"Ugh, do I have to?" An exasperated groan escaped my lips as I glanced down at the folded costume. Jason stood on the other side of the cabin, his arms crossed and his shoulder against the wall.
"Yep, I promised Mai I would make you participate." I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Why don't you have to participate?" I asked bitterly.
"I am participating..." he trailed off as he walked over to the nightstand and took out a pair of sunglasses. "See?" He said as he gestured to himself after putting them on.
"Your costume is literally just a pair of shades, a jacket and jeans. Why can't I do the same?" I grumbled.
"Sorry, it was the art teacher's only set. Now hurry up, we don't want to keep the ladies waiting." he said as he patted my shoulder and walked outside for a smoke. Reluctantly, I made my way into the restroom to get dressed. After nearly 15 mins of fiddling with the cuff links, a loud knock on the door made me jump.
"Come on dude, now's not the time to take a duâ" he stopped when I opened the door and shot him a disapproving glare. "Ha-ha-ha!" Jason burst out laughing when he laid eyes on me.
"That's it, I'm taking this crap off!" I hissed as I began to strip. "No, no! I'm just teasing!" He wheezed as he wiped a tear from his eye.
"It looks good." he said with a serious face as he placed a hand on my shoulder and stared at the mirror in front of us. "If you want to be a Ken doll ha-ha!" I rolled my eyes and stared at the reflection in the mirror. "Here." he said as he handed me a plastic crown.
"Aw hell no, I'm not wearing that!" I said as I crossed my arms.
"Come on dude, you know Mai put a lot of thought and work into your costume." he said as he held it out again.
"I'm gonna look ridiculous! More than I already do!" I groaned.
"Look, you and I don't really get this corny stuff, but girls love it. That's why I'm rocking my shades, I know Mai digs the bad boy look." He said as he combed through his greasy hair and adjusted his leather jacket.
"Oh yeah, you're so bad you don't have the guts to ask her out." I retorted as I took the comb from him and parted my hair.
"Hey, I wouldn't be talking if I were you Ramos!" He shot back.
"I have no idea what you mean." I replied as I adjusted my shirt collar and tie.
"Come on dude. You can lie to yourself all you want but you can't lie to me. I've known you for almost 5 years and I've never seen you this stupid for a girl before. Not even when you dated, she who will not be named..." he trailed off. My face grew hot with embarrassment.
"Is it that obvious?" I asked warily. He nodded. "I can't tell her Jase! Remember the last time I tried to make a move? She literally got up and ran away. What if she doesn't feel the same and I end up ruining our friendship?" I asked softly.
"Look, I know it's scary. Rejection is even scarier, but you're gonna have to tell her sometime." he said as he draped his arm around my shoulder.
"What about you? When are you going to tell Myra how you feel?" He stood up straight and adjusted his jacket once more.
"Tonight." My eyes widened.
"Really?" I asked skeptically.
"Yeah, it's time I sack-up and go for broke. I think you should do the same..." he trailed off just as a knock on the front door made us look up.
"It's probably Kyle." he said as he made his way towards the door.
"Kyle!? Why'd you invite that asshat?!" I groaned as I placed the mask on my face and followed behind.
"He basically begged to come with us, I think he wants to make a move on Allison" he trailed off just before opening the door.
"What's up dudes?" He said as he held his fist out to me for the second time that day. He was wearing a ridiculous knight costume, but I probably looked just as ridiculous as him. I stared at his fist coldly.
"You guys finish up, I'll go on ahead." I muttered as I brushed past him and made my way out into the field. The air was crisp, and the night was clear. The moon was large, and the grass was wet with condensation.
"Maybe Jason's right, maybe I should tell her..." my thoughts trailed off as I arrived at the gym. "Okay, here goes nothing." I muttered as I took in a deep breath and went inside. "Ugh...what am I even doing here? This event is ridiculous!" I thought to myself as I fiddled with my tie a few minutes later. Couples danced happily in the center of the room, making me anxious.
"Hello handsome." a familiar voice made me glance up. Allison stood a few feet away from me, two drinks in hand.
"Nice costume." I said as I studied her.
"I know, I look great." she said with a smile as she flicked her ponytail. I rolled my eyes and continued scanning the dance floor.
"You seem...distracted." She said as she walked over and handed me one of the red cups. I chugged the punch, then tossed the cup in the can next to me. "Why don't you treat me to a dance? Maybe it'll help you get your mind off things." She said as she hooked her arm around mine and pulled me towards the dance floor.
"Ally, no Iâ" "Come on Croy, just one dance!" She urged as she continued pulling me towards the crowd.
"No Alli I don't wantâ"
"I'll make you forget all your problems." she chimed as she placed my arm on her waist.
"I said no!" I hissed as I pulled back brusquely, her eyes widened.
"We've been through this Alli! I love you. You're one of my best friends, but I'm not interested in you!" I shouted over the noise of the speakers. Her emerald eyes watered.
"I just wanted a dance!" She snapped back.
"I can't indulge you Allison." I said as I glanced down at my boots.
"Why the hell not!?" she asked, her body shaking angrily.
"Because it'll mean something different to you." I muttered as I rubbed the nape of my neck.
"Why won't you give us a shot Croy!? Aren't I pretty enough for you!?" I shook my head.
"That's not it and you know it." I said sternly as I turned to walk away.
"It's because of her, isn't it!?" I glanced back but said nothing.
"Tell me, I deserve an explanation!" She shouted; her fists balled.
"Yes okay! It's because of her and what of it!?" I snapped back.
"Whomever I choose to love is none of your business! That's why things between us will never work because you don't know when to quit! You don't know how to step back and accept you've lost. Just give it a rest, have some dignity!" Tears spilled from her eyes as she turned around and walked angrily towards Kyle, who had just arrived with Jason. I let out an exasperated sigh as she took his hand and pulled him out towards the dance floor.
"Girls." I muttered to myself as I continued glancing around. "Where is she...?" My mind wandered as I continued to search.
"Hey there good looking, care for a dance?" An unfamiliar voice asked. I turned to see a brunette dressed in a Cat woman costume. Her lips were bright red, and she was twirling a leather tail in her hand.
"Sorry, I'm actually waiting for someone." I said sheepishly as I adjusted my tie.
"Your loss." She said with a wink as she strutted away.
"Maybe Mai knows where she is." I thought to myself as I turned to make my way towards the group. I was almost at the table when a loud voice caught my attention.
"Ow!!" A guy in a Superman costume hissed as he jumped on one foot.
"I-I'm sorry, I told you I don't know how to dance!" The girl he was with apologized. My heart sank when he grabbed her by the wrist forcefully.
"It's okay beautiful, you can always make it up to me." He said perversely as he tried to kiss her.
"Let go of me!!" She shouted anxiously as she struggled against his grasp.
"Don't get involved, it's none of your business..." I told myself as I continued walking. "Cut it out!!" she shouted anxiously.
"Damn it!" I hissed as I turned around and made my way towards them. "Hey, the girl said no. Leave her alone!"