The school was gearing up for its biggest annual event—the Festival. The bustling corridors buzzed with chatter as students exchanged ideas and plans. Among them, Aubrey, the president of the Creative Arts Club, made her way to the meeting room. Her friends Lacey, the student council secretary, and Mauve, captain of the volleyball team, were already waiting for her, mischievous grins plastered on their faces.
"Look who finally decided to show up," Mauve teased, nudging Aubrey as she took her seat.
"Yeah, you’re just in time. We were starting to wonder if you were hiding from someone," Lacey chimed in, her tone dripping with mock suspicion.
Aubrey rolled her eyes, already used to their antics. "Very funny, you two. I had to finish the posters for the art exhibit, unlike some people who just show up to look pretty."
Before they could respond, the door creaked open, and Alexis, the student council president, walked in. The room seemed to still as she entered, her confident stride and poised demeanor commanding attention. Aubrey felt her heart skip a beat, a reaction that hadn’t gone unnoticed by her friends.
"Oooh, here she comes," Mauve whispered, leaning closer to Aubrey. "Your special someone."
"Shut up," Aubrey hissed, her cheeks already turning a light shade of pink.
"Good morning, everyone," Alexis greeted, her warm smile lighting up the room. She glanced at Aubrey and gave her a small nod, which only made Aubrey more self-conscious.
As the meeting commenced, Alexis led the discussion, her voice calm yet authoritative. She outlined the plans for the event, encouraged collaboration among the clubs, and emphasized the importance of teamwork. Aubrey, however, found it hard to concentrate. Every time Alexis glanced her way, she felt a flutter in her chest.
When the meeting finally ended, Aubrey breathed a sigh of relief. She was gathering her things when Mauve suddenly grabbed her by the arm.
"Hey, Alexis’s still here," Mauve said, a wicked grin forming on her face. "Go talk to her."
"I’m not—just leave me alone," Aubrey stammered, trying to pull away, but Mauve wasn’t having it.
"Relax, we’ll help you," Lacey added, pulling out her phone. "In fact, let’s get a picture of you two. For… posterity." Her mischievous tone was anything but subtle.
Before Aubrey could protest, Mauve pushed her toward Alexis, who had just finished packing up her notes. The sudden movement caught Alexis’s attention, and she turned around, curious.
"Aubrey, what’s going on?" Alexis asked, her head tilting slightly in amusement.
"Uh… Lacey wanted a picture," Aubrey mumbled, avoiding eye contact. She could feel her face burning.
"A picture?" Alexis raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Sure, why not?"
Lacey eagerly positioned herself to take the photo, while Mauve nudged Aubrey closer to Alexis. The gap between them closed, and Aubrey felt like her heart might burst out of her chest. Alexis, seemingly unfazed, placed an arm lightly around Aubrey’s shoulders.
"Say cheese!" Lacey chirped, snapping the picture.
As the moment ended, Alexis chuckled and turned to Aubrey, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So… you haven’t told them yet that we’re already dating?"
The room fell silent. Aubrey’s eyes widened in horror as her friends’ jaws dropped in unison.
"Wait, WHAT?" Mauve exclaimed, looking between Aubrey and Alexis like she’d just uncovered the world’s biggest secret.
"You’re dating?" Lacey repeated, her voice high-pitched. "All this time, we’ve been teasing her for being too chicken to even talk to you!"
Alexis laughed, clearly enjoying their stunned reactions. "Well, now you know. We’ve been together for a couple of weeks." She glanced at Aubrey, who was still frozen in embarrassment. "You didn’t think I’d let you keep this a secret forever, did you?"
Aubrey buried her face in her hands. "I hate you all," she mumbled, though the slight smile on her lips betrayed her words.
"Okay, okay, this changes everything!" Mauve said, clapping her hands together. "First, you owe us details. Second, Aubrey, you sly fox!"
Lacey nodded, still in shock but grinning. "This festival just got way more interesting."
As her friends continued to tease and bombard her with questions, Aubrey finally looked up at Alexis, who gave her a reassuring smile. Despite the chaos, she couldn’t help but feel a little relieved. At least now, the secret was out.
The laughter and teasing carried on for several minutes as Aubrey’s cheeks refused to cool down. She felt caught in a whirlwind of emotions—embarrassment, relief, and, oddly enough, a bit of pride. Her friends might be relentless, but the truth was finally out. Alexis stood calmly beside her, looking utterly at ease as if she had orchestrated the entire thing.
"Okay, but seriously," Lacey said, still clutching her phone like it held the holy grail. "How? When? And most importantly, WHY didn’t you tell us?"
