By the next morning, Dylan's viral stunt had gone from Ridgeway High gossip to a full-blown internet sensation. Everywhere Mia turned, people were glued to their phones, laughing at clips of Dylan twirling in a pink tutu or dissecting the meme-worthy moment in group chats. The school hallways buzzed with excitement, and Mia couldn't escape the whispers that seemed to follow her everywhere she went.
"Oh my God, isn't she the girl Dylan talked to in the courtyard yesterday?" one girl whispered loudly as Mia passed by.
"Yeah, they were sitting together. Think they're a thing?" another girl replied, giggling.
Mia buried her face in her locker, willing herself to disappear. She'd spent years perfecting the art of blending in, and now, thanks to Dylan, she was suddenly under a spotlight she hadn't asked for.
As she grabbed her books and slammed the locker shut, Claire appeared beside her, grinning like a cat who'd just caught a canary.
"You're practically famous by association," Claire teased. "I mean, people are calling you Dylan's muse online. Have you seen the fan edits? They're actually kind of sweet."
Mia groaned. "Don't remind me. This whole thing is getting out of hand."
"Out of hand? This is high school gold!" Claire exclaimed. "Most people would kill to be part of something this epic. You're living the dream, Mia!"
"Yeah, well, it feels more like a nightmare," Mia muttered, slamming her locker shut.
Claire smirked. "So, what's the plan? Are you going to ride this wave of fame or try to go back to being invisible?"
"Option B, definitely," Mia said without hesitation. "I just want everything to go back to normal."
Claire opened her mouth to reply, but the sound of a basketball bouncing down the hallway cut her off. Both girls turned to see Dylan approaching, spinning the ball on his finger with his usual swagger.
"Speak of the devil," Claire murmured, elbowing Mia.
Dylan stopped in front of them, his grin as infuriatingly charming as ever. "Ladies," he said, nodding at Claire before turning his attention to Mia. "Ready for the big day?"
Mia frowned. "What big day?"
"The pep rally, of course," Dylan said, as if it were obvious. "Coach wants me to do a little something to hype up the crowd. You're coming, right?"
Mia blinked. "Why would I go to the pep rally?"
"Because," Dylan said, leaning in closer, "you're my good luck charm."
Claire let out a dramatic gasp. "Did you hear that, Mia? You're his good luck charm. This is serious."
"Don't encourage him," Mia said, shooting Claire a glare.
Dylan chuckled. "Come on, Mia. You can't hide forever. Besides, you might actually have fun for once."
Before Mia could come up with a retort, the bell rang, signaling the start of first period. Dylan gave her a quick wink and sauntered off, leaving her standing there with her thoughts spinning in circles.
Claire nudged her. "You know, he's not wrong. You could use a little fun."
Mia sighed. "Fine. I'll go. But only because you'll never let me hear the end of it if I don't."
The gym was packed by the time Mia and Claire arrived for the pep rally. Students filled the bleachers, the air buzzing with anticipation. A group of cheerleaders practiced their routines on the sidelines, and the school band was warming up in the corner.
Mia scanned the crowd nervously, half-expecting to see her name plastered on a banner or something equally mortifying. But to her relief, most of the attention seemed focused on Dylan, who was standing with his teammates near the center of the court.
As the rally began, the cheerleaders performed a high-energy routine, and the band played a rousing version of the school fight song. Mia tried to blend into the crowd, but it was hard to ignore the occasional glance or whispered comment directed her way.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the center of the court. Dylan stepped forward, holding the basketball under one arm and wearing an expression that was equal parts confidence and mischief.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer boomed, "the one, the only… Dylan Westwood!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as Dylan took a mock bow, basking in the attention. Then, with a flourish, he tossed the basketball into the air, caught it behind his back, and spun it on his finger.
"Think they're ready for this?" Dylan asked, his voice carrying over the microphone.
The crowd roared in response.
With that, Dylan launched into a series of trick shots and stunts, each one more outrageous than the last. He dribbled the ball between his legs, spun it off his elbow, and even managed to dunk it while wearing a blindfold.
But the grand finale was what really brought the house down. Dylan disappeared behind a curtain for a moment, only to re-emerge wearing the infamous pink tutu. The crowd went wild, their cheers echoing through the gym as Dylan strutted across the court, twirling like a ballerina.
Mia couldn't help but laugh, despite herself. As much as she hated the chaos Dylan brought into her life, there was something undeniably endearing about his ability to own every moment, no matter how ridiculous.
When the rally ended, Dylan was swarmed by fans and teammates, all eager to congratulate him on another unforgettable performance. Mia tried to slip out unnoticed, but Claire grabbed her arm.
"Oh no, you're not getting away that easily," Claire said, dragging her toward the court.
Before Mia could protest, they were standing in front of Dylan, who was still grinning like he'd just won the lottery.
"So, what'd you think?" Dylan asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"It was… something," Mia said, trying to keep her tone neutral.
"Come on, you loved it," Dylan said, nudging her playfully.
Mia rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Maybe a little."
Dylan laughed, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the gym. But the moment was short-lived, interrupted by the flash of a camera.
"Smile, lovebirds!" someone shouted, snapping a picture.
Mia's face turned beet red as the crowd around them erupted into laughter and cheers. Dylan, however, seemed unfazed.
"Guess we're official now," he joked, throwing an arm around her shoulders.
Mia pushed him away, her heart racing. "You're impossible," she muttered, but there was no denying the warmth spreading through her chest.
As they left the gym, Mia couldn't help but wonder what she'd gotten herself into. Being around Dylan was like riding a rollercoaster—thrilling, unpredictable, and completely out of her comfort zone.
But as scary as it was, part of her couldn't wait to see where the ride would take her next.