The weeks slipped by faster than I expected.
Between classes, late-night conversations, and quiet moments with Denzel, time felt lighter… almost too light to hold on to.
Then came the night of the party — a student-planned event where everyone could dress however they wanted. It felt like the whole campus had been waiting for it.
I took my time getting ready.
I wore a purple dress, the kind that flowed softly when I walked and made me feel a little like a princess. I styled my hair into a sleek bun, added the tiny pins I loved, and took one last look in the mirror.
For a moment, I really did look like someone out of a storybook.
When I stepped outside, there he was — Denzel.
He wasn't dressed in anything overly dramatic, but somehow he looked like my own version of a prince. Not the traditional kind… more like the dark, charming characters from the fantasy books I always read. Calm. Mysterious. Beautiful in a way he didn't seem to notice.
His eyes found mine immediately, softening.
"You look… unreal," he whispered.
We went in together.
Music filled the room, lights glowed against the walls, and for the first time in a long time, I felt happy without trying.
We danced — not perfectly, not dramatically — but in that easy way that made the world fade a little.
Lily was there too, glowing beside Max. Her laughter carried across the room, warm and contagious. Seeing her happy made everything feel even better.
I wandered a bit and found Zoey, Ivy, and Adam near the drinks table. They pulled me into a quick group hug, all talking at once. Then I saw Rav in the corner, leaning against the wall with a few friends behind him.
I walked up to him.
He looked at me with that gentle expression he always had.
"You look really pretty," he said softly.
His words didn't carry any pressure — just kindness.
I smiled. "Thank you."
I waved at his friends politely before heading back toward Denzel.
On the way, Sarah spotted me and immediately lit up.
"Okay, princess! You look amazing!" she said, grabbing my hands.
"You too," I laughed, even though she was already slipping away to meet her group.
The night was a lot.
A blur of dancing, music, laughter, little glances from across the room, and the warmth of Denzel's hand finding mine again and again.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
Like all the chaos of the past months had led to this one soft, glowing night.
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