Dear readers, I want to let you know that in this story, I've aged up the characters to 15/16, because it's not so common for 13 year old people to kiss. Thank you for understanding, and I hope you enjoy the oneshot!
I took my time entering the gym, which had been turned into a winter wonderland. The gymnasium bathed in the soft glow of twinkling fairy lights and adorned with makeshift snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. The 80s music echoing off the speakers and onto the big room. But despite the music, the laughter and conversations of the students were so loud that it almost drowned out the music, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
I looked around to see my classmates, teachers, and other students sway to the rhythm on the dance floor. Some dancing crazier than the others. It was kind of overwhelming, but I managed to keep my cool. My gaze moved from groups to groups, making sure not to stare at the couples making out.
The centerpiece of the gym was the elaborate winter-themed backdrop, providing the perfect photo opportunity for couples and friends alike. A faux snow machine added a touch of magic, casting a gentle flurry over the festivities. The gym's bleachers were now spectator stands for those taking a break from dancing, creating a lively and communal atmosphere.
The students, each with their own distinct personalities, navigated the dance floor. Some were awkwardly taking their first steps into the world of teenage romance, while others reveled in the joy of friendship and newfound connections.
I tried to find some of my friends, but with all the other humans moving around, talking, and laughing, making it impossible to find them. My gaze swept from group to group until it landed on Nancy, Mike's older sister. She was at the punch bowl, serving different students and teachers who seemed to pass. Taking my luck, I moved towards Nancy; her gaze met mine as she gave me a warm smile. As I approached her, my thoughts got back to where my friends could be, or more specifically, Dustin.
"Hello Y/N." Nancy spoke softly, yet loud enough for me to hear. "Hello Nancy! You don't happen to know where your brother is or any of the others?" I asked her, a glint of hope in my eyes.
"I think Mike and the gang are around here somewhere, probably lost in the crowd." She said, taking a moment to ponder before adding, "You know, I think I saw Dustin not so long ago. He was walking towards the bleachers, so you may take a look there." She answered, her gaze scanned the room briefly before returning to me.
"Thanks, Nancy; I will look there. See you later." I replied, waving before leaving towards the fake snow-covered bleachers.
The journey through the gym continued, the soft glow of twinkling lights guiding my way. As I made my way towards the bleachers, I couldn't help but appreciate the elaborate winter-themed backdrop and the faux snow machine's enchanting touch. The gym's atmosphere was a mix of magic and camaraderie, with each step revealing more characters immersed in the festivities.
Finally reaching the bleachers, I scanned the area for any familiar faces. The characters, each navigating their own stories, were scattered among the snow-covered seats. There, I spotted Dustin.
His usually distinctive crown of curls was meticulously styled for the Winter Ball, offering a refined yet playful touch to his overall look. The unruly strands were tamed with a subtle application of hair product, allowing the curls to form an organized chaos that framed his cute face.
The curls maintained their natural bounce, suggesting a balance between neatness and Dustin's characteristic charm. The soft glow of the twinkling fairy lights in the gymnasium reflected off the glossy curls, adding a touch of whimsy to his appearance.
And his ensemble featured a sharp blue suit that perfectly complemented the festive atmosphere. Paired with the jacket was a tasteful turquoise shirt that added a touch of vibrancy to his ensemble. The shirt, with its cool and lively hue, served a stylish backdrop for a matching-colored bow that was slightly greener.
Completing the look were some pants in a dark brown shade, offering a striking contrast to the bold blues and turquoise, adding depth and refinement. His go-to white shoes added a final touch of classic charm.
But once I got closer, I noticed a difference to his usual expression. Instead of a big, charming, toothless smile, there was a frown planted on his face. And I felt a bang of empathy and sorrow hit my heart.
I approached him with a gentle smile, with him not noticing my presence. "Hello Dustin." I said it softly when I got in front of him, making his head snap up.
He furiously tried to hide the falling tear as he gave me a small smile. "Uh, hello, Y/N." He replied, straightening his back. Dustin's attempt to mask his emotions faded as I approached. His frown deepened, betraying the effort to conceal what was truly bothering him.
I knew Dustin as the upbeat, lovable guy who always wore a contagious smile, so seeing him like this stirred a mix of curiosity and concern within me. "Is everything okay, Dustin?" I asked, my voice laced with genuine care. I didn't want to push, but the change in his demeanor couldn't be ignored.
