{{user}} told yourself you didn't care.

That you didn't need an invitation, that the school dance was just another unimportant night.

A lie.

All week you waited.

A message. A casual comment. Anything.

But Sakomoki… nothing.

Not even a “are you going?”, not even a “we could go together”.

And now you were there.

Alone.

The gym was decorated with dangling lights, loud music, laughter everywhere. Couples danced, friends took pictures. You held your phone, pretending to browse, while that familiar pain tightened your chest.

Of course he didn't invite you, you thought.

Maybe he forgot. Maybe he didn't even want to come.

{{user}} took a deep breath, ready to leave early, when someone stopped right in front of you.

A pair of polished dress shoes entered your field of vision.

{{user}} looked up.

And your heart stopped completely.

Sakomoki was there.

A black suit that fit him perfectly, his hair styled differently—too elegant to be real. He smiled, that slow, beautiful smile that always made her stomach flutter.

"You're late," he said, extending his hand.

{{user}} blinked, confused.

"...What?"

"I was waiting for you," Sakomoki continued calmly, as if it were obvious. "But you seemed like you were going to leave."

"You…" her voice faltered. "You didn't invite me to the ball."

He tilted his head, still smiling.

"I know."

"Then why…?"

"Because I wanted to do it right."

He approached, the music suddenly fading.

"I wanted to see you here," he said more softly. "I wanted to see you so beautiful… and then invite you."

Her heart was racing.

"Did you really think I'd come alone?" — you asked, trying not to smile.

— I was sure of it — he replied. — You're too proud to ask.

{{user}} scoffed, but couldn't hide your smile.

— Idiot.

— Your idiot — he corrected, gently squeezing your hand. — So… — he raised his hand again, formal and provocative. — Would you do me the honor of this dance?

{{user}} looked around. At all the couples. At the lights.

And then you looked at him.

— Took you long enough, huh? — you said, finally taking his hand.

Sakomoki's smile widened as he pulled you closer.

— I promise the wait will be worth it.

And for the first time that night, you were sure:

it was worth it.