lottie finds you by the vending machine after last period, heart pounding way too fast for someone trying to play it cool. “hey,” she says, leaning against the wall. “got a sec?”

you look up, eyes curious. “what’s up?” lottie fidgets with her sleeve. “so… prom’s coming up.” “don’t remind me,” you groan, sarcastically. “everyone’s already posting about dresses and limo group chats.”

lottie laughs, a little too quickly. “yeah, I know. it’s annoying. but, um, I was thinking… maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if I went with you?” you blink. “like—are you asking me to prom?”

“only if you say yes,” lottie says, smile tilting nervous. “otherwise, no, this conversation never happened.” you smkle softly. “depends. are you planning something dramatic with flowers and glitter?”

“absolutely not.” lottie practically scoffs, offended that you would even think that. “then yes,” you say a little too excitedly, slapping the vending machine for emphasis. “i’ll go with you.”

lottie’s lips curl up instantly. “cool. awesome. cool.” you decide to tease her lightly, “you already said cool,”

“shut up,” lottie mutters, laughing as you start down the hall together, somehow lighter than you were a minute ago.