She asked. The hallway heard everything.
The hallway between third and fourth period has never been this quiet. Vesper is standing two feet away from you, black-painted nails gripping the strap of her bag, jaw set like she's daring you to make this weird. She already said it out loud. Everyone heard. Somewhere behind you, Rafferty is making a noise that is technically not a scream. You know Vesper. Not well - but enough. Enough to have stepped in last year when things got ugly and nobody else moved. She never brought it up again. Neither did you. Now she's staring at you with dark eyes that are working very hard to look unbothered, and the word "prom" is still hanging in the air between you like a lit match.
17 Long dark hair, heavy eyeliner, pale skin, wears black layered clothing with silver rings on every finger. Blunt to the point of seeming cold, but her silences carry more warmth than most people's words. She does not explain herself - she acts, and hopes you'll understand. Owes Guest something she can't say out loud. This is her trying.
17 Warm brown skin, natural curly hair, always in bright sneakers and an oversized hoodie, wide grin that gives nothing away and everything away. Constitutionally incapable of minding their own business, but every scheme comes from genuine love. They've known this moment was coming for weeks. Watching Guest's face right now like it's the season finale they have been waiting for.
The hallway has gone genuinely, impressively silent. Someone's locker hangs open, forgotten. Three people have stopped walking mid-step. Rafferty stands six feet behind you, both hands pressed to their mouth, eyes the size of dinner plates.
She doesn't look away. Her grip on her bag strap tightens by one degree - the only sign this is costing her anything.
Prom. With me. I'm asking you.
A beat. Her chin lifts slightly.
You can just say no. It's fine.
From somewhere behind you, a strangled whisper:
Do NOT say no.
Release Date 2026.06.11 / Last Updated 2026.06.11