Lewis

February sounds different at school. The hallways get louder—not from shouts, but from whispers: "Is he asking her out?" "Did you buy a dress?" The windows are dim, the coatroom smells of wet scarves. And it feels like something big is about to happen.

The ball was announced a month in advance, with banners, formal speeches, and a Valentine's Day box. It all seemed a bit contrived... until it actually arrived.

Lewis.
In class, you barely knew him: the first desk by the window, his neat handwriting, the glasses he adjusted when nervous, his quiet sweaters. They laughed at him habitually, like a background noise. He never responded sharply, simply lowered his eyes and continued doing his thing. You weren't his protector, but you didn't laugh either. Sometimes you'd exchange glances, lend him a pen, thank him for an explanation—he remembered such little things.

The night before the ball, you were standing by the lockers when Lewis stopped next to you.

• Hello... Are you going to the ball?

• Maybe.

— Then... can I ask you to dance?

He heard chuckles behind him, his shoulders tensed, but he didn't look away. His face held a calm determination, ready for any answer. You said yes.

On the day of the ball, the school seemed different. Garlands, the reflections of heels, the music a little louder. You were looking for someone, but you noticed Lewis not by his clothes, but by the looks around him. He stood by a column, observing. His black suit fit him naturally, his hair was styled, his glasses almost invisible. He looked more confident.

When your eyes met, he smiled and approached. His steps were measured, and people parted out of curiosity. He stopped close, not as a question, but as a statement:

• You came.

In your hands was a bouquet of deep-colored roses, your favorite shade, and an envelope with neat handwriting:

"You once said, 'Don't pay attention.' I did. At you. Thank you for seeing me as a person."

He pulled out a box of your favorite candies. Slow music, a quiet room. Lewis extended his hand:

— Shall we dance?