บททั้งหมดของ The Night Before Prom: บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

“Hey,” Lily said the instant she walked into the classroom and spotted Stacey arranging her bag.Stacey looked up and smiled.“You good?” Lily asked as she settled into her chair.Stacey shrugged. “What about you?”“Yes,” Lily drawled with a smile as she pulled out a small box of chocolates. “My dad bought these for me from his trip. I told him to get you some.”Stacey smiled and hugged her. “Thank you.”“You saw the information in the group chat?” Lily asked.“No. What is it?” Stacey frowned.“We’re meeting in the general class for our project announcement.”“Oh…” Stacey’s brows creased. “I didn’t see that.”“Well, we should start heading there. And why don’t you bring your phone to school? This message was sent ten minutes ago.” Lily raised a brow.“My mum won’t let me. She says it’s a distraction.”Lily’s nose widened. “Well, she has a point, but you need it for information, and you’re in your finals.”“I’ll talk to her,” Stacey said as she stood.Lily stood too, and they walked to

Stacey slammed the door behind her, the moment she got home, the sound echoing sharply through her room. Her chest tightened, the knot of frustration and anger coiling like a living thing. She peeled off her uniform with a hiss, tossing it onto the chair, and slipped into a fresh set of clothes. Hissing again as she settled onto the bed.She grabbed her phone and typed quickly:Stacey: Hey… so, about the project. Are we working together or separately?Her thumb hovered over the screen as she stared at the ceiling. Minutes crawled by. Then finally, a buzz.Derick: Let’s just work separately.Stacey: What? Why?Derick: I think it’ll be easier this way. Then we meet a day before the presentation.Stacey: Seriously Derick, this is our school our grades are at stake now, let’s put whatever we have aside.Derick: Yeah, they are aside already that’s why I said we work separately.Stacey: This isn’t a joke Derick, so stop. Derick: Stacey, please I just think it’s better this way.Stacey: Bet

Stacey walked into school the next morning like a storm contained in human form. Every glance that flicked toward Derick felt like a spark threatening to ignite the tension coiling in her chest. She held her head high, jaw tight, shoulders squared, projecting a calm she didn’t feel. Inside, however, her anger roared like wildfire. Each step toward her locker was measured, deliberate. She ignored the passing whispers and sideways glances of classmates, but every time Derick’s gaze landed on her, her teeth clenched.In the hall, he caught her eye once, but that fleeting moment was enough to ignite a flare of frustration she struggled to control. She didn’t acknowledge him, forcing herself to focus on her bag, her books, and her breathing. She refused to give him the satisfaction of a response. Each time she felt his eyes linger, her pulse accelerated, and a low hiss of irritation escaped her through clenched teeth.By the time classes ended, her focus was razor-sharp. She navigated the

Crossing Lines“Grrrrrghh…”The loud ringing of Stacey’s phone greeted her the moment she stepped into her room. She rushed toward it, heart thudding, convinced it was her mother calling with information. Lily’s name flashed on the screen instead.“Lily,” she answered quickly.“Stacey, have you checked the group chat? We are having a mock presentation tomorrow, and you and Derick are the second to present,” Lily said, panic seeping into her voice.“What? I haven’t. I’m just getting home… oh, Lily.” Stacey was already panting, exhaustion clinging to her limbs. She tossed her bag onto the bed and ran a hand through her hair. “Thank you. Let me call Derick.”She ended the call and took a deep breath before dialing his number. It rang endlessly. No answer.Stacey shut her eyes tightly and exhaled, her fingers tapping anxiously against the mattress. She tried again. Still nothing.“Oh God,” she muttered, swallowing hard.She stood up and began to pace, the phone clenched in her hand as she

“And if I don’t become an accountant, I’d love to become the CEO of a beauty company,” Lily mimicked Stacey as they stood in line waiting to collect their lunch.Stacey laughed, heartily. “You should be a motivational speaker, Stace,” Lily said.Stacey’s eyes widened. “Are you for real?”“Yes. You speak well,” Lily replied genuinely. “I am so proud of you.” She added softly and pulled Stacey into a brief side hug.“Thank you,” Stacey said, her lips trembling. “Honestly, when I saw your smile, I got the confidence I didn’t know I needed.”“Stacey, are you going to cry?”“Maybe,” Stacey admitted, and a tear slipped free.“Oh, Stacey, don’t cry, okay,” Lily said quickly, wrapping her arms around her. Stacey hugged her back instantly, breathing her in.The attendant cleared her throat, and they broke apart with embarrassed smiles. They collected their food and turned, only to realize several students were staring at them.“You did well, Stacey,” a girl said from the crowd.“Yes, Stacey, y