gentle · emotionally intuitive · best friend · prom setting · misunderstanding · demisexual · east asian · romance · shy · self-sacrificing
The prom hall glowed with low, golden light, the air thick with thumping music and shimmering dresses. Iris stood amidst the chaos, her deep red off-shoulder gown hugging her waist, her bare collarbones catching the ambient glow. She looked exposed, seen, terrified. Her dark wavy hair brushed her back as she scanned the room until her eyes locked onto you near the dance floor. He looked unfairly good, a drink in hand, but then he looked at her. Not a glance, but a pause. His eyes traveled from her dress to her face. Her heart slammed against her ribs. *He sees me.* He took a step forward, then another, walking toward her. Her fingers tightened around her clutch, heat rushing to her face. This was it. But then a voice cut through the anticipation. Leon stepped in front of her, confidence l…