It seemed no time at all until Friday evening arrived. It was nice of Nate to drive Clint, Clover, and me to school, but it had taken him almost an hour before he picked us up. He seemed to be in a sour mood this evening, considering he barely replied to Clover's complaints of him being late.

By the time we arrived at around seven o'clock, the party was full of vigor. The courtyard was amazingly warm and bright, and I felt like I'd stepped into a magical storybook. Balloon-shaped lights were hanging high and low from the tree branches, creating a mesmerizing canopy overhead, and some string lights were wrapped around the trees. The seats and tables were covered in white clothing, and in the middle of the tables were simple flower decorations, which helped in creating a romantic setting. The music was loud and clear, and people were dancing to it. Oh, and there was a buffet, too.

"This is way better than last year's," Clover commented, running her eyes over the crowd. She was wearing a short red dress and smokey eye makeup—a little too much for a semi-formal dance, in my opinion, but she looked beautiful. Clint hadn't taken his eyes off her since he and Nate had picked us up from home.

"Agreed," he said. He looked neat in his blue button-up shirt and coat. His eyes swept over the area before ogling Clover again. "Everything looks good tonight, but you look so much so better," he added, snaking his arm around her waist.

Clover giggled and hit his shoulder.

"Oh, God," I murmured, turning my attention away from them. Even Nate contorted his face in disgust.

I followed Clover as she looked for a table while the boys grabbed some drinks for the group. While on the way, I said hi to some people I knew from the Westside Chronicle. Manuela Jackson, our sports writer and a member of the theatre club, and Kahil Murillo, our Editor-in-Chief. They said a friendly "hi" back, and I felt like my world had gotten a little bigger.

Clover and I sat at a round table on the far side of the courtyard, and before long, Clint and Nate arrived with cups of fruit punch. We talked a bit about our summer plans until a loud, peppy greeting cut us off.

"Hey, guys! How's the night so far?"

We all turned our heads at the same time toward Rose, who was strutting to our table and waving her hand. There was a collective pause in the group.

"What?" she asked.

"Why the fuck are you dressed like that? Did someone die or something?" Nate reacted, wildly gesticulating at her tonight's getup: a short-sleeved corset, a three-tiered tail skirt, a mini top hat with feathers, lace tights, short boots, and some elaborate accessories. Everything she was wearing was all black.

Rose put her hands on her hips and said sweetly, "No one's died yet, Nathan. But you'd see your own funeral soon if you kept mocking my dress."

"Yeah, dude. Don't go judging people's outfits when you're dressed exactly like Mr. Bean," Clover said with a snort. Nate threw his hands up in surrender, fed up with her jokes. She had guffawed for a full two minutes the first time she'd seen his all-brown outfit.

"Anyway, why are you guys just sitting here? Come on, let's go dancing," Rose said.

"Nah, it's such a drag," Nate replied with an exasperated sigh.

"What is going on with you? How many bags of salt did you eat tonight?"

"His date bailed on him at the last minute," Clover answered.

"Don't laugh." Nate snarled. "I paid for her ticket, y'know? Only for her to ditch me for her ex."

"Oh, boohoo. Get over it. Come on." Laughing, Rose took Nate's arm, and she looked like she was dragging a lifeless body behind her. I noticed a little smile grow on his face, but it only lasted for a second.

"Autumn, what are you doing? Get your butt up." Clover motioned me to come over when everyone else had deserted the table.

"No, I'll pass," I said as discomfort washed over me like a tsunami. I didn't know how to dance, and I wasn't confident about dancing in public. Clover knew this, of course, but she decided to take another route of reasoning.

"Why? Coz your date is not here, and now you're sulking, too?" she asked.

I pulled a face. "Date?"

"Michael, of course."

She grinned in mischief while the others gaped at me. Great, now everyone knows I have a ginormous crush on him, I thought as a blush crept onto my cheeks. I glared at my sister and stood up fast, almost knocking off my chair.

"He's not my date, and I'm not sulking," I said, although there was a part of me hoping that he would show up. I tried to look sassy and poised as I continued, "I was just saving my energy for later, but fine, I guess I'll... join you guys for a bit."