"Yeah!" Mauve chimed in, leaning on the back of a chair. "We’ve spent weeks crafting elaborate plans to push you two together. Do you know how many times we had to subtly suggest you ask Alexis for help on some random project?"
Aubrey groaned, her hands covering her face again. "I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d react like this," she muttered.
Alexis chuckled, her expression softening as she glanced at Aubrey. "To be fair, it wasn’t exactly Aubrey’s idea to keep it a secret. I thought it might be fun to let her work up the courage to tell you herself."
"Wait, you thought this was fun?" Aubrey said, finally looking up, her expression a mix of exasperation and affection. "I’ve been dying of stress every time these two started teasing me about you!"
"Well, you handled it better than I expected," Alexis replied with a playful smirk. "Mostly."
Lacey let out a dramatic gasp. "So Alexis’s the mastermind here. Aubrey, you’ve been dating an evil genius this whole time!"
Mauve grinned, nudging Aubrey again. "Honestly, I’m impressed. I didn’t think you had it in you. But now that we know, we’re gonna need all the details. Come on, spill."
Aubrey hesitated, glancing at Alexis, who nodded encouragingly. "Fine," she said, sighing. "It started after the last student council meeting. I was helping her clean up the room, and we just… started talking."
Alexis leaned against the table, her arms crossed, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It wasn’t just talking. You spent twenty minutes debating with me about which color scheme would work best for the festival banners."
"It was an important decision!" Aubrey defended herself, her voice rising slightly. "Anyway, one thing led to another, and we just… clicked."
"Clicked?" Mauve repeated, raising an eyebrow. "That’s it? No grand romantic confession? No awkwardly bumping into each other in the library and dropping books everywhere?"
"Sorry to disappoint," Alexis said with a shrug. "It was actually pretty straightforward. I liked her, she liked me, and we decided to give it a shot."
Lacey placed a hand over her heart, feigning heartbreak. "I can’t believe Aubrey, of all people, had a romantic moment without us knowing. This is betrayal."
"Get over it," Aubrey said, rolling her eyes. "It’s not like I owed you a play-by-play."
"Maybe not," Mauve said, her grin turning devious, "but you owe us a celebration. How about this—double date during the festival? Lacey and I will come up with some ridiculous reason to make it happen, and you two can enjoy your not-so-secret romance."
Aubrey groaned again, but Alexis smiled. "Actually, that sounds fun. What do you think, Aubrey?"
"Do I have a choice?" Aubrey asked, though her lips twitched into a reluctant smile.
"Nope!" Lacey and Mauve said in unison, high-fiving each other.
As the teasing subsided, the group started packing up to leave the meeting room. The atmosphere had shifted—it felt lighter, warmer, and more connected. Aubrey’s embarrassment was still simmering under the surface, but she couldn’t help feeling a little grateful. Her friends might be nosy, but they genuinely cared about her happiness.
Just as they reached the door, Mauve turned back with a sly grin. "Oh, and Aubrey?"
"What now?" Aubrey asked, exasperated.
"Don’t think we’re letting you off the hook just because you’re dating Alexis. We’re still going to tease you every chance we get."
"Great," Aubrey muttered, though her smile betrayed her sarcasm.
Alexis laughed, taking Aubrey’s hand as they walked out. "Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. Sometimes."
"Sometimes?" Aubrey asked, looking up at her with mock indignation.
"Well, it’s good for character development," Alexis teased, squeezing her hand gently.
As the four friends made their way down the corridor, the excitement for the upcoming festival mingled with the thrill of a new chapter in Aubrey’s life. Whatever challenges or teasing lay ahead, she knew she had a strong support system—and a partner who made it all worthwhile.
The teasing didn’t stop, of course. If anything, it escalated in the days leading up to the Festival. Lacey and Mauve took every opportunity to bring up Aubrey and Alexis’s relationship, whether it was with sly comments during lunch or dramatically pretending to “accidentally” bump into the pair in the hallways.
Aubrey, to her credit, was starting to get used to it—or at least, she was better at hiding how flustered she felt. Alexis, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the chaos, her easy going nature making it impossible for Aubrey to stay annoyed for long.
One afternoon, the group gathered in the student council room to finalize plans for the festival. The room was bustling with activity, papers spread across the large table as the various club presidents and council members debated schedules and logistics.
“Alright,” Alexis said, her voice cutting through the chatter. As always, her calm authority brought the room to attention. “We’re almost there. Aubrey, how’s the progress on the art exhibit?”
“We’re on track,” Aubrey replied, flipping through her notes. “The banners are done, and the installations are nearly complete. We’ll need a few volunteers to set up on the morning of the festival, but other than that, we’re good to go.”
