The date
---
Ariel stormed into the seniors' classroom like a bullet. Her silver hair shimmered under the ceiling lights, eyes burning with determination. Heads turned. Conversations died mid-sentence. But she didn't care—her focus was locked onto him.
There he was—Allan Wallace, lounging at the back of the class with Owen and Ken. Casual, collected, composed. Like a prince in his throne room.
Ariel marched straight toward him, ignoring the stares, the whispers.
"I didn't accept your invitation," she snapped, voice firm, but her heart pounding. "What's up with you?"
Allan looked up at her, smirking—like he'd been expecting this.
Slowly, deliberately, he stood. The classroom held its breath.
He stepped forward. Closer. Then closer still—until Ariel could feel the warmth of his body. The air between them thinned. Her breath caught.
Without breaking eye contact, he leaned down, lips dangerously close to hers. And then, in a whisper only she could hear, he murmured:
"You didn't say no either, did you?"
His voice was smooth, confident, laced with something unspoken.
"You were still going to accept," he added. "And for the record... I don't take no for an answer."
The classroom was dead silent. But no one heard what he said—just saw how close they were.
Ariel's chest rose and fell sharply. Her voice faltered.
"I… I—"
She couldn't find the words. His presence was overwhelming. The scent of him—mint and something darker—stirred something inside her. She tried to look away, but her gaze found his again… and she was caught. His eyes—stormy gray, cold yet compelling—felt like they could read her soul.
Allan leaned in just a little more, brushing a strand of hair from her face like he had every right to.
"Now go," he said softly, stepping back but never breaking eye contact. "Go to your class without making a scene. I'll come find you."
He paused.
"We've got a date."
And with that, he turned and sat back down, cool as ever—leaving Ariel frozen, her heart racing, her mind spinning, and every single student in the class watching her in stunned silence.
Ariel stomped out of the seniors' classroom, fuming. Why couldn't I say anything? Her steps were heavy, her fists clenched at her sides. She was mad—at Allan, at herself, at the way her body froze under his gaze like her mouth had been sealed shut with invisible glue. Her cheeks still burned from the closeness.
"Hey!" a voice called from down the hall.
She turned, surprised. Her eyes landed on Jake Blake—confident, smug, and dressed like he knew the whole school was his runway. Ariel's posture stiffened. She recognized him immediately. He wasn't just a senior—he was Jake Blake, the golden boy from a rival circle.
Everyone at Ravenswood Academy knew the Blakes. The family name echoed prestige and power, and Jake carried it like a badge. His group, just like Allan's, dominated the school's elite rankings. In fact, the rivalry between Jake and Allan was school-wide gossip—unspoken but intense. Girls practically melted in Jake's presence… well, except when Allan was around.
"Yes?" Ariel said, her voice clipped but polite.
Jake sauntered over with a smirk tugging at his lips. His gaze lingered on her, a little too long.
"You've got guts," he said. "Marching into that classroom like you owned it." He leaned against a nearby locker, crossing his arms lazily. "So what's the deal between you and Wallace?"
Ariel's jaw tensed. "There's no deal."
Jake chuckled. "Could've fooled me. The air in that room nearly cracked in half." He looked at her, head to toe. "You're not like the other girls who chase after him. I like that."
Ariel narrowed her eyes. "Was that supposed to be a compliment?"
"Of course. You're pretty—more than pretty. But that fire in you? That's rare."
His words were smooth, but the tone—sarcastic and flirtatious—made her skin crawl. Ariel gave him a tight smile.
"Thanks… I guess."
Jake's smirk widened, clearly amused by her discomfort. "Careful, though," he said, voice lowering slightly. "Allan's not exactly the knight in shining armor he pretends to be."
Ariel stared at him, her expression unreadable. "And you are?"
Jake tilted his head with a cocky grin. "You'd be surprised."
Before Ariel could respond, the bell rang.
She turned away. "Have a good day, Jake."
