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Anthony snorts. “Good luck getting Nathan to do anything school-related that’s not absolutely required.”

“Are you going with someone?” I ask Anthony to change the subject and take my mind off the sting of Nathan’s response. I might not be allowed to go, but he didn’t need to be so horrified at the idea.

“Yeah, I asked Kenzie Hunter last week,” he replies nonchalantly.

I shouldn’t be surprised by that. In fact, I probably should have said Anthony’s name during that fateful meeting with Paul. Anthony is such a flirt, he would’ve loved it and I bet we wouldn’t have all this weirdness I’m feeling with Nathan.

“I’m out. That’s my LARPing night and I’m not missing it,” John replies.

“Has your mom softened about the dance?” Hoshiko asksme.

I shake my head. “Well…she didn’t say absolutely no, but when she says ‘we’ll see,’ it usually means that a no will be coming before long.”

Her whole body deflates. “You’ve got to work on her, then. What will I do without you there? We never miss a chance to get dressed up and go dancing.”

“I will,” I say, but my attention is caught elsewhere. “What about you, Lucas?” I ask. “Any interest in school dances?”

“Uh, I don’t know. Maybe.”

His eyes flick to Hoshiko long enough to make me smile shrewdly. She squeezes my leg under the table and I stand up. “We’re going to the bathroom.”

“Have fun talking about us!” Anthony calls as we hurry away. I practically squeal.

“What’s going on?” I ask as soon as we’re far enough away from them. “I’m definitely getting vibes between you and Lucas!”

Her cheeks are pink. “He hasn’t asked me yet, but I think he wants to. Maybe he’s just scared?”

“Oh my God, that’s too cute. Do you want to go with him?”

We push open the bathroom door and stand in front of the mirrors. She bites her lip and nods. “Yeah, I think I do.”

I squeal again. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised. Lucas is a nice guy, but he isn’t someone I would have seen with Hoshiko. For the last year she’s talked about finding a tall hot dancer so they could perform together and do all the viral TikTok dances. I can’t imagine Lucas doing intricate choreography, but if she’s happy, then I’m all for it.

“Am I crazy?” she asks.

“No! If you like him, then you should do it! I think you’d have a good time.”

She checks her hair and looks up at the ceiling. “Yeah? Except I don’t even know if he’s going to ask me. There’s not much time left.”

I laugh. “You could always ask him if you’re worried. But he definitely wants to ask you. He’s clearly besotted with you.”

“Ooh, nice use ofbesotted.What about you, though?” She turns to me with an arched eyebrow.

“What? There’s nothing going on.”

“Oh really, Miss About Fell Over When Nathan Kissed Her Hand?”

“Hoshiko!” I bend over to make sure no one is insidethe stalls. When I’m sure we’re alone, I drop my face into my hands. “Was I really that obvious?”

“You wear your emotions on your face. Though I don’t think Nathan has learned to read them yet.”

“At least I have that.” I groan. “Ugh, I don’t know what’s going on. I can’t keep up with my own reactions. We hate each other…we’re friends…we flirt…it’s all fake…I have no idea.” I start laughing at the ridiculousness and she does the same.

“He’s probably just hiding what he feels. If you press him, he’ll go to homecoming with you. I’m sure of it.”

“Ifmy mom even lets me go. And either way, I’ve already pressed him enough. I only started this with him to prove a point to Paul and we’ve done that. It doesn’t need to keep going.”

“I don’t see you telling Nathan that.”