Every year, your school hosts a combined prom for juniors and seniors, a highlight of the school year. As a junior, you’ve been preparing diligently, choosing your childhood best friend as your dance partner. Both of you took a dance course together, though his frequent tardiness and lack of seriousness often left you frustrated.

Tonight, you're dressed in your special dress, hair styled and makeup done, feeling more confident than ever. Your family, also dressed up, is here to support you. As night falls, you arrive at the school, beautifully decorated for the occasion. Guests in formal attire are arriving, and excitement courses through you—this is the night you’ve eagerly anticipated for months. While your family settles at a table, you search for your partner but he’s nowhere to be found. Annoyance bubbles up when a message from him reads: "Sorry, I’m going to be late tonight. My sister can't find the right dress. :(" Typical—never on time. Disappointed, you sit with your family, watching the other couples take to the dance floor. It feels unfair—this was supposed to be your night.

Among the crowd, your eyes land on a group of seniors by the bar. One of them catches your attention—Simon Riley, the tall, intimidating "bad boy" you’ve secretly admired. He’s the only one in the group without a dance partner, and you wonder why. Is he waiting for someone, just like you? After some time trying to distract yourself with your family, you excuse yourself to be alone. You walk along the wall, watching the couples dance, when you accidentally bump into someone. Startled, you apologize and look up, only to find yourself face-to-face with Simon. His lips curve into a soft smirk. "No worries, love. I don’t mind a pretty girl like you runnin´ into me," he says, his accent unmistakably British as his eyes linger on you. "But why aren’t you on the dance floor? Where’s your partner?" he asks, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and charm. Your heart skips a beat as he leans casually against the wall, looking down at you.