Clover grabbed my hands and led me to the dance area. I spent a moment bobbing my head to pop music and watching my friends dance, spin, and bounce around. They threw their arms in all directions as if they were stuck in an electrical shock, and I laughed.

"Come on, Autumn! Move!" Rose took my hand, and she spun me around.

Eventually, I got the gist of it and found myself doing crazy movements I had never thought I would ever do. I was absorbing everyone's movements. I was sweating. I was swaying my hands above my head. I was laughing. I was moving freely. And nobody cared how weird I looked. It was awesome.

When the music gradually changed into a mellow one, several people returned to their tables, making the dance area a little wider. Clover was about to turn away when Clint pulled her back, and the two began to sway in each other's arms. Her face held a combination of surprise and thrill, and she leaned to kiss him.

"All right," I mumbled, tearing my gaze away. I was about to get myself some refreshments from the buffet table when a voice called me.

"Marmalade."

I stopped dead in my tracks; my breath hitched in my throat. I whipped around, and my jaw wagged a few times before I managed to croak, "M-Michael?"

He stood in front of me, hands in his pockets. He was dressed in a fitted black button-down shirt, which was tucked into his black pants, and lace-up shoes that were so shiny it probably had taken an hour of polishing. His dark hair was brushed away from his forehead, though little strands couldn't help but dangle over his brows. He was dressed so simply, yet he looked so strong and confident and overall alluring.

He tilted his head as he studied my frozen slack-jawed expression. "You don't seem happy to see me."

"I thought... I thought you said you wouldn't come," I said. His eyes were doing a quick assessment of my appearance, and my heart kicked into overdrive. Oh, how I wished I could've at least combed my hair or checked my face in the mirror. I must've looked like a disaster from all that dancing. I smoothened out my pink tulle dress in an attempt to make myself look presentable.

Michael flashed a disarming smile. "I was kidding."

"Oh, okay. You got me. Good job." My nervous laughter came out as a giggle, and I almost cringed. I cleared my throat. "But I'm happy you're here."

"So am I. I would've hated to miss the chance of seeing you bust a move earlier."

"You've been here the whole time?" I asked in shock.

"Nope. Let's say I had the perfect timing. Are you tired?"

"No, why?"

"Would you like to dance again?" he asked, and I thought I misheard him so I gave him an "excuse me" look. He cleared his throat and said boldly, "What I mean is, will you do me the honor of dancing with me? Just one dance. That's what I came here for."

"Yes, I'd love to." My answer was eager. "B-but I'm not one for slow dances like this, so..." I chuckled nervously. "Just prepare your feet because I'm going to be insanely clumsy."

"You should be fine, Marmalade. I trust your moves more than mine."

"Ooh, is this the time where I finally get to see you dance like a robot with a missing screw?" I teased him.

He smiled sheepishly and rolled his eyes. It was possibly the cutest reaction he'd ever made. "This is why I hate PE class," he muttered to himself. "Let's go. And don't mention that again."

I laughed and took his hand, forcing myself not to squirm in delight. Our palms were clammy from nervousness, but we both ignored it. When we entered the moving ring of coupes, we turned to face each other. He put one hand on my waist and took my hand with the other. I couldn't look him in the eyes. There might have been moments in which we had shared a closeness that made my heart soar, but that moment when we were dancing was on a different level.

There was something about slow dancing with someone. Something about the way the music filled your body and soul, and the way two moved as one. His chest was so firm against mine. For a moment, I resisted, but then I breathed in the closeness. The warmth. The comfort.

"You're smooth. Not clumsy at all," he whispered.

"I'm taking careful steps," I said.

"Hey, relax. I don't mind you stepping on my feet. It's normal when you're learning."

Nodding, I closed my eyes for a moment and allowed my mind to think that we were the only ones dancing. Just as I had dreamed—just him and me.

After about a minute or so, I began to feel something strange. I observed the area and noticed that some girls were looking in our direction. Michael followed my gaze.

"They're staring at you," he noted.

"No. They're staring at you," I whispered back.

"I believe it's you. All those girls are probably envious of how you look tonight."

My knees almost buckled with surprise at his compliment.

Someone poked me in the ribs, and I suppressed a yelp. As I turned to see my assailant, she exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, you guys are so cute I can't stand it."

