Hey everyone!

I know I haven't updated in a while, and I'm trying really hard to find a balance between writing and real life, but it's been pretty crazy lately and unfortunately reality has to be my priority.

This chapter has no smut, and I'm sorry for any disappointment I might have caused. This chapter is really just a character-developing chapter, and I introduce some characters who have so far been pushed to one side.

So please read and enjoy!

Homecoming Night Part One

Jeffrey's P.O.V

I feel her presence before I see her; her scent wafts over me, and I automatically take a deep breath, feeling revived as if she is a fresh breath of air. I almost drop the box of streamers I'm holding, but I keep it locked securely in my arms, and wait.

Not a moment later an arm locks with mine and ample breasts push up against my arm. "Jeffrey! Hey there buddy! What're you carrying?"

I look over to Brooke, a smile forming on my lips. God, she's absolutely stunning tonight. "Hey Brooke," I replies, almost shyly. "Just some streamers. Want to help me put them up?" The question is out of my mouth before I could wonder if it's a good idea.

"Sure!" Brooke exclaims, running to the chair that I have already pulled over. We're setting up for the homecoming dance in the gym, and streamers are to be strung all along the walls and stage. She climbs straight up onto it, balancing precariously in her black pumps.

I swallow, knowing suddenly that it isn't a good idea. Brooke's wearing a small black number, and on the chair I could almost see up her tight skirt. Her legs are long and smooth, and I have an urge to run my hands up them. Instead I grab a bunch of streamers and pass them up to her, almost too roughly. She almost loses her balance, then catches it, letting out a breathy giggle. "Oops, that was close! Hold the chair, Jeff, I don't want to fall."

"I'd catch you," I say bravely, before turning scarlet. Where on earth did that come from? Brooke just laughs, throwing her dark, Asian hair over one shoulder as she takes the first streamer and tapes it up.

"Oh, Jeff, you're adorable. Why don't you have a girlfriend again? I bet all the girls love you!"

Maybe because I'm in love with you, who I have absolutely zero chance with? I want to say, but refrain. Instead I shrug, and mutter, "Nah."

"You need more confidence, hon, girls love confident boys. It's sexy."

"I don't need advice from you, Brooke," I answer, suddenly feeling the rage of knowing that I'd never have her. It's an entirely new feeling and I don't like it whatsoever.

Brooke turns to me, her light brown eyes wide with surprise. "What was that? I'm only trying to help."

I throw the box of streamers down at the chair's feet, shaking my head. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I'm going to go check on Caroline and Callum and see if they need any help."

"Hey, Jeff-"

But I'm already walking away, and I don't turn back even when she calls for me.

I'm such an idiot, I think as I head for the Council's conference room, where we stashed our decorations. Now she probably thinks I'm a bipolar weirdo. And I deserve it. Why did I have to fall for her, of all people?

Brooklyn Heung's one of the most popular girls in the school and a junior, while I'm just a sophomore and really a nobody. Sure, my grade knows me and voted me in for rep, but to be honest, my chances of winning were high anyway. After all, I ran against Liam Mazdar, and although he's a jock and people love him, half our grade hates him too. While I'm known as the Musician, even amongst the other grades, and apparently everyone seems to love shy guys who can play almost all the strings instruments plus several band ones too. And I am the best on our school's drum line, something our school's pretty proud of.

But really, Brooke, cheerleader co-captain and head of a bunch of clubs, plus Bronwyn's Number One Party girl, falling for a guy like me? It's unheard of, and ridiculous.

I'm such a fool.

I reach the conference room and I throw the door open harshly. Caroline and Callum are inside, and they jump at my sudden intrusion, a balloon slipping from Caroline's lips.

"Oh, are you done with the streamers already? Good, we need some help blowing up these balloons! I hate blowing up balloons! I'd much rather pop them!" Caroline giggles, puffing into the flattened purple rubber thing again.

Callum is tying a knot in his, and a perfect pile lays at his feet. "Is anyone else here yet?"

I nod, pointing over my shoulder. "Brooke's here and she's putting up the streamers."

"And you're not helping her?" Callum's brow furrows, and he frowns. "That's not gentleman-like."

I shrug, wondering when Callum ever cared about being a gentleman. He was one to talk; Cal was all for farting loudly in class and burping in people's faces. If anything, he needed to learn a thing or two about chivalry.

Apparently Caroline realizes this too, and she elbows Callum in the gut. He grunts and elbows her back. "Oh, Callum, shut up already! I'm going to go help Brooke. When everyone else get here, assign them work, okay? I hear Eric and Madison are going to be late, they're picking stuff up. Alana and Shane are probably no shows until the actual event... so that leaves Adrian and Emily. Make sure someone stocks the fridge with water and pop for selling later, okay?"

Once Caroline finishes her instructions, she skips out of the room, humming. Cal sticks his tongue out after her, muttering under his breath.

