Nicole sat inside the theatre, absently fiddling with her phone. She was texting Julie, who was already backstage—an area strictly off-limits.
She let out a quiet sigh. Melissa wasn't with her either, since she was part of the performance.
I know they can handle it… but I'm still worried about Julie, she thought, sighing again.
To make things worse, Nicole knew Julie's ex was in the audience—watching along with Dawn and her friends. She stole a glance in their direction before quickly looking away. The only person beside her was her cousin Kelly, who was also glued to her phone. Nicole even heard her sigh.
"I'm worried about Julie," Kelly finally said. "She's having stage fright again—and it got worse when she saw her ex."
Nicole didn't reply. She only nodded, her eyes roaming around the theatre. A large crowd had gathered—students like them, quietly waiting for the performance to begin.
"Are the officers busy right now?" Nicole asked.
"They are," Kelly replied. "But they said they'll still watch the performance."
"Has it started yet?" Joel suddenly asked.
Nicole looked at him and smiled. "Not yet. Five more minutes."
"Nice—we made it in time," Joel said as he sat down, Caden following right behind him.
"Excuse us," Caden said, accompanied by Gabriel and Raymond.
"You took your time," Nicole commented.
"Sorry. We didn't expect this many people," Joel laughed. "Thanks for reserving seats." He gave her a thumbs-up as he sat beside her.
Nicole said nothing more.
"Where are Kevin and the others?" Kelly asked.
"They'll come later," Joel replied.
"Oh—speaking of which," Nicole said when she spotted her brother Jonathan arriving with his friends. She waved at him.
Jonathan pointed at her, silently asking if there were vacant seats. Nicole nodded immediately. The group hurried over, Chris included.
"Thanks for saving us seats," Jonathan sighed in relief as he sat beside her.
"Why did you take so long?" Kelly asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We had to fix something in the office," Jonathan replied.
"So how's Julie today?" he asked.
"She's managing," Nicole answered. "But she's nervous. And her ex being here doesn't help."
"She'll be fine," Caden said confidently. "Oh—I need to take a video. Chris, is that allowed?"
Chris chuckled. "It's a performance. Photos and videos are allowed."
"I'm taking pictures too," Nicole said, lifting her phone.
She wasn't the only one. Almost everyone around them was preparing their cameras, making her laugh softly.
Suddenly, the entire theatre went dark.
A ripple of surprise passed through the audience.
"Oh—it's starting," Chris said, glancing at the time.
This is my first time watching it live, Nicole thought, swallowing nervously. It's so different from watching online.
Her grip tightened around her phone.
"Nicky—no flash," her brother whispered.
She immediately turned it off.
The narrator's voice echoed from backstage. Nicole already knew the story—but rehearsals were nothing like this.
One by one, the characters appeared onstage. She found herself completely drawn in—not just by the costumes, but by the atmosphere.
When Melissa stepped into the spotlight—
Who is that girl? She's beautiful—oh! Camera, camera, Nicole thought as she snapped photos.
She's dazzling. Is this really my cousin? Every line was delivered perfectly. You'd never think she was shy.
She laughed softly at her thoughts.
Then she spotted Melody.
"Why are they all so beautiful?" she whispered.
"Because they are," Kelly replied. "Why are you even asking?"
Nicole laughed quietly.
When Cielo appeared, it felt like the entire female audience sighed at once.
I mean… who wouldn't? Nicole shook her head. Prince Charming really exists.
"It's okay to have a crush on Cielo right now," Joel teased.
Nicole frowned at him, then realized he was joking. Dave and Jonathan laughed softly.
"People reacted the same way when he volunteered back in elementary school," Chris said.
"Yep," Dave nodded. "Ciel—let other girls breathe."
So that's why he's so natural on stage, Nicole thought. He's been doing this forever.
Then Julie appeared.
And the atmosphere shifted.
Wait… who is that? She's beautiful.
Julie wasn't the girl who always looked down at her seat anymore. Her posture was steady. Her focus unwavering.
"Oh—isn't that Chris's sister?" someone whispered. "About that issue—"
The voice cut off when they noticed Chris nearby.
"I—I mean, she's a good actress," another added nervously. "They said before she'd bring bad luck to the event…"
"Y—Yeah," someone else swallowed. "M—Maybe that hoax isn't true after all."
There were still whispers—but there were also compliments now. Nicole shook her head lightly.
"Just focus," Raymond whispered.
"I can't," Nicole muttered, rolling her eyes.
"They're about to meet onstage," Gabriel said.
Nicole ignored the murmurs.
When Julie and Cielo finally faced each other—
"Kelly, I need a fan," Nicole whispered, lightly hitting her cousin. "The impact of the two of them—I can't."
Kelly didn't respond. She was too busy watching… and secretly swooning.
The entire audience seemed to be holding their breath. Every glance, every smile, the way their hands met—it pulled everyone in.
"You're really holding your breath?" Kelly whispered, fanning herself.
"I don't want to breathe," Nicole laughed softly. "If I do, I won't survive."
Then came the duet.
Since it was a musical theatre production, their voices filled the hall. Julie had been chosen for a reason—her voice carried strength and emotion.
"Isn't that their second duet?" Kelly asked.
"They already had one?" Gabriel asked.
"Yeah," Chris explained. "During Cielo's dad's birthday. Your cousin sang and danced with him."
"Wow. I didn't know that," Gabriel said. "Julie never told me."
Kenneth chuckled. "Actually, I was her first duet partner in class."
"Yeah—because you used your privilege," Jason teased.
Nicole enjoyed every second. The acting was beautiful. The emotions were real.
When the final scene ended, the theatre erupted in applause.
"Oh—it's over already?" Nicole said. "That felt too short."
Kelly laughed. "Look at how many pictures you took."
"Let's wait for them," Nicole said. "We're not allowed backstage yet."
Julie was admired that time. The old rumors—about her childhood photo—were drowned out by genuine praise.
I guess… she can face the crowd now, Nicole thought, letting out a quiet sigh.