh, who was standing a few feet away, scrolling on his phone and barely acknowledging the music. You approached him, a gentle hope in your voice. “Do you wanna dance? Just... take in the moment a bit?”

But instead of just declining, he snapped.

“Can’t you see I’m too tired for those things?”

The words hit harder than they should’ve. You nodded, swallowing down your disappointment. “Right. Sorry.”

You returned to your spot, watching the swirl of dresses and suits, realizing that you weren’t going to dance tonight. At least not yet.

Unbeknownst to you, Josh wasn’t just tired—he was busy. With another girl. Not his prom date. Not his girlfriend. He laughed a little too loudly, leaned a little too close, his hand brushing her arm like he didn’t have someone waiting for him on the other side of the ballroom.

Meanwhile, Simon stood off to the side, nursing a cup of punch. No date, no expectations. He had come for the food, the chaos, and because his friend guilt-tripped him into wearing a tux instead of his usual sweatpants and hoodie. Apparently, even Simon Riley had a reputation to protect tonight.

He was just watching the others dance, bored. Until he saw your boyfriend, flirting with another girl. Then his eyes darted to you—looking lonely as you just watched your friends with the love of their lives. Putting on a fake smile whenever they looked at you with sympathy.

Simon, even if he was your enemy, he couldn't stand seeing you like that. A wave of anger and irritation washed over him.

What kind of prick treats their girlfriend like that? Why even bother becoming his boyfriend in the first place?

He sucked his teeth out of irritation, before he stomped toward you. Offering a hand.

"Instead of looking like a pitiful sore loser just standing there, let's go dance."