Caution and affection for Pyrrha win out.

Jaune's mind raced as he tried to come up with something to say, after some thought, he knew he had to turn Neo down. It was just too risky, he still didn't know how much attention Cinder was paying to him, and what the potential consequences of said attention could be. And forget about attracting more attention from Ozpin. He also wasn't going to let Pyrrha down.

The question was... How WAS he going to tell Neo no without jeopardizing his plans to get her in the harem? And potentially Emerald? He had to figure out how to let her down gently... But maybe he could offer a consolation prize. After a moment of thought, he came up with a white lie that would hopefully prevent hard feelings.

"Hoh boy... This is... Awkward," he stalled briefly, running the back of his head. "Sorry to let you down, but someone already asked me to the dance... And NO, Emerald isn't the one that beat you to it," he hastened to add, seeing her expression darken. When it softened a bit, he added, "But listen, if you come to the dance, I'll be certain to save you a dance." There... That was his best shot. Let her down gently, but still promise her something to look forward to.

And further, one dance might still attract some attention, but it would be much easier to sell as simply making a connection to the Haven students, as opposed to outright going to the dance with one of them.

To Jaune's immense relief, Neo, despite clearly still being disappointed, was mollified by the promise of at least one dance, and she nodded, accepting the promise. She then gave him a wave, and headed off. Jaune internally sighed in relief. It was a gamble, but hopefully, he had just made some more headway with Neo, while also minimizing the consequences. And really, his life was full of risks lately... What was one more?

He just now had to ask Pyrrha to the dance, and do so privately, and make sure she knew she had to say she had asked him if anyone asked to eliminate any small chance his white lie was exposed. Easy enough. He then turned to go to the table she was at, and noticed Blake was now currently gone, and following the worried looking gazes of the other girls, he saw her heading in the direction of the library... And he also noticed a tired, but determined look in her demeanor. Shit, this White Fang business must be getting to her.

He briefly considered going after her, and telling her to dial it back, but he realized he still had more pressing matters. Besides, he'd see Blake later tonight in their dorm, so he could address things then, with Yang and Pyrrha backing him up.

"Hey, Pyrrha, Ruby, Nora," he greeted as he sat at the table.

"Oh, hey Jaune!" Ruby said brightly, her concern over Blake momentarily forgotten. "What's up?"

"Nothing much. Hey, after lunch, do you all think we should meet back in the JNBY dorm to work on Professor Oobleck's essay?"

"Ah, that sounds boring!" Nora pouted.

"Nora, grades are important," Pyrrha admonished her, getting a stuck out tongue in response.

Jaune chuckled as they started eating. Shortly after, they headed back to the dorm of Jaune's team. 'Okay Jaune, just do it,' he thought, as he closed the door behind him.