[04:55 AM]
F4 Baycoa
The night had been almost impossible to sleep through. The adrenaline coursing through their veins made it feel like the beginning of a revolution—or its end. With just four people leading them, the chances of success seemed slim, yet possible. This small group had never really found a better option, always stuck in the middle of the good and the bad.
That early morning, they packed their things into a military vehicle. Danny had to forcibly break through the metal "wall" separating the two sections of the vehicle. Now, they were all together. They packed everything they needed for the operation: sabotage uniforms, their bags, ammunition they'd scavenged, and rifles.
This time, Owen was driving. It had been the best choice. Danny's shoulder needed rest, Alex could barely sit due to the pain, and Vanessa needed to keep an eye on him. They never knew if his condition could worsen at any moment. Although their argument from the previous day hadn't been resolved, it didn't seem to create any tension among them.
Their route took them through forests. While this was the most dangerous path, they knew it was the best way to avoid the military. With the tall trees and thick woods, even a helicopter wouldn't spot them. Owen drove quickly, not wanting to waste time. No one seemed particularly upbeat, and that's when he knew what he needed to say—just like every time before.
"You know what just came to my mind?" Owen spoke up, trying to break the silence.
"Go ahead, surprise us," Vanessa replied, her voice tired and uninterested.
"Our graduation," Owen said, and immediately everyone was curious. What could possibly remind him of graduation in the middle of this situation?
"Which part exactly? When you wore Vanessa's heels? Or when you were crowned?" Alex teased, cracking a smile.
"Actually, the picture of the four of us came to mind first," Owen said, and a faint smile appeared on everyone's faces. That graduation had been unforgettable, but after it came something else even more unforgettable, but far less pleasant.
In the silence that followed, Vanessa began rummaging through her bag. The quiet continued until she pulled her hand out in front of Owen's eyes.
"Is this what you're thinking of?" she asked, showing him the photo on her small camera. The four of them. Vanessa and Owen were on the left, standing elegantly, looking as if they owned the night and could be crowned king and queen of the prom. On the right were Danny and Alex, more relaxed, and it seemed like they hadn't stopped smiling.
FLASHBACK
06.06.2024
Sabvurg High School, Prom Night, 7:12 PM
Just like in every high school, a group of students was about to graduate and leave behind their teenage years. Four years of adventure and education had come to a close, and for them, it felt like an official end. It was a warm June day, and the prom was held in the school hall. Students arrived individually, starting at 7 PM when the party would begin. In a few days, diplomas would be handed out, and they would officially never return to their classrooms.
The DJ was playing music as students arrived, grabbing drinks and taking pictures by the school sign, labeled "Class of 2024." A lot of students had already arrived, but, of course, there were those who were late.
"Where are they? Vanessa promised she wouldn't be late," Alex said, slightly frustrated. It had happened before. They'd agreed to meet at a certain time, and Owen and Danny were there, as always. But Vanessa and Alex were the ones always running behind. They waited outside the hall, and the song "Meet Me Halfway" played in the background.
"There are a few reasons they're late. Either Vanessa is still mad at me or her heel broke," Danny said, adjusting his collar.
As for their outfits, they hadn't coordinated, but it turned out to be a coincidence. Both Owen and Danny wore burgundy, though Owen had a burgundy blazer with a white shirt, black pants, and black shoes. Even though he loved blue and purple, he felt they didn't suit his blue eyes and blue jacket. On the other hand, Danny wore a black shirt with rolled-up sleeves, a burgundy vest over it, and matching burgundy shoes. His long golden hair was swept to the right side. For prom, he had taken off his glasses, so his eyes looked even smaller than usual.
Just as the next song started, a car pulled up to the parking lot. They hoped it was them, and their wish came true. Alex got out of the passenger seat, looking unrecognizable in his new outfit. He wore high-heeled shoes, which peeked out from beneath his long, black, slightly bell-bottomed pants. He wore a silver diamond choker, a black vest, and a backless jacket that left his shoulders exposed. The car door opened, revealing a white diamond-studded heel, followed by her—Vanessa. With platinum hair in loose curls, red lipstick, and dramatic eyeliner, she looked every bit the diva of the evening. Her dress was long, black, and elegant, and the white fur draped around her shoulders, paired with black gloves, completed her look.
As the car drove off, the familiar duo approached the two waiting outside.
"When you said you'd be authentic, I didn't think you'd skin a polar bear for that fur," Owen teased as Vanessa approached, pretending to be annoyed.
"Are we doing this now?" Vanessa asked, rolling her eyes.
"And is this a coincidence, or are you two trying to match with your outfits?" Alex joked, pointing at Owen and Danny.
"Coincidence. And you're trying to look taller," Danny replied.
"Well..." Alex looked at Owen, then raised his hand over his head, comparing it to Owen's, showing that he was an inch taller. "I think I succeeded," he teased.
"I'll laugh so sweetly when you trip in those heels," Owen shot back. Then he turned to Vanessa and extended his hand for her to take.
"Shall we?" he asked. She smiled and took his hand.
"I'm going to shove that crown down her throat," she muttered under her breath as she took Owen's hand, and the couple headed inside, followed by Danny and Alex, both with their hands in their pockets.
The thing was, both Vanessa and Owen were among the most attractive students at school, which meant that if they made a good comeback at prom, they could win the titles of Prom King and Queen, which was exactly their plan. Vanessa wanted to get back at a girl named Catie, who had always made things difficult for her.
At the start, they went to take pictures to mark the moment. To make sure they were noticed, Vanessa and Owen needed to be at the center of attention. That's why they split up. They danced, drank, and enjoyed the compliments and votes from all around them. Meanwhile, Alex and Danny hung out on the sidelines, sipping punch that didn't even taste like real punch. They weren't big fans of crowds or the party scene, but at least they had each other to talk about their geeky hobbies.
As the lights went down and the light show began, everything stayed the same, except Danny noticed something about Alex. He bent down to him.
"Those glitter particles really go well with your eyes," Danny said. Alex was surprised. He hadn't expected Danny to notice such a small detail. It was actually Vanessa's idea. Alex had been hesitant to do something like that because of certain people, but Vanessa wanted him to feel special and limitless on this day, which he certainly did, based on his appearance.
"Thanks. That was Vanessa's idea... and you didn't miss when you picked that combo," Alex responded with a compliment of his own, but Danny, being Danny, didn't quite understand. Alex quickly realized this.
"I mean, you look good, Dan," he said, smiling. Danny finally smiled too, once he realized he had received a compliment.
The night went on until midnight when the winners were announced. As expected, Vanessa and Owen were crowned Prom King and Queen. Despite rumors that they were a couple, they had used their friendship, beauty, and others' gossip to claim the titles. Afterward, the four of them were together. They brought two social outcasts from the shadows to join them and stayed in the center of the party until the very end. Dancing and having fun, they officially marked the night as the end of high school. They were somewhat sad that this chapter was over, that they wouldn't see each other in the hallways anymore, but they knew nothing could tear them apart.
END OF FLASHBACK