I head over to him and grab my own balloon, and begin puffing away. It's actually relaxing and soon I'm feeling better, almost like I could forget about Brooke and my stupid feelings.

Almost.

But that's good enough for now.

Emily's P.O.V

"I GIVE UP!" I screech at the top of my lungs, letting go of my hair and throwing my brush into the sink. I know I'm late already and my stupid hair wasn't cooperating. Why did it always have to be so difficult? As if my life wasn't difficult enough as it is!

Just as I storm out of the bathroom and into my bedroom to grab my purse and light sweater, the doorbell rings. A moment later my father calls up the stairs. "Emily! It's for you!"

Surprised, I rush downstairs, throwing the sweater over my plain rose-coloured dress as I went.

"Adrian?" I'm shocked to see him standing my foyer, his hands in his pant pockets as he gives me a sheepish grin. He's wearing all black, and on anyone else it'd look goth, but on him it just made him look handsomer.

"Hey Emily."

"What are you doing here?" I ask, not meaning for the words to sound so unhappy. I was just genuinely surprised. I reach for my three-inch black heels in the closet and start tugging them on.

He scratches the back of his head and pushes his slipping glasses up. "Oh, um, well I supposed you didn't know that I lived just down the street from you and I go to the same church as you. I was just walking past when I saw your car in the lot and I decided that I'd come and see if you wanted to go to the school together?"

I'm so flattered I'm speechless for a minute, and then the brightest smile I've had all week appears on my lips. Finally! A council member who is actually nice to me! And for it to come from a handsome guy like Adrian... wow.

"I would love to!" I say happily, finishing with my heels and straightening up. "Dad! I'm leaving!"

"Bye sweetheart! Have fun! Be back by curfew!" he calls from the kitchen, where he's making dinner for himself.

I smile at Adrian, and motion outside to my car. "Want a ride?"

He grins, pleased. "Yeah, that'd be great."

I get into the driver's seat and he sits in the passenger. At first, I thought it'd be awkward, but Adrian was a natural conversationalist, and I had never felt so comfortable with anyone besides Avery.

We make it to the school and exit my car, laughing at a story that he's telling. We go inside through the front doors and head for our office.

"Yeah! And so he was all like, so... what's the sign?" Adrian continues and I burst into another round of giggles.

Suddenly, Adrian stops and says, "Oh, hey!"

I turn to look at who he's talking to and see Eric and Madison both approaching the council office. Madison looks gorgeous in a strapless, silver dress, and even Eric looks presentable in a pale blue button-down and slacks. They both appear dumbstruck that we arrived together, but I don't want them to ruin the mood I'm in, so I grab Adrian's arm and drag him into the office without another glance at them.

"Emily?" Adrian's brow furrows and I realize he must be confused by my behaviour. They are his friends, and he wouldn't understand why I didn't like either of them.

"It's nothing," I brush it off, "I just thought we needed to get to work." But it seemed that everything was done. The grade reps were lounging in the chairs, sipping cans of pop and chatting.

"Where have you guys been?" Caroline whines, jumping up from her seat. She smooths down her purple dress and grins at Eric and Madison. "Look, I finished everything in time!"

"Where's Alana and Shane? Shouldn't Alana have been here organizing everything?" Eric questions, ever the serious president.

Caroline's face falls, and I step up to her, wrapping my arm around her. I scowl at Eric. "Where she is doesn't matter; what matters is that Caroline finished everything and she's only in grade nine!"

I suddenly remember my dream, and just like that my arms fall away from her thin shoulders. My skin seems to tingle wherever we had touched.

Eric sighs and to my surprise he nods. "You're right, Emily. Good job, Caroline. You did an amazing job. We should probably go and greet the guests and make some last minute checks before the dance starts though, alright?" I'm stunned by his reaction. Didn't he hate me? Why would he agree with me, even if I was right?

Caroline grins again and turns to me, distracting me from my thoughts about Eric. Unfortunately, it does nothing for my thoughts about her. "Thanks, Emily!"

"Don't mention it," I murmur, heading back to Adrian's side. With Adrian, I feel safe. He makes me forget the dreams, and that's all I want.

"Hey, I'm on parking lot duty," Adrian groans, "Want to help? You'll miss a part of the dance, though."

A chance to get away from the other council members and stay with Adrian? "Yeah! That sounds like fun!"

He laughs, shaking his head. "It's not. Trust me."

But I don't care if it's the most tedious thing in the world.

I just don't want these dirty thoughts anymore.

For the next chapter, I promise some smut! What do you guys think about Jeffrey and Adrian? I don't really know how I want Jeffrey's unrequited love thing to happen, but I sort of like having it there because it adds depth to his character.

If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks for sticking around and please stay tuned! I'll try to update as soon as I can!