Haru looks at me. “What happened?”
“It’s not my favorite story,” I say.
Haru pulls me a little closer. “You don’t have to share it tonight,” he whispers. “But I’m honored to be your first.”
We continue our dance in silence. Not a single car passes down the road to interrupt us. It’s like we’re the only two people awake in the city. But I have to ask him something. “Haru… where is the music coming from?”
He tilts his head, listening. “Does it matter?”
I don’t have to think about it. I already know my answer.
“No. It doesn’t.”
I keep my head against his chest, wishing the song would last the rest of the night. For a brief moment, I think about something else. If someone came down this street, what would they see? Maybe the answer to that doesn’t matter, either. Because I can feel him here with me.
Thirteen
ELEVEN MONTHS AGO
Headlights flash through the kitchen window. I keep turningmy head, wondering if that’s him.
“Can you stop moving? I’m trying to tie this.”
“Do I really have to wear it?”
“I told you, it goes with your shirt,” Jasmine says.
Daniel should be here any minute now. It’s homecoming of senior year. I’ve never been to a school dance before. Jasmine came home for the weekend to help me get ready. She tightens the knot of Dad’s tie around me and straightens my collar. “Okay, there,” she says.
I check my phone. “I knew he would be late.”
“Are the others waiting at the restaurant?”
“No, it’s just us.”
Jasmine smiles. “Glad you guys are talking again.”
Daniel and I haven’t spoken much lately. Things have been different since I saw him kissing Leighton at the party a few weeks ago. They became official recently, posting stories together on Instagram. I thought I wouldn’t hear from him for a while. But he texted me the other day, asking if I would be his date tonight. Leighton is in Florida with his family thisweekend. I know we’re only going as friends, but I can’t help thinking something more could happen. Maybe this is my chance to show him we’re meant to be together.
I send Daniel another message.
text me when you leave
I grab some water and head to the living room. Headlights shine through the window. But it’s just the neighbor’s car again. I take a seat on the sofa, waiting for Daniel to arrive. He was supposed to be here at seven. That was half an hour ago. At one point, Jasmine comes to check on me.
“Is he almost here?”
“He should be on the way,” I say.
Jasmine lingers a moment before heading back to her room. I keep checking my phone, expecting a text from him with an ETA. His mom is supposed to be driving us there tonight. Daniel said she wants to get some photos of us together, which is sweet. They must have stopped somewhere along the way.
I glance out the window and sit down again. Why hasn’t he said anything yet? We’re going to miss our reservation at the restaurant. At one point, I go outside and wait on the front porch. It’s a little chilly tonight. But I don’t bother to head back in to grab a jacket. I’m sure he’ll be here any second now. I just sit on the steps until Jasmine comes outside looking for me.
“What’s taking him so long?” she says.
“He’s just running late.”
“You should try calling him.”
