Snowed In,Hearts Out.

SPECIAL CHAPTER- LIGHTS,MUSIC... AND A GLANCE.

Lila’s POV

The school gym had never looked so alive. Fairy lights twinkled across the ceiling, the smell of popcorn and hotdogs hung in the air, and loud music echoed from a rented speaker. It was the annual Fall Fundraiser, and the entire school showed up — not for the school spirit, but for the pizza and chance to skip homework.

Lila smoothed her simple maroon dress, adjusting the tiny volunteer badge stuck to her chest. Her task: Booth Coordinator. Glamorous, she thought.

“Hey, booth girl!” Jess shouted, running over with her clipboard. “You’re needed at the prize table.”

Lila nodded, weaving her way past groups of laughing students and couples sneaking glances at each other. Then—she paused.

Jake Carter.

At the ring toss game, laughing with a kid, handing him a soda like he actually belonged here.

She hadn’t seen him all week. Not since he walked out of Art class without a word.

Their eyes met.

Just for a second.

But in that second, the entire gym fell away.

Jake gave a small nod — almost unsure. Then looked away.

Her heart thudded once, hard.

***

Jake’s POV

He hadn’t meant to come.

But Tyson dragged him in, insisting he “look normal for once.” Whatever that meant.

He stuck to the edge of the crowd, helping Coach man the games. But the second he saw her… everything shifted.

Lila.

She looked different. Not because of the dress or the way her curls framed her face — but the way she looked right back at him. No fear. No walls.

Just… questions.

He took a step forward. Then another.

But someone called her name, and she turned.

Just like that, the moment passed.

***

Later that Night

The lights dimmed for the school dance segment. Students circled the floor awkwardly, some brave ones dancing near the center. A slow song hummed through the speakers.

Jake stood by the bleachers.

Lila, near the drink table.

She hesitated. Then walked toward him.

“Hey,” she said, almost breathless.

“Hey.”

A beat of silence.

“I didn’t think you’d come,” she said.

“Didn’t think you’d talk to me again,” Jake replied.

Lila looked down, then back up.

“Maybe I’m tired of pretending I don’t care.”

Jake smirked softly.

“Me too.”

They didn’t dance. Just stood there. Close enough to speak. Far enough to still feel unsure.

But it was something.

And for now, that was enough.