"Miss Palma."
Crisha stiffened when Cielo called her name. She swallowed hard but followed him quietly toward the office.
"W–Why was I called?" she finally asked, forcing the words out.
"Don't worry," Cielo said calmly. "This is just a formal procedure because of the rumors circulating around school. You have the right to explain your side."
Knowing Crisha was a transferee—with very few friends—Cielo made sure to explain everything slowly. Jason was the only one she had truly grown close to, while Kenneth was merely curious about her.
"W–Will they really listen?" she asked nervously. "I–I won't lose my scholarship… right?"
"If you're telling the truth and you have proof, you'll be fine," he assured her. "This is simply an invitation to hear you out."
She nodded, gripping her bag tightly.
"We're here," Cielo said. "Let's go."
Inside the room, the student council was already seated.
"She's here," Cielo announced, taking his place beside Dennis. Joel was seated nearby.
Crisha stood stiffly in front of them, fear written all over her face.
"Hey," Kenjie said gently, giving her a reassuring pat. "It's okay. Calm down."
She nodded, but her trembling lips betrayed her.
"She's really nervous," Jonathan observed quietly.
"We can't start if she's this tense," Dylan said, leaning forward. "Let her breathe first."
"Who wouldn't be scared?" Kenjie teased. "Look at your face, Dylan—you're terrifying her."
"Shut up," Dylan snapped.
Soft laughter eased the tension slightly.
"Miss Palma," the vice president said kindly, tapping her shoulder, "you don't have to force yourself. Speak when you're ready."
Crisha inhaled deeply.
"T–Those rumors…" she began, shaking her head. "They're not true."
She clenched her fists, tugging at her sleeve.
"Yes, the pictures are real. I sell snacks, wash laundry, and sell banana cue on Sundays. I do those to help my parents earn money. That's the only time I can work."
The room remained silent.
"And… yes," she continued, voice trembling, "I go to a club on weekdays. B–But not for what they're accusing me of. I don't sell myself. I don't meet men there."
She bowed her head.
"The club allows people my age. I work there as a singer. The staff hires me to perform. That's the truth."
She lifted her eyes briefly—then lowered them again.
"Is that all?" Kenjie asked gently.
She nodded.
"I… I don't have proof," she admitted softly. "I don't even own a phone."
"It's alright," Dave suddenly said with a smile. "I do."
All eyes turned to him.
"She's telling the truth," Dave continued. "I was there—with Cielo and my cousin Kenneth. Kenneth even arrived earlier than me."
"So the venue isn't restricted?" one council member asked.
"No," Dave replied. "There were families, kids, and teenagers. I took photos of the place."
He showed them the images.
"We also spoke to the staff," Dave added. "They know Miss Palma well. She's been singing there for a long time."
He then played a video—Crisha on stage, smiling brightly as she sang and waved to the crowd.
Dylan nodded. "That settles it."
He leaned back. "Now… who started the rumor?"
The room went quiet.
Kenjie sighed. "Miss Crisha, do you have someone in mind?"
She hesitated. "I–I don't want to accuse anyone… not without proof."
Dennis pressed gently. "Who do you suspect?"
"T–The group of Airah," she whispered. "I overheard them talking. They wanted me gone… so I'd lose my scholarship."
Dylan nodded slowly. "For now, that's enough."
He looked at her kindly. "Your name has been cleared. We can't confirm who spread it yet, but you're free to go."
She turned to leave—then paused.
"M–My scholarship…" she asked shakily. "It won't be taken away?"
Kenjie smiled and ruffled her hair. "It stays. You're safe."
"T–Thank you," she whispered, bowing politely before leaving.
"Miss Palma," Cielo called after her.
She turned.
"My cousin Kenneth wants to talk to you," he said. "He noticed your talent. Maybe hear him out."
She nodded quietly and left.
Dennis chuckled. "Your cousin really is something."
"Villanueva blood," Kenjie joked. "Cunning, but useful."
Dylan sighed, leaning back. "Endless work… and we're not even done yet."
Cielo stayed silent.
It's her choice, he thought. If she wants to step onto that stage again.