Chapter 36: The Calm Before the Prom Chaos.
(Lyra's POV)
The morning sunlight spilled over my desk as I adjusted the little star necklace Evan had given me. I traced it nervously with my fingers. It still feels… unreal. And yet, comforting.
I grabbed my bag and headed out, nerves buzzing slightly. Today was a normal school day — exams were winding down — but somehow, I couldn't stop thinking about Evan.
The Elevator Incident
As I rode the elevator up to the art club floor, Evan stepped in behind me. Tall. Golden hair perfectly catching the light. His presence made my chest flutter.
"Morning, Sol," he murmured softly. "Ready for another day of chaos?"
"I guess…" I whispered, feeling my cheeks heat.
We barely spoke as the elevator glided upward. Then, suddenly — click. The lights went out. Darkness swallowed the small space.
My chest tightened instantly. No. No. Not now. A wave of panic washed over me.
"Lyra?" Evan's voice was calm but concerned.
"I… I… can't—" I started, hyperventilating slightly, hands trembling.
"Hey. Hey, look at me," he said firmly, stepping closer. His tall frame loomed over me, but somehow it felt safe. "It's just the lights. That's it. You're okay. I've got you."
I shook my head, feeling tears prick the corner of my eyes.
"Okay… okay," he whispered, reaching into the panel beside him. Then, with a deep breath, he wrenched the metal cover off and with a grunt, broke the emergency mechanism with his bare hands, instantly restoring the lights. The hum of electricity returned.
I stared at him, stunned. "Y-you… you did that…?"
He smirked slightly, brushing his hands off. "Told you. Nothing I can't handle. You okay now?"
I nodded shakily, heart still racing. "Yeah… thanks…"
He leaned close for a moment, enough that I could feel his warmth. "Sol, I'm not letting anything hurt you. Not ever."
My cheeks flamed. Mine… he keeps saying that. Mine.
Art Club / Mural Madness
Once we reached the art club, my hands still shook slightly, but I calmed myself by dipping my brush into pale blue paint. Soraya and Saphira were already fussing over supplies.
"Sol! You okay?" Soraya asked, noticing my pale cheeks.
I nodded. "Yeah… just… a little elevator incident."
Saphira gasped. "Oh my gosh, with Evan? Did he save you like a superhero?"
I groaned but smiled. "Yeah… like a superhero."
Aveline teased Cassian as he hovered nearby, fingers brushing hers every so often. Their soft couple moments made me smile.
Evan leaned against the doorway, quietly watching me work. Every glance, every subtle gesture made my chest flutter.
Lunch / Café Chaos
Lunch was chaos, of course. We sat at our usual café spot, Cassian quizzing me on math while Aveline whispered playful scolds. Soraya and Saphira snickered at the glances Evan kept throwing my way.
"You're adorable when flustered," he murmured quietly, leaning close enough for me to feel his shoulder.
I choked on my sandwich. "I-I'm not!"
Cassian rolled his eyes. "You two are ridiculous. Can we study without turning lunch into a rom-com?"
Study Session / Subtle Fluster
After lunch, we gathered at the café. Cassian tutored me, Aveline whispered encouragements to him, Evan hovered quietly, helping when needed.
At one point, Evan leaned down, brushing my fingers as he corrected my work. My heart stuttered.
"Thanks…" I whispered.
"Don't mention it," he murmured. "Remember… you're mine."
Evening / Walk Home & Reflection
Evan walked me home, nudging my shoulder, brushing stray hairs from my face. My chest fluttered with every small gesture. At dinner, my mom complimented me on how much I'd grown, and I felt truly happy.
Late-Night Texting
Later, my phone buzzed. Evan.
Evan: Can't sleep. You okay?
Me: Yeah… just tired.
Evan: Survived tutoring and Cassian's relentless quizzing today?
Me: Barely… He's relentless.
Evan: Just like me… but quieter.
Me: Haha, sure. Quiet.
Evan: Sol… I mean it. You did really well today. Calm. Focused. Happy.
Me: Thanks… That means a lot.
Evan: Sleep now. I'll be around tomorrow. And remember… you're mine.
I curled under the blankets, staring at the ceiling. I think… I'm falling for him. Hard.