you sat down at your lunch table next to your boyfriend, (let's call him nick) leaning in to quickly peck his lips.
"hey baby," he said.
"hi." you smiled and began eating your lunch. your friends were having a conversation but your attention was drawn to something, or someone, else.
the table next to you was known as the table for the cheerleaders. they all sat there, every day. you noticed a boy from your math class walking up with a rose in his hand. zach herron. he was crazy smart and everyone made fun of him, calling him a nerd and other horrible names. you often felt bad for him, but you didn't know what to do.
he went up to one of the cheerleaders, chloe, and smiled nervously at her. you assumed he was asking her to the upcoming homecoming dance, since he had the rose.
chloe turned to her friends and laughed, then laughed at zach. she took the rose and threw it into the trash can nearby, laughing with her friends. you felt a sudden pain in your stomach, you felt so guilty.
zach looked so hurt, like he was about to cry. he turned and ran out of the cafeteria.
"i'll be back," you told nick. he nodded and you stood up, quickly chasing after zach. you found him sitting in an empty hallway, crying into his knees.
"zach," you said softly.
"i'm sorry, i'll leave, don't hurt me." he quickly stared to stand up but you put your hand on his arm to stop him.
"no! stay, please," you said. he looked at your arm, then back at your face.
"i can't do your math homework, i'm sorry."
"no zach." you chuckled. "um, i saw what chloe did to you back there."
"it was my fault. i don't know why i thought she'd say yes." he shook his head.
"she should've. you're an amazing guy zach. you're so smart and sweet and caring. it's her loss, don't think too low of yourself," you told him.
"thanks." he smiled. you nodded and started to walk away.
"wait y/n!" he called. you turned back around.
"hm?"
"will you go to homecoming with me?" he asked.
"zach, i have a boyfriend." you looked at him sadly, seeing him frown.
"oh, okay."
"but you could come with us. my other friends don't have dates, we're going as a big group. you wanna join us?" you asked.
"yeah sure!" he exclaimed, smiling brightly.
"here, take my number and i'll give you all the details later."
"okay cool!" he chuckled.
"cool. i'll talk to you later." you smiled and headed back towards the cafeteria.
the night of homecoming had arrived and you were waiting in your living room for everyone to arrive. your friends were meeting at your house before the limo arrived.
nick had been the last to arrive, greeting you with a kiss and compliments on how beautiful you looked. you wore a dress of your favorite color, heels even though you knew you'd end up barefoot, and your friend had done your hair and makeup so you looked stunning.
"everyone's here, ready to go?" nick asked.
"wait, zach's not here yet," you said.
"why is he coming again?" nick asked.
