Julie let out a deep breath once they were finally offstage.
"Julie," Melody called.
"Melody," Julie replied softly.
She hadn't even changed into her uniform yet when Melody suddenly wrapped her in a hug.
"You did great," Melody said, patting her shoulder and ruffling her hair.
Julie stiffened at first, surprised by the sudden embrace, but she nodded. "Thank you—for trusting me. And for all the support," she said. "I didn't think I could still perform on stage." She sighed, then laughed softly, scratching her head.
"No—we should be thanking you," Melody replied warmly. "You and Cielo were amazing. Melissa too. Everyone did great. The performance went smoothly." She glanced at the others with pride.
It meant more than words—that they had pulled it off together.
"So," Melody teased, smiling, "would you like to join our club?""No pressure, Julie. We'd welcome you anytime."
Julie hesitated. Her eyes searched for the right words, which only made Melody laugh.
"It's okay," Melody said gently, patting her shoulder.
"I… I'll think about it," Julie replied at last.
Melody laughed even more. She could tell—Julie was genuinely kind. That was why teasing her felt harmless.
"Melissa," Melody called.
"Yes?" Melissa answered politely.
"You did great too," Melody said, tapping her shoulder.
"Thank you, Melody," Melissa replied with a bright smile. "You were amazing as well."
"Aww, you're so sweet," Melody said, ruffling her hair. "Alright, I'll leave you two for now."
The girls nodded.
Melody scanned the room and quickly spotted Cielo, already back in uniform, adjusting the costume he had worn earlier.
"Cielo," she called.
He turned toward her, waiting.
"Thank you for volunteering again," Melody said sincerely. "The team—and I—are really grateful you came back to save us during the crisis." She laughed lightly. "And not just you. Julie too."
"It's fine," Cielo replied. "It's been a while since I last stepped on stage anyway."
"Think you can convince Julie to join the theatre club?" Melody joked.
"That decision isn't mine," Cielo answered honestly. "I can suggest it—but it's still her choice."
Yep. He really respects her, Melody thought.
She didn't push further. That was just how Cielo was—helpful, supportive, but never controlling.
"Thank you, Cielo."
"Anytime," he replied with a smile.
A real Prince Charming, she mused.
She watched as the three of them walked together, both girls now in uniform.
"We'll head out first, Melody," Julie said, waving.
Melody waved back, smiling—then sighed quietly.
I hope she'll be fine now, she prayed silently.
*****
"Ah—they're here," Caden said when he spotted the group approaching.
"Oh, our actresses are already changed," Gabriel joked.
"Caden!" Julie waved excitedly.
"That brat," Caden muttered, shaking his head.
Julie hurried over.
"Good thing you came," she teased.
Caden flicked her forehead without warning.
"Ow! Of all the head flicks I've ever received, yours has no mercy," Julie complained, holding her head.
"I'm glad to hear that," Caden replied smugly.
"You're an idiot," Julie shot back.
"Julie, look at this," Nicole said, showing her phone. "Is this really you?"
"Hey! Delete that, you crazy girl!" Julie reached for the phone.
Nicole swiped again—this time revealing a photo with Cielo. Julie's cheeks instantly turned red.
"Hey! I said delete it!"
"Nope," Nicole grinned. "I'll give it to you later. You want it?"
Caden just shook his head, amused. More than anything, he was relieved.
Julie had truly regained her confidence.
"Did you wait for us? Sorry about that," Cielo said.
"It's fine," Caden replied. "You're a natural on stage."
Cielo laughed softly. "I guess so."
"I recorded everything," Caden added. "I'll show it to my girlfriend."
"Huh? Caden—" Julie warned.
"What? She wants to see it. I even sent her photos while you were performing," he said proudly.
Julie sighed. "I'm glad you're here," she said quietly.
"Yeah, silly," Caden replied, ruffling her hair.
"Hey, Julie."
A familiar voice called out.
Julie—and Caden—turned.
Oh… it's Dawn.
And beside her—
Vincent.
"Julie!" Dawn hugged her tightly. "You were amazing today!"
Julie froze for a second, then forced a smile. "T—Thank you, Dawn."
"You've improved so much!" Dawn continued. "And my boyfriend helped you, right?" she said, glancing at Cielo.
Cielo smiled politely. "Thanks, Dawn."
"You're really talented," Vincent said, patting Cielo's shoulder. "I didn't expect it—dancing and all. You have so many talents."
"Oh—thank you," Cielo replied. "You flatter me."
"And of course—" Vincent turned to Julie, stepping closer. "It's been a long time. It's nice to see you again, Julie."
"Oh? You know her?" Dawn asked innocently.
"Yes," Vincent answered. "We used to be lovers."
"Oh—but Julie has Gabriel now," Dawn said quickly.
"Yes, I know," Vincent replied. "But isn't it good to see her happy again?"
His eyes never left Julie.
Julie stayed silent.
"So how have you been?" Vincent asked gently. "It's been a while."
"I'm doing fine," Julie replied, meeting his gaze.
Vincent blinked, visibly taken aback.
After everything she's been through, does he really think she'd fall apart just because of an ex? Caden thought.
"That's good to hear," Vincent said, nodding.
"Gabriel," Vincent added, "can we talk for a bit? I'd like to speak to her in private."
"Why do we need to talk alone?" Julie said calmly. "If it's important, you can say it here."
Caden's jaw tightened.
Julie looked composed—but her clenched fists told a different story. She was holding herself together.
"Julie," Vincent said, lowering his voice, "I know you're still frustrated about our breakup. That's why I want to talk—calmly."
Of course, Caden thought. He had to bring that up.
Julie… how will you answer this?
The air shifted—heavy, tense.
Caden could feel it.
Something was about to happen.