He hesitated, his gaze flickering between the winter-themed backdrop and the faux snow-covered bleachers. "Yeah, just... you know, Winter Ball and all," he replied vaguely, his attempt at a nonchalant tone falling flat.
I took a seat beside him, mirroring his serious demeanor. "You can tell me if something's bothering you, Dustin. We're friends, right?"
His guard seemed to waver, and he let out a sigh. "It's just... I thought tonight would be fun. I tried to dress up and everything, but I just don't feel like I fit in."
I could sense a vulnerability in his words—a side of Dustin that wasn't as often on display. It was clear this wasn't just about the Winter Ball but something more personal.
"Dustin, you look awesome tonight. If anyone has said something or made you feel like that, they are wrong. You're my friend. If something's going on, you don't have to face it alone," I reassured him, offering a genuine smile.
He glanced at me, a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty in his eyes. "Thanks, Y/N. I appreciate that." The frown on his face softened, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of the Dustin I knew beneath the surface.
"Anytime," I replied, nudging him playfully. "Now, how about we forget the Winter Ball expectations and just enjoy the night together?" I finished, standing up and holding my hand out for Dustin to take.
Dustin's eyes lit up as he processed my words, and a genuine smile replaced the previous frown. "Yeah, together." He said, taking hold of my hand. I gave him a playful grin, pulling him up, making him fall forward.
Together, we ventured away from the faux snow-covered bleachers and toward the dance floor, where the rhythm of '80s music continued to echo.
The dance floor welcomed us, and as we stepped into the lively crowd, the music surrounded us with its nostalgic beats. Dustin, now wearing a genuine smile, seemed to shed the weight that burdened him earlier. The enchanted atmosphere of the Winter Ball embraced us as we joined the rhythm of the tunes.
The twinkling fairy lights illuminated the dance floor, casting a warm glow over the students reveling in the festivities. Couples twirled gracefully, groups of friends danced with carefree abandon, and the entire gymnasium buzzed with the infectious energy of the night.
Dustin and I found our own groove, swaying to the music with an effortless chemistry that transcended the worries of the Winter Ball. The music's rhythm intertwined with our laughter, creating a moment suspended in time.
As we danced, I couldn't help but appreciate my friendship with Dustin. The once troubled expression was replaced by joy, making my smile turn bigger and more real. The winter-themed backdrop and faux snowflakes served as a whimsical backdrop to our impromptu celebration.
In the midst of the crowd, we lost ourselves in the music. But the fast-going, crazy music took a tool and turned into one that couples could slow dance to. We stopped and looked at the others around us to see that they were already dancing to the music. Our gazes returned to each other, and I could see the urge in Dustin's eyes that told me he really wanted to do slow dance with me.
Seeing that I had to take the first move, I took a step closer to him, bringing us closer before I placed my hands on his shoulders. Finally, Dustin seemed to get out of his daze and moved his hands to my hips. And in Dustin's mind, he was thanking Steve for giving him some tips.
With a gentle yet confident touch, I guided Dustin into the slow dance, the world around us fading into the background. The gymnasium transformed into our own private space, where the only thing that mattered was the shared rhythm of the music and the unspoken understanding between us.
I could see the nervousness in Dustin's eyes gradually gave way to a more confident one. We swayed to the music, lost in each other's eyes. The time seemed to stop, and the only thing I could think of was the cute and gorgeous boy in front of me.
The slow melody continued to weave its enchanting spell around us and everyone else. Dustin's rich chocolate brown orbs met mine; it was almost like they held a kind spell, because I couldn't seem to take my eyes away from his.
Time slowed as Dustin's hand moved from my hips to my neck, drawing me slightly closer. The sensation of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I could feel his warm breath on me. Our gaze was kept locked, and I could see his eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation.
As Dustin's hand continued its journey from my neck, tracing a delicate path, I felt a magnetic pull, drawing me closer to him. The space between us was getting smaller, and I could see his eyes leaving mine and settling on my lips, even if it was just a split moment.
That was my final straw. I moved closer to Dustin, making the space between us vanish. Our lips met in a soft yet tender kiss. Dustin moved his hands back to my hips as my hand found its place in his hair. The kiss deepened, sealing the unspoken connection between us.