Lou had been getting ready the entire afternoon in pursuit of making an immediate impression—not because of his cringe powers but through pure charisma. He had spent the whole afternoon getting ready, and now that he stood in front of the mirror, well, he really wouldn't have believed the transformation if not for the eyes that somehow seemed familiar.

Lou had chosen a sharp, well-tailored suit that fitted him like a glove. The suit's color was navy blue, deep with crisp lines and just a hint of sheen that would catch the light just right. The matching shoes shined with fresh polish, smooth leather unblemished in any way. He had taken time to style his normally unruly hair back, taming it into a sleek, sophisticated appearance. This was a new Lou—one ready to take on the world or at least the school gymnasium.

As soon as he stepped back to admire his reflection, a notification popped into his mind's eye: "+4 Charisma points." He couldn't help but grin—well, it was more smug than a grin. "Now that's more like it," he said to himself, turning this way and that to regard his appearance from all angles. "I could get used to this."

Lou nodded at himself one last time and was off downstairs to meet his parents. He found them in the living room, sitting next to each other on the couch as they awaited him in anticipation. The moment they saw him, their eyes welled up with emotion and pride.

"Oh my gosh, Lou!" his mother, Julia, gasped, rising and brushing away a tear that had welled up in her eye. "Look at you! You look so handsome."

His father, George, laughed as he rose to his feet, his eyes suspiciously shiny. "Our little guy, all grown up. I just can't believe it." He flung open his arms. "Come here, let's get a picture before you head out."

Julia speedily went to get the camera, and Lou found himself standing in an awkward pose in front of the fireplace. His parents fiddled with him in cleaning his tie and ironing out nonexistent wrinkles on his suit. Pictures were shot one after another as every angle and expression was captured.

"Okay, one more," Julia said with a raspy voice. "Lou, put your arm around your dad. George, you stand beside him. Great. Smile!"

Lou tried to smile naturally again, but the combination of pride and shyness ended up being somewhat lopsided. George squeezed his shoulder with affection. "You look great, son. Really great."

"Thank you, Dad," Lou said, and swallowed a lump in his throat, coming up. "Thanks to your genes, I guess."

"I can't believe how quickly you've grown," Julia said, crying. "It feels like yesterday you were running around in your diapers."

"Yeah, time sure flies," Lou replied as he scratched the back of his neck. "But, uh, I really should go. Don't want to be late. My date is waiting."

"Of course, of course," George said, clearing his throat. "But before you go, tell me. who's the lucky girl?"

Lou felt his face heat up. "Uh, well, yeah. Her name's Roxy. We're just friends, though. Nothing serious."

Julia raised an eyebrow and smiled quite mischievously. "Really? Well, we´ll see about that. Make sure you treat her like a queen, okay?"

Lou rolled his eyes but couldn't help grinning. "Yes, Mom, I will. Don't you worry."

As he turned toward the door, Julia and George followed him with voices that teased and felt genuine at the same time. "Remember to have fun, but not too much fun!" Julia called after him, winking.

George tossed Lou a set of keys, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "And don't even think about drinking and driving, alright?"

Lou's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, seriously? You're letting me borrow your baby?" George's prized possession was his vintage car, a fact known to everyone.

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George shrugged, a hint of sentimentality in his voice. "Couldn't have you walking to the prom with your date, could I? Besides, you're practically a grown man now."

Lou turned back to them one more time, his heart full. "I love you guys!"

"We love you too, Lou," Julia said, her eyes welling up with tears. "Now get out there and have the time of your life."

With a last wave, Lou stepped into the fine evening. The sky was clean and straight, stars twinkling overhead in little flecks like diamonds. He felt a sense of expectation and excitement as he strolled toward his father's car. Tonight, he was Lou: the confident, suave young man ready to take on the world. Or well, at least the prom.

Lou drove through familiar streets on the east side of the city. In fact, one could feel the mixture of excitement and anticipation in the evening air. His heart raced at the thought of approaching Roxy's house.

He pulled into her driveway, took a deep breath, and then gave himself a moment to try and collect his nerve. Then he looked in the rearview mirror to make sure everything was good, then got out of the car, and walked up to the front door.

The door opened before he could even knock on it, and there she stood: Roxy. Lou's breath caught in his throat. She was gorgeous in her deep emerald green dress gleamed in the porch light. Her fiery red locks were set in loose waves that fell on her shoulders, and the makeup drew lines around her shining eyes and radiant smile.

