The gymnasium is covered in blue and white streamers. Paper-mâché balls hang from the ceiling. The same banners from the hallway also drape—only this time, there are tons of them. Tacky fish stickers sprinkle the floor, glowing neon under the dim blue lighting. A long food table holds pizza, nachos, punch bowls, and cake. The squad makes their way to it. Liz is in a smoky babydoll dress and platforms. Jimmy and Mike are in graphic T’s and blazers. Kota is the fanciest of the bunch.
The song Mr. Roboto circulates the gym room. Teachers patrol the sidelines of the court, surveying students in flashy attire—puff dresses, pastel suits, and varsity jackets. The jock king bullies drinks from geeks. He invades their personal space with a menacing demeanor. 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyF6We5M5J
The boys bail under pressure and forfeit their punch, speeding away. The douche is an evil version of Prince Charming. He and Kota lock eyes. His blue ones scowl from across the room. The big blond guy steps toward Macy, a chocolate-haired, silver-eyed girl, and seizes her by the waist, treating her as if she’s an object to be claimed.
Really?? That’s a desperate move; the guy needs to chill. Kota eyes the jammed dance floor, aware that the jerk is still watching him like a territorial lion. I get that they’re dating, but he needs to switch it down a notch. Does he think I’m going to yank her away?? Although that is tempting. 21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ50izkKZF
Macy is a peculiar beauty; her eyes alone draw people in. Crystal irises. She’s a cheerleader—the team captain, to be exact. It’s as if being with a jock was written into her life coding. I’m still surprised that she likes me. I’m not the athletic type. Why is she into me?
The crew scoop juice into red cups and linger around the table with others. Teens break out the moonwalk, adding too much friction to the foot slide; the dance isn’t seamless. The sprinkler is goofy and forceful. The partiers appear in need of psychological assistance. The robot dance is embarrassing enough for a second-degree burn.
“Eww…” Liz rips her gaze from the disastrous scene. “I’m counting the seconds.”
“It’s not that bad,” Jimmy quarrels. “You can’t possibly hate fun.”
“I don’t hate fun. I just prefer smaller crowds.”
“Are we going to see a different side of you tonight?” Kota grins to one side.
“Oh, yeah… you guys won’t recognize me.”
“Why not?”
“I’m kina wild… but only when I’m comfortable.”
“Aww, was that a compliment?” Kota teases.
“No, it wasn’t.”
Mike nods. “Yeah, it was. You love being around us. Admit it.” He beams.
“I think someone’s a teddy bear, all fluff on the inside.” Kota sing-songs.
“Shut up; I hate you guys…”
“Uh oh…” Jimmy snickers. “We’re on her bad side… for the hundredth time.”
“Sorry, we’re just not used to you being nice.”
“Yeah… well, don’t get used to it.”
Kota spots Macy gazing at him from across the room. Her curious pale eyes burn into his. The blue light highlights her slim face and tiny features. The girl’s olive skin glows. The peach dress she wears contrasts well with her eyeshadow and pink cheeks. Whoa… she’s so beautiful…too bad she’s taken. Her boy toy blocks her from view like a colossal statue. The football player shoots another warning glare his way. He flexes the collar of his varsity jacket as a means of intimidation.
“Don’t start any drama, man.” Jimmy moves to hide him from the jock’s line of sight. “Unless you can fight.”
“No…he’s too smart to dumb himself down.” Kota is taken aback by her statement. Oh wow, two compliments in one night. Is the world upside down? His mouth hangs. Her eyes hesitantly dart to the side. “I’m gonna go to the restroom,” Liz blurts, taking off fast through the crowd.
Jimmy gawks after her. “No way…”
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCblVxXmns
