It's finally the day that everyone was anticipating for. The prom day!
The late afternoon sun streamed in through the large windows as Rain rushed down from upstairs, his footsteps hurried and restless. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his bag slung over his shoulder. As he hit the last step, his eyes caught the sudden flurry of activity in the living room.
There were extra people in the house, makeup artists, hairstylists, and glam assistants bustling around with brushes, curling wands, and sequined dresses. It was the glam team Delilah had hired for Lane and Mila's grand prom transformation.
Rain furrowed his brows. The cloud of perfume and chatter didn't concern him. He lowered his gaze and tried to walk past them swiftly.
"Rain?"
He froze mid-step. His grip on the backpack strap tightened as he turned slightly, shoulders tense.
Taylor was standing a few feet away, leaning casually against the doorway with a glass of water in hand.
"You are still around brother?" Rain asked nervously, eyes darting away from his older brother's intense gaze.
"Sure! I'm taking care of something important in the company. I'm not leaving for now."
"Oh." Rain nodded slowly. His fingers were twitching slightly against the strap.
Taylor's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Rain's posture, defensive, anxious.
"Why ain't you preparing for prom night?"
"I'm going to meet Frances. We will go together."
"Where is your outfit?"
"Frances has prepared it for me."
"That's so nice of her."
Just then, Lane stepped forward, his cologne strong and his suit jacket hanging carelessly on his shoulder.
"Rain!" Lane called out with a mock cheerfulness and moved closer. His forced smile stretched across his face, but the fake sweetness behind it made Rain's skin crawl.
Rain halted, clenching his jaw. "What?"
Lane kept his smile intact like it was glued to his face, despite the irritation rising in Rain's expression.
"Can we exchange our date for today?"
Rain's eyes widened. "What? Why would I do that?" he snapped, his voice sharp with disbelief.
Lane chuckled like he'd made the most harmless request in the world. "I and Mila are not on good terms for now so I want her to go with you, then I can go with Frances. You wouldn't mind this little thing right?"
Rain's mouth opened slightly but no sound came out. He blinked, stunned. He looked at Taylor, a silent plea in his eyes.
Taylor sighed, stepped forward, and rested his arm on the side counter, his voice calm but stern.
"Lane, this request of yours is quite absurd. You want Rain to give his girlfriend to you as your date because you are on bad terms with your own sister?"
Lane's smile faltered slightly. "Brother it's not that bad. Why do you make it seem so?" he said, letting out a dry chuckle.
"It's not bad you say? Mila and Rain are never on good terms. Mila does not like Rain and she makes it obvious. She's your sister, no matter how angry she is, you can definitely control her. But Rain? It's the other way round.
"Moreover, Mila was boasting about it at the diner some days ago that she has a date. And you personally, you do have a girlfriend, don't you?"
Lane rolled his eyes. "We broke up already!"
Taylor raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You broke up with your girlfriend, okay. Mila has a date already and that is a fact. You clearly know that Mila wouldn't go with Rain, and here you are suggesting that he gives you his own date just to leave him stranded and embarrassed at the prom."
"Brother, I don't mean it that way! Why are you taking it so seriously? Moreover, there will be many people there without a date. He can take one."
Rain's hands trembled slightly at his sides, his knuckles pale from how tightly he was gripping the strap.
Taylor's expression darkened slightly. "Don't you know the kind of person that Rain is? Is it easy for him to approach just anyone to be his date? And how does it sound to you exactly, leaving his girlfriend for you while he finds another date around?"
"Brother! You are taking it too far. It's just a polite request! Moreover, Rain hasn't said anything yet!" Lane turned to Rain with a false hopeful look.
Rain felt his chest tighten. He hated being put on the spot. His throat felt dry as both sets of eyes locked on him.
"Why are they looking at me?" he thought, panicked. He looked down immediately, voice trembling.
"Rain, say something! You don't mind, right?"
"I… I don't have a say over this. If I tell Frances about this, she will kill me."
Lane scoffed. "Rain, what are you saying? You are the man in the relationship, of course she would listen to whatever you say!"
Rain's eyes narrowed slightly. "Frances does not like you, so she will never agree."
Lane stepped closer, face hardening. "Frances does not like me? Have you been badmouthing me to Frances?"
Rain didn't flinch. "What if I did? It's not as if I lied on you."
