Disclaimer: Grand Chase and the characters mentioned in this story do not belong to me, obviously. They all belong to KOG Studios.


'So, Lire already got a prom date,' thought Ryan. 'Ain't no big deal…'

Ryan lied; it was a big deal. Well, for him at least.

'Just coz she has a prom date now, doesn't mean I can't have a dance with her. A dance would be enough.'

Ryan lied; he wanted more than just a dance with her. He wanted to be her prom date.

'It's just a date. It ain't the end of the world.'

Ryan lied; he felt as if his world was already ending at that moment.

Ryan forcefully stabbed his steak with a fork, scaring his friends and other students who sat near him at the school cafeteria. Why was he so worked up over this? This wasn't like him at all. He had seen Lire interact with male students countless of times before. He had seen her write a love letter to a guy before. He had heard her talk fondly about a guy before. He had even helped her buy ingredients she needed to make a chocolate for Valentine's Day before. For years he had been friends with Lire, never did he feel so much jealousy in his heart. So he asked himself, 'Why now?'

Ronan and Lass exchanged a worried look. Their friend looked empty, and they weren't used to seeing him like that. They tried talking to him, but he just won't say a word. They got nothing; not even a simple nod or glare. He had been like that since yesterday when they learned that Lire already had a date for the prom.

Ryan remained quiet the entire time until he heard a familiar voice calling his name. His heart skipped a beat. It knew who the owner of that voice was, and Ryan wished it didn't. Hesitantly, Ryan turned around to face the person who just called him. It was Lire, and she was smiling at him, like always.

"Lire," Ryan finally spoke. "What's up?"

"Nothing much. I just remembered that our conversation was cut short yesterday. You were asking me about something, right? What was it about?" she asked, still smiling at him.

Oh, how he loved that smile. It always brightened up his day whenever he saw it. Yet for some reason, today was different. Today, it made his heart ache so much instead.

Lire waited for Ryan to speak. She seemed to be eager to hear his question. Too bad for her, Ryan didn't see the point of asking her that question anymore.

"It's nothin'. Please forget 'bout it," said Ryan while avoiding eye contact.

Lire frowned. From what Ronan and Lass could see, she looked very disappointed. It was as if she was expecting something, yet failed to hear it.

"Oh! I see," said Lire with a smile that looked different from her usual. "Well, if you say so."

Ryan didn't say anything. What was there to say anyway?

"I'll see you guys later then!" said Lire before leaving.

"'Later'… I wonder 'bout that…," mumbled Ryan with a voice that slightly hinted hurt and regret.


Classes ended early that day and club activities were suspended in order to give the juniors and seniors time to prepare themselves for the prom night. Most of the female students have already left school, while some of the male students decided to visit the nearest arcade center first before going home. Their reason: it was still early to go home and prepare. After all, they didn't need to spend too much time worrying about their hair, and they didn't need make-up either.

Ryan, on the other hand, was already at home. Not sure what to do with the event later that evening, he decided to spend his time in their garden, tending the various plants he and his sister grew there together.

Gardening had always been one of the things that made Ryan feel calm and at peace. It was definitely one of the activities he enjoyed doing the most. It seemed to be working well for him as he lost track of the time until his sister appeared, reminding him of the event he didn't want to think about. He still wasn't sure if he wanted to go. Half of him didn't want to go and see his childhood friend with someone else. The other half wanted him to still give the prom a go. While debating over this matter with himself, he suddenly realized something—he didn't have anything to wear for the prom. Just as he thought he finally had an excuse not to attend, he was proven wrong when his sister told him she had already dealt with that problem. Ryan was clearly taken aback, yet his sister only told him to go and prepare already, much to his chagrin.

Ryan headed to his room and saw a suit neatly placed on his bed. Albeit he had informed his sister about the prom last minute, Ryan was surprised to know that she was able to prepare something for him. Taking a closer look at the suit on his bed, he realized how she was able to do this feat. The suit was actually their father's. It was one of the dozens of suits their father had bought yet never got time to wear because of work. Ryan stared at it and let out a sigh. It wasn't that he didn't like the suit. Truth to be told, he and his father share the same taste in clothing. Then what was wrong? Well, he can't quite point it out, to be honest.

Still staring at the suit, he was eventually shaken up when his phone went off. Reaching for his phone, he clicked his tongue when he saw who texted him. Hesitantly, he opened the text message and saw a picture attached with a caption saying, "Ain't fun without you."

Ryan groaned. They sure had the guts taking a picture and sending a message to him. Minutes later, another text message arrived and it also had a picture attached. Ryan opened it and saw his best friends standing like soldiers while pointing at the huge signboard above them. The signboard read, "Gaia's Garden".

Ryan looked at the picture with an eyebrow raised. Puzzled, he promptly typed a reply to his friend.

Ryan: Wait a sec there. What are ya guys doin there?

Lass: lmao for the prom ofc

Ryan: what?

Lass: this was the agreed venue. ya didn't know?

Ryan: won't ask if I knew.

Lass: haha well, come on here quick.

Lass: wait, check this out

Another picture was sent. It was a picture of a garden with various nocturnal plants. The caption read, "This place needs its forest king."

Ryan shook his head while trying to suppress a laugh. He totally felt the need to punch his friends on the guts. He looked at the picture again, admiring the magnificent garden. His interest piqued, he now had a reason to attend the prom. And so, Ryan prepared himself and hurriedly made his way to the venue. He looked at his wrist watch and smiled, 'Still got myself some time. That's good.'


