THE PARTY PROPOSAL

The next day at school, the halls buzzed with chatter about the upcoming weekend party. Apparently, it was the social event of the semester, hosted by none other than Dylan's best friend, Jake, whose parents were conveniently "out of town." Layla barely had time to sit down at her usual corner in the library before Mia plopped down across from her, her face alight with excitement.

"You're coming to the party, right?" Mia said, leaning forward like she'd already decided the answer.

Layla blinked, caught off guard. "What party?"

Mia groaned. "The party, Layla. Jake's place. Everyone who's anyone is going to be there."

Layla hesitated. Social gatherings weren't her thing. She liked her quiet weekends filled with books and the occasional Netflix binge. The thought of cramming into some stranger's house with loud music and sweaty teenagers didn't exactly scream fun.

"I don't know, Mia," Layla said, closing her notebook. "Parties aren't really my scene."

"They're not anyone's scene until they go to one," Mia argued, folding her arms. "Besides, it's not just a party. It's the party. Even Dylan's going to be there."

Layla's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. She hated how just hearing it had that effect on her. "Dylan?" she repeated, trying to sound casual.

"Yup," Mia said, her grin widening. "And so is Finn, by the way. The bad boy and the golden boy, under one roof. It's like the start of a teen drama, and you, my friend, are the leading lady."

Layla rolled her eyes. "You've been watching too much TV."

"Maybe," Mia admitted, "but that doesn't change the fact that you need to come. You're always stuck in your own little world, Layla. Live a little. Have some fun."

Before Layla could argue, a shadow fell over their table. Both girls looked up to see Dylan standing there, his hands shoved in the pockets of his letterman jacket.

"Hey," he said, his warm smile making Layla's stomach flip.

"Hey," Layla managed to reply, her voice coming out softer than she intended.

"You're coming to Jake's party, right?" Dylan asked, tilting his head slightly.

Mia nudged Layla under the table, hard. "Of course she is," Mia said quickly, answering for her.

Layla opened her mouth to protest, but Dylan's smile widened. "Cool. I'll see you there, then."

And just like that, he walked off, leaving Layla staring after him.

"You're welcome," Mia said smugly.

Layla groaned. "What did you just sign me up for?"

That afternoon, as Layla walked home, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread creeping up her spine. A party meant mingling, which meant potential awkwardness. And with both Dylan and Finn there, things were bound to get messy.

Speaking of Finn, he was waiting at the corner near her house, leaning casually against his motorcycle. Layla froze for a moment, unsure if she should turn around or keep walking. But Finn had already seen her.

"Layla," he called out, his voice low and smooth.

She sighed, crossing the street toward him. "What are you doing here?"

"Relax," he said, smirking. "I'm not here to cause trouble. Just thought I'd say hi."

"Hi," she said flatly, adjusting the strap of her backpack.

Finn chuckled, clearly amused by her tone. "So, I hear you're going to Jake's party."

Layla frowned. "How do you know that?"

"Small town," he said with a shrug. "Word gets around."

She folded her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. "Are you going?"

"Maybe," Finn said, his smirk deepening. "Would it matter if I was?"

"No," Layla said quickly, a little too quickly.

Finn stepped closer, his dark eyes locking with hers. "Good. Because if I do go, it'll be to make sure you stay out of trouble."

Layla's breath hitched, her heart doing that annoying fluttering thing again. "I can take care of myself," she muttered.

"Sure you can," Finn said, his voice teasing. "But I'll be there just in case."

Before she could respond, he swung a leg over his motorcycle and started the engine. "See you Saturday, Layla."

And with that, he sped off, leaving her standing there, her emotions swirling in a confusing mix of irritation and...something else.

By the time Saturday rolled around, Layla was a bundle of nerves. Mia had spent the entire afternoon helping her pick out an outfit, finally settling on a simple but flattering black dress.

"You look hot," Mia declared, giving Layla an approving nod.

Layla stared at her reflection in the mirror, feeling anything but. "I feel ridiculous."

"Trust me," Mia said, grabbing her purse. "You're going to be the star of the night."

Layla wasn't so sure, but she didn't argue.

As they arrived at Jake's house, the sound of music and laughter spilled out onto the street. The place was packed, with people spilling onto the lawn and porch. Layla swallowed hard, suddenly wishing she'd stayed home.

"Come on," Mia said, grabbing her hand and pulling her inside.

The house was a blur of lights, noise, and people. Layla stuck close to Mia, trying not to panic. But then she spotted Dylan across the room, laughing with a group of friends, and her nerves eased just a little.

"Go talk to him," Mia whispered, giving her a gentle shove.

Before Layla could respond, Dylan looked up and met her gaze. His smile was instant, warm, and inviting.

"Layla," he called out, motioning for her to come over.

As she made her way through the crowd, she didn't notice Finn standing in the corner, his eyes tracking her every move.