This year's prom theme was "Out of this world". Of course, it was a space theme, Dib thought.

As Dib and Gretchen entered they were immediately engulfed in the dark room, illuminated only by rotating stars coming from a projector.

Dib was suddenly caught off guard by Gretchen nervously taking his hand.

"You-you wanna dance?" she stuttered.

A light blush snuck up on Dib's face. "Uh, sure I guess."

With a bit more confidence, Gretchen pulled Dib to the dance floor. They interlocked hands and did some awkward back-and-forth movements.

Dib was interrupted when he heard a distinct laugh in the distance. He looked past Gretchen to see Zim; chatting it up with Zita. He wore a dark magenta suit that almost resembled his invader uniform. He looked…nice? Dib shook off the thought. No way. What was he thinking? Zim looked stupid trying to pull off human clothes and he knew it!

"Dib? Are you okay?" Gretchen started to notice him spacing out.

Dib shook his head, coming back to reality. "Oh, yeah! Yeah I'm fine…" he said unconvincingly.

Gretchen's expression became concerned. "You sure? You seem like there's something you need to talk about?"

"No!" Dib exclaimed. "I-I mean, I'd rather not, if that's okay…look, I'm sorry. Let's just keep dancing."

They tried to continue but the mood was gone. Their movements became slower and more awkward. After a while, Dib spoke up.

"I'm gonna go get some punch," he said. "Sorry I-I just need a minute."

"Oh, okay. No worries," Gretchen replied, but there was a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Dib scooped up a cup of punch and anxiously chugged it down in one gulp. Why was he so nervous? Zim hadn't even done anything yet! No, he had to keep an eye on him! But why couldn't he just enjoy himself for one night? He finally found one person who actually liked him! So why didn't he seem to like her back? What was wrong with him?

He didn't have long to dwell in his thoughts.

"Greetings, Dib-human!" Zim sneered. "Fancy meeting you here!"

Dib almost felt the punch come back up. "H-hey Zim" Oh god why was he responding?

"You know I honestly didn't expect to see you here," Zim said with a mischievous grin. "I didn't think you'd want to be around so many people who hate you."

Dib felt his blood starting to boil. "As a matter of fact Zim," Dib said. "Gretchen asked ME out first. What kind of tricks did you have to pull to get Zita to come with you?"

"Me and the girl human are not 'going out' as you humans say," Zim said in a slightly disgusted tone. "We simply decided to come together as friends. It just so happens we have quite a lot in common!"

"Oh really?" Dib raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Like what?"

"Well for starters we both find you hopelessly annoying," Zim answered with a cackle.

Dib rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this."

He went back to find Gretchen, who was sitting alone on the gym bleachers.

"Sorry about that," Dib said as he sat down next to her.

Gretchen sighed. "It's okay," she replied. "I just wish you would tell me what's going on."

Dib took a deep breath. "I'm sorry it's just…I can't stop thinking about Zim," he started to explain. "It's like he's infiltrated my brain! I just know he's up to something I just can't figure it out!"

Gretchen's expression turned to annoyance. "That's it?" she asked flatly. "Dib, if you wanted to go with Zim you could've just said no to me. No need to "

"WHAT!?" Dib exclaimed. "That is NOT what's happening!" His face burned with anger and embarrassment. "I'm trying to save everyone! They're all just too blind to notice that Zim's planning something bad!"

"Sure Dib," Gretchen sighed and got up. "You know, I really liked you for a long time and I thought I could help you, but I guess you're just too obsessed with Zim to ever change. Goodbye, Dib." Tears filled her eyes as she walked away to the opposite end of the gym.

Dib felt like he was feeling every emotion at once. His expression turned to a mix of anger, sadness, and confusion. He blew it. He found the one person who actually liked him, and he blew it. Maybe he WAS crazy. He'd never felt this upset before. It was like every bad thing that ever happened to him was bubbling to the surface all at once. He wanted to disappear. To just move to a whole new planet where nobody knew him.

He felt even worse as he heard the DJ announce the final dance; a slow dance. Dib felt horrible. He looked to see Gretchen slumped over at the other side of the gym. This was all she wanted and he ruined it. Just like he ruins everything.

Suddenly, Dib remembered why he was there. This would surely be the time Zim would enact his plan! He scanned the gym for any sign of Zim. His eyes landed on him, still chatting with Zita by the speakers. Then he saw him start to walk away. This was it! This was his chance!

Dib rushed down the bleachers toward Zim. He reached out his hand and then…

There was a gasp. The room went dark except for a single spotlight that Zim and Dib found each other under, their hands interlocked. All they could do was stand there, practically frozen. Dib found himself getting lost in Zim's uncanny periwinkle contacts. He was so close he could almost make out the texture of his skin!

Zim stared back at Dib for a few seconds before his face broke into a mischievous grin. He quickly, without warning spun Dib around and dipped him so that Zim was looking down at him.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you~"

Dib's eyes went wide and he let out a small whimper he hoped nobody heard.

Their faces started to move closer. It started to feel like they were the only people in the world. Dib raised a hand, almost caressing Zim's face until...

Dib snapped back to reality. He pushed Zim off of him and ran out of the building.

Zim sat up from being pushed to the floor so suddenly. He rubbed his head and looked to where Dib had run. He was gone.