Upon arriving at the venue, Ryan can't help but be amazed by the beauty of the venue's huge garden. At the entrance, Ryan was greeted by gorgeous Four O'Clocks of various colors. He saw a bunch of red, yellow, pink, blue and white ones planted as hedges for the promenade walk. He loved the fact that you can smell the flowers' outstanding fragrance as you walk down the path towards the function hall.

Being there felt like a dream for Ryan. He didn't care if he looked like a fool while enjoying the nature around him. He didn't care if he looked weird grinning ear to ear due to extreme happiness. He didn't care if someone laughed at him for being a nerd when it comes to plants. He loved the place and that's all it mattered to him.

'The forest king has arrived!' he thought.

Ryan snapped out of his reverie when he heard two male voices calling out his name. He turned towards them, a bit upset that his moment was interrupted.

"I almost thought you won't come! You had me worried over there," said his blue-haired friend who obviously looked relieved. Ronan looked like a perfect gentleman, Ryan noted. Ronan wore a tailored white suit with not a simple crease or speck of dust on them. Underneath lay a black shirt and a tie that matched the color of his hair and vivid eyes. He also sported smart shoes polished to the point where you could see your reflection on them.

"You worried for nothing. I told you he'd come as soon as he knew where the venue was," laughed the silver-haired boy who stood beside Ronan. Lass looked super cool in his black suit and blue shirt. And just like when wearing their school uniform, Lass didn't bother wearing a tie.

"Yeah, he sure did," nodded Ronan. "Now, this place has its forest king. And I must say, you sure are playing the role. I mean, just look at you, dude!"

Ryan stood straight, suddenly feeling conscious of himself. He was wearing a beige suit and underneath was a white shirt and a checkered green tie. His hair was neatly combed. It was a bit strange seeing him without his usual spiky hair, but one would have to admit that he looked really charming.

"Woah! Is that you, Ryan?" The president of the Gardening Club was just passing by when the trio have caught her attention. "You look really great! I almost didn't recognize you!"

Embarrassed, Ryan scratched the back of his head. "Thanks, Pres. That aside though, ya look stunning yourself!"

The president of the Gardening Club giggled and thanked her vice-president before heading inside the function hall. The trio eventually followed after her.


Entering the function hall, you could hear the music playing accompanied by the chatter and laughter of the students who were already inside. While some of the students, especially the seniors, were busy taking selfies or group pictures with their friends, some were already hogging the fruit punch. There were some students who were busy reapplying make-up. And there were also some students who kept walking around the lounge area.

The trio was guided by an usher to their designated table which was conveniently next to the buffet table. The boys groaned as the aroma coming from the buffet table made their mouth water. As Ryan took a seat, however, he can't help but marvel at the venue's décor. The hall looked magnificent thanks to the motif of violet, white, and gold. The tables were neatly placed at both sides, making the center serve as the main dance floor. There was also a stage that would probably be used for the opening ceremony, as well as the crowning of the Prom King and Queen. But what made the venue look completely breathtaking, in Ryan's opinion, was the fact that one could see the garden's beauty thanks to the glass windows.

When everyone was in the venue, the Turn-Over Ceremony was held. This signaled the start of the event. The seniors from the Student Council stood at the center of the dance floor and recited something important that Ryan didn't really bother listening to. After the speech from the senior officers, the outgoing President of the Student Council handed a huge key that was meant to represent the Key of Responsibility to the juniors. The incoming Student Council President stepped forward and accepted the Key. She then proceeded to recite the Acceptance Speech.

Ryan can't help but feel bored while watching the whole Turn-Over Ceremony. He yawned as he watched a representative from the senior class light a torch and pass it on to a representative of the juniors. Drowsiness finally left Ryan when he saw his childhood friend made her way to the dance floor. She looked really beautiful in her lime ball gown. It was as if Ryan was looking at a royal princess. He then noticed that she was holding a flower.

Ronan nudged him as all students were asked to proceed to the dance floor and form a circle. The students were meant to exchange flowers and candles. The female juniors pinned flowers to the male seniors, who in turn gave them candle, while the female seniors gave candles to the male juniors, who in turn gave them flowers. When the whole exchange was finished, the students returned to their seats by pairs.

When everyone was seated, the emcees finally took over and announced dinner, much to the celebration of Ryan and Lass. After having their share from the buffet table, the three boys happily ate their dinner. Half an hour later, when most of the students were already done eating, the emcees finally announced the start of the cotillion dance.

Everyone took out their cameras and phones and readied to record the presentation. As the participants of the cotillion made their way to the center of the dance floor, every student squealed and cheered for their classmates and upperclassmen, making the venue really noisy. It didn't help that most of the girls squealing were fangirls of the Basketball team's MVP. That's right; Lass participated in the cotillion dance, much to the surprise of his friends.

After the cotillion dance, the other students were now allowed to go to the dance floor. This was the so-called "First Dance" and most of the students were dancing with their "date". Ryan groaned as soon as he saw his two best friends stood up and made their way to the ladies' table. He watched as Ronan carefully took Elesis' hand and escorted her to the center of the dance floor. They were followed by Lass and Arme, who seemed to be enjoying themselves. While watching his friends dance, he eventually found himself looking for a certain girl in a lime ball gown.

'I really wonder who that lucky guy is…' thought Ryan as he took a sip from his fruit punch.


A/N: And here I thought I'd never finish this chapter. I honestly had a hard time writing this chapter because I was so worried about the transition, descriptions and all that. I think it took me a week before finally making the final revision that I'm happy with. I know most, if not all, know how a prom goes. The way I'm describing the events were based on how the prom from my school took place. So if it sounded different, that's the reason why. Anyway, thank you so much for reading and I hope you liked this chapter. I would love to hear what you thought about this so reviews are highly appreciated! And now, let's get on to the last chapter!