𝒓𝒚𝒂𝒏'𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘

    "LOOKING GOOD, ladies." Daniel rejoiced as he was swarmed into a hug by Ivy. Smiling, I observed the two sharing a warming embrace. All 4 of us stood in my home's front entryway, exchanging our welcomes and hugs.

Our normally informal dressed friend was now attired into a strict black suit and tie for this special occasion. It's something he complained about earlier on in the week, but personally, I think he looks striking.

By the time we finished getting dressed and headed downstairs, the sky has started setting. Which also means the temperature is beginning to drop. My bare arms and Ivy's somewhat unclothed legs won't appreciate it dearly, I can already tell.

"I tried bringing a hooker as my date," He pouted. "But, that's kinda illegal considering I'm 17." I sarcastically scoffed, letting myself fall into the arms of Daniel as well. I felt his chilly fingertips place onto my open back.

I got a giant whiff of his signature cologne, which isn't a overbearing scent. It's something I've gotten used to over the years of knowing him.

Hearing the doorbell ring, we released the short hug we shared. Mariah gave me mischievous smirk and signaled me to get the door to whoever stood behind it. She obviously assumed it's Louis. It caused me to quietly snicker at her.

Before I answered the door, I grabbed ahold of my floor-length dress and held it up slightly. Every time I tried walking, the material would get caught under my heels. Holding it up is the only remedy for it honestly.

I turned the doorknob speedily. My impatient self was ready to see Louis, if he's even the person who rang the doorbell.

The goofy British boy appeared in front of me once I opened the front door fully. A toothy smile crept upon his face. I watched him sneak his phone into his suit pocket.

Grinning, I eyed him as he walked over to me a few steps with open arms. Louis brought me into a tight and protective squeeze. He leaned down slightly so I could wrap my short arms around his neck. I felt his laugh blow against my shoulder.

After we broke our compact hug, I straightened out my dress and turned my body around to see my friends having their standard conversations. But, I soon made my attention go on Louis once again.

"You look great." He complimented, closing the wooden front door due to the cold breeze rising into the house. I looked down at my satin champagne pink dress and then back at him. "And so do you."

And just as I thought, things are definitely awkward. But, not as much as I thought it was going to be. I've never been fantastic at complimenting in the amount of time we've known each other. I'll work on it though, since he has so many striking features that I'm dying to point out.

Just like Daniel, Louis is dressed in a black suit and tie. He paired it with his silver chain around his neck however, which is one accessory a girl will always swoon over. His hair parted down the middle was definitely floppy, however not enough to make it look lazily done.

Ivy soon interrupted our "complimenting," as she started to notice we just stood there uncomfortably.

She marveled, "Let's get Momma Darr to take pictures." Giving me a reassuring smile, I nodded in agreement. I mentally thanked her.

Before we could take one step or say one word, my energetic Mother skipped around the corner from the living room. She's great at eavesdropping, I know. Her fluffy pajama pants and t-shirt made me giggle, the woman doesn't care considering all of my friends have seen her like this before.

And, of course, her black locks were wrapped into a messy bun on the top of her head.

My Mom is the pure example of a Facebook Mom wanting her pictures. It's been like this since I was little, and all of my siblings and I have complained about it since then. However, I'm truly glad she does. It's amazing to look back and see how things were so different then.

"My mum wants pictures too." Louis spoke to me, laughing a bit. I watched as my mother signaled us to move over to the stairs, she held her phone in her right hand. "See, Ryan! Louis' Mom gets me!"

I playfully rolled my eyes and did as she ordered along with my friends.

We all stood on the stairs that were the highlight of my home's entryway. Louis and I stood behind everyone beside each other. The 3 others squished in on one step in front of us. The Christmas garland and lights wrapped around the stair railing was definitely going to look great with whatever photographs Mom was taking.

"My beautiful babies!" She gushed, the camera's flash flickering. All 5 of us snickered at her quietly.

After taking a few group pictures, she wanted individuals as well. Or "date" pictures. Though Louis and I were the only ones who technically had a date. The other 3 still got their individuals however.

Louis and I stood at the bottom step. I felt his arm pull me closer from beside, my Mother got her camera ready. "Smile!"

I grinned at the camera, hoping the photo doesn't come out bad because of me.

"Can we go now?" I pouted, watching her still trying to snap more photographs of us. She groaned, lowering her phone down. "Fine!"

We hopped off the stairs and stood beside our friends, waiting for my Mom to continue her statement. I made sure I had everything though, such as my phone, money, and other essentials we might need in my tiny bag.

"All of you have fun!" My Mom clapped her hands together eagerly and opened the front door for us. "Don't do any hard drugs! Or don't do any drugs, but you kn-"

"Mom."

Scoffing, she let us all scurry out the house. I witnessed her patting Louis on the back lightly, since he was the last one out. "Sorry! Just be safe, and don't be out too late. Call me if you need anything!"

We all nodded, even though we knew all of her directions anyways. I don't know how late we'll be out though, since the Frosted Formal ends around 10 and we'll most likely get something to eat after.

My Mom finally ended with, "You all look amazing!"

"They've already played WAP 2 times, I want to scream." Zach joked once he finally made his way to all of us. The petite glass he held in his left hand was filled halfway with some sort of punch.

Almost every male I've laid eyes on had on some type of suit, it made it confusing to make out who each person was from the backside. It's not a bad thing however, it's just humorous to me.

Louis stood beside me closely. I could tell he felt nervous from the look on his face. Only because he's never been around anyone from our High School other than my group of friends. Another reason being he stuck out like a sore thumb being one of the only teens that didn't attend our school, attending the dance. But, I'll reassure him there's nothing to be anxious about.

He's pretty outgoing once you get to know him. And it didn't take long to get to know him truly, since he's somewhat open and very energetic. It's something we have in common and I honestly admired about him.

Zach stuck his hand out for Louis, Louis kindly shaking it in return.

"I believe we've met before, but I'm Zach." He smirked. The two shared their second meeting, the first being at Zach's Halloween party not too long ago. "I'm Louis."

After Louis, Zach made his way to greet Daniel and the others. He's always been pretty close with us as well, just not as much recently due to Senior year being hectic.

"Who did the decorations?" I questioned Zach. "They look amazing."

I definitely wasn't fibbing. With the thousands of silver and blue streamers hanging from the ceiling and white Christmas lights, it reminded me of the "Snow Ball" from Stranger Things. Whoever's on the dance committee most definitely went all out for tonight.

He answered as wrapped his arm around Ivy's shoulders, "The cheerleaders, of course."

Even though the entire team might have their bitchiness, they know how to decorate for a school dance.

Daniel soon spoke up after a few seconds of us not speaking, "Let's go dance, I hear it calling my name."

Tonight has gone better than what I thought it would beforehand. Ivy was definitely correct and I'm glad I trusted her.

All of us danced between the giant crowd of at least 200 people, probably even more, for the past 2 hours. Which is astonishing since I had no idea our school gym could fit this many people. But, I've been loving every second of it surprisingly.

I've danced with kids I've seen around school, but have never had an actual conversation with ever. That didn't stop us from having a great time or being comfortable with each other.

We gave no care and felt no one was around us, even though there was definitely a huge amount.

Something about it saddened me however. I only have a few months left of Senior year and I've barely spoken with half of my class. It's taken a tole on me to get to know some of them more, since I've known most of them since Kindergarten.

Knowing I won't be getting up for school at 5 in the morning and seeing all of them anymore in just a couple of months is upsetting. Being a "kid" is something almost everyone I know takes for granted and I need to take in all these moments as much as I can.

But, it something else took a tole on me as well.

In the gym, there's people around the same age all scattered around but each of us have different dreams, stories, and even pain that no one else knows about except ourselves.

