"I'm sorry about that, Julie," Kenneth said quietly, letting out a sigh.
Julie only shook her head and smiled. "So… why was I requested by him?" she asked.
Kenneth scratched his head. "Cielo called me earlier. He said one of the guests requested you. He couldn't really refuse—and your brother allowed it too," he explained.
Julie sighed. "So… are we practicing?"
Kenneth smiled, recognizing the familiar Julie returning. "For a Pop Princess like you? You're used to impromptu performances," he teased.
"Hey, Ken," Julie shot him a warning look.
He laughed softly. "Don't worry. No one overheard us. So—what do you want to sing? Any pop song. What's your vibe?"
Julie elbowed him lightly and smirked. "I'll sing something just for that annoying man. Is that allowed?"
Kenneth's lips curved into a grin. "As you wish."
Julie listed the songs she had in mind. Kenneth paused—then laughed quietly.
I see… these songs, he thought, shaking his head in amusement.
"Is that okay?" Julie asked.
"More than okay. The whole band agrees," Kenneth replied, showing her their group chat.
"Huh? Where are the others? And Jason?" Julie asked, confused.
"They're just roaming around before the event," Kenneth replied casually.
"What? You're such an idiot sometimes," Julie muttered. "You really had to drag me here."
Kenneth laughed. "Relax. They'll be here any minute."
Julie fell silent, scanning the room as she sat down.
"Your studio's pretty big," she said.
"Yeah," Kenneth replied, distracted by his phone.
After a pause, Julie spoke again. "Ken… did you stop recruiting after Crisha?"
Kenneth froze.
"I—I'm sorry," Julie quickly added. "You don't have to answer."
Kenneth smiled gently. "It's okay. After Crisha passed, we decided to keep the band as it was. We stopped recruiting and just reduced the lineup."
"So you don't join contests anymore?" Julie asked.
"We still do—but less often. You know how bands are," he said lightly.
"You should join us," Kenneth joked. "We'll open a slot for you."
Julie frowned. "You've lost your mind again."
"Why not? You're not in any club anyway."
"Stop it," Julie said firmly. "You know I can't."
Kenneth laughed and ruffled her hair. "No pressure. Just a thought. If you ever change your mind, the spot's open. Crisha would've been happy too… I think."
Julie didn't answer right away. "I—I wouldn't refuse if you invited me again," she said slowly. "We'd just need to talk things through. You know what I do with the kids—"
"I know," Kenneth cut in, smiling. "I get it."
"Ken, you're teasing her again," Jenny said, shaking her head.
"I'm serious," Kenneth replied. "But I respect her reasons. I'm just hoping."
Jason sighed. "You never change."
"Alright," Kenneth said, clapping his hands. "Everyone's here. Let's prepare. I already sent the songs chosen by our guest—and today's star." He glanced at Julie, who only frowned.
"Don't worry about clothes," Kenneth added. "We have dresses in the dressing room."
Julie stiffened. "What if nothing fits me?"
"Don't worry," Neah said gently. "You're about the same height as Crisha."
Neah froze. "S—Sorry, Julie."
Julie smiled softly. "It's okay."
"I'm really sorry," Neah repeated.
Julie laughed lightly. "If that's the case, I'll borrow one of Crisha's dresses. Is that alright?"
Jenny smiled. "Of course. She loved sharing. She was just too kind."
"Thank you," Julie said. Then she squinted at the twins. "Wait… which one of you is Neah and which is Jenny again?"
The twins laughed.
"Let's get everything ready," Kenneth said. Everyone nodded.
Kelly and Melissa arrived soon after to help Julie prepare.
Yeah… not our little Crisha, Kenneth thought as he watched her.This is the Pop Princess returning to herself.
"You good to go?" he asked.
Julie nodded, then glanced toward the audience.
"Ugh… there are even more people than during the theatre show," she muttered.
"You'll be fine," Kenneth said.
Julie smiled faintly. "That jerk is really here."
Kenneth laughed.
"Why is he sitting beside Cielo?" Julie grumbled. "Why of all places?"
"I think it's just coincidence," Kenneth said. "Don't worry about it."
Julie didn't reply, only sighed.
"It's time," Kenneth said, tapping her shoulder.
She nodded.
She's ready, he thought. Ready to remind them.
They stepped onto the stage.
Before the music began, Kenneth introduced their guest performer—Julie.
A ripple of confusion passed through the crowd. Whispers followed.
But Kenneth saw it clearly.
Julie wasn't affected anymore.
Let her face the rumors herself, he thought.She'll outshine them anyway.