"Wow, Roxy," Lou managed to say, his voice full of honest surprise. "You look stunning."

Roxy blushed a soft pink as she smiled back at him. "Thanks, Lou. You clean up pretty well yourself."

Lou chuckled, feeling a bit better. "Well, I had to step up my game for tonight. Ready to go?"

"Absolutely," Roxy said and went out. From inside, Lou could hear her parents' enthusiastic voices.

"Wait, Roxy! We want to meet him!" her mom called out, and her dad added, "Bring him in for a minute!"

Roxy's face flushed bright red as she hastily closed the door behind her. "Sorry about that," she apologized with an embarrassed smile, leaning against the door for a moment. "They can sort of be a bit much sometimes."

Lou laughed softly, trying to ease her embarrassment. "It's okay. Parents, right?"

Roxy rolled her eyes, still smiling. "Yeah, parents. Let's get out of here before they come out and drag you inside."

They both walked to the car, and Lou opened the door for her. While lowering herself into the passenger seat, he took another out of the corner of his eye. She did look amazing. He got in at the wheel beside her, started the ignition, and off they went.

The drive to the school was filled with light-hearted chatter and laughter. They mostly talked about their parents. Lou found himself realizing more and more that he was becoming comfortable with her.

As they pulled in front of the school gym, Lou and Roxy stepped out of the car to see what lay before their eyes. The inner part of the gym had really been transformed into a whole fairyland. Twinkling fairy lights everywhere on the ceiling seemed to warm up the place. Streamers and balloons in the school colors ornamented the walls, and above the entrance, there was a big banner that read, "Prom Night".

"Wow, they really went all out this year," Lou said, offering his arm to Roxy.

"Yeah, it looks amazing," Roxy agreed, taking his arm and smiling up at him. "Shall we?"

"Sure!" Lou replied, leading her into the gym.

The music took over the air, as they came in; the view of classmates in their fashionable attire also made the place full-packed. There was an electric feel, excitement that hung in the air with anticipation.

They found a viewpoint away from the dancing, where they watched others sway to the rhythm in couples. Lou was feeling pretty grateful there for a second. Here he was, dressed impeccably, accompanied by the most beautiful girl in the room, feeling full of confidence.

"Would you like to dance?" Lou asked, turning to Roxy.

"I thought you'd never ask," she responded, flashing him a flirty grin.

Lou took her out onto the dance floor, and they moved to the music. He was a little awkward at first, but she seemed to understand what he needed, so his nerves gradually eased off as she began to move with him. It was easy to get into a comfortable rhythm, to fly high and not really notice everything else except for her.

"You know, you're a pretty good dancer," said Roxy, her eyes sparkling.

Lou chuckled. "Thanks, but I think you might be giving me too much credit on this one. This all happens because of you."

They danced and laughed as night went by, living each second. Lou realized that through all his worrying and insecurities, this was what he needed to do all along. With Roxy by his side, he felt like he could take on anything.

"Having fun?" Roxy asked, looking up at him with a mix of amusement on her face.

"H," Lou replied, and he meant it. "This night has been amazing. Thanks for coming with me, Roxy."

"Thanks for asking me," she said, her voice soft. "I wouldn't have wanted to be here with anyone else."

Roxy leaned in closer to Lou, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "You know, Boo, there's a good chance we might get picked out as king and queen of Prom," she added in a very low voice.

Lou looked at her, one eyebrow cocked upward as he smiled. "Really? I mean, we are looking amazing, but King and Queen?"

Roxy nodded excitedly. "Why not? We got the looks, the moves, and the charm. Plus, you're rocking that suit."

Lou laughed nervously, his neck turning red. "Thanks, Roxy. But I am not sure I'm cut out for that."

Roxy's expression turned thoughtful, and she tilted her head slightly. "Well, let me ask you something. If you had to choose between winning Prom King and gaining cringe experience, what would you choose?"

Lou blinked, taken aback by the question. "Wait, what? Why would I need to choose? Can't we just enjoy the night without any crazy dares?"

Her eyes sparkled, and she leaned in. "Oh, come on, Lou. Where's your sense of adventure?"

Lou seemed in a dilemma as his mind raced with ideas. "You're serious, aren't you? You want me to make people cringe in here, at prom?"

She nodded. Her expression was challenging. "Absolutely. I dare you, Lou. Show everyone what you're made of. Embrace the cringe and make this a night no one will ever forget."