The seat next to Niffty was empty on the school bus the next morning. You slowly approached, and this time she didn't turn you away.

"Hey. Can I sit here?"

Niffty lowered her head sadly. "Yeah."

You sat, resting your bag in your lap. There was an awkward silence as neither of you knew what to say. Should you apologise? Should you just strike up a conversation as if everything is back to normal? Things... were back to normal, right?

Finally, Niffty spoke quietly. "I'm sorry."

You took a sad, deep breath. "I'm sorry too. I never meant for things to turn out like that."

"It's ok. I probably should've listened to you instead of immediately assuming the worst, huh?" she giggled weakly.

You leaned closer to her, putting your arm around her and pulling her in for a gentle hug. "I don't blame you."

Niffty smiled and squeezed you back. "Love you, bestie."

It felt like the two of you were hugging forever, not on the noisy school bus anymore, but alone in your own little bubble of friendship.

"So," you began, finally parting from the hug, "what happened between you and Alastor?"

A huge smile spread across Niffty's face. "We're going to the dance together! He explained everything that happened, and said it's gonna be a double date with you and Husk - which reminds me, you never told me you liked him - and he said I'd look super cute in a lime green dress with a tiara-"

"I think I get the picture," you interrupted with a giggle.

The two of you entered class that morning arm in arm, as if to announce to class that you had resumed your friendship. Mr Pentious noticed and gave a nod of approval as you both took your seats.

A goofy smile was plastered on your face throughout the first half of class. You were just so happy to have your best friend back. All that was left to do was ask Husk to the Valentine Dance...

Butterflies surfaced in your stomach at the thought. It hadn't really crossed your mind before now, but you had never actually asked someone to a dance or on a date before. What were you supposed to say? Would he even say yes? What if he changed his mind about you? Your smile faded, replaced by a trembling, pounding heart.

You were still lost in thought when the bell rang, startling you back into reality. Niffty must have noticed the expression on your face, like a deer in headlights.

"Hey, are you ok?" she asked.

You forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm ok. Just a little nervous," you explained, gathering your school supplies and linking arms with your best friend as the two of you wandered out into the hall.

"What are you nervous about? You had this weird look on your face for nearly the whole class." She imitated, eye wide, mouth hanging open slightly.

You gave her a friendly nudge in the ribs. "I did not!"

"You did, you did!" she giggled. "Come on, you can tell me. We're best friends, right?"

"Well..." you began. "The thing is... I haven't actually asked Husk to the dance."

"What?" Niffty squeaked. "Why not? Alastor said you had."

"I'm going to. I just haven't done it yet. Do you remember that love letter I got?"

Niffty gasped. "That was from Husk? Oh my gosh, that's so cute! You have to ask him to the dance!" She stuck her tongue out playfully. "No backing out!"

As if on cue, the two of you spotted Husk alone at his locker, gathering books for the next class. After finding out your love letter was from him, it was like you were seeing him in a whole new way. A way that made your heart beat like crazy. A way that made your legs wobble, barely able to keep you standing. Those beautiful golden eyes, perfectly fluffy ears, adorable red bow tie... had he always been so handsome?

"Go on!" Niffty encouraged, giving you a gentle push in his direction.

No time like the present, and with the Valentine Dance happening that very evening, you figured this would be the last chance you got. You took a deep breath, steeling your nerves before striding over to the cat demon as confidently as you could.

"Husk!" you called out, a hint of shyness to your voice.

Husk shut his locker, ears perking up when he spotted you. "Oh, hey. What's up?"

"I just wanted to say thanks again for the other day. I really appreciated it."

He shrugged, averting his gaze. "It was nothing."

You smiled sweetly, playing with your hair nervously. "There was just one more little thing I wanted to ask. Is that ok?"

"I guess so."

"Will you go to the Valentine Dance with me, Husk?"

Husk immediately blushed scarlet. His mouth dropped open, but no words came out.

You giggled at his reaction. He was just so damn cute. "I really liked your letter, by the way."

He turned his back on you completely, unable to even look at you anymore.

"H-How..." He could barely choke the words out. "...did you... know?"

You shrugged, grinning mischievously. "Call it a hunch."