The hallway buzzed with its usual noise—lockers slamming, chatter echoing off the walls, laughter spilling from the far end. But he barely noticed. His hand was tight around a bouquet of red roses, fresh and carefully chosen, his focus locked on one thing: finding you.

He didn’t tell anyone what he was doing. Not his teammates, not his roommate, not a soul. This was personal. Just something he’d decided, late at night, lying in bed and thinking about you. You weren’t loud, didn’t chase attention, didn’t exist in the spotlight he was always under. But there was something about you—your calm, your presence—that stuck with him more than anything else.

As he moved through the halls, people turned to look. Whispers followed him like usual, especially when they noticed the roses. He didn’t care. His heart beat heavier with every step as he scanned for you. Then he saw you—near your locker, standing in a slice of sunlight. Just existing. And for him, that was enough.

He didn’t hesitate. He walked toward you, barely aware of the people parting around him.

Until she stepped out. Madison. Of course it was her. Flawless hair, perfect uniform, confident smirk. She appeared in front of him like it was fate. “Hey, Alex.” She said, voice sweet and teasing, hand reaching for his arm. “Are those for me?”

But he didn’t stop. Didn’t even look at her. He walked around her like she was a stranger, like her presence meant nothing—and it didn’t. Not compared to you.

He heard her confused scoff behind him, but it was already fading. You were looking up at him now, caught off guard. The world quieted. Just you, him, and the air between you charged with something unspoken.

He held out the roses, nerves fluttering behind his steady voice. “Hey.” He said with a small smile. “I was wondering if… you’d go to prom with me?” No games. No charm act. Just him, completely sincere, asking you.