As she walked off, his eyes stayed on her.
"Oh, I will," he muttered under his breath.
---
Ariel sat on the high stool by the corner table in the science lab, her head tilted close to Mia and Ashley as they waited for the teacher. The low buzz of students settling in made it easy for her to lean in and whisper.
"Okay, but promise not to freak out," she said, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. "Allan asked me to the gala."
Ashley nearly choked on the candy she was secretly chewing. "Wait, what?! Allan Wallace? Like Allan Allan?"
Mia's eyes went wide. "The mysterious senior with the 'I see through your soul' stare?"
Ariel nodded, trying to stay casual. "Yeah. In front of his entire class."
Ashley grabbed her arm. "Girl, you're joking. How did this even happen? What did you say?"
"I didn't even get to say no. He was so… close. Like in-my-face close." Ariel's voice dropped to a dramatic whisper. "He whispered, 'You didn't say no either.' Like it was a done deal!"
Mia blinked in awe. "That's so movie-level intense. And also, kind of arrogant."
"I know!" Ariel sighed, then smirked slightly. "But that's not all. Right after that, guess who cornered me in the hallway?"
Ashley leaned forward. "Who?"
"Jake Blake."
Ashley gasped. "No way!"
Mia whispered, "He's hot, but also shady."
"He was annoying," Ariel said, rolling her eyes. "He was totally flirting. Asked if Allan and I were a thing, compliment me in this sarcastic way like he thought he was charming."
"Typical Jake," Mia muttered. "He always needs to outshine Allan somehow."
Ashley shook her head. "This is crazy. You've officially stepped into the school drama triangle."
Ariel laughed. "It's not like I planned this."
Just then, the classroom door creaked open and the science teacher walked in with a stern look and a thick binder.
"Ladies, unless you're discussing chemical reactions, save the gossip for later," he said without looking up.
The girls straightened in their seats, stifling giggles, but their minds were still racing with everything Ariel had just shared.
*****. ****
The cafeteria buzzed with energy, the clatter of trays and chatter of students filling the wide space. Cara sat with Nari and Carly at their usual table near the windows. A soft light filtered in, making her freshly manicured nails gleam as she lazily twirled her fork in her untouched salad.
"Did you hear Eleanor didn't show up today?" Nari asked, her voice tinged with intrigue.
Carly leaned in. "Neither did Lucy or Selen. Rumor says she flew to Paris to shop for the gala."
Cara arched a brow. "That sounds just like Eleanor. Always doing the most to make a statement."
Nari scoffed. "Probably afraid to face everyone after Allan ignored her last week."
Carly giggled. "Or maybe she couldn't stand knowing someone else got invited before her."
Cara smirked but didn't say a word. Her mind wandered as the conversation around her faded. Her eyes shifted across the cafeteria, unknowingly settling on a familiar table—Ariel's. There she sat, effortlessly pretty in her simple style, her silver hair catching the sunlight like strands of moonlight.
Why is it so hard to ask Ian to the gala? she wondered. What if Nari finds out? What if she kicks me with one of those karate moves she brags about?
Her thoughts were interrupted as a subtle shift in the atmosphere swept through the cafeteria.
The doors swung open.
Allan strolled in like the air shifted for him—flanked by his usual crew: Ian, tall and sharp-eyed; Owen, with that ever-present flirty grin; and Ken, cool as ever. None of them wore the school uniform, as usual. They didn't need trays either. They weren't here for food. They were here with purpose.
Students turned. Conversations paused. Phones discreetly lifted. The Wallace crew always made an entrance.
Without hesitation, they moved straight across the room, headed for one particular table.
Ariel's.
She was mid-laugh with Mia and Ashley, completely unaware of the growing attention in the room. But the moment Allan and his friends approached, her laugh caught in her throat.
Cara's eyes narrowed in amusement, a wicked little smile playing on her lips. She leaned back in her seat, eyes flicking between Allan and Ariel.
