strings attached ; firstprince

chapter seven

"You look hot as fuck," Nora says, her hand propped on her hip. She steps back to admire the transformation, her eyes dancing with approval.

"We're masterminds," June adds proudly. "Henry is going to swoon."

Alex's reflection in the mirror elicits a smile from him, but beneath that grin lies a tempest of emotions. His excitement is off the charts, but there's also a stomach-churning nervousness that's proving difficult to shake. The upcoming ball is the backdrop for a significant moment he's been meticulously planning.

After his performance, he's going to finally ask Henry to be his boyfriend. The song he's been rehearsing tirelessly holds special significance, and he wants every word to resonate deeply with Henry.

"I can hear you thinking from here." June's voice suddenly pierces through his reverie, pulling him back from the depths of his thoughts. Her inquisitive gaze, along with Nora's, reminds him that he's in a changing room, not lost in his own world. Alex blinks and turns around, conjuring a forced smile.

"Nervous?" Nora questions skeptically. "You thrive on performing... What's there to be nervous about?"

"Could it be about Henry?" June chimes in.

Alex takes a deep breath, bracing himself for Nora and June's reaction. "Numbers on Henry wanting to be my boyfriend?"

"Oh my god."

"Shut the fuck up!"

Alex chuckles before shifting to a more serious demeanor. "No, but seriously."

"Like... a hundred percent," Nora shrugs, a broad grin spreading across her face. June mirrors the sentiment.

—

On the day of the ball, Alex is undeniably a mess. The night before, he did not get his much-needed beauty sleep, leaving him groggy and bleary-eyed when he finally wakes up. As he opens his phone for his morning scroll, he notices a missed text from Henry, informing him he'd arrive a little late but he'd definitely be there. Alex definitely doesn't panic about his plan falling through and he definitely doesn't have to remind himself to take deep breaths.

Alex wants this to go perfectly, Henry doesn't deserve any less.

In the evening, June and Nora–of course–show up to his dorm unannounced, dressed up in their matching outfits; June is wearing a black dress with moon prints and Nora with Saturn prints on hers.

The trio make their way to the hall, just before the ball is scheduled to start. Alex heads backstage to ensure everything is in order, while June and Nora take their positions at the entrance, ready to collect tickets. As more and more people stream in, the sounds of chatter and muffled music from behind the curtain create a palpable buzz in the air. Alex's heart races with adrenaline as his moment to step onto the stage approaches.

Alex can't help but steal glances at his watch, the minutes counting down. The stage is set, the ball is in full swing, and his time to play is drawing near.

Then it became his turn. There's an acoustic guitar ready for him as he steps onto the stage, plugged in and ready to play. Alex picks up the guitar and adjusts the microphone in front of him, causing everyone to hush in anticipation.

With his heart pounding, Alex takes a deep breath and begins to play the first chords of his opening song. His voice fills the hall, rich and emotive, as he pours his feelings into each note. Every strum. The audience is captivated, their eyes fixed on him, and the room seems to hold its breath. During each song on his setlist, his eyes search the room for Henry, anticipating his arrival.