Even the people who act the happiest or most confident in our school, may have insecurities or pain that they keep in constantly just to cope with High School.

I know, I sound idiotic, but it's something I've always thought about and it makes me want to be nicer to people more. You truly never know what someone is going through on the inside.

But, now I'm sitting on the metal bleachers, almost worn out from how much dancing I've done with my friends. Louis sat beside me, the two of us talking about the most random things for honestly no cause to it.

I held my black heels in my hands, since they're uncomfortable to dance in and hurt my feet dearly. But, my other hand held my chin.

"Are you having fun?" I questioned, nudging him in the shoulder a bit. A small snicker left his mouth as he quickly nodded at me. "A lot more than I thought I would."

Nodding in agreement, I chuckled at his comment as well. "I've never heard more Tiktok songs than I have tonight."

All of a sudden, the upbeat music playing out of the loud speakers lowered a new notches. The sound of the microphone from the DJ booth echoed throughout the Vincent Valley High gymnasium.

They spoke, "Alright Vincent Valley, this is your last slow dance of the night."

I glanced over at Louis who quickly stood up on the bleachers we were sitting on. The formally dressed boy held his hand out for me to grab.

"You promised, Ryan."

Sarcastically rolling my eyes, I placed my heels down beside our stuff before gladly taking Louis' hand. He practically dragged me off the bleachers.

We made our way into the crowd, hand in hand, and snuck between a few of my fellow pupils. I spotted Daniel and Mariah getting ready to slow dance, which made me wiggle my eyebrows at him.

Louis placed his hands firmly onto my hips, pulling me closer to his body in the process. Wrapping my arms securely around his neck, I grinned to the sight of Louis staring back at me. I had to tilt my neck slightly upwards due to our height difference.

I gazed into his chocolate brown eyes, my smile never leaving my lips.

I am not the only traveler
Who has not repaid his debt

Gasping a bit, I got excited once I heard the music play through the speakers. This song has always been one of my favorites, of course due to 13 Reasons Why.

But, it gives me the feeling of missing someone I've never met. I could listen to it all day long if I could, and cry all day to it as well.

"You like this song?" Louis asked once he noticed my eyes widened. I quickly nodded as we swayed back in forth gracefully. His lips curled into a smirk. "Me too."

I joked, "Are we Clay and Hannah now or something?" He quietly snickered at me.

I've been searching for a trail to follow again

Nodding, he tilted his head slightly. "Sure, as long as you don't kill your-" I stopped him mid-sentence by hitting the back of his neck softly.

"Okay, you ruined it." I joked between laughs, intertwining my fingers together that were behind his neck.

Our tiny level of awkwardness we had earlier tonight at my house went away fast once we arrived to the actual dance. We started becoming more loose and free.

Take me back to the night we met

Louis started pulling my body even closer to him. A few inches were between us. My interlocked fingers tightened as I started to become somewhat nervous.

And as cliche as it sounds, those "butterflies" everyone feels in their stomach in these situations, I truly started to feel as well.

"I wasn't able to say this before, but," Louis stated, whispering softly. "You look really good right now, ya know?" My cheeks became reddened and the butterflies fluttered even harder. I shook my head in embarrassment. "I'm nervous, stop."

He added quickly after, "Why do I make you nervous? You're the intimidating one." I scoffed, causing him to laugh. I shook my head no.

"No, no, you said you get nervous, why's that?"

I gave in, "I'm not used to dancing with a pretty boy, okay?" His tanned eyes widened at me and his face burnt up, copying mine. My braveness surprised myself.

Good job, Ryan.

And then I can tell myself
What the hell I'm supposed to do

Louis choked up, "Pretty boy? Ms. Ryan!" I shook my head yes at him, his toothy grin creeping larger.

We continued to sway back in forth on the gymnasium floor.

