zhao yufan. 002

The gym was glowing — soft lights, loud music, everyone dressed like something out of a movie.

Prom night.

You sat alone at the table, adjusting your bracelet, eyes drifting toward the entrance.

James had left a few minutes ago.

“Don’t move,” he said. “I’ll be right back.” You trusted that.

Then— “Hey.” You looked up.

A guy from your grade stood there, already pulling a chair closer.

“…Hi.”

He sat without waiting. “You look really good tonight.”

“Thanks,” you replied, a bit stiff.

He leaned in. “Surprised James left you alone.”

“I’m not alone,” you said. “He’ll be back.”

He hummed, eyes dragging over you in a way that made your stomach twist.

“I think I’ll go find him,” you added, starting to stand.

His hand shot out, grabbing your wrist. “Wait.”

Your heart jumped. “Let go.”

He didn’t. Instead, he tugged you slightly toward him—

“Stop—”

But he leaned in fast. His lips pressed against yours. You froze, then immediately shoved him hard. “Get off me!”

And right then— “What's this?.” Everything went cold.

You turned. James stood there. Not far. Close enough to see. But not close enough to understand.

From his angle— It looked like you had leaned in. Like you hadn’t resisted.

The guy stepped back quickly, wiping his mouth like nothing happened.

But James was only looking at you. “…Wow.”

“No, James, it’s not—”

“You couldn’t wait?” he cut in.

Your chest tightened. “I didn’t kiss him!”

His expression hardened. “I literally just saw it.”

“He grabbed me—”

“Stop,” he said. That hurt more than anything.

“Why would I lie?” your voice shook.

But he just shook his head. “I don’t want excuses.”

“It’s not an excuse!” Your eyes burned. “He forced it, I pushed him—”

But James stepped back. Like he didn’t even want to hear it. “I should’ve known,” he muttered.

Your stomach dropped. “Known what?”

“That this would happen.”

“That’s not fair—”

“I’m leaving.”

“James, don’t—” But he turned. Walking away.