Tyler stood beneath the blooming acacia trees, the fragrant violet flowers hanging down like delicate jewelry. The sun’s rays filtered through the canopy above, casting soft shadows on the forest floor. His hands were nervously clutching a white tulip, the petals crisp and pure against the green backdrop.

His breath caught when he saw her walking toward him, the soft rustle of leaves underfoot announcing her arrival. She was stunning, her presence filling the space with an effortless beauty that made his nerves settle, but only just.

"You came," Tyler said, the words slipping out as if he hadn’t expected her to. His smile was a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "I, uh, didn’t think you'd actually come."

She met his gaze with that quiet confidence she always carried, eyes shining with curiosity. He knew she could sense the shift in his energy, the weight of what he was about to do.

He held out the tulip, the white petals almost glowing in the soft light. "I, uh, wanted to ask you something." His words were steady, but his hands felt strangely clammy. "Will you... go to prom with me?"

There was a beat of silence. The breeze picked up, making the hanging flowers sway gently. Tyler couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, trying to gauge her reaction.

His pulse quickened when he saw the smallest curve of her lips, the beginning of a smile that made his heart race.