---
Prom night felt like stepping into a movie — but not one of those cheesy, perfect ones.
This was better — because it was theirs.
Scott stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his tie for the fifteenth time. His hands were trembling, and not just because he wanted to look good for Brian — though that was part of it.
It was because tonight was everything they'd fought for.
Every slammed locker, every rumor, every stolen kiss behind a locked door — all of it led here.
A knock on his bedroom door.
"Hey, man. You ready?" CJ stuck his head in, grinning wide. He, Zeke, and Dylan had all come over to see Scott off — like brothers. Like a guard of honor.
Scott exhaled. "How do I look?"
CJ gave a low whistle. "Like a king. Now go get your other one."
---
When Brian showed up at his house, Scott almost forgot how to breathe.
He'd never seen Brian in a suit before — crisp black, hugging every broad shoulder and thick bicep, his dark hair swept back just enough to make his amber eyes burn brighter.
"Holy shit," Scott murmured.
Brian's grin was shy, crooked. "You look good too."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Good enough to make me wanna tear that tie off you before we even get there."
Scott flushed. "Don't you dare."
---
They rode together, fingers laced in the backseat. The closer they got to the hotel ballroom, the louder the bass thumped in their chests.
Outside the doors, a few kids stopped to stare — but this time, the whispers were softer.
Not mean.
Just amazed.
They stepped inside — the glitter lights, the slow-dance songs, the scent of cheap perfume and too much hairspray. It should've been awkward. But the moment Brian's hand slipped around Scott's waist, every ounce of fear melted away.
---
Halfway through the night, the DJ cut the music.
Everyone gathered around the stage. The student council president stepped up to the mic, voice squeaky with excitement.
"Alright, everybody — it's the moment you've all been waiting for! This year's Prom Royalty…"
A hush.
Scott felt Brian's fingers squeeze his. Brian was still trembling.
They'd told themselves it didn't matter if they won — but in their hearts, they both knew it did.
"Your Prom King… and King —"
A whoop rose from the back. CJ and Nicky practically screamed.
"— Brian Drake and Scott Evans!"
---
For a heartbeat, Scott felt like the floor might swallow him whole. But when Brian spun him around — big hands on his face, pressing a breathless kiss to his mouth in front of everyone — it was like flying.
Applause, laughter, a few gasps that faded as Brian held him tight on that tiny stage.
It wasn't just for them anymore.
It was for every kid who'd ever felt like they couldn't say it out loud.
---
When the slow song started, Brian tugged Scott onto the dance floor.
They moved together, cheek to cheek, Brian's fingers tracing lazy circles on Scott's lower back.
The crown sat crooked on Brian's head, and Scott couldn't stop laughing.
"You're ridiculous," Scott whispered.
Brian kissed his ear. "And you love it."
"Yeah." Scott breathed. "I really do."
---
Around them, other couples danced — some straight, some not. Nobody cared who was who. It was all glitter and sweat and a wild promise that tomorrow would be better, and the day after that, better still.
Brian leaned back just enough to look Scott in the eyes. Amber, warm, brimming with a fierce, unbreakable love.
"No more secrets," Brian said again, voice low but clear. "I'm yours. Always."
Scott's smile was shaky, but true. "Always."
---
When the song ended, they didn't break apart.
They just stood there, foreheads pressed together — two kings in a sea of color and light.
And for the first time since turning sixteen, Scott felt it.
That magic everyone talked about.
Self-discovery. First love. The promise that no matter what the world said — they'd never hide again.
---