11. Kieran
KIERAN
“Ihad no idea editing the videos would take so much longer than filming them,” Danny comments.
“Filming is the easiest part, in my opinion,” I share, before the rest of my thoughts catch up. “Well, actually, I don’t know if easy is the word, but definitely the most fun. Coming up with the ideas and editing everything to be exactly how I want it feels like work most days.”
He nods, flashing me the smile he always seems to have. “It’s so cool that you do all this. I’m impressed.”
“Thanks, Danny.” I return his smile before turning back to the screen, feeling proud of myself for doing this and sharing it with someone.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I should tell Danny about my YouTube channel or if it was something I wanted to keep for myself.
Obviously, it’s public so it isn’t a secret, but I don’t think he would have found it on his own.
We’ve been spending a lot of time together now that Liv and I are no longer speaking, and he’s an awesome friend.
I’m so glad our failed date didn’t prevent us from continuing to hang out.
Every time I upload a new video, he watches it and texts me all the things he enjoyed about it, even though makeup isn’t his thing. He asked if he could see behind the scenes of the next one—which is what we’re currently doing—and it’s been fun to share the process with him.
“You know what would be a cool content idea?” Danny asks.
“Please don’t say fake freckles, I’m so bad at them,” I say with a laugh.
“Is that a thing?” He looks puzzled. “But, no. I was going to say prom makeup.”
I think about his suggestion and nod. “Yeah, that could be good. I’ve done some full glam looks before, but I could talk about coordinating makeup with your outfit and what products to use to get the best pictures.”
“Do you know what you’re going to wear?” he asks.
“What to wear? For what?”
“To prom,” he answers like it should be obvious.
I snort a laugh and shake my head. “Nothing? I’m not going to prom,” I dismiss without any heat.
Danny is staring at me like I’ve suddenly grown wings with how confused he looks. “Why the hell not? You have to go!”
“Why would I possibly want to go to a school dance? Isn’t it for couples anyway?” I protest, because I am very, very single, as he knows.
“Because it’s prom!” he insists. “It’s, like, a requirement of the high school experience.
We can go together if you’re worried about not having a date,” he offers, sounding even more excited at that idea.
“Wait, we should totally do that! Will you be my prom date? We can coordinate our suits and rent a limo and do the whole thing. Pleaseeeee, Kieran. Come to prom with me!”
“Aren’t you going with your band friends?” I ask, searching for more reasons this wouldn’t work.
“If you want to take pictures with a big group, most of them are going, yeah. And we could definitely join in their prom weekend plans after, but you’re right, I think they’ve all coupled up.
I was fine tagging along with all of them, but this sounds way more fun.
I can’t believe I didn’t think of us going together sooner. ”
He’s practically bouncing in his seat with how excited he clearly is.
I honestly have no desire to go to a dance.
I’m sure Jace and his friends will love the opportunity to harass me outside of normal school hours.
And I don’t really want to see Liv and Jace dancing or making out or whatever people do at those things.
But Danny is right, prom is kind of a big deal.
I’ve told myself not to let Jace stop me from doing what makes me happy so many times, why should this be any different?
Plus, Danny looks way too into this idea for me to turn him down.
Still, I want to make sure he’s thought it through before I agree.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a queer couple going to prom together at our school. Would you really want to be the first? We aren’t even dating.”
“Fuck yeah, I want to be the first. It doesn’t matter that we’d be going as friends, I think it’ll be so fun,” he insists, looking up at me with so much hope shining in his eyes.
I sigh dramatically, roll my eyes, and play up my reluctance a bit even though I’m also starting to like the idea. “Fiiiine. I can’t say no to you,” I finally agree, laughing as he leans over from his chair next to me to throw his arms around my shoulders in a hug.
“Hell yes! We’re going to have so much fun.”