21

HUDSON

AS WE ENTERED THE DANCE, the room came alive with excitement. Colorful streamers twisted around the walls, and glittering fairy lights cast a soft glow over the dance floor. The air was booming with the sound of laughter and music.

But amidst all the splendor, I found my gaze drawn to the girl beside me. I watched her with awe and longing, unable to tear my gaze away. She moved through the room with a grace that defied description, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the decorations.

I couldn't help but admire how beautiful she looked; her radiance magnified by the soft glow of the lights. Her mahogany hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, framing her face like a halo, as her eyes sparkled with excitement.

I felt a tug at my heartstrings as I watched her, a deep sense of longing stirred within me. I wanted to take her hand, pull her close, and never let go. But I couldn't. My past mistakes ruined my chances. Instead, I watched her from afar as she walked off to Maya and her date. An indescribable emotion filled my gaze as I saw the happiness radiating from her. I leaned against the pillar, watching her laugh at something Maya said.

The unwelcome presence of her ex interrupted my reverie. He sidled up beside me with a scowl etched on his face. Neither of us spoke as we both watched Luna.

"What are your intentions with her?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

I met his gaze, my jaw set with determination.

"To treat her better than the last guy did."

His eyes narrowed.

"Is that so? I don't see how someone like you could ever make her happy. You have a habit of destroying everything around you."

He'd struck a nerve, and before I could stop myself, my fist connected with his jaw with a satisfying thud. He stumbled backward; his face contorted with pain before chaos ensued.

A crowd gathered, their murmurs growing as they witnessed the unfolding drama. We exchanged blows, our fists flying as we grappled with each other in a whirlwind of anger and adrenaline.

"Stop it!" Luna said, her tone filled with anger and disappointment. "You're both ruining everything!"

Her words were like a bucket of cold water, and my anger ebbed away, replaced by a sense of shame. I stepped back, panting, looking at the mess we made. With a heavy heart, I turned to Luna.

"Luna -"

"Save it, Hudson." she said, her eyes brimming with tears of frustration. "I just wanted one night, and you jerks had to ruin it."

Jockstrap stood up with blood gushing out his nose. She delivered a hateful glare in his direction before storming off.

I stepped out into the cool night air, my breath forming misty clouds as I exhaled. A sense of guilt gnawed at me like a persistent itch. I lit a cigarette, but I didn't smoke it. Glancing down at my hands, I noticed the angry red split knuckles from the fight. Ignoring the pain, I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening with frustration. I messed up.Before I could dwell too much on my thoughts, footsteps approached. I looked up to see Maya, her expression of concern and disapproval. She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off.

"I'm not in the mood for a lecture, Maya." I said, my tone sharper than I intended.

Her face softened, and she took a step closer.

"I know," she said. "But you need to understand how much tonight meant to her. She's been looking forward to this since freshman year. And she just realized her dreams of being Homecoming Queen are gone."

My heart sank at her words. The weight of my actions crashed down on me like a ton of bricks. I never meant to hurt her, but I let my anger get the best of me and ruined her night. Maya gave me a sympathetic look before turning to leave me with my thoughts. I watched her retreating figure, feeling a sense of emptiness settle over me.

I stood there, lost in guilt and remorse, music and laughter drifted from the gymnasium. I could hear Principal Quinn's voice through the speakers, proclaiming it was time to announce the homecoming king and queen.A spark of an idea ignited in my mind, and I knew what to do to make things right. With determination, I stubbed out my cigarette and headed back inside.

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