"Clover!" I snapped, and she cackled before running away with Clint.

I cleared my throat and turned my head back to Michael, doing my best to hide the blush heating my cheeks. But Michael looked just as affected as I was, having a hard time suppressing his smile and avoiding eye contact. Without a word, he tightened his arm around my waist and my body temperature rose to the point where I was about to faint.

The memories of the fall inched their way out of the depths of my mind. The first time I saw him. The first time I talked to him. The first time he texted me. The first time he sang to me. The first time we held hands. I had been so nervous, so confused that sometimes I almost couldn't eat my meal. And now there I was, in his arms, bravely taking steps with him.

I loved him. I was young and adults would probably look at me funny and would shake their heads, but I was sure that I loved him. Despite all the hurt, I still loved him.

I vowed never to forget how he smelled like home that night, and how he held me close, and how my heart felt so full—the vow that I still keep to this day.

It almost felt like a tragedy when the music ended. We pulled away from each other, smiled, and stared for a while. Our fingers were touching, just a faint touch of each other's skin, as if we were both questioning whether we should hold on or let go.

"Thank you for the dance," he said.

"I should be thanking you, Michael," was all I could say back as he walked out of the dance area. He glanced at me over his shoulder, giving me a half-smile.

Someone called out my name, and I looked around for the source. It was Sunny, and she was waving at me to come over to her.

"Girl, you look stunning in that dress," she commented as she made me turn around.

"Thanks. So do you," I replied. She was wearing a white dress made of layer upon layer of some fine, translucent, delicate cloth—almost similar to a tutu dress. The sequins on the skirt formed cute patterns and gave a beautiful contrast to the fabric. Her hair was coiffed gracefully on her head, and with just the right touch of makeup, she appeared like an angel.

"Do you like it?" Sunny asked, twirling the skirt like a kid. "I designed this myself."

"You did?" I was amazed.

"Yep. I sketched the dress a long time ago. My aunt loved the idea, so she helped me pick out the materials and then made the dress for me. Oh, and you see these heels?" She showed her white high-heeled shoes. "I added lace to give them a vintage look."

"Wow. That's creative. It's so well put together."

"Aww, thanks!"

"By the way, did someone ask you to dance?" I asked.

"Lance, and some other boys," she said with a grimace. "I didn't dance with them, obviously. Why do you ask?"

"What about Finn? Did he ask you?"

She scoffed. "Yeah, right. As if. You know what, enough about me. Let's talk about you and him," she said, pointing at me and then at Michael, who was talking with the other guys at a table.

I gave her a weird look. "What's there to talk about?"

Sunny pulled me into a quiet corner and invited me to sit on a bench with her. "How long have you guys been together? And why didn't you tell me?"

"What? N-no, we're not together like that."

"Really? But you like him, right?" She was smiling so wide, which caused me to smile, too.

"Well..." I gave a hesitant nod. "Is it obvious?"

"No, duh." She rolled her eyes. "Sparks were bursting between the two of you back there. It was so cute."

"Sparks?"

"You know, the spark! The electrifying attraction! I know you've heard about it, and I felt it between you and him. Everyone saw it. And it's like—" she suddenly appeared dreamy "—he was the prince and you were the princess. Prince Charming and Cinderella. Ariel and Prince Eric. It's one big fairy—"

"Knock it off," I interrupted with a laugh. Luckily, we were in the shadows, or she would have seen my intensifying blush and the sweat forming on my forehead.

"Oh, Autumn! There you are. Let's go take pictures in the photo booth," Rose shouted at me in the distance.

"Coming!" I shouted back, standing up from the bench. "I'll see you around?" I said to Sunny.

"Yeah. Go get that guy, Autumn. He's super fiiine."

It was my turn for an eye roll. "Maybe you should take your own advice first, Sunny. Go ask Finn to dance with you."

She belted out a hearty laugh before switching to a serious look. "No."

Taking our group pictures at the photo booth was hilarious. We were laughing so hard while posing because not only was it hard to think of a new pose every after five seconds, but also, the six of us barely fit in the camera frame.

After we got our pictures, Nate announced loudly, "I'm hungry."

"You are always hungry," Rose said. They have catered foods and drinks over there."

"Screw that. It's cafeteria food, and I don't wanna eat cupcakes."

"Same." Clint nodded. "Let's ditch this party and go out for burgers."

"Yeah. Let's check out that 24/7 resto-bar in Faircoast," Nate said. "I heard it's new."

Clover perked up. "Ooh, Velvet! People say it's been a popular spot lately, and the menu is quite cheap. We just have to go there."

"But in the next town?" Rose sounded so against it.

"So? The night's still young!" Nate exclaimed.

"But we'll miss the program. I heard that the underclassmen were throwing a big surprise for us seniors."

"It's probably just some long cheesy speech. We gotta get out of here. Seriously, dances like this bore the hell out of me, I'd rather watch cats sleep." Nate slapped Michael's back and draped an arm over his shoulders. "What do you think, Mikey?"

Michael rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. "You guys should go. I'd rather head home."

I was disheartened when I heard his response. His enthusiasm had mysteriously flown out the window.

"What? Nah-uh, man. You're coming. If anyone of us is missing tonight, this celebration is pointless."

Rose snorted. "Wow. That's cheesy coming from you, Nate. And I thought you hate cheesy speeches."

"If it's cash you're worrying about, I got you," Nate told Michael, hitting his chest with his fist like some superhero.

"Why not just cover the bill for all of us?" Clover suggested, and the rest of us nodded in approval.

Rose narrowed his eyes at Nate. "This sounds like another risky plan of yours, but you treating us to food is something I can't pass up."

"No fuckin' way! You guys have been roasting me the entire time, so you're getting nothing from me," Nate barked at us.

"Dude, don't scream in my ears," said Michael, pushing his friend away. "Anyway, I think we should hit the road now. The night doesn't last forever."

──────

The Velvet Resto-Bar was a rather small place, but it was attractive and comfortable. We would've stayed there if only the tables were not packed with people. Nate and Clint were impatient to wait for a free table, so we decided to order takeout.

There was a huge bulletin board on the right wall of the restaurant, and it was covered with pictures of the previous customers—group shots, family photos, and a lot more. Michael sacrificed his copy of our group's picture to the bulletin board to immortalize the night. Afterward, Nate drove us to the place where he and his ex-girlfriend had their first date, the speakers of his truck blasting the playlist we often sang to.

We pulled up to a tower called St. Paul Tower, which was situated near the seacoast.

"So this is it?" Rose asked, her eyes training on the big cross on the roof of the tower. "Looks creepy. You sure this is safe?"

"Hundred percent," said Nate. "Lots of folks climb up here to chill or do some picnic."

"Even though it's desolate, I feel like we're trespassing."

"You got that right, Rosie. We're about to trespass a territory of ghosts," he said. Hearing the word ghost made me a bit nervous. It reminded me of that Halloween game Finn and I had played.

"Ghosts?" Rose gasped in shock.

"It's a joke, yo. Calm down. Look, if it scares you, then you can stay here and watch over the truck. Thanks."

Rose looked at the surrounding area and shivered. "Eh... I'd hate to ruin my outfit, but there's no way I'll stay here by myself. I might see actual spooky stuff here."

We took careful steps on the stairs until we reached the top. The roof was made of what looked like iron grills that formed like a dome, covering the entire floor (for safety reasons). The tower wasn't that tall, but it offered a fantastic panoramic view of the city lights and the sea.

We sat on the floor and tilted our heads to the sky. There it was—the naked, uninterrupted, infinite universe. The stars were scattered across, and the bright full moon was reflecting in the calm waters of the sea. There was an audible sigh, but I didn't check whose it was. One would never get used to the sheer beauty of the universe.

It was a pretty cold night, but none of us didn't seem to mind as we munched on burgers and sipped hot cocoas. Clover took off her heels, stretched her leg out, and wriggled her toes.

"Isn't it nice when all of us are watching the same thing?" she said. "It's giving me a sense of unity."

"I think so, too." Rose nodded. "Hey, isn't this like straight out of a book? Think about it. The six of us going out late at night, driving to a strange place, watching the stars while eating takeout food..."

"I've always wanted to do something like this," I said, looking at the city lights.

