Chapter 5: A Night to Remember

The Annual Fundraiser Gala was happening on Friday evening at Ridgewood High. It was an event that helped to raise money for school programs through the combined efforts of students, teachers, and parents in a semi-formal setting. Aria didn't want to attend but since the competition leader must attend, he was going to represent his team.

As she looked in the mirror, she fiddled with the lavender dress. The fabric was soft and flowy and it accentuated her figure. In addition, the straps were cute. Sophie sat on her bed and smiled.

"Ethan is going to lose it when he sees you'" Sophie teased.

Aria rolled her eyes. "This isn't about him. "I'm trying to show the school that I mean business.".

"Of course," sighed Sophie, smirking. But that doesn't mean you can't look gorgeous while doing it.

---.

The Gala.

The gym of the school was decorated with colourful fairy lights, arrangement of tables and a stage for the guests' speeches and performances. Aria stepped in the room and looked for Mrs. Patel.

"Looking for me?A voice she knew said something behind her.

Aria looked at Ethan, who was wearing a black suit instead of his usual casual clothes. Paraphrase this (7 words):

Most people are late, but he's not.

"You look really great," she said, obviously surprised.

Ethan smirked. "You look incredible, Bennett".

Her cheeks were warm from surprise at his compliment, but soon, she recovered! Don't make it a habit.

"Of course not," he replied, looking longer at me before he stepped aside. "Shall we?".

Aria agreed, and as the crowd passed by, they were being greeted and asked about their project.

---.

The Unexpected Dance.

The slow song played as the night went on and the couples danced as they started getting up. Aria stood by the punch and snack table, watching the dancers with mild interest.

"Care to join me?Ethan's voice interrupted her train of thought.

She looked up with surprise, finding him holding out a hand. "What?".

"It's a dance, Bennett. Do you know how to dance, right?".

I know how," she said defensively, "but why would I dance with you?".

Because everyone is watching, Ethan said with a slight nod. "We can persuade people that we are in harmony if we wear the same colour, as Laura said."

Though Aria hesitated, he had a point. With reluctance, she placed her hand in his; he took her to the dancing area.

As they started moving, she felt like he was very comfortable and moved easily to the music. His hand is loose on her waist while his other holds her hand tightly.

"You're full of surprises tonight," she said quietly.

Ethan chuckled. The same could be said for you.

The world seemed to disappear for a moment. The tension couldn't be felt anymore. The space in between them softened. Aria's heart raced and she couldn't tell if it was because of the dance or because of how Ethan was looking at her.

"I know," he said quietly, looking at me, "you're not as annoying as I thought".

"Don't get too big for your boots," she say, though she didn't sound very annoyed.

Though smirking, Ethan's expression softened when the song came to a close. They stepped apart; the moment which passed between them was evocative.

---.

The Aftermath.

When Aria went to bed, she thought about that night. She had to admit something was different between her and Ethan. The lines for competition and were looking very hazy.

In his room across town, Ethan stared at his phone. After a long time, he felt uncertain for the first time in years. He always treated Aria as someone who would be able to return the blows as fast as he can. But tonight, she felt like more than that.

They both didn't know what the future holds, all they knew that this was just the beginning of their story.