Noah dances with Jacob

They tossed out their cups in the large cans next to the punch station. Jacob held out his hand to Noah but Noah hesitated as his stomach started doing backflips. This was the last thing he wanted to do but he had already committed to salvaging his friend's night. With trembling fingers, he took Jacob's hand.

"I should warn you - I'm terrible at this," Noah mumbled as Jacob led them to the dance floor.

"Just follow my lead," Jacob chuckled, placing one hand on Noah's waist while keeping their other hands clasped. In that moment it wasn't only the corset that stole Noah's breath. He was hyper-aware of every point of contact as Jacob held him and from that close, he could smell Jacob's cologne something woodsy and warm.

Before Noah figured out where to place his free hand, the song ended before they could start slow dancing. Noah was relieved to be able to pull away and instead, just kind of shuffled around. The upbeat pop song that followed had Noah awkwardly swaying, trying to mirror Jacob's more natural movements. Despite his discomfort, Noah found himself smiling as Jacob executed an exaggerated dance move that made several nearby students laugh.

Noah attempted to copy him but stumbled slightly in his heels. Jacob caught his elbow to steady him, and Noah felt his face flush. "I told you I was terrible," he muttered.

"You're doing fine," Jacob assured him. "Just have fun with it!"

As they continued dancing, Noah started to relax marginally. He even managed a tentative twirl when Jacob raised their joined hands, his red skirts swishing around his legs. The motion actually felt... kind of nice.

From across the gym, Noah spotted Sarah's friends watching them with obvious displeasure. Chloe was whispering something to Diane while shooting daggers in their direction. Though he didn't understand why they were being so spiteful, Noah felt a surge of satisfaction seeing their annoyance.

"What are you smiling about?" Jacob asked.

"Oh, nothing," Noah replied quickly. "Just... having more fun than I expected."

Jacob beamed at that. "Yeah? I'm glad. I was worried when you disappeared earlier..."

"Sorry about that," Noah said sincerely. "I just kind of had a panic attack."

Jacob's face dropped, "I'm sorry, I wish I knew. Are you okay?"

"Nothing hiding in a high school bathroom for nearly an hour can't slightly alleviate," Noah chuckled, surprised at his own honesty.

Jacob didn't find it funny, however, "Hey, if this is all too much, I'm sure I could get Mr. Davis to let me take you home. You know, medical reasons."