" I hope Christine is going! " Jeremy squealed like a little kid.

Michael examined the poster like it was just some piece of trash. He finally sighed and placed a hand on Jeremy's shoulder. " Jer, everyone is obliged to go, it's like a rule here. "

" Bu- "

" Jeremy. Christine probably wouldn't miss a chance to dress up for an entire school event. " Michael rolled his eyes and sat down on his kitchen chair.

" Yeah, but she might get there too late for the last dance, maybe she doesn't want to do i- " Jeremy tried once again but was shushed by Michael.

" Jeremy. Jeremiah. Jeremiah Heere. Just don't stress out about it. Everyone at the school already thinks its bullshit anyways. The school just forces us to believe in it. " Michael leaned his head back and stared at the light yellow wall.

" I know, I know. My dad told me stories about the people who actually ended up married after they met at it though! Or maybe he's just trying to get me hyped up. " Jeremy groaned and ran a hand through a hair. " This is so frustrating and confusing. "

" Just show up and see who you meet, maybe you'll end up as friends with them if you do. "

" Yeah sure, I'll do that. "

>>

Jeremy walked down the hall awkwardly, fiddling with the sleeves of his jacket he wore with a blue trim.

He glanced around for his best friend was supposed to meet him at the gym doors, but no one was there.

He was suddenly startled by a very loud voice yelling, " Dude! That's really gay. ".

Michael was coming down the hall with Rich next to him, slightly shoving him.

Jeremy just silently laughed at the two bickering over whatever as they slowly approached him.

" Hey you guys, if you're done fighting over the word ' Gay ', we've got to go in. " Jeremy finally interrupted them and gestured to the closed door.

Michael and Rich both looked at Jeremy with an apologetic smile on their faces and then Michael finally spoke up.

" Alright then, grab a thing. " Michael reached to push up his glasses, but just ended up poking himself on the nose since he wore contacts.

Rich made fun of him for a minute before Jeremy threw a mask at him, " See you in there. "

(( you know, those like half face masks that go over your eyes?? those things. ))

Rich opened the gym doors, the music suddenly blaring at him, some new rap song was playing that mixed with hormonal teenager cheers.

As the doors closed behind him, Michael held out one to Jeremy. " You ready player two? "

Jeremy took it with a goofy smile, carefully putting on around his head.

" Of course, player one. "

They walked in.

>>

Jeremy was absolutely stunned once he saw Christine in her ball gown. She really did go all out.

A dress that was a pastel pink underneath with a royal blue transparent fabric draped over it, small flowers made of light purples adorned the sleeves and chest.

On top of that her hair was tied in a small bun behind her head with the same pastel flowers holding it up.

Finally Michael brought him back to reality.

" Jer? Jeremy? Jeremiah? Mr. Heere? " Michael waved his hand in front of his face. Jeremy snapped out of it and once he realized what he was doing, went red in the face.

" S-Sorry, I zoned out. " He stuttered out while looking at his feet.

" Zoned out my ass! I saw you staring right at Christine! " Rich interjected loudly, causing Jeremy to shush him rapidly.

" I just hope I'll be able to end up with her. "

And somewhere, a heart cracked even more.

Michael looked at him with a weak smile.

" I hope you do too. "