“Perfect,” Alexis said with a nod. “Lacey, what about the logistics for the food stalls?”
“Handled,” Lacey said, tapping her clipboard. “Vendors are confirmed, permits are in order, and we’ve got a team ready to manage the crowd flow.”
“And Mauve, how’s the sports demo coming along?” Alexis asked.
“Smooth sailing,” Mauve said, leaning back in her chair. “The volleyball team’s got a killer routine planned. Guaranteed to wow the crowd.”
Alexis smiled, pleased with the progress. “Great work, everyone. This is shaping up to be our best festival yet.”
As the meeting wrapped up, Lacey and Mauve exchanged knowing looks. They’d been unusually quiet during the meeting, which Aubrey found suspicious. She was just about to ask what they were up to when Mauve stood up, her trademark mischievous grin firmly in place.
“So,” Mauve began, drawing out the word. “Since everything’s under control, how about we talk about the real pressing issue?”
“What issue?” Aubrey asked warily, already sensing trouble.
“The Aubrey and Alexis double date during the festival,” Lacey said, her tone saccharine sweet. “We’ve been brainstorming ideas, and we think it should involve something super romantic. Like, oh, I don’t know, a stroll through the art exhibit under fairy lights.”
“Or,” Mauve added, “a surprise serenade by the music club.”
“Stop,” Aubrey groaned, her face heating up. “We are not doing any of that.”
“Why not?” Lacey said, feigning innocence. “You’re the president of the Creative Arts Club. Shouldn’t you embrace the romance?”
“Lacey,” Alexis interjected, her voice calm but amused. “As much as I appreciate your creativity, let’s not overwhelm Aubrey. The festival’s already a big event.”
“Fine, fine,” Lacey said, waving her hand dismissively. “But don’t think this is over. We’ll find a way to make it memorable.”
Aubrey sighed, shooting Alexis a grateful look. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Alexis said, her lips curving into a playful smile. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t enjoy a serenade.”
Aubrey groaned again, burying her face in her hands as Lacey and Mauve burst into laughter.
The day of the festival arrived, and the campus was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. The courtyard was filled with colorful stalls, music echoed through the air, and students and families wandered between the various attractions. Aubrey’s art exhibit was a hit, the carefully curated pieces drawing crowds of admirers.
Alexis, true to her word, stayed by Aubrey’s side whenever she could, offering quiet encouragement and the occasional teasing remark. Aubrey found herself relaxing despite the chaos, the warmth of Alexis’s presence grounding her.
As evening fell and the fairy lights illuminated the campus, Lacey and Mauve appeared, dragging Aubrey and Alexis toward the main stage.
“What now?” Aubrey asked, exasperated but smiling.
“You’ll see,” Lacey said, her grin devilish.
The music club had taken the stage, and as the first notes of a slow, romantic tune filled the air, Lacey and Mauve turned to Aubrey and Alexis.
“Dance,” Mauve said simply.
“What? No way,” Aubrey protested, her eyes wide.
“Come on,” Alexis said, her voice gentle as she held out a hand. “It’ll be fun.”
Aubrey hesitated, but the warmth in Alexis’s eyes gave her courage. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand in Alexis’s, letting her lead her into the makeshift dance floor. The crowd cheered as they began to sway to the music, and for a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of them.
“You’re doing great,” Alexis whispered, her voice soft.
“Thanks,” Aubrey said, her cheeks pink but her smile genuine. “You’re not bad yourself.”
As the song ended and the crowd erupted into applause, Aubrey glanced over at Lacey and Mauve. They were both cheering loudly, their earlier teasing replaced by genuine pride and joy for their friend.
At that moment, Aubrey realized something important. Despite their antics, Lacey and Mauve had always been her biggest supporters. And with Alexis by her side, she knew she could face anything—even her friends’ relentless teasing.
The festival's energy seemed boundless as the night deepened, the fairy lights casting a soft glow over campus. Aubrey stood near the art exhibit, feeling a wave of satisfaction as visitors admired the pieces her club had worked so hard to prepare. Beside her, Alexis stood with her hands in her pockets, radiating her usual calm confidence. Aubrey felt a mix of pride and nervousness—she wasn’t used to this much attention, and having Alexis close only amplified her self-consciousness.
"You’ve done an incredible job," Alexis said, her voice quiet but warm. She gestured to the centerpiece installation, a stunning mural Aubrey had painted with her team. “It’s inspiring. You should be proud.”
Aubrey glanced at Alexis, her heart skipping a beat at the genuine admiration in her eyes. "Thanks," she murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It wasn’t just me, though. The club worked hard too."
