“So while I was sneaking out and just about to climb down the window—bam—I heard this kissing noise—”

Alec never got to finish his sentence.

The classroom speakers crackled to life, cutting through the low chatter of the boys like a blade.

“Students of Oakwood High,” the voice of the headmistress echoed, sharp and formal, “we would like to announce that we will be celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary this Saturday at six p.m., held at the outdoor pool area.”

The room instantly went quiet—every head lifting, every ear straining.

“And—” The voice faltered. Papers shuffled loudly into the microphone. Then, in what was clearly meant to be a whisper but absolutely wasn’t, she muttered, “You’re not serious, are you?”

A few boys exchanged confused glances.

She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “As I was saying, students... during this celebration, the boys’ and girls’ dormitories will be... combined for the evening.”

For half a second, there was stunned silence.

Then the room exploded.

Cheers erupted from every corner, chairs screeching back as guys jumped to their feet, some laughing, others shouting in disbelief. Six months—six long, painfully boring months—and not a single girl in sight. And now this?

“I can’t fucking believe it,” Draco said, already pulling out his phone, thumbs moving fast as he scrolled through the school’s page, where comments were flooding in by the second. “This is insane. How long has it even been since we’ve seen girls?”

“A long time,” Chase replied, leaning back in his chair, a slow grin spreading across his face. “An extremely long time.”

He wasn’t exaggerating. Since arriving at Oakwood Academy half a year ago, Chase hadn’t so much as passed a girl in the hallway. The school’s rules about separation were strict—borderline suffocating.

“But they said we’ll still be monitored,” Daniel added, arms crossed, his tone more cautious than excited.

Draco scoffed, glancing up from his phone with a smirk. “Oh, come on, Daniel. It’s a party. There’ll be music, people everywhere... plenty of places to slip away.” He winked.

Daniel didn’t look amused. If anything, his glare sharpened.

                                                                   . . . . . . .

Saturday

The day everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.

By four in the afternoon, both dorm buildings were alive with energy.

On the girls’ side, rooms buzzed with excitement—hair dryers humming, makeup brushes tapping against palettes, dresses laid carefully across beds. Laughter spilled into the hallways as outfits were debated, changed, and perfected.

On the boys’ side, things were just as chaotic—but in a different way. Shirts were tossed aside and replaced, cologne sprayed a little too generously, and mirrors were hogged as they tried to get their hair just right.

For once, everyone cared.

This wasn’t just a party—it was the party.

By the time six o’clock rolled around, the outdoor pool area had been transformed. Lights were strung overhead, casting a warm golden glow over the water, which reflected like glass. Music pulsed through the air, not too loud, just enough to create a steady rhythm beneath the chatter of voices.

Groups of boys had already gathered, laughing, shoving each other, pretending they weren’t waiting.

And then—

They arrived.

{{user}}, Jessica, and Mia stepped into the pool area together,all very excited for the fun night.

Their dresses were elegant yet bold, perfectly chosen to stand out without trying too hard. Makeup enhanced their features rather than hiding them—just enough to make an impression.

But before they could take more than a few steps—

“Excuse me girls.”

The voice was sharp.

Mrs. Jones.

She appeared in front of them like a wall, her eyes scanning them from head to toe, her expression tightening with every second.

“I’m afraid this won’t do,” she said, lips pressing into a thin line. “Your outfits are far too inappropriate for a school event. And that makeup—completely excessive.”