Chapter 47: Prom Date

The flower boys decided to have their lunch in the cafeteria, and naturally, the cafeteria was packed. It was a rare sight to see them in such a public space, especially given how much time they typically spent in the studio. The atmosphere was charged with the presence of the stars, and everyone couldn't help but stare. "Why are all eyes on us like they're seeing ghosts?" Jason muttered, munching on his fries, clearly unbothered but still a bit amused by the attention. "You should be used to it by now," Ronald replied, patting his shoulder with a grin, fully aware of the effect their mere presence had on the student body. Just then, Dorah, Miranda, Emma, and Prudence entered the cafeteria, with Emma already ranting about something. "I'll order mine first," she said, striding toward the counter. "Am I the only one noticing this, or does the cafeteria feel different today?" she asked, glancing around as they approached the counter. "Just order what you want," Prudence retorted, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms. "You're just hungry, that's all." "I think she's right," Miranda agreed, nodding slightly, and as if on cue, they all turned to look around. "Geez! What are they doing here?" Dorah asked as she spotted the flower boys sitting at the far end of the cafeteria. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Jason trying to hide his face. "Their presence calls for this, so I'm not surprised," Miranda shrugged, unfazed. "I'll be right back," Miranda said, tossing a glance at the others. "You should help me order my usuals." And with that, she disappeared into the crowd. As Dorah and the others approached the counter, a girl suddenly walked over to the flower boys, smiling sheepishly at them. Jason immediately frowned, clearly displeased by the interruption, while Dorah stifled a laugh at the expression on his face. "You should see your face right now," Jace teased, laughing as Ronald shooed the girl away, making her leave. "So, you guys decide to grace the cafeteria with your presence today?" Dorah asked sarcastically as she made her way to the table. "And the queen decides to show up at our table?" Max grinned, winking at her. "What's with the nickname?" Dorah asked, sitting beside Jason, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. "We're here to eat," Jace said in a tone that made it sound like an obvious answer. "And it's fucking uncomfortable," Jason muttered, rolling his eyes. "Chill," Dorah said with a chuckle, clearly unbothered by the attention. "So, Dorah, prom is in two months. Will you be my date?" Jace asked, his voice teasing yet serious, clearly wanting to change the subject. Jason shifted his gaze between Jace, Ronald, and Dorah, all while munching on his fries. He wasn't sure if he wanted to hear the answer. "Sorry, but I already have a date," Dorah replied casually, taking a few fries from Jason's plate. "Oh, you shatter my heart," Jason said dramatically, clutching his chest. "Who's the guy? I need to make him drop being your date," Jace added, his face suddenly serious, though it didn't last long before he broke into laughter. "Don't mind Jace," Ronald said, turning to Dorah. "So, who's the guy?" Max raised an eyebrow, eyeing Dorah. "You're not the one?" he asked, genuinely curious. "No, I'm not," Ronald replied. "If it's not Jace or Ronald, then who is it?" Max continued, his frown deepening. Dorah glanced around the table, and all eyes were on her, except for Jason, who was too busy with his fries to notice the intensity of the stares. "Just spill it out al...." "Jason," Dorah cut Ronald off before anyone could say more, clearly eager to avoid further teasing. "Jason, she's calling you," Jace teased, poking Jason's arm. "Stop trying to play dumb," Jason smirked, clearly enjoying the teasing. "You mean…" Jace trailed off, pointing between Jason and Dorah. Max snorted with laughter, and Dorah looked at Ronald, whose eyes were wide in disbelief. She couldn't help but think back to the conversation she'd had with Jason just a week ago at the lake. FLASHBACK "Who's your date for prom?" Jason asked, his voice casual as he leaned back on the grassy hill. "I don't know yet," Dorah replied, trying to read his expression. "I'm not a magician, but I know both Jace and Ronald will soon ask you to be their date," he shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a glint in his eye that made her pause. She remained silent, knowing full well that he was right. They both would likely ask her. "What will you do if they both ask you out to be their date?" Jason asked, his voice low as he watched the sun set over the lake. "I don't know," she muttered, her gaze fixed on the water. "Be my date to prom," Jason said suddenly, catching her off guard with his directness. FLASHBACK ENDS "Since when does Jason ask girls out?" Jace raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised by the revelation. "I'm thinking the same thing," Ronald said, shrugging off the idea of Dorah going to prom with Jason, his mind not entirely accepting it. Jason frowned, clearly annoyed by the teasing, and threw a fry at them. "Seems like you guys are done eating. We should head back to the studio," he said, standing up and ready to leave. "No, I haven't finished my food," Jace whined, looking around the table and realizing that he was the only one who hadn't touched his meal. He had been too busy teasing his friends since they sat down. "You guys should wait for me," he added, but the others smirked and stood up anyway. "C'mon, guys," Jace whined, following them. "You should leave, at least the cafeteria will free up," Dorah commented as she held Max's hand and walked toward the exit. "Seriously?" Max raised an eyebrow at her. "It's the truth. First, it's Jace showing up at school with his car, and now this," Dorah added, groaning as they stepped out of the cafeteria. "The whole school's a mess already because of that, and now this." "They're following you already," Dorah said with a smirk as they took a quick glance back. They groaned in unison. "Don't they have anything better to do?" Jason groaned. "This is the life you chose, bro," Max smirked, and they both chuckled. "Talk to you guys later. I need to eat," Dorah said, rubbing her stomach playfully. "You still owe me an explanation on how you got to be Jason's date for prom," Jace pointed at her as she walked off. "You should ask Jason that, not me," she replied, waving as she walked back into the cafeteria. As Dorah entered, she saw her friends already seated at a table. "Thought you weren't coming back, so I didn't get you anything," Madison shrugged. "And you two didn't get me anything too?" Dorah raised an eyebrow at Prudence and Emma. "We never knew you were coming back," Emma said innocently. "So, who are you guys voting for the prom king and queen?" Prudence asked as Dorah sat between Emma and Miranda. "No one," Dorah shrugged nonchalantly. "Why?" they asked in unison. "The flower boys are among the nominees. I can't vote for all of them, so I'm not voting," Dorah explained.