Friday night, I'm at Luna's front door, bouncing on my heels as I wait for her to come outside.

This is supposed to make things better, to show her I care, to make up for everything that went down at Sarah's party.

I haven't exactly told her where we're going-just hinted that she should wear something nice and be ready for a surprise.

And, man, she's got the "nice" part covered.

The door opens, and there she is-wearing this deep-blue dress that hugs her curves, flowing down her legs just enough to be elegant but still playful. Her hair's pulled back with a few loose strands left to frame her face, and her lips curve into a smile when she sees me.

I don't think I've ever seen her look this beautiful and breathtaking.

"You clean up good, Hayes," she teases, her eyes roaming over my outfit, a simple black blazer and jeans with off-white Nike's.

I give her a once-over, my lips twitching into a smile.

"Look who's talking. You're-" I almost lose my words. "Wow, Luna. Just... wow."

Her cheeks pink a little, and she reaches for my hand.

"So, what's this big secret plan you've got?"

"You'll see," I say, leading her to my car.

The drive is easy, filled with her laughter and our fingers intertwining.

I bring her to a place I know well-the restaurant where my dad likes to bring us on "family night," which is basically just a fancy dinner where he pretends he's not still working. But the food is incredible, and it's probably the one place I actually enjoy eating out.

Inside, the restaurant glows with candlelight and conversations. I watch Luna take it all in-the marble floors, the chandeliers, the staff dressed in sharp suits and ties.

Her eyes go wide as we're led to a corner table by the window, and when we sit down, she gives me this look that's half excitement, half awe.

"Naomi, this place is beautiful," she whispers, her eyes scanning the room before landing back on me. "I should have brought my camera."

"Only the best," I say, grinning. "Figured you deserve this. Consider it my apology for..."

Her smile softens, and she reaches across the table, taking my hand. "You're the best."

Something warm settles in my chest. It's like every little argument, none of it matters right now. It's just us.

We order dinner, and I can't help but watch her every time she talks, every time she laughs. She's got this way of lighting up when she's excited.

When our food arrives, she takes a bite, and her eyes widen in that over-the-top, adorable way that makes me want to laugh.

"This is so good," she says, pointing at her plate. "I don't think I've ever tasted pasta this good before."

"Told you," I say, smirking. "Guess I'm not all bad at this romance thing."

She laughs, and everything feels so easy. But just when I think I might actually be pulling this off, I hear a voice behind me.

"Naomi?"

I'd recognize that annoying voice anywhere.

Margret!

I'm trying to keep everything on track tonight, to keep this dinner special for Luna. But then Margret's there, as if summoned by the universe just to ruin things.

"Naomi!" she chirps again as she stops beside our table, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder.

Before I can even react, she leans down and plants a kiss on my cheek.

I glance at Luna, whose smile fades just a little, her jaw tightening, but she doesn't say anything.

"Hey, Margret," I manage, forcing a polite smile. "Didn't know you'd be here."

"Oh, just having dinner with the parents," Margret says casually, glancing at Luna with that same old smugness.

"You two look cozy." She says it with a glint in her eye, as if she knows more than she's saying.

I stay silent.

"So, Luna, did Naomi ever tell you what happened at Sarah's party? You know, with Seven Minutes in Heaven?"

I feel my face heat up, and I wish I could sink right through this chair. Margret doesn't stop there-of course, she doesn't.

"Naomi and I got, hmm, pretty cozy ourselves, didn't we?" She smirks at me, and I know she's only doing this to make me squirm. "Old times, right?"

Luna's fingers tighten around her fork, but she gives Margret this steady look, trying so hard to keep her cool that I feel my own heart twist.

She's holding it together, for my sake. I want to tell her it was just a stupid game, that none of it matters now, but Margret's already left, laughing softly to herself like she's gotten exactly what she wanted.

Luna stands up slowly. "I'm going to the restroom."

As she walks away, I don't miss the small, sad slump of her shoulders.

I know this whole thing probably feels like a slap in the face.

This night was supposed to be my chance to make it up to her but now it's slipping away because of Margret.

I let out a sharp breath, waiting just long enough before I go after her.

When I do, I push open the door, and sure enough, I hear Margret's voice cutting through the quiet of the lavatory, like she knew I'd follow.

"Look, Luna," she's saying, her tone all faux sympathy. "I'm just saying, you're not special. We both know Naomi's a player. She's into the thrill of the chase, but trust me, she never sticks around. How long will it be before she loses interest and goes after the next person?"

I see Luna's face in the mirror, her cheeks flushed and her eyes flashing with hurt.

"Margret," I say, my voice sharp. She turns, her eyes narrowing as she sees me. "That's enough."

Margret raises an eyebrow, unfazed.

"Hey, I'm just giving her the courtesy of a warning. It's not my fault if she doesn't know who she's dealing with."

I cross my arms.

"Believe me, she knows exactly who I am." I glance at Luna, hoping she hears the honesty in my voice. "She doesn't need anyone else's version of me."

Margret gives a casual shrug, clearly unbothered.

"Fine. Guess you two are perfect for each other, then." She smirks one last time before brushing past me, leaving the air thick with tension.

As the door swings shut, I turn to Luna, who's watching me, her hands still under the running water, that hurt look still in her eyes.

She takes a breath.

"Luna," I say softly, stepping closer. "I'm sorry. None of that meant anything. It was just a game."

She looks down, her voice barely a whisper. "Okay."

My heart sinks, but I reach out, gently taking her hand.

"Baby, please talk to me, " I murmur, hoping she can see it in my eyes-how much she matters to me, more than any dumb dare or game.

Luna's gaze meets mine, her voice is shaky.

"Is she right?"

Her question hangs between us, heavy and raw. I squeeze her hand.

"Luna, you're not just 'another girl.' You're... you're different. And I don't want you to doubt that."

Her eyes dart to mine and I can still see the hurt lurking beneath.

Tonight was supposed to be perfect.

I don't know what to do now.