The weeks after the scandal's end passed in a blur. The tension around Wemberg High began to settle, the whispers fading into memories. Tiana was finally back in class, her sharp confidence returning piece by piece. Calvin often caught himself glancing at her across the room — not with anger or pain anymore, but with something softer, bittersweet.
Dave, on the other hand, couldn't stop thinking about her. He had made a thousand mistakes, spoken words he wished he could erase. Every day since she returned, he tried to find small ways to show her he had changed — offering to carry her books, waiting by her locker, or simply saying good morning with that shy smile that had once made her laugh.
At first, Tiana ignored him. She still remembered the hurt, the accusations, the way his trust had shattered when she needed it most. But Dave was persistent, in a gentle way this time — not pushy, not desperate. Just quietly present.
One afternoon, under the soft golden hue of sunset, he finally found the courage to speak his heart.
"Tiana," he said as they stood near the oak tree by the football field, "I don't expect forgiveness. But I can't go another day without saying I'm sorry — for not trusting you, for letting my anger speak louder than my heart."
She crossed her arms, studying him. "Sorry doesn't fix everything, Dave. It doesn't erase what happened."
"I know," he replied quietly. "But maybe it can start something new. I don't want to lose you again — not to lies, not to pride. I want to earn you back, even if it takes time."
The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard. For a long moment, she didn't speak. The wind tugged gently at her hair, and the sky glowed a deep amber behind her.
Finally, she sighed. "You always know how to say the right thing when it's almost too late."
A flicker of a smile crossed his face. "Then maybe this time, I'm right on time."
Tiana's lips curved slightly, her walls softening at last. "You'll have to prove that."
"Then let me take you to prom," he said, eyes steady on hers. "No games, no drama. Just us."
The Prom Night
The night of the prom arrived with glitter, laughter, and a touch of magic. The grand hall shimmered under crystal lights, students swirling in elegant dresses and tuxedos. The air smelled faintly of roses and vanilla, and the band played a slow tune that made everything feel like a dream.
Tiana stepped through the doorway in a silver gown that caught every glimmer of light. Her hair fell in loose curls over her shoulders, and for a moment, the entire room seemed to pause. Dave was waiting by the entrance, adjusting his tie nervously. When he saw her, his breath caught.
"You look…" he began, but words failed him.
She smiled softly. "You clean up pretty well yourself."
Across the room, Calvin noticed them together. A quiet ache touched his chest, but he didn't turn away. Instead, he smiled faintly — the kind of smile that held both pride and goodbye. He had made peace with it.
As the night went on, laughter filled the hall. Tiana and Dave danced under the soft glow of chandeliers, her laughter mingling with the rhythm. He held her gently, careful not to overstep, but close enough for her to feel his heartbeat.
"I missed this," he whispered as they swayed slowly.
"Missed what?" she teased.
"You. Us. The way everything feels right when I'm with you."
She tilted her head slightly, her voice softer now. "Maybe it's because we stopped pretending."
He looked at her, eyes dark with something deeper. "Then let's stop pretending for good."