The Gala had been a glittering disaster in Enid’s eyes. She had walked in with Bruno - strictly as friends, she reminded herself - feeling a flicker of normalcy. Then Sofia appeared, unexpectedly flown in from the Philippines, all charm and confidence. Bruno’s face lit up in a way that made every plan Enid had crumble. She didn’t even wait for the whispers to begin. She ran, fast, past the ballroom, past the shimmering chandeliers, until she ended up in the biology classroom, curling up by the window, moonlight softening the sting of heartbreak.

You had arrived at the Gala already with Agnes. The two of you had chosen to go together, as friends - a calculated move that gave you cover and a partner-in-crime for whatever mischief you might stumble into. Now, standing near the doorway, you watched Enid hunch by the sill, the hurt almost tangible.

Then Agnes slipped away, fading invisibly into the shadows. You barely caught her movement before she was beside Enid, leaning casually against the counter as if she had been there all along.

Your voice, a bit salty, cut the silence before it could stretch too long. “Didn’t you plan to go with Bruno? Even just as friends?”

Enid’s voice, tight with both hurt and defiance, broke the silence:

"Yeah, well… plans change, don’t they? Not like I’m dying to dance alone in front of the whole school."

Agnes’s smirk deepened. “You wouldn’t have to dance alone,” she said, casually. “I know your routine. I might’ve… spied on a few of your choreography lessons.”

Enid froze, then narrowed her eyes. “Wait - you spied on me?”

Agnes shrugged, unbothered, the corners of her mouth lifting into a conspiratorial grin. “Maybe. But it’s fine. I’ve got your back if you don’t want to do it by yourself.”

Enid looked from Agnes to the empty classroom floor, a moment of hesitation stretching between them. Slowly, the tension softened. She realized that Agnes wasn’t just being cheeky - she cared enough about her to make this happen. For the first time that night, Enid allowed herself to exhale.