I admired his prominent features. His sharp jawline, his striking eyes beaming from the silver tinsel above us, and his groomed eyebrows. There's more, of course, but those were the ones that stood out the most. Other than his pink lips that were practically staring at me it felt like.

"I like pretty," Louis teased. "Call me it more, I feel flattered."

And then I can tell myself
Not to ride along with you

"Will do."

His thumb started rubbing against my back where he had his arms wrapped around at. It sent a slight shiver down my spine. "Am I blushing?"

A snicker escaped from my lips before I bobbed my head to let him know he was in-fact blushing.

I had all and then most of you

I unlocked my intertwined fingers and placed my right hand onto the back of his head. His hair where it was placed was combed through by my fingers.

"You make me blush too, it's fine." I poked, causing him to laugh once again.

Some and now none of you

It felt as if the song playing went on forever, even though it's about 3 minutes long.

Looking over his shoulder, I noticed Daniel and Mariah swaying back in forth as well. I sent him a thumbs up from behind Louis' head. It caused him to laugh in the distance.

Take me back to the night we met

Louis cleared his throat quietly, but loud enough over the music for me to notice. My gaze went back onto him.

Staring at the beauty before me, my heart had suddenly felt heavy inside my chest. With our bodies and faces so close to one another's, to my surprise, my face felt like fire once again while my heart began to race.

It felt like a dream knowing a boy like him is my date to my silly Frosted Formal and is dancing with me in that very second.

"You know what's crazy?" Louis asked me, causing me to leave my trance. I raised my eyebrow at him in response.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do
Haunted by the ghost of you

He took a few seconds, which confused me, but I watched his chest move up and down faster than ever. I removed my hand from the back of his head and intertwined my fingers once again.

"I like you." He whispered playfully. My stomach felt as if the butterflies were going to burst out of it. And my mouth became dry. I widened my eyes slightly and I gave him a toothless grin.

Oh, take me back to the night we met

"You know what's even crazier?" I tilted my head, waiting for his response. "Hm?"

I confirmed, "I like you too."

When the night was full of terrors
And your eyes were filled with tears

His goofy smile that I adore widened once again victoriously.

Actually admitting that felt like a few pounds were laid off my chest. And to know he does indeed like me back laid off even more. After all the overthinking comments to my friends and Millie, I don't need to worry anymore.

Other than the fact he might just playing me or something, but that's for another time to concerned about.

When you had not touched me yet
Oh, take me back to the night we met

"Are you just saying that because I said it or-" I stopped his nonsense mid-sentence. "Does me not kissing you first this past weekend not make any sense to you?"

Louis sighed in relief and gave in. We still swayed together.

I had all and then most of you
Some and now none of you

I teased, "I knew you danced, but I didn't know you were good." He shrugged his shoulders playfully along with smirking at me.

"I tend to surprise people with my many talents, Ryan."

Take me back to the night we met

There wasn't another person I would want to spend my last winter dance with, as cheesy as it sounds.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do
Haunted by the ghost of you

This feeling, whatever it is, is something that I never want to end.

I wanted to pause this moment so I could back at it the next morning and for the rest of my life really. But, knowing that I couldn't tore at my mind.

However, instead of thinking of that, I enjoyed being in the presence of someone who truly made me happy.

But, at least, I have so much weight off my chest and shoulders.

Take me back to the night we met

𝑮𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑺!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS
CHAPTER AND IM VERY PROUD
OF IT IM SOFRY idgaf if i
sound like a narcissist, I LOVE THIS.
ITS LITERALLY 3K WORDS IM SORRYDND

but, DID YOU LIKE ITHEJEJ

THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH
FOR 42k!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS
SO SO MUCH!

i LITERALLY love the song "the night we met" so i had to PUT IT IN IM SORRYIYS SO CUTE

also i hope this isn't too much
flirting or something, idk

GIVE ME UR THOUGHTS
IN THE COMMENTS, I LOVE YOU 🤍🤍