"You!…" Lane's voice rose and he moved threateningly forward.
Rain instinctively took a step back, his heart thudding. Taylor quickly stepped between them and gave Lane a light shove backward.
"That's okay! What you asked for is impossible, so just forget about it. Just because Rain is meek doesn't make him less of a man. He can't refuse you, but you're hurting his ego by asking for his girl. It is a ridiculous thing to do, and I thought that you were more sensible than this, Lane."
"I'm sorry, brother!"
"Apologize to Rain, not me."
"But…"
"Apologize!… now!" Taylor snapped, his tone commanding.
Lane's face burned with humiliation as he turned toward Rain reluctantly. "I'm sorry, Rain. I won't ask for such a thing again."
Rain gave a small nod, eyes still downcast.
"Cool!"
"I'm leaving now!" Rain said quietly, already stepping back.
Taylor pulled him back by the arm. "Y'all will be staying out overnight. I know drinking is inevitable and something unexpected might happen, so take safety precautions!"
He handed a small sealed pack to both Rain and Lane. Rain looked at the item, then blinked in shock.
"Brother, what are you doing? What do I need a condom for?"
"In case you wanna have sex."
Rain's ears turned red instantly. "I'm not doing that! I'm not doing that to Frances, we're still young."
"You will be 18 this month. It's no big deal. It happens unexpectedly most times, that's why I'm giving you this."
"Brother!"
"Just take it with you! At least to prevent pregnancy, okay? You can go now." Taylor gave him a gentle shove and Rain staggered off, his face flushed with embarrassment.
Lane was standing there, his jaw clenched, gripping the small pack so tightly the foil crinkled. His face twisted in pure rage, imagining Rain sleeping with Frances made his blood boil.
Taylor turned toward him with a smirk. "Stop overthinking it, bro. You probably need the condom more than Rain does, because he might not even use it for a long time. He is a responsible person."
Taylor walked off calmly, leaving Lane standing there speechless.
Lane scoffed, his jaw twitching. "So I'm the irresponsible one who needs the condom the most?" He threw the pack into the nearby bin with disgust.
But after a beat, he stood there gritting his teeth. His hand hovered above the bin. After a glance around, he quickly picked it back up and shoved it in his pocket.
"Since you gave it to me willingly, I'll use it… reluctantly," he muttered and stormed off.
Rain arrived at the hotel and stepped out of the car, his palms slightly damp from nerves. The warm afternoon glow filtered through the glass walls of the lobby, casting golden rays on the floor. He walked through the hallway and opened the suite door. As soon as he stepped in, the soft hum of a blow dryer and the giggles of women filled the air.
There she was. Frances, seated elegantly while the glam team put finishing touches on her look. Her makeup shimmered under the light, accentuating her high cheekbones and glowing skin. Her thick lashes fluttered as she turned around upon hearing the door click.
"Babe, you are here?" she said brightly, standing to greet him.
Rain froze in his steps. His mouth dropped slightly as he stared, stunned.
"Oh my goodness!" he breathed out subconsciously, eyes wide, heart skipping.
Frances chuckled at his expression, tilting her head.
"Do you like my makeup?"
"I do! I like it very much!" Rain answered quickly, still staring.
She beamed with pride. "I placed your outfit in the bedroom. I'm coming now."
"Okay baby!" he said softly, glancing once more at her before hurrying off, feeling like his knees had gone slightly weak.
Inside the bedroom, Rain carefully undressed and changed into the outfit Frances prepared for him. The black suit was sleek but slightly unconventional. The jacket was airy and elegant, with a chain detail dangling at the bottom and a silver clip near the chest but no shirt underneath. He stared at himself in the mirror, rubbing his neck awkwardly.
Just then, Frances walked in, a chain and ring in hand. She paused to admire him.
"Is it okay to leave my chest bare like this?" Rain asked hesitantly.
"Sure! That's the outfit highlight!" she answered, stepping closer.
She clasped the silver chain around his neck and slid the ring onto his finger. He held still, eyes focused on the floor as her fingers brushed lightly against his collarbone.
"Let me take you to the stylist to make your hair."
"Okay!" Rain nodded nervously, and Frances gently took his hand.
