The message kept replaying in my mind.
"You shouldn't ignore what you feel."
I stared at my phone until the screen went dark.
E.
It had to be a mistake.
It had to be someone else.
Because Ethan would never—
A loud knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Maya! Open up!"
I froze.
Sophie's voice.
My heart jumped.
I quickly slipped out of bed and rushed to the door.
When I opened it, she stood there looking like sunshine in human form — smiling widely, holding two elegant garment bags in her hands.
Behind her, her driver was unloading more items from the car.
"I told you I wasn't taking no for an answer," she announced proudly.
I blinked. "What are all these?"
She pushed past me into the house like she owned it.
"Your party outfit, obviously!"
My eyes widened. "Sophie—"
"No arguments!" she interrupted. "Tonight is important. And you are coming with me."
I closed the door slowly, confused. "Why is tonight important?"
She turned around dramatically, placing the bags on my bed.
"Because Ethan's team is celebrating their win. The whole school is going. And we are going together."
Together.
That word again.
I swallowed.
"Why did you buy two gowns?"
She grinned. "Because I couldn't decide which one fits you better. So I bought both."
My mouth dropped open. "You did what?!"
She laughed. "Relax! I love spoiling my best friend."
She opened the first bag.
A deep emerald green gown.
Simple but elegant.
It hugged the waist slightly and flowed down beautifully.
I stared at it.
"It's too expensive," I whispered.
"So?" she replied casually. "You deserve nice things too."
Then she opened the second bag.
A soft midnight blue dress.
Off-shoulder.
Perfectly stitched.
My breath caught slightly.
It was stunning.
And for a moment, I imagined wearing it… walking into the party… feeling confident.
Feeling seen.
But then reality returned.
Ethan would be there.
With Sophie.
My chest tightened.
"Sophie, you didn't have to do this."
She sat beside me on the bed and took my hands.
"Maya, you've been acting different lately."
My stomach dropped.
"Different how?" I asked carefully.
"You've been quiet. And you don't talk about boys anymore. I just want you to have fun tonight."
She smiled warmly.
"You're my best friend. And I don't want you feeling left out."
Guilt hit me again.
She had no idea.
No idea what was slowly growing inside me.
"I'm not left out," I lied gently.
She tilted her head. "Good. Then you'll come, right?"
I hesitated.
The party meant loud music.
Crowded halls.
And Ethan.
I could already feel my heart misbehaving.
But if I refused, she would suspect something.
And I couldn't risk that.
"Okay," I finally said.
Her face lit up immediately.
"Yes!"
She hugged me tightly.
I forced myself to hug her back.
⸻
An hour later, Sophie was sitting on my bed helping me choose accessories.
She had already changed into her gown at home and came back earlier to prepare with me.
She wore a sparkling silver dress that matched her personality — bright and attention-grabbing.
Meanwhile, I stood in front of the mirror in the blue gown.
For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel invisible.
The dress fit perfectly.
Sophie gasped.
"Maya… you look beautiful."
I stared at my reflection.
Was that really me?
She stepped closer and adjusted my hair.
"You should wear it like this," she said, pinning it slightly to the side.
Her eyes met mine in the mirror.
For a split second, her expression softened.
"You know I trust you, right?"
My heart skipped.
"Of course," I replied quickly.
She smiled.
And just like that, the moment passed.
⸻
When we arrived at the party, the music was already shaking the building.
Lights flashed across the walls.
Students laughed, danced, and recorded videos.
The atmosphere was loud — almost overwhelming.
Sophie grabbed my hand excitedly.
"Stay with me!"
We walked inside together.
People turned to look.
Whispers followed.
"Isn't that Sophie?"
"She looks amazing."
"And who's that with her?"
I tried to ignore the attention.
Then I felt it.
A gaze.
Strong.
Focused.
I didn't have to look to know who it was.
My heart already knew.
Slowly, I turned.
And there he was.
Ethan.
Standing near the drink table.
Talking to his teammates.
But his eyes weren't on them.
They were on me.
Time slowed.
His expression changed slightly when he saw me in the blue dress.
Not exaggerated.
Just subtle.
But I noticed.
Sophie didn't see.
She was too busy waving at someone across the room.
"Let's go say hi to him!" she said, pulling me forward.
My stomach twisted.
No escape.
We approached him together.
He smiled when he saw Sophie first.
He kissed her lightly on the cheek.
My chest tightened again.
Then his eyes shifted to me.
This time… they didn't move away.
"Maya," he said softly.
The way he said my name felt different.
I forced a smile. "Hi."
He looked at the dress.
Then back to my face.
"You look… good."
My heart raced.
"Thanks."
Sophie laughed. "See? I told you she'd look amazing!"
She leaned into him happily.
And I stood there.
Watching them.
Trying not to feel anything.
Trying to remember that this was normal.
That he belonged to her.
Not me.
But then something unexpected happened.
Ethan stepped slightly closer to me.
Just enough that Sophie didn't notice.
The music was loud.
People were distracted.
His voice lowered.
"Can we talk later?" he asked quietly.
My breath hitched.
"About what?"
His eyes held mine.
"For a minute."
Before I could respond, Sophie grabbed his arm.
"Come dance with me!"
He didn't move immediately.
His gaze lingered on me one last time.
Like he was waiting for something.
Then he allowed Sophie to pull him toward the dance floor.
And I stood alone.
In the middle of the party.
Watching them dance.
Feeling like my world was balancing on something fragile.
My phone buzzed again.
I hesitated.
Then checked it.
Unknown number.
One message.
"You look beautiful tonight."
My heart stopped.
Another message followed.
"Don't pretend you didn't notice me looking."
My hands trembled slightly.
I glanced up instinctively.
Across the room.
Ethan was still dancing with Sophie.
But for a brief second…
His eyes met mine again.
And he smiled.
Not at her.
At me.
The music grew louder.
But inside my chest…
Everything became dangerously quiet.
Something was changing tonight.
And I didn't know whether to run…
Or stay.