"And their leader made it all possible," Alexis replied with a small smile. "Don’t sell yourself short."
Before Aubrey could respond, Lacey and Mauve appeared out of nowhere, their energy as chaotic as ever.
"Aubrey!" Lacey exclaimed, waving her phone excitedly. "Guess what we just heard?"
"Whatever it is, I don’t want to know," Aubrey said quickly, already bracing for the worst.
"Too bad!" Mauve said, grabbing Aubrey’s arm. "The music club’s doing an encore performance, and they’re taking requests. Lacey and I already signed you and Alexis up for a dedication!"
Aubrey’s eyes widened in horror. "You what?"
"Relax," Lacey said, clearly enjoying Aubrey’s reaction. "It’s just a fun little shout out. You two are basically the festival’s ‘it’ couple right now."
Alexis chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "We are, huh? I didn’t realize we’d become celebrities."
"Don’t encourage them," Aubrey groaned, shooting a pleading look at Alexis. "Please."
But before anyone could say more, the speakers crackled to life, and a cheerful voice announced, "This next song is dedicated to our very own Creative Arts Club president, Aubrey, and Student Council president, Alexis. Here’s to teamwork—and maybe more!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, turning to look for the pair. Aubrey felt like melting into the ground, her face burning brighter than the string lights above.
Alexis, ever composed, leaned closer and whispered, "Want to make a quick escape?"
"Yes," Aubrey said immediately.
"Too late!" Lacey and Mauve chimed, each grabbing one of Aubrey’s arms and pulling her toward the makeshift dance floor in front of the stage.
As the music started—a gentle, upbeat tune that seemed perfectly timed to the festival’s ambiance—Alexis took Aubrey’s hand again. This time, Aubrey didn’t resist. The embarrassment was still there, but the warmth in Alexis’s gaze made it bearable.
"You’re going to owe me after this," Aubrey muttered as they began to dance, swaying in time with the music.
"Deal," Alexis said with a soft laugh. "But you have to admit, it’s kind of fun."
Aubrey couldn’t deny it. Despite the teasing and the spotlight, there was something magical about the moment. The music, the lights, the festival’s cheerful energy—all of it blended into an experience she knew she wouldn’t forget.
The song ended to another round of applause, and this time, Aubrey found herself laughing along with Alexis. Her friends were insufferable, yes, but she couldn’t deny that they had a knack for creating unforgettable memories.
As the festival began winding down, the group found themselves sitting on the bleachers overlooking the sports field. The once-busy festival grounds now glimmered with remnants of light and laughter, the lingering hum of joy still palpable in the air.
“That was… a lot,” Aubrey admitted, leaning back against the cool metal of the bleachers.
“A lot of fun, you mean,” Mauve corrected, tossing a piece of popcorn at Aubrey. “Come on, admit it—you loved every second.”
“Sure, let’s go with that,” Aubrey said, catching the popcorn and throwing it back at Mauve.
Lacey grinned, snapping another photo of the group. “You two stole the show. Everyone’s going to be talking about this for weeks.”
“Great,” Aubrey said sarcastically. “Just what I wanted.”
Alexis chuckled, draping an arm casually around Aubrey’s shoulders. “You’ll survive. Besides, it’s not every day you get serenaded in front of the entire school.”
Aubrey looked up at her, her initial embarrassment giving way to a shy smile. “Thanks for sticking with me through all of this.”
"Always," Alexis said simply, her tone sincere.
Lacey and Mauve exchanged a look, their teasing smiles softening into something more genuine.
“You know,” Mauve said after a moment, “we give you a hard time, but we’re really proud of you, Aubrey. You’ve grown a lot this year.”
“Yeah,” Lacey agreed, leaning her head against Mauve’s shoulder. “And seeing you happy with Alexis? Totally worth all the teasing.”
Aubrey’s heart swelled at their words. She glanced at Alexis, who gave her a small, encouraging nod. For the first time in a long while, Aubrey felt a deep sense of contentment—not just with the festival’s success, but with the people who surrounded her.
As the stars twinkled above and the laughter of her friends filled the night, Aubrey realized something important. This was more than just a festival. It was a moment of connection, a celebration of friendships and growth. And with Alexis by her side, she knew this was just the beginning of something truly special.
The night ended with a group photo, their faces glowing with joy and laughter. Aubrey knew she’d look back on this moment for years to come—not just as the night she braved the spotlight, but as the night she fully embraced the love and support of those around her.
And maybe, just maybe, she’d even admit that the teasing wasn’t so bad after all.