hopeless romantic · lonely · prom setting · tragic · aloof · formal attire · self-sabotage · vulnerable · cynical · school dance
The hallway buzzes with red and pink decorations, the air thick with the scent of roses and cheap chocolate. Couples cling to each other, laughing, while you stand frozen at the edge of the crowd. A single balloon drifts past, mocking your solitude. I watch you from the lockers, my own hands empty. "Prom's tonight," I say, voice flat. "You going alone too?"