What was wrong with everyone around Julie?
Why weren't they reacting the way Dawn expected?
As Dawn watched the scene unfold, irritation simmered beneath her calm exterior. Her plan—to isolate Julie after the photo spread online—had failed completely.
Tsk.I need to do something.
Worse, Cielo had been openly worried about Julie. That alone unsettled her. Something about it felt wrong—too protective, too sincere.
She was about to enter the classroom when she overheard a conversation.
Julie was going to stand in as a proxy for Melissa's theatre event.
Eh?She's really doing that?
Her eyes narrowed.
Isn't this the perfect chance to ruin her even more?
A slow smile curved on Dawn's lips.
Well… let's see.
She stepped out as if she hadn't heard a thing.
"Hey, good morning," she greeted sweetly.
She noticed the brief stiffness in the room—the way everyone paused when they saw her.
Everyone… except Julie.
"Good morning, Dawn," Julie replied with a small smile.
Why are you smiling like that?Why aren't you broken yet?
Dawn clenched her fist discreetly.
"Oh, I heard about it," she said lightly. "Melissa's theatre project."
The group exchanged glances. Melissa nodded.
"I—It's not official yet," she explained. "Julie's just trying this afternoon."
"Oh, I see," Dawn smiled. "That's nice. Julie has such a beautiful voice. I was really shocked when she did that duet with Kenneth. She's talented."
She turned to Julie, eyes warm—too warm.
"I believe you'll thrive there."
"Thank you, Dawn," Julie replied politely.
"Oh—your boyfriend's here," Dawn added, turning to Gabriel. "Gab, your girlfriend's talented, right?"
"Yep," Gabriel laughed. "She really is. Thanks for supporting her, Dawn."
Dawn smiled.
Why didn't you leave her?Oh well. I'll just make you turn against each other.
"I'm here to support Julie through thick and thin," she said before walking back to her seat.
Just then, Cielo arrived.
Well, pulling Cielo into this is working faster than I thought, Dawn smirked.
"Hey, Ciel! Good morning!" she greeted.
"Good morning, Dawn," Cielo replied.
She noticed how he gently patted Julie's shoulder.
Julie smiled back.
"Oh…" Dawn pouted. "I'm feeling a little jealous today."
"Jealous of what?" Cielo asked, genuinely confused.
Dawn sighed dramatically. "I'm not the jealous type, but—" she glanced at Julie. "Girl code."
"Dawn," Cielo said calmly, "I was just checking if Navares is okay."
"Ouch," Dawn laughed lightly. "But it's fine. I understand."
"I know Gab must be hurt too," she added casually.
Gabriel smiled. "Julie's not like that. I trust her. Don't you trust Cielo?"
Dawn froze.
"It's not that," she said after a pause. "I'm just… a little hurt. I want that kind of attention too."
"Eh?" Raymond frowned. "But you and Cielo are always together. Why now?"
Dawn stiffened.
What are they thinking?
"I'm sorry, Dawn," Julie said softly. "It's not like that. Cielo, thank you—but I'm okay."
"Y-Yeah… sorry," Dawn replied.
She smiled to herself.
******
Julie followed Melissa quietly, torn between backing out and giving her a chance.
"Julie, if you're uncomfortable, it's okay," Melissa said gently. "I'll understand."
You're just trying, Julie reminded herself.And Melissa rarely asks you for anything.
"I'll just try," Julie said. "Just to see if I can face the stage again."
Melissa smiled in relief and pulled her along. "Let's go. It's been a while since I stepped on stage too."
A few minutes later, they arrived at the theatre club.
Julie stopped short.
It's huge…
The space was wide, open, and clearly well cared for. Her eyes were drawn to the stage—large, polished, intimidating.
"That was my reaction too," Melissa chuckled.
There weren't many people yet.
Cielo didn't come…Probably because Dawn would get jealous.
Julie frowned inwardly.
What am I thinking? Cielo's my boyfriend.
She inhaled slowly.
Be patient—for Cielo's sake.
"Backstage," Melissa said. "Shall we?"
Julie nodded.
Backstage buzzed with activity—props, lights, quiet chatter.
"Melissa!" Melody called, beaming.
"Julie!" she added happily.
"Good afternoon," Julie said.
Melody hugged her without hesitation. "Did you convince her?"
"She wants to try," Melissa said quickly. "I won't force her."
"That's enough," Melody smiled. "Thank you for coming, Julie."
She's really kind, Julie thought.
"Guys!" Melody called out. "Julie wants to try the role. Is that okay?"
Whispers rippled through the group.
"Julie Navares? The president's sister?"
"Isn't she the one from that viral photo?"
Julie's chest tightened.
But then—
"She has a beautiful voice."
"That duet with Ken was amazing."
"She looks like—no, I mean, the Pop Princess."
Curiosity replaced judgment.
"Please don't make her uncomfortable," Melody said firmly. "Let's continue practice."
Julie exhaled.
"Sorry about that," Melody whispered.
"It's okay," Julie replied.
"Melissa… you said there were two leads?" she asked quietly.
"Oh," Melissa smiled. "Your partner already knows his role."
"W—What's mine again?"
Melody handed her the script.
"You're the main cast."
Julie stared.
"A modern fairy tale… a prince and a princess?"
"The highlighted parts are yours," Melissa said.
Julie swallowed.
Am I really doing this again?
She glanced at the empty seats—imagined them filled.
Her chest tightened.
Just hang on, she told herself.
She lowered her gaze back to the script—and held on.