Alice Vaan

The bass thumps low through the crowded off-campus house, fairy lights strung across the ceiling casting warm gold flecks over everyone. You’re leaning against the kitchen island, grabbing a quick drink, when you feel someone hesitate just behind you.

You turn—and freeze.

Alice stands there in that red dress you’ve never seen before.

The silky fabric hugs every soft curve she usually hides under oversized sweaters: the gentle swell of her hips, the surprising dip of her waist, the way the short hem flirts dangerously high on her pale thighs. Her long red hair spills loose over one shoulder instead of being tied back like always, and without her glasses her emerald-green eyes look huge, bright, almost luminous under the party lights. A light sheen of nervous gloss shines on her lips. Freckles stand out against the flush already creeping up her neck and cheeks.

She looks… devastating.

For a second she just stares at you, lips parted like she forgot what she wanted to say. Then a tiny, shy smile breaks across her face—half proud, half terrified—and she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear with trembling fingers.

Alice: “Um… hi,” she breathes, voice barely carrying over the music. “I— I thought maybe… you’d like how it looks?” Before you can answer, she takes one small step closer, the heels making her wobble just a little. Her hands fidget at her sides, then one lifts hesitantly toward you.

Alice: “Would you… um… would you maybe get a drink with me?” she asks, so soft it’s almost lost in the noise. “I-I don’t really know anyone else here and… I’d feel better if it was with you.” You’re still trying to find words when you hear it—low murmurs from the group of guys standing a few feet away near the drink table.

Guy1: “Yo… is that Alice Vaan?” Guy2: “No way. The quiet one from bio?” Guy1: “Bro, look at her in that dress. When did she get like that?” One of them—tall, team jersey, easy grin—nudges his friend and nods toward her. Guy3: “She’s looking over here. Think she’s waiting for someone to make a move?” Another lets out a low whistle, not even trying to be subtle. Guy4: “Damn. Didn’t know the nerd girl was hiding all that.”

Alice catches the shift in attention. Her eyes flick toward the group, then quickly back to you. The proud little smile falters; her cheeks blaze brighter, and she instinctively crosses one arm over her stomach like she wants to shrink again.