The morning sun crept in, but Luna had taken the day off. She wanted everything perfect. Meanwhile, Alex, though still carrying his stubborn headache, felt better after medicine. He buried himself in office work—until his phone buzzed.
A message from Luna.
Hi, Alex. You didn't reply yesterday… what was the reason?
Alex, who was in the middle of a meeting, froze. Without a second thought, he excused himself and rushed out of the conference room. His secretary stared in shock—he had never left a meeting like that before.
He typed quickly:
Hi, dear. Sorry for that. Just… a busy day. Nothing serious.
He didn't tell her the real reason—his headache. He didn't want her to worry.
The chat continued, growing sweeter by the minute. They teased about the upcoming party, laughed over silly outfit choices, and Luna even asked, What if I trip while dancing?
Alex replied: Then I'll hold you. Always.
Luna's cheeks flushed at the simple but deep reply.
By evening, Luna was getting ready for the party. She laid out the white dress Alex had gifted her and carefully styled her hair. Just then, the bell rang.
Surprise.
It was Nick, holding a bouquet and a box of chocolates.
"Congratulations, Luna! I heard you scored 98 out of 100. That's worth celebrating," Nick said warmly.
Luna smiled, though her mind was still spinning with thoughts about the dress, the party… and Alex. Nick noticed her distracted look.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing… just nervous."
Nick studied her face, then smirked knowingly. "Ah… I know that look. You're planning something special, right? Let me tell you, I know what boys like."
That broke the ice, and they spent nearly an hour talking—Nick teasing, Luna nervously laughing, and him giving her little tips. When Luna hugged him gratefully, Nick's heart froze. His pulse raced, and for a moment, he wished time would stop.
But then he reminded himself—She belongs with Alex. Not me.
Meanwhile, Alex was dressing up. He straightened his tie, slipped on his black formal suit, and for once, admired himself in the mirror. With his car keys in hand, he headed straight to Luna's house.
When he arrived and knocked, Nick opened the door.
For a second, Alex's jaw tightened. What is he doing here?
But before his jealousy could flare, Luna's sweet voice called from inside:
"Nico, bro! Who's at the door?"
Hearing the word "bro," Alex's tension melted. Still, the air was thick with discomfort. Nick gave a polite excuse about a call and "university work" before leaving, choosing not to disturb them further.
Alex was secretly relieved.
Luna stepped out, looking radiant in the white dress. Alex's breath caught, but he quickly smiled instead of speaking.
They got into his car, and soon the radio filled the silence. A lively song came on, and instead of turning it down, they both started singing loudly, laughing, clapping, even shouting the wrong lyrics on purpose. For the first time, they both felt… free.
When they reached the party, Luna was still unsure whether she should confess her feelings. Alex, on the other hand, wasn't thinking of confessions at all—he was simply mesmerized by how stunning she looked.
Inside, they mingled, laughed, and ate together. An old grandmother-like lady stopped by their table, smiling warmly.
"Oh, my children, bless you both. Such a beautiful couple. Are you married? Or planning to?"
Both Alex and Luna froze, faces blazing red. This was the second time strangers had mistaken them for a couple. They exchanged shy glances and laughed awkwardly.
Then came the announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, let's begin the couple's dance."
Alex turned to Luna, extending his hand. "May I?"
Her heart thumped as she placed her hand in his.
On the dance floor, the music slowed. Alex's hand rested gently on Luna's waist; her hand found its way to his shoulder, then around his neck. Their steps moved in perfect rhythm—eyes locked, breaths mingling.
It wasn't just a dance. It was a confession without words.
Luna felt safe. Alex felt complete.
But just as they were lost in the moment—smiling, twirling, blushing—something stirred in the background.
A shadow.
A figure watching.
Trouble waiting to strike.
✨ To be continued…