Kelly sat beside Kevin, her fingers nervously twisting in her lap as she glanced around the room. Her gaze briefly landed on her brother—completely unaware of what was about to unfold.
"Before we begin," Dave said gently, "is there something you'd like to share with us?"
Kelly looked toward Jonathan. Her cousin gave her a small, encouraging nod. Kevin softly patted her back, grounding her.
"I… I just want to tell the truth," she whispered.
Nicole frowned slightly, sensing the weight in Kelly's voice.
"Jonathan and I—we're not really childhood friends," Kelly said carefully. "We grew up together, yes, but… he's actually my cousin."
The room stirred.
"C-Cousins?" Angie blurted out. "You and Jonathan?"
"Yes," Kelly nodded, voice trembling. "And I'm also the person Kevin once talked about—his best friend when we were kids. Back then… he was my only friend."
Steph turned to Jonathan. "Is that true?"
Jonathan sighed and nodded. "Yeah. That's why I told you not to be jealous of Kelly before."
Chris smiled softly at Kelly. "I already knew. I'm glad you finally told everyone."
Dave exhaled, then glanced at Melody. "You knew too, didn't you?"
Melody nodded. "Yes. I promised her I wouldn't say anything."
"I—I'm sorry," Kelly murmured to her.
Joel scratched his head. "Honestly, I didn't believe it at first either."
Dennis frowned. "Wait—Joel, Raymond… you both knew?"
"Yeah," Joel admitted. "Nicole told us—because of Julie."
Julie responded with a grin and a playful peace sign.
"And you, Cielo?" Kenneth asked.
"Nope," Cielo replied calmly. "First time hearing it."
Kelly bowed her head. "I'm really sorry for keeping this from everyone."
Melissa leaned forward. "So… does Kevin remember now?"
Kevin smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, Meli. I remember everything. And I remember you two too—sorry it took so long."
Nicole and Melissa exchanged glances before standing up and hugging him tightly.
"They were really close with him before the accident," Jonathan explained.
Kevin ruffled their hair. "I'm back, Nick. I'm back, Mel."
Tears shimmered in their eyes as they nodded.
Julie leaned forward gently. "Kelly… is there anything else you want to tell us?"
Kelly hesitated, then blushed. "A-And… Kevin is my boyfriend now."
Soft laughter filled the room. Even Kenjie chuckled quietly from the corner.
Dave grinned, ruffling her hair. "Thank you for trusting us, Kelly."
Nicole and Melissa smiled brightly, clearly happy for her.
****
Julie released a quiet breath, smiling to herself.
She's becoming braver. Stronger, she thought. I'm really glad.
"Hey, Julie," Nicole suddenly teased, "isn't it your turn?"
Julie froze. How do I even say it?
Her eyes drifted to Cielo—already watching her.
"She's too shy," Cielo said casually, messing up her hair. "So I'll say it. She's my girlfriend."
The room went silent.
Julie's heart skipped. This is so awkward…
Kenneth burst out laughing. "Cielo! At least let her speak first. But yeah—it's true. Julie's his girlfriend."
Dennis sighed. "As their friend, I can confirm."
Kelly blinked. "S-Since when?"
"O-One week ago," Julie muttered, staring at the floor.
"You didn't tell me!" Kelly pouted.
"Well, you didn't tell me about you and Kevin either!" Julie shot back.
"Enough," Chris interrupted with a shake of his head. "You've both surprised everyone enough today."
Gian smirked at Cielo. "Didn't think you'd ever fall for anyone. Guess you're human after all."
Laughter rippled through the room, easing the tension.
Julie clenched her fists.
I have to say it. It's time.
She inhaled deeply. "A-And there's one more thing. Aside from being Cielo's girlfriend… I'm also the Pop Princess."
The room froze.
Kenneth smiled knowingly. "We already know."
Julie's eyes widened. "You do?"
"I recognized you at the charity event," Kenneth said. "Cielo did too."
Cielo nodded. "You left your bracelet behind that day. I saw the initials. Then you wore it again at camp—and at your uncle's funeral."
Julie clutched the bracelet on her wrist.
"My dad gave this to me," she whispered. "I wear it when I perform… for courage. But why didn't you say anything?"
Cielo gently wiped away the tear sliding down her cheek."Because you wanted privacy. And I respect that. I knew you'd tell the truth when you were ready."
Melody smiled softly. "That's why your voice is so beautiful."
Julie broke down. "Th-Thank you…"
"You crybaby," Cielo teased, pulling her into a hug. "We're not angry."
"I know," she sobbed.
Angie asked quietly, "So… you trust us?"
Julie nodded. "Yes. I'm really glad I told you."
Kenneth smiled. "You're brave. One day, I hope you'll sing with us."
Jason chuckled. "Yeah—we'd love that."
Julie nodded through her tears.
"We won't tell anyone," Angie promised.
"Thank you," Julie whispered.
Cielo ruffled her hair. "We've got you."
Dave leaned back with a sigh. "So many revelations today… but don't worry. Everything shared here stays here."
"Thank you," Julie said softly.
Then Chris's voice hardened.
"Now… it's time to talk about why we're really here."
Julie stiffened, instinctively looking at Cielo.
"Julie," Chris said gravely, "I know you're curious about Crisha."
She nodded.
"You're about to learn what really happened to her," he continued. "The truth will finally come out."
Julie swallowed hard.
When Brother sounds like this… I know he means it.