The school day passed in a blur of normalcy, at least, that's how it seemed on the surface.
The morning shone bright, and students shuffled into their classes with the usual sleepy faces and sluggish steps.
Teachers handed out a couple of assignments, one group project and a pop quiz in literature, which earned a collective groan from everyone except the top three students.
Daniel, however, could barely concentrate.
His eyes kept drifting to the clock, counting down the hours until the final serine.
His heart beat a little faster every time he thought of the rooftop, of Nuella's smile, of everything he and the guys had secretly prepared.
Meanwhile, Timi and Caleb tried to act natural but kept whispering across desks during breaks, scribbling lists and passing notes like mischievous spies.
Even the lecture caught them once and raised a suspicious brow, but they just grinned and pretended it was about group work.
NUELLA:
I, on my part, was blissfully unaware of the quiet storm brewing in her honor.
I breezed through my day with Saraph by my side, laughing at memes during lunchtime and helping a junior with her math homework.
Everything was... ordinary.
Until the final serine was heard.
DANIEL:
Daniel and his friends practically bolted from the school compound the moment the day ended.
"Go! Go! Operation Red Ribbon is a go!" Timi yelled as they piled into Daniel's car.
"You just made that name up," Caleb laughed, but he didn't argue.
The excitement was contagious.
They raced across town to the cozy rooftop space of the café, bags of fairy lights, fresh flowers, candles, and balloons in tow.
The rooftop overlooked the skyline, bathed in golden-hour light, and the boys worked quickly stringing lights across the beams,
arranging petals into a soft heart-shaped outline, and setting up a table for two with wine glasses and a gentle flicker of candlelight.
Back at Nuella's House – A Little After Sunset
Saraph sat cross-legged on my bed, scrolling on her phone with an innocent air.
I walked in from the bathroom, towel drying my hands.
"You're acting suspicious," I said playfully, narrowing my eyes.
Saraph looked up, flashing her best 'who-me?' grin. "Suspicious? Me? Never."
I chuckled, folding my arms. "Are you about to set me up again?"
Saraph gasped in mock offense.
"How dare you accuse me of being sneaky! After all we've been through?"
They both burst into laughter, the sound warm and effortless.
"Okay, okay," Saraph said, sitting up straighter. "But seriously, tonight... I want to take you out.
Just us girls. A little wind-down after school."
I raised an eyebrow. "On a random Wednesday evening?"
Saraph gave me a look. "Come on, trust me. Today is... special."
"What's so special about today?"
Saraph's lips twitched. "You don't know?"
I stared at her. "Unless you tell me…"
"Nope. Not yet." Saraph jumped up and clapped her hands dramatically.
"First, you're getting dressed."
"What?" I laughed. "So you won't tell me what's going on, but I should dress up blindly? Sounds safe."
Saraph grinned like the cat that got the cream.
"Exactly. Now, trust me and go wear this."
From behind her back, she produced a crimson red gown, silky and soft, with delicate straps and a flowing hem that shimmered slightly when it moved.
It was the kind of dress that made you feel like you belonged in a slow-motion romantic movie scene.
I blinked. "Wait… this dress?"
"Yes," Saraph said, holding it out with pride. "You haven't worn it yet. Tonight's the perfect night."
Still a bit skeptical but thoroughly intrigued, I took the dress and stepped in front of the mirror.
Saraph helped me zip it up, then fluffed the hem and adjusted the neckline.
My hair was styled into soft waves and left cascading down my back, catching the light like a waterfall of ink.
A touch of light makeup, just enough to make my eyes pop and my lips glow, completed the look.
Then came the heels.
"Whoa," I whispered as I stared at my reflection.
Saraph stood behind me, beaming. "Now you believe me when I say tonight is special?"
I turned to her slowly. "You're hiding something."
"I'm not denying it," Saraph said with a wink, looping her arm around mine.
"Now, come with me. Your night is just beginning."
I looked one last time in the mirror, my heart beating a little faster.
The dress hugged me like it was made just for tonight.
Something inside me stirred curiosity, excitement... maybe even hope.
And as we stepped into the quiet evening, the wind brushed gently past us like it, too, knew that something magical was about to unfold.