"Meli, you've been spacing out since earlier," Kelly pointed out, eyeing her younger sister, who stared blankly ahead as if weighed down by something heavy.
Melissa blinked and looked up. Kenjie chuckled softly at her. They were all at home, gathered around the table for dinner.
"Ah… I'm just thinking about something," Melissa replied before continuing to eat, as if her thoughts had briefly interrupted her meal.
"It's obvious," Kelly said. "What's bothering you?"
Melissa paused, sighed, and set her spoon down. Her gaze dropped to her plate.
"There's a small problem with our theatre club," she admitted.
"Huh? A problem?" Kelly echoed.
"Yeah—small, but complicated," Melissa sighed. "The main role for our current production… no one wants to take it."
"What? Why?" Kelly frowned. "You could take it. Or Melody."
"Sis, it's not that simple," Melissa said quietly. "According to our mechanics, anyone who's already played a main role can't take it again."
"Oh—right," Kelly said, nodding. "That weird rule of yours. Once you get the lead, you're out of the running next time. It's meant to give everyone exposure, but the problem is—there aren't many members to begin with."
"That's exactly it," Melissa nodded. "And it's a musical again. Not everyone can sing well—some are just average."
"Can't you recruit from other clubs?" their brother asked.
"We can," Melissa replied, "but most of them are busy right now."
Kelly scratched her head. "Yeah… that is a problem."
"What about regular students?" Kenjie asked.
"We can recruit them too," Melissa said, sighing, "but the schedule's tight. The performance is close, and whoever we get needs theatre and singing experience."
Her worry showed clearly on her face.
Who could even take that role…? she wondered.
"Oh—why not Julie?" Kenjie suddenly suggested.
"Julie?" Kelly's eyes widened. "Yeah! She has experience. She mentioned it before, didn't she?"
Melissa sighed. "Sis… Julie needs a breather right now. She's scared to face the stage."
"Oh…" Kelly's excitement faded. "Yeah. Right."
"But maybe she just needs a little push," Kenjie said. "It's fear, yes—but not something she can't overcome. Not everyone on campus thinks badly of her."
Kelly nodded. "Melissa, try talking to Julie. Somehow, I feel like performing might help her—clear her head. Maybe even quiet those rumors."
Melissa hesitated. "Okay. But I won't force her. If she says no, that's it. I'll just… try."
Kelly smiled. "That's enough."
Their brother chuckled. "I have a feeling she'll agree."
*******
Raymond sat quietly in the classroom, his thoughts drifting back to what Joel had said earlier.
How did they withdraw that money? They're still minors…
Joel and Gabriel suddenly tapped his shoulder.
"Good morning, bro," Gabriel greeted cheerfully.
Raymond laughed as they fist-bumped. Ever since meeting Gabriel, he'd felt comfortable around him—not just because he was Julie's cousin, but because of his naturally easygoing nature.
"Something's wrong with your girlfriend," Gabriel said, glancing toward Melissa, who rested her chin on her hand.
"Yeah," Raymond sighed. "There's a small crisis in their theatre club."
"They need someone to fill a role, huh?" Joel guessed.
Raymond didn't answer. His eyes stayed on Melissa—he knew she was thinking hard.
"Gab, where's Julie?" he asked.
"She's in the office," Gabriel replied.
Joel sighed. "About that picture going around."
Raymond nodded. Julie had faced everything head-on—but she'd broken down more times than she let anyone see.
Moments later, Julie entered the room.
"Hey, Julie. Good morning," Raymond greeted.
She smiled. "Good morning!"
"Good morning," she said to Melissa.
"Meli, is Nicky not here yet?" Julie asked.
"Ah! You arrived before me again!" Nicole's voice rang out as she appeared, arms crossed.
"I just arrived—and I still beat you," Julie teased.
Nicole frowned. "Fine. Friday, then," she muttered, sitting down.
"Meli, good morning," Nicole said.
"Good morning," Melissa replied.
"Melissa, haven't you found someone for that event yet?" Raymond asked.
Melissa shook her head slightly.
"Meli…" Nicole's voice carried concern.
Julie stayed quiet, sensing the tension.
"So what's the plan?" Joel asked. "What's Melody's solution?"
"We really need someone for the role," Melissa said.
"How many?" Raymond asked.
"Just one female lead," Melissa replied. "We already have a male lead."
"Oh—that's good," Raymond said, then glanced at Julie. "What about Julie?"
Julie froze. "H—Huh?"
Melissa took a breath. "Honestly… I wanted to ask you, Julie. But I hesitated." She looked at her earnestly. "I just want you to stand on stage again. Can we… borrow you?"
Borrow, Raymond thought, amused.
Julie didn't answer immediately. The hesitation in her eyes was clear.
"I—I can't face the stage yet," she said softly. "A—and I'm not really a theatre person."
"Julie," Gabriel said gently, "you've done it before. And you shined. You should try again."
"B—but—"
"P-Please," Melissa said, her voice trembling. "Even just for practice. If you're uncomfortable, I won't force you. I promise."
Raymond saw the urgency in Melissa's eyes. Time wasn't on their side.
Julie stayed silent.
"Go on," Raymond said, patting her shoulder. "Just try. Don't run away yet."
Julie sighed. "…I'll try."
"Julie!" Melissa hugged her instantly, relief flooding her face.
"You'll be fine," Nicole said firmly. "You can do it."
Julie nodded quietly.
The crisis was lifted—for now.
But whether fear would return…
That was something only Julie could face.