They walked back into the living room, the scent of hair products and body mist lingering in the air. As she led him toward the stylist's chair, Rain paused for a second, his grip tightening on her hand. The stylists, the lights, the mirrors, it all felt overwhelming. But Frances noticed instantly.
She gently squeezed his hand. "I'm here, babe. Just stay calm," she whispered soothingly.
Rain gave a small, grateful smile, cheeks slightly flushed.
"Your boyfriend looks so beautiful!" the hairstylist exclaimed with delight.
Frances laughed softly, brushing a hand over Rain's cheek.
"You know how to use the right word! I'm tired of him being called handsome instead of beautiful. Look at that beautiful face!" she said, cupping his face proudly.
Rain looked away shyly, ears turning pink.
"Please do this hairstyle for him!" Frances instructed, showing a picture on her phone.
The stylist's eyes lit up. "I swear this is the perfect one! It will look good on him."
Frances clapped her hands with joy. "Babe, I'm going to wear my dress. Coming back in some minutes!"
He nodded silently, watching her leave as the hairstylist gently guided him into the chair. She began brushing his soft black hair, then applied gel carefully, combing it into a slicked-back style that framed his face elegantly.
Meanwhile, Frances stood in the bedroom as the stylists brought her dress. They unzipped the garment bag slowly, revealing shimmering gold curls linked together in a masterpiece of design.
"Do you like it?" one asked.
"Definitely! It's more beautiful than anything I have ever seen," she whispered, genuinely amazed.
The stylists carefully removed the gown from its hanger. Frances stepped out of her robe and into the armless gown. The straight-cut silhouette hugged her figure, glinting under the soft lighting. She layered a corset of lighter gold over it, cinching her waist and adding regal structure.
Her hair was styled into a messy bun, adorned with delicate gold flower pins. Her oiled skin gleamed. Gold heels, a matching purse, and subtle perfume completed the transformation.
When she stepped out, the glam team had already set up the photo backdrop, a gold and ivory blend with soft lights twinkling around it.
"Babe, are you done?" Frances called out.
Rain turned around and the moment froze.
His mouth parted in awe. Her breath hitched.
They both gasped.
"You look so gorgeous babe, that hair is sleek as fuck!" Frances said with a grin, eyes sparkling.
Rain smiled shyly. "You too, baby," he muttered.
"You two are some gorgeous couple. I haven't seen this in a while. Have you guys considered modeling?" the hairstylist teased.
Frances chuckled. "Modeling? That's possible, my boyfriend can't do it. He is shy."
"I can see that too. He didn't even say a word till we finished his hair, I thought I was doing it badly."
Frances laughed again, eyes twinkling.
"You didn't do it badly at all. He is just not comfortable around others."
"I understand! Lucky you though, he is a big catch." the stylist whispered, and Frances giggled.
"Thank you ma'am! Let's take picture now babe!" she said excitedly.
Rain stood, smoothing his jacket, and stretched his hand to her. Frances took it immediately, smiling brightly.
They walked to the prop and posed, first standing close, then cheek-to-cheek, then with Rain holding her waist gently while Frances leaned her head against his. Flash after flash went off as the glam team captured them from every angle.
When they were done, Frances waved over Sean to manage the team, and they exited the building.
Outside, the golden hour bathed the street in soft orange light. But one thing caught Frances' eye, a sleek black Rolls-Royce parked at the curb.
She paused in surprise.
"Who owns the Rolls-Royce?"
"It's for my dad."
"Wow, so sleek!"
"My brother insists that I take it. That's why I brought it with me."
Frances grinned. "It's okay! It's the perfect ride for prom."
Rain smiled genuinely now, shoulders relaxing.
"That's good to hear then!" he said, feeling warmth swell in his chest.
He was thankful. Thankful that Taylor had insisted, thankful that, for tonight, everything felt almost magical.
The prom was nothing short of luxury.
As their car pulled into the venue, Rain's eyes widened at the sheer grandeur around them. The red carpet was a glistening stretch of royalty, flashing under the photographers' bulbs. Designer heels, silken gowns, tailored tuxedos, money oozed from every inch of the scene. Cars in every shape of wealth, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Bentleys, rolled up one after another, students stepping out like celebrities.
Rain shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the flashing lights overwhelming him. Frances noticed and placed a calming hand on his thigh.
