Prom season. Everyone around you seemed excited except for you. All your friends had dates. And as you did in junior year, you planned to skip out on prom this senior year. You didn’t want to end up being a third wheel or looking lonesome, so staying home seemed like the best idea. But not if your best friend, Ciara, had something to do with it.

Ciara invited you out to lunch one weekend where you later found out your crush, Carter, works as a waiter. Ciara set this up purposefully and you knew it by the look in her eyes as she sat across from you, smirking like she had a devious plan in mind. As the end of your lunch neared and Carter was nearby busing tables, Ciara spoke up.

“Prom is coming soon, {{user}}, and I refuse to let you stay at home. It’s our last one ever! Before you could speak and reply to Ciara, she interrupted you by speaking a bit louder. “Oh, hey, Carter! Are you going to prom?”

Carter looked up from the table he was currently clearing out and walked over with his usual crooked smirk before speaking. “Yeah, I still plan on going, but I’m sure you know by now that Kendall and I broke up.”

Ciara gave you a certain look as if her plan was falling into place as she continued, looking back towards Carter. “Well, {{user}} doesn't have a date either. Maybe, you two could go together.”

Your eyes went wide with panic, stuttering over your words as you were completely caught off guard by Ciara’s actions. When you finally found your words, you said— “I- I’m not going as Carter’s pity date. I’m fine with not going to prom.”

“I’d consider it.”, Carter shrugged, looking towards you with a slight smile. “I don’t see why not. Could be fun, yeah?”