His Code Name: ULAP (Code Name Series #1)

CHAPTER TWELVE

The principal’s office smelled faintly of coffee and floor polish, that usual mix of authority and early mornings. Jacob stood beside me, hands clasped neatly behind his back, expression calm—too calm. Meanwhile, I was still trying to steady my breathing after what just happened in the teachers’ lounge.

Principal Ramos smiled as we entered. “Ah, the class officers of Grade 10 Aphrodite! Perfect timing.”

Jacob bowed his head slightly. “You asked for us, sir?”

“Yes,” the principal said, adjusting his glasses. “I’ve been thinking about something special to close the semester—and I want your section to lead the preparations.”

I blinked. “Preparations for what, sir?”

He smiled wider, eyes twinkling. “Prom Night.”

My eyes went round. “Wait—prom? As in the glamorous, wear-a-gown-and-slow-dance-under-lights kind of prom?”

“Exactly,” he chuckled. “The first ever Junior Prom in our school’s history. The administration approved it this morning.”

Jacob nodded thoughtfully, while I tried not to squeal out loud. Prom night. Lights. Music. Dresses. Slow dances.

Principal Ramos continued, “Since Aphrodite has shown leadership in past events, I’m entrusting the planning to your class. You’ll coordinate with the student council, of course.”

“Understood, sir,” Jacob said, calm and professional. Of course he was.

“Good. I’ll expect your initial plans by next week.” The principal smiled at both of us. “And Ms. Garcia—maybe you can help lead the design committee again. I heard your last event decor was excellent.”

“O-oh! Yes, sir. Thank you,” I stammered, cheeks warming.

As we exited the office, I couldn’t help the grin spreading across my face. “PROM NIGHT, Jacob! Can you believe it?”

He glanced at me sideways, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You look way too excited for someone who claimed she doesn’t like formal events.”

“Well, excuse me for having a little fun,” I said, nudging him lightly. “Besides, this is prom. Everyone looks forward to it. The dresses, the music, the—”

“—the drama,” he finished dryly.

I rolled my eyes. “You’re such a killjoy.”

He just laughed softly, and for a second, I caught it—the rare kind of smile that reached his eyes. The kind that made my heart skip a little.

By the time we reached the classroom, everyone was buzzing. Jhessy was the first to notice us. “So? Spill it, what did the principal say?”

Jacob didn’t even have to answer—my grin gave it away.

“GUYS!” I shouted, raising my hands dramatically. “PROM. NIGHT. IS. OFFICIAL!”

The class erupted. Cheers, laughter, and squeals filled the room. Even the usually chill boys were high-fiving each other.

Jhessy grabbed my shoulders. “No way! Finally! I’ve been waiting for this moment since Grade 7!”

“Same!” Vriella joined in, already pulling out her notebook. “We should start listing themes! Enchanted garden? Starry night? Masquerade?”

“Hold on,” Jacob said, raising a hand to calm everyone. His voice easily cut through the chaos. “We’ll have a meeting later to finalize the committees. For now—”