"Don't worry. We're not doing the red carpet," she said, her voice firm and soothing.
With her heels clicking against the marbled floor, Frances led him into the opulent hotel through a quieter entrance. Golden chandeliers glowed above, and the air smelled of roses and champagne.
Then..
"Frances!! Are you kidding me!"
Frances didn't even need to turn to recognize that voice. A grin already tugged at her lips as she turned around, only to be swallowed in a tidal wave of hugs and screams from her friends.
"You look gorgeous, babe!"
"Frances, you look so beautiful!"
"Ain't you two some powerful couple? Rain looks so good, oh my goodness! No wonder everyone keeps looking at you two!" Cora squealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Frances smiled tightly and pulled Rain closer to her, wrapping her arm protectively around him. He gave a shy nod and kept his gaze low, overwhelmed by the attention.
"Y'all should stop being dramatic, please. I need to stay in a quiet place," she said with a small laugh.
"Alright babe, we will go have fun too," Evie said, linking arms with the others and disappearing into the crowd with them.
Frances glanced around the dazzling ballroom filled with students dancing, laughing, and striking poses for photos. The lights were too bright, the music too loud, the gazes too many. Her eyes scanned for an escape.
Finally, tucked behind a draped curtain near the side of the room, she spotted a private seating area. She guided Rain by the hand, and they both settled there, a small island away from the crashing party waves.
Fallon entered moments later, taking a silent cue from Rain. He leaned in, and Rain whispered something. Fallon nodded and soon returned with a tray of food from the buffet.
They ate quietly, sharing bites, whispering soft comments between giggles. Rain picked up a grape and fed it to her. Frances took it slowly, smirking.
They weren't just eating. They were people-watching.
"She shouldn't have worn that bright red lipstick with a purple dress," Frances muttered.
"And that guy?" Rain tilted his chin toward someone. "I swear those shoes belong in 2010."
They snickered behind their hands, every little judgment another bonding thread between them.
Fallon returned with champagne and set the bottle down gently, nodding. Rain poured them both glasses, and Frances raised hers dramatically before sipping.
Hours passed.
They didn't dance. They didn't take pictures at the photobooth. They weren't named prom king or queen. Mina won the crown with another boy, Rain didn't even remember his name and Frances barely blinked at the announcement.
"That's the end of the night," she murmured and tried to stand, but her legs buckled.
Rain quickly caught her with one arm. "Careful," he said, guiding her gently back onto the plush seat.
Her eyes were glassy and warm from the alcohol. "My feet hurt."
He knelt in front of her, loosened the buckle of her heels, and slipped them off, kissing her ankle. Then, despite being tipsy himself, he gathered her carefully into his arms.
She giggled, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and snuggling in. "My babe, you look so pretty."
Rain chuckled. "Thank you, baby."
"I love you so, so much. More than you can imagine," she mumbled into his neck.
"I'm glad you do. I'm very happy." His voice trembled slightly with emotion as he kissed the top of her head.
Fallon, watching them through the mirror, smiled softly to himself. He'd known Rain since he was a child. He'd seen him quiet, distant, and reserved. But this version, open, smiling, gently carrying a girl who clearly adored him, this was new.
This was joy.
"We're back at the hotel," Fallon said quietly as the car slowed to a stop.
He got out, opened the back door, and Rain stepped out slowly with Frances still in his arms. She slept soundly, her cheek resting against his collarbone. Fallon handed over her heels and purse, and Rain nodded his thanks.
Fallon followed them silently to the suite and opened the door.
Rain walked in, his steps light and deliberate. He laid her gently onto the bed, careful not to wake her. She curled into the soft sheets with a sigh.
Fallon stood by the door. "Do you need anything before I go downstairs?"
Rain shook his head. "No… nothing."
"Alright, boss. I'm leaving now."
The door clicked shut behind him.
Rain knelt beside the bed and took her hand, brushing his thumb gently over her fingers.
"You are so beautiful, Frances," he whispered like a prayer. "I don't wanna give you up for anything in this world. I just want us to be together like this forever. Can we do that, hmm?"
He kissed her hand and rested it gently on her chest. Her breathing was soft and steady.
And Rain, with all his calm exterior and quiet nerves, just sat there in silence. Watching her. Loving her. Wishing time would freeze.
Because in that moment, there was nothing more perfect.