"This," she muttered under her breath, "is about to get interesting."
Of course! Here's how it flows naturally from the last scene, keeping the vibe stylish and dramatic:
Ariel blinked as Allan stopped in front of her table, his expression unreadable but his presence impossibly magnetic. Conversations around the cafeteria dropped to a whisper, eyes watching, ears straining.
"Come on," Allan said calmly, stretching his hand toward her.
Ariel's brows furrowed slightly. "Go where?"
He didn't flinch. His voice was smooth, low, and confident. "On our date."
Her heart skipped. His hand hovered in front of her, warm and steady. She hesitated, her fingers barely brushing his.
"But... it's still school hours."
Allan smirked, stepping even closer, lowering his voice just enough for only her and her friends to hear. "Who cares about the ducking rules? Besides—my dad owns this school. Let's move."
He turned slightly, eyes flicking toward Mia and Ashley. "Are your friends coming?"
Ariel turned to them in disbelief, but both girls gave her an eager nod, excitement glowing in their eyes like this was a movie playing out in real life.
She looked back at Allan. His hand was still there. Waiting. Sure.
So she took it.
As their fingers were laced, a silent wave of gasps rippled across the cafeteria. Students watched in stunned silence as the silver-haired girl stood up, followed by her friends, and walked out beside the Wallace heir and his crew like they were royalty.
And just like that, they were gone—leaving behind only whispered rumors and wide eyes.
They pulled up to an upscale salon nestled in the heart of town—the kind of place that smelled like luxury and looked like a page out of a fashion magazine. The gold-lettered sign on the glass door read Luxe Lounge, and the inside sparkled with chandelier lighting, velvet seats, and a glossy marble floor.
"This is where Cara gets her hair done," Ariel whispered to Mia and Ashley, eyes wide.
The moment they stepped in, a flamboyant voice rang out. "Ohhh my Wallace boys! Look who's here!"
A tall man with platinum blonde hair styled in tight curls glided toward them, dressed in head-to-toe design. "If it isn't Allan, my walking GQ spread, and his dangerous little squad."
Allan smirked, leaning in like he was already used to the extra attention. "We need a makeover."
The stylist gasped dramatically, placing a manicured hand over his chest. "For her?" he looked over at Ariel, his gaze softening. "Oh, she's stunning. Like moonlight on silver silk. Darling, come sit. You're my canvas now."
Ariel's heart was racing. She looked at Allan, who gave her a small nod. "Trust him," he said. "He's the best."
She walked to the plush styling chair, and the stylist began working his magic, gushing over her features and how her silver hair was 'a celestial blessing'. The staff swarmed around, giving her a full beauty treatment—hair, light makeup, everything tailored to elevate her natural look.
Meanwhile, the guys lounged at the waiting section with Mia and Ashley sitting a little stiff at first. Owen, always the one to break the ice, leaned toward Ashley with a sly smile.
"So, are you always this quiet or just shy around pretty boys?"
Ashley choked on her water.
Mia laughed. "Oh no, not Owen flirting already."
Ken snorted, tossing a grape into his mouth from the fruit platter beside him. "Man works fast."
"Just shooting my shot," Owen said, grinning at Ashley. "You're cute when you're awkward."
Ashley's face went red. "You're not that smooth."
"Yet here you are blushing." He winked.
Back at the salon chair, Ariel was beginning to relax under the pampering, glancing occasionally at Allan in the mirror. He was scrolling his phone, legs crossed, but she noticed how he peeked up every few minutes to check on her.
And she noticed how he smiled each time she caught him.
💥💥💥
"Hey, what's up with you? You've been a little down lately," Xavier said as he leaned on the piano's edge, watching Audrey's fingers glide gracefully over the keys.
She didn't stop playing, but a faint smile curved her lips. "I'm fine," she replied softly. "Just… bored, I guess. I decided to come to the music room to play some piano. You know I don't like staying in the cafeteria."
