Our Fragile Hearts (A Short BL Story)

Chapter 6

The day before prom arrived, filling the hallways with a contagious buzz of excitement. Students were abuzz with speculation, placing their bets on who would be crowned the prom king and queen. Ike, with his calm demeanor and undeniable charm, had secured Coreen Crawford as his date. Their shared interests made them an easy match, and it came as no surprise to anyone.

Thor, on the other hand, embarked on a more daring quest, trying his luck with various girls. However, fate seemed to have a twisted sense of humor, for he ended up being paired with the formidable Emelie Stevens, the president of the Future Leaders Club. Despite the initial shock, Thor embraced the unexpected turn, ready to make the most of the situation.

And then there was me, Andrei, the popular senior whom many assumed could have anyone at the snap of his fingers. Students and even my friends wondered why I hadn't asked anyone to prom. They couldn't fathom why I hesitated, why I seemed indifferent to the allure of prom night. Little did they know, my heart was already spoken for, but not in the way they expected.

Galen, with his captivating presence and the way he made my heart flutter with a single glance, was the one who held my gaze and occupied my thoughts. But expressing those feelings, letting the truth spill from my lips, seemed like an insurmountable task. How could I risk our friendship, our closeness, by revealing the depths of my desires?

As the whispers of prom preparations filled the air, I found myself torn between the expectations of others and the longing within my own heart. The allure of a picture-perfect prom date was within reach, yet it held no appeal when compared to the possibility of sharing that night with Galen.

I could sense the curiosity in the eyes of my classmates as they questioned my decision to remain unattached. Their puzzled expressions mirrored my own internal struggle. How could I explain that the person I yearned for was standing right beside me, oblivious to the depths of my affection?

Galen, too, was aware of the whispers surrounding us. He must have heard the rumors, the assumptions that I would sweep someone off their feet with ease. He approached me one afternoon, a mixture of concern and curiosity in his eyes, as he asked, "Hey, Andrei, why haven't you asked anyone to prom? You could have anyone you want."

A pang of both longing and frustration shot through my heart at his words. How could I make him understand that the only person I truly wanted by my side was him? But my tongue remained tied, unable to form the words that trembled on the tip of my tongue. Instead, I offered him a half-hearted smile and shrugged, concealing the depths of my desires beneath a mask of nonchalance.

Prom night approached, its allure and mystique growing with each passing moment. As my friends eagerly prepared for the dance, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The question lingered, haunting me: Should I attend, even without a date? Would it be worth it to witness Galen dance with someone else, to pretend that my heart wasn't breaking with every step they took together?

In the midst of the chaotic preparations and unspoken desires, I stood at a crossroads, my heart yearning for a connection that seemed just out of reach. As prom night drew near, I was left with a choice—to succumb to societal expectations or to follow the path of my heart, even if it meant facing the uncertainties that lay ahead.

*****

As I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in the elegant suit and tie my mother had carefully chosen, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The attire spoke of grandeur and sophistication, a reflection of the prom night that lay ahead. Yet, beneath the polished exterior, my heart remained entangled in a web of unspoken desires.

My phone buzzed, and I answered to find Thor on the other end, his curiosity still lingering. "Dude, seriously, why didn't you ask anyone to be your date tonight? You could have any girl you wanted," he remarked, his tone a mix of confusion and genuine concern.