As we stepped back into the vibrant atmosphere of the dance, all eyes turned to Minerva, and I couldn't help but share the same reaction as everyone else. Wide-eyed and mouth agape, they swarmed around her, showering her with compliments about how incredible she looked. In just one night, she had transformed from one of the witches of Fairy Tail Academy to one of the most popular girls in school. And she knew it. She reveled in the attention, barely acknowledging my presence.

Deciding to let her bask in her moment, I made my way to the punch bowl for a drink. There, I was greeted by Cana, Lucy's best friend, who wore a light-blue dress similar in style to Lucy's but less sparkly.

"Nice dress," I said.

"Thanks! Nice suit," she replied, eyeing my scarf. "It's a nice change from the usual tie."

"Where's Lucy?"

"In the bathroom, checking her makeup for like the twentieth time," she chuckled. "She really wants to look her best tonight. After all, it's her crowning moment—literally."

"I don't get what the big deal is about the whole spring court thing. It's just for one night."

"Actually, in Lucy's case, it's for two years. Fiore started this tradition years ago where the spring princess becomes the town's princess for two years, becoming the face of the community. She makes appearances at events like store openings, garden parties, and picnics."

"And let me guess, if Lucy wins, it'll be great for her dad's career?"

"Exactly. That's why her dad wants her to win, but her reasons run deeper than that."

"Lucy? Deep? That's about as deep as a puddle. So, on a different note, where's your date?"

"Didn't have one. Went solo."

"Well, my date seems to have forgotten about me, so do you want to dance?"

"Sure."

We set our punch glasses down and stepped onto the dance floor, swaying our hips while we talked. I always liked Cana; she was popular yet stayed true to herself. People like that are rare, especially in a private school. We chatted and laughed, enjoying ourselves, until someone grabbed my shoulder and jerked me back. I initially thought it was a jock wanting to cut in, but to my surprise, it was Minerva. I never imagined a girl could have such a powerful grip.

"Why are you dancing with her?" she demanded. "You're supposed to be dancing with me!"

"You were busy," I replied. "But if you want to dance, let's dance."

"That's not the point! Do you know how stupid I looked when everyone saw my date dancing with another girl?"

"It was just a dance."

Minerva's eyes narrowed, frustration radiating off her. "Just a dance?" she repeated incredulously. "You think it was just a dance? This isn't just about having fun; it's about image and who I'm seen with. I thought you understood that."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my cool amidst her intensity. "I get that it matters to you, but you were surrounded by people fawning over you. I figured you'd want to soak that in, not worry about me. I didn't think it would be a big deal."

Minerva crossed her arms, her expression softening just a fraction. "It is a big deal to me. I need you to be there for me, not off dancing with someone else. Can't you see how that looks?"

"Okay, I get it," I replied, trying to understand her perspective. "But you have to give me a little credit. I didn't mean to upset you. If you want to dance, let's do it."

She hesitated, glancing back at the bubbling crowd around us, before letting out a reluctant sigh. "Fine. Let's dance."

As we stepped back onto the floor, I felt the tension between us begin to dissolve, even if only slightly. I took her hand, pulling her close, and we swayed to the music. I could feel her pulse quickening, and I wasn't sure if it was from the excitement of being on display or something deeper.

"You know, you could try to enjoy this a little more," I suggested, attempting to lighten the mood.

"I know," she admitted, her voice barely audible above the music. "It's just... I never wanted to be the center of attention. But now that I am, I want it to be perfect."

"Perfection is overrated," I said, hoping to ease her worries.

What was her problem? It seemed like everything I did tonight set her off. Sure, I may have messed up with the flower, but giving it to Lucy and then dancing with Cana was nothing to get upset about. She was acting like some jealous ex-girlfriend from a movie like Fatal Attraction, and it was making me uncomfortable.

In that moment, two voices echoed in my head. One, sounding a lot like my sister's, urged me to flee: "You need to get away from this girl right now! There's something seriously wrong with her! Don't just stand there and dance! Run! Run, you fool!"

The other voice, my own, reasoned: "She's probably never been to a dance with a boy before and is worried this is some cruel prank. After all, rumors said Glen was going to try something like that tonight. Just grin and bear it; remember, it's only for one night."

Finally, the moment arrived to crown the spring prince and princess. They didn't even need to announce it; we all knew who would win: Glen Grisham and Lucy Heartfilia. As soon as their names were spoken, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, watching the two step onto the stage to be crowned. Well, everyone cheered and clapped except for Minerva.

She glared at Lucy, gnashing her teeth, her eyes ablaze with fury. She was angry that the attention had shifted from her to Lucy. Was that what this was all about? Her need to outshine Lucy? Well, she'd have to get in line; hundreds of girls had been trying to do that.

Minerva stormed out, and I followed her to check if she was okay. Then she did something completely unexpected. She grabbed me and pulled me into a passionate kiss, her tongue invading my mouth as if trying to choke me. Don't get me wrong; I'm a teenage boy with the same desires and hormones as anyone else, but this was too much.

I shoved her away.

"Come on!" she insisted, reaching for me inappropriately. "Let's get it on!"

"What, are you crazy?! Get the hell off me!"

I shoved her harder this time, enough that she stumbled back. Maybe that was too harsh, but she was crossing a line, and I wasn't offering up anything. You don't grab a guy's junk if he doesn't want you to.

"I'm sorry," I offered, extending my hand to help her up. "I didn't mean to push that hard. You just freaked me out back there."

She slapped my hand away and stood up so quickly it was as if she floated off the ground. Suddenly, I felt like a flock of black crows was watching me, contemplating whether to swoop down and peck out my eyes. Fun fact: a group of crows is called a murder, and for a moment, I felt like one was about to be committed tonight.

"You don't think I'm as pretty as little miss princess in there?!"

"No. You're a good-looking woman, really, but that doesn't mean I want you touching me! I barely know you!"

Minerva's expression twisted into a mix of fury and hurt, her eyes narrowing dangerously. I could tell I had crossed an invisible line, but I honestly didn't know how to backtrack. She was a storm, and I was standing in the eye of it, completely bewildered.

"You think I'm ugly?" she spat, her voice a sharp whisper cutting through the noise of the dance behind us. "That's why you won't be with me? Just because I don't have a crown like Lucy?"

"No, it's not that!" I protested, trying to keep my voice steady despite my rising panic. "I just—look, this isn't about looks. It's about respect. You can't just grab someone like that, Minerva. I didn't mean to upset you, but—"

But she wasn't listening. Her eyes glinted with furious determination, and I could see the gears turning in her head. "You think you can just reject me and get away with it?" Her voice was low, almost menacing. "You don't know who you're dealing with."

Before I could react, she waved her hand in a sudden, sharp motion. A swirl of energy enveloped me, and I felt strange—sick to my stomach, as if I were going to throw up. My body began to shift and contort, the world around me growing larger. I let out a startled croak as I transformed, my limbs shrinking, my voice morphing into a series of strange noises.

"Ribbit!" Was what came out of my mouth. "Ribbit! Ribbit!"

I heard Minerva unleash a dreadful cackle as she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a compact mirror, setting it down in front of me. When I caught a glimpse of my reflection, a scream escaped my lips.

I was a frog!