"Cielo," Julie called out.
Cielo, who had been walking a few steps ahead, turned around and raised an eyebrow.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked.
He smirked before laughing. "Why? I wanted to surprise you—and it worked." He ruffled her hair and casually wrapped an arm around her.
Julie looked up at him. "Did you expect that reaction?"
Cielo thought for a moment. "Yeah. Why—don't you like me now?" he teased.
"Did I say that?" Julie shot back. "I was just shocked earlier." She studied him for a second, then sighed. "But you are a natural actor. Seriously… what can't you do?"
Cielo laughed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I am talented—and I know it," he whispered.
"Oh wow," Julie laughed. "This guy is really arrogant."
Still… knowing he's the one I'll be on stage with calms me down, she thought.
She let out a breath. Earlier, the moment she realized how many eyes were watching her, her mind had gone blank.
"Hey," Cielo said gently, noticing her mood. "You did great earlier. You really tried."
"Is that really okay?" she asked.
"Of course. And if you want, we can practice together," he smiled.
"Thank you, Ciel," Julie said softly.
He's the one who grounds me.
She smiled—then remembered something.
"Did you expect Dawn and the others to show up earlier?" she asked.
"Yep," Cielo replied calmly. "I always expect something from her. She never misses a chance to make things harder for you."
Julie didn't press further.
"Hey! You two—hurry up!" Raymond's voice echoed.
"They're so impatient," Cielo sighed.
Julie chuckled and tugged his hand. "Let's go."
They joined the others.
"I thought you already went home," Julie said.
"It's still early," Gabriel replied. "Besides, Julia's really happy you're back in the theatre."
They got into the car.
"So… where are we going?" Julie asked.
Gabriel sighed. "Just a meeting. But—" he glanced at Cielo.
"We'll talk about it privately first," Cielo said.
Julie didn't ask more. Deep down, she already knew.
Crisha.The missing passbook.Why Dawn pushed her.
"Is this connected to Crisha?" Julie asked quietly.
"Yes," Cielo said, pulling her closer. "With Jason's help—and Kenneth's mom—we found out something important."
Everyone fell silent.
"Crisha's missing passbook," Cielo continued, "is still active."
Julie froze.
"Active?" Nicole echoed. "You mean… it's still being used?"
Melissa's expression darkened.
"Do you know who's using it?" Julie asked.
"It's not that simple," Dennis explained. "The bank protects every transaction. We can't access details easily."
Julie blinked. Dennis… when did he come back?
"Hey," she joked weakly, "this is the first time I've seen you again."
Gabriel lightly hit the back of her neck.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing," he muttered.
What an idiot, she thought, deciding to stay quiet.
******
Jonathan sighed deeply.
They were now at Dave's house.
"Dave," Jonathan said, breaking the silence. "Who do you think is really behind Dawn and her group?"
Kevin frowned. "The bigger question is—who's using Crisha's passbook?"
Jonathan noticed Kelly sitting quietly.
"Kelly?" he called.
"Ah—nothing," she replied. "Just thinking."
"About what?" Chris asked.
"I don't know… something's bothering me," Kelly admitted.
Jonathan ruffled her hair and patted her shoulder.
A moment later, Cielo's group arrived.
"Sorry—are we late?" Gabriel asked.
"It's fine," Jonathan smiled. "No pressure."
"Let's begin," Dave said.
He turned to Julie. "By the way—you did great during practice. Don't be discouraged. That's what rehearsals are for."
Julie blinked, surprised. "Thank you."
Kelly wrapped an arm around her.
"So," Dave continued, "Cielo—does Julie already know about what we discovered?"
Cielo exhaled slowly. "Yes. Julie knows. Nicole too." He paused. "But the favor you mentioned—I haven't told her yet. Let's see what else we can do first."
Jonathan looked at Julie.
That favor… it's unfair to ask her.
"C—Cielo," Julie asked softly, "what favor?"
"Not now," Gabriel said gently. "You need to understand everything first."
Julie stayed silent. Nicole pulled her closer.
"Dennis," Chris said, "can you explain?"
Dennis handed out several photos.
Gasps filled the room.
"D—Does this mean… they're part of a gang?" Kelly whispered.
"Yes," Dennis said grimly. "We didn't want to believe it either. But this isn't speculation—it's proof. They've been involved for years."
"How are you sure?" Angie asked.
"Gabriel helped verify it. Someone recognized them too," Dennis replied.
Jonathan clenched his fists.
"Those rules…" he muttered. "They ruined lives."
"They treated victims like toys," he continued. "Kelly was one of them."
Raymond shook his head. "So the attempted kidnapping…?"
"Both revenge and fun," Gabriel said. "Airah hated Nicole. Charles became obsessed with Kelly."
"That's disgusting," Raymond muttered.
"And Crisha?" Dave asked quietly.
"That's what we don't know yet," Joel said. "Whether it was 'just for fun'—or something worse."
Silence fell.
"I… remember something," Kelly said suddenly. "I don't know if it's related—but I heard Dawn and Claire talking… with them."
Everyone turned to her.
"Kelly, don't push yourself," Jonathan said gently.
"I just feel like… my mind is trying to remember," Kelly whispered, hands trembling.
"It's okay," Kenjie said softly. "We're here. Take your time."
They waited.
Whatever Kelly remembered—
It might finally lead them closer to the truth.