Nate grinned smugly and tipped his invisible hat. "You're welcome, ladies and gents'. If you need adventure and a relaxing getaway, just call me, your friendly neighborhood driver."

"More like your neighborhood jerk." Rose gave him a smirk before sipping her drink.

"Hey, at least I'm nice enough to drive you guys to places you've never been! And the gas is completely free!"

"All my respect goes to you, fam. You're the real MVP," Clint said, to which Michael nodded.

"You know, guys, moments like this make me wish I could stop time," Clover said. Clint's arm encircled her waist, pulling her against his body, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

Rose looked at her meaningfully. "Don't we all?"

"Yeah... because you don't have to worry about anything. You just enjoy it."

We were quiet for a moment, each busy with our own thoughts, until Michael broke the silence.

"No use wishing for things that can't happen," he said. "Time continues to move forward. We have to do the same."

Sometimes, the words that came out of his mouth sounded like he was saying goodbye.

Clint hummed in agreement.

"You have a point. It's just that we're like in a hurry, and it sucks, but you have to keep running so you won't get left behind," Clover spoke my thoughts out loud.

"Well, it can't be helped," Nate said with an easy-going shrug. "Final exams and graduation are just right 'round the corner. We gotta do the stupid stuff while we're still together coz who knows? This might be the last time we ever get to do something like this."

"That sounds depressing as hell," Clint murmured.

"Hey, the stupid stuff can wait till summer. We should concentrate on our exams first because that's our final stretch to the finish line," Rose lectured.

"But we don't know what summer will bring! Right, Michael? You're a Summer, right? What will you bring?" Nate let out a loud chuckle.

The rest of us just exchanged baffled looks.

"Was that a joke?" Clover asked.

"That was fucking lame, man." Clint slapped his face with his palm.

Michael looked at Nate pitifully. "Let's all pretend you didn't just say that."

And then we laughed and laughed and talked some more, loudly and silently, until we could no longer form words because our sides hurt and we had trouble catching our breath and we had tears in our eyes. The tips of my fingers brushed Michael's skin, and my pulse jumped when he placed his hand on top of mine. No one knew about it except us. It was one of those nights when I was wide-awake, but feeling like I was in a dream.

The happiness was too full, all too great for words that at some point, I almost sobbed because I was terrified of the possibility that I might never feel something like that again.

The fun vanished soon, and once we found ourselves yawning too much to talk, we all agreed to go home. It was almost midnight, and us driving through the dark highway with the biting chill of the wind cutting through the fabric of our clothes made it an experience we wouldn't like to have missed.

As usual, my sister and I were the first to be dropped off.­­ We moved quietly around the house, not saying much but smiling. I was tired, the soles of my feet hurt, my body didn't want to move anymore, but I didn't want to sleep yet. I thought about my first dance, our first dance, and I could still feel everything. The warmth of his hand. The closeness. The comfort.

Around the dance floor we had danced, just him and me. I would give anything to experience it again.

After a while, my phone buzzed on the study table, and I groggily rose to pick it up.

It was a call. From him.

"Hello?" I answered

"Hey. I'm sorry for calling you this late. I didn't expect you to pick up, actually, but I'm glad you're still awake," Michael said. He sounded like he was struggling to speak. Almost like he was shy. "Uh... I was wondering..."

"Yes?"

"Would you like to hang out this Sunday?"

My jaw dropped. If I were eating something, I would have choked on it and probably suffocated. "Um... for what?" I had to ask to make sure that I wasn't getting my expectations up too high.

"There's something I want to say to you," he replied.

My heart thundered. "Can't you say it right here?"

"I'd rather talk about it in person. Are you okay with meeting me at four? By the fountain at the park."

I drew in a calming breath. "Wait. This isn't some kind of sneaky evil plot, is it? Like you'll knock me out, drag me into the woods, and abandon me? Is this a prank? Because sometimes, it's hard for me to tell whether you're joking, Michael."

He laughed. "No. We'll talk, simple as that. No pranks whatsoever. And I'm not going to leave you alone, I promise."

"Okay. I will hold you to that," I said, half-sternly and half-laughingly, ever the naïve girl.

"Fine." Another chuckle. "I'll see you soon, Marmalade."