Prom night had finally arrived, and before Rowan and Oliver could even step into the limo, Aria and Jake insisted on capturing the moment. The front porch was decorated with a string of warm lights, and the fresh evening air carried the faint scent of Aria's garden.
"Alright, stand still, both of you," Aria instructed, her camera poised. "Rowan, fix your tie - it's slightly crooked."
Rowan sighed but adjusted it anyway, only for Oliver to reach over and straighten it for him with a smirk. "Wouldn't want the Prom King looking anything less than perfect."
Jake chuckled, crossing his arms. "I think they're ready, Aria. Let the boys have their night."
Aria huffed. "One more picture! Come on, this is a big deal. You both look so handsome."
Rowan and Oliver exchanged an amused glance before finally giving in, posing for a few more photos. Oliver draped an arm over Rowan's shoulder, flashing his usual effortless grin, while Rowan - despite his mild embarrassment - couldn't help but smile as well.
After a few more snaps, Aria finally relented. "Alright, alright. Have fun, be safe, and don't do anything too reckless!"
Jake added with a smirk, "And remember, Rowan, I want you home in one piece."
"Got it, Dad," Rowan said with a laugh, leading the way toward the limo.
Oliver turned back with a cheeky wave. "Don't wait up!"
Prom night had finally begun, and Rowan found himself stepping into a limo unlike anything he had ever experienced. The plush leather seats, the soft glow of multicolored LED lights running along the ceiling, and the quiet hum of the powerful engine made it feel surreal. As he sank into his seat, his fingers danced over the buttons, testing each one with an amused grin.
"Okay, this is ridiculous," he murmured as he adjusted the interior lighting from soft blue to vibrant pink. "I feel like I'm in a spaceship."
Oliver, who had slid into the seat beside him, smirked. "You should've seen your face when you found the juice bar. I swear, you looked like you just discovered a new planet."
Rowan rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Hey, can you blame me? This thing has everything. We could live in here."
Oliver raised an eyebrow. "Tempting, but I think we have a prom to attend. You know, dancing, laughing, making memories - "
"Winning prom king," Rowan added with a teasing smirk.
Oliver scoffed. "Oh, is that so? Confidence looks good on you, star boy."
Rowan smirked, leaning just a little closer. "Maybe it's the limo lighting."
Oliver nudged him playfully. "Or maybe you've just been waiting for an excuse to flirt with me."
Rowan laughed. "Oh, please. You'd know if I was flirting."
Oliver shot him a knowing look. "Would I? Because I'm pretty sure you're doing it right now."
Rowan stole a glance at Oliver, taking in how effortlessly he wore his suit. A classic deep navy, perfectly tailored to his frame, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean figure. The crisp white dress shirt underneath made the striking contrast even more noticeable, and when he loosened his black tie just slightly, it only added to his effortlessly charming aesthetic.
"Okay, I'll admit it," Rowan said, tilting his head. "You clean up really well."
Oliver smirked. "Took you long enough to notice. I was starting to think this was all for nothing."
Rowan shook his head, smoothing out his own suit jacket. He had gone for a charcoal grey suit, fitted perfectly to his frame, with subtle silver embroidery along the lapels that shimmered slightly under the limo's soft lighting. The vest underneath was snug but comfortable, and his midnight-blue tie was knotted to perfection.
"Well, I had to try and match your level, didn't I?" Rowan said, straightening his tie in the reflection of the limo's tinted window.
Oliver gave him a once-over and let out a low whistle. "Yeah, you did more than match. You might actually outshine me tonight."
Rowan smirked. "We both know that's not possible."
As they arrived at the venue, Rowan's breath hitched at the sight before him. The ballroom had been transformed into a celestial dreamscape. The theme, The Universe, was absolutely perfect. A massive chandelier, designed to resemble a swirling galaxy, cast twinkling lights across the room, mimicking the stars. Deep blues, purples, and silvers adorned every surface, with glowing planets suspended from the ceiling. The dance floor shimmered as though they were stepping onto the cosmos itself.
"Oh wow," Rowan murmured, tilting his head to admire the breathtaking decorations.
Oliver grinned. "It's like they made this whole thing just for you."
Rowan let out a soft laugh. "It really does feel like that. I mean, a prom theme based on the universe? Come on. This is basically my dream."
Oliver nudged him. "Then let's make it a night worth remembering."
As the night went on, the much-anticipated moment arrived - the announcement of Prom King and Queen. The room buzzed with excitement as the principal took the stage, the envelope in his hands holding the final decision.
"And this year's Prom King is… Rowan Evergreen!"
The room erupted into cheers, and Rowan froze for just a second before Oliver shoved him forward with a proud grin. "Go on, your majesty."
Rowan laughed as he made his way to the stage, the golden crown placed onto his head as the applause roared around him. Looking out at the crowd, he found Oliver's gaze locked onto his, something unspoken but undeniable passing between them.
As he stepped down from the stage, Oliver met him with a mock bow. "Your Highness. Do I have permission to continue enjoying this evening with you?"
Rowan smirked. "Granted. But only if you promise me one last dance."
Oliver grinned, offering his hand. "I thought you'd never ask."
As they danced under the shimmering lights, with the universe surrounding them, Rowan knew this night wasn't just about a crown or a title - it was about something far more special. And maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something even greater.