He raised a brow. "So you decided to serenade the school piano instead?"
Audrey chuckled under her breath, still focused on the melody. "Exactly. The cafeteria feels too loud, and it's always the same gossip. People whispering about who's going to the gala with whom—it's exhausting."
Xavier nodded, then sat beside her on the bench. "Yeah, I get that. Everyone's been acting like it's prom and the royal court combined."
She paused, her fingers lingering on a key. "I never go there, you know that. I'd rather be here, surrounded by music."
For a second, neither of them spoke. Just the soft hum of the music room and distant chatter through the hallway.
"You play beautifully," Xavier said suddenly, more serious than usual. "It's kind of unfair how good you are at everything."
Audrey looked at him, surprised. "You never say things like that."
He shrugged, grinning. "Maybe I'm trying something new."
"Like complimenting me?"
"Like making sure you're actually okay."
She looked at him for a long moment, her eyes softening. "Thanks, Xavier. That means more than you know."
"Anytime," he said, nudging her gently with his shoulder. "Just don't disappear into the music room forever. I kinda like having you around."
........
As the stylist put the finishing touches on Ariel's hair and makeup, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her silver hair flowed in soft waves, framing her face perfectly. The delicate makeup highlighted her hazel eyes, making them sparkle with a hint of mystery. The overall look was elegant yet casual, perfectly fitting for a school day and hinting at something special for the gala without being over the top.
Allan stood a few steps behind her, a look of admiration on his face. "You look amazing," he said, his voice genuine.
Ariel turned to him, a smile breaking through her earlier nerves. "Thanks! "
"You deserve it," he replied, his eyes shining with warmth.
Mia and Ashley, who had been watching from a distance, rushed over. "Ariel, you look stunning! You should wear that every day," Mia exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
Ashley nodded enthusiastically. "Seriously! You look so different, but in the best way!"
Just then, the stylist, a flamboyant man with platinum blonde hair, approached them. "Darling, you're ready for anything," he declared dramatically. "Now go out there and own it!"
"Thanks for everything!" Ariel said, her confidence rising.
As they left the salon, the group headed toward the parking lot where their cars were waiting. Allan walked beside Ariel, casually leaning in. "So, where to now?"
"Let's grab a bite," Allan suggested. "I know a great Italian place nearby."
Once they arrived at the restaurant, the ambiance was lively, filled with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. They settled at a large table, and as they waited for their food, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Ariel felt at ease, her earlier worries fading away amidst the warm glow of the restaurant and the friendly banter.
After a delicious meal filled with shared stories and laughter, the group began to break up. Owen and Ken stood up, stretching. "We'll drop Mia and Ashley off," Owen said with a grin. "Then it's home for us."
"Don't be late for the gala tomorrow!" Mia called after them as they made their way out.
Once the others had left, Allan and Ariel remained at the table. The atmosphere around them shifted slightly, becoming more intimate.
"So, what now?" Allan asked, looking at Ariel with a soft smile.
"Want to take a walk?" she suggested, her heart racing at the thought of spending more time with him.
"Absolutely," he replied, motioning for her to lead the way.
As they strolled through the quiet streets, the moonlight cast a silver glow around them. The night felt magical, filled with unspoken possibilities.
"I had a great time tonight," Allan said, glancing sideways at her. "You really do look amazing."
Ariel felt her cheeks warm. "Thanks. I'm glad you asked me to hang out."
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the city surrounding them. Then Allan broke the quiet. "So, how do you feel about the gala tomorrow? Nervous?"
"Honestly? A little," Ariel admitted. "I've never been to something like that. But I'm excited too. I just hope I don't trip or embarrass myself."
Allan chuckled softly. "You won't. Just be yourself. And if you trip, I'll be right there to catch you."
Ariel smiled, the warmth of his words settling in. "I'll hold you to that."