Finally arriving at the Winter Formal—
was that eventually—
someone expected you to dance.
Lily discovered this approximately four minutes after walking into the gym.
The decorations sparkled under strings of soft lights.
Music drifted through the room.
Students laughed, posed for pictures, and admired one another’s outfits.
Emily looked around with satisfaction.
“This is beautiful.”
Jason nodded.
“It needs more confetti.”
“It absolutely does not.”
Ryan accepted a cup of punch and quietly moved to the side.
“I’m staying out of trouble.”
“No, you’re not,” Jason replied.
“You’re friends with us.”
Ryan sighed.
“That’s a fair point.”
Across the room, Noah stood beside Lily near the refreshment table.
Neither of them seemed in a hurry.
The comfortable silence between them ha
