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The final notes of the applause still lingered in the air as I straightened my shoulders, pulling myself back into the role I'd worn like a second skin for years. It was time to resume my duties as Vice President of the Student Council. 

The day was far from over, but something about the atmosphere felt... different. Lighter, almost, like the weight on my chest had been lifted just a little. I hadn't expected to feel this way.

I wandered through the school grounds, my footsteps falling in rhythm with the hum of student voices, each one louder than the last as they rushed through games and performances. 

It was a chaos of laughter and movement—alive, bright, and free. And somehow, it felt like I wasn't quite a part of it. I could almost see myself as an outsider, someone just passing through, a specter moving along the edges of their world, observing but never truly belonging.

But maybe that was the point. For this fleeting moment, I wasn't bound by my mother's control or the constant surveillance of my family's legacy. It was as if I had slipped free, just for a little while.

Then, I heard it. Heard Wallace's voice, raw and tender, that seemed to echo through my mind.

His song had wrapped itself around me, pulling at my insides in a way I couldn't quite explain.

It wasn't just the sound of his voice—it was the way it had shaken something deep inside me. The way his words had felt so real, so unguarded.

For a moment, I had glimpsed the rawness of who he was beneath all the rumors, the tough exterior he tried so hard to keep up.

I kept replaying his performance in my head, and each time, I felt that strange mix of awe and something... else.

I couldn't help but think about the way his gaze had lingered on me when he finished, heavy with something I couldn't name. It had made the walls around my heart seem a little thinner, a little easier to breach.

Then I realized, he's never looked at me that way before.

But why? Why now?

I was still the same person I'd been yesterday, still the same daughter, the same perfect heir to Dream Catcher. I still had a role to play.

And yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe Wallace had seen something in me that no one else had.

Or maybe it was just me being foolish, reading into things that weren't there.

But the way his eyes held mine... it had felt real. It had felt like a crack in the facade we both wore.

And I wasn't sure but... I felt like there was something between us that wasn't there before.

When the awarding ceremony began, I was already lost in my thoughts, but I snapped back to reality as Wallace and Audrey stepped onto the stage to accept their first-place award. 

The crowd around me buzzed with excitement, their energy infectious, even if I didn't quite feel a part of it. Some cheered loudly, while others murmured complaints.

"Of course, Audrey's in it with Wallace. What a joke," someone muttered nearby.

I could sense the tension. The division. Some were thrilled, others resentful. And beneath it all, a quiet voice inside me wondered if I was just another piece of the puzzle, someone being swept along by the same currents of expectation and envy. 

Did anyone see me? I couldn't help but think. 

Or was I just another face in the crowd, invisible except for the role I was supposed to play?

The whispers started, too—about Wallace's reputation. The rumors followed him like a shadow, even now, even here. 

His gang ties, the street fights, and the way he flitted from girl to girl like they were nothing more than temporary distractions. Despite all the rumors, and the official files my mother had given me that were filled with details of his behavior—his defiance, his recklessness, his unwillingness to conform. Yet...

Why did I feel differently?

The way he had treated me so unexpectedly kind, so disarmingly gentle, didn't match the image I'd been given. 

The Wallace I saw wasn't the same as the one in those reports. 

The Wallace I saw was a boy who had helped me during a panic attack without hesitation. 

The Wallace I saw was someone who offered to help, without ever asking for anything in return. 

Maybe I was just confused. Maybe I was fooling myself. But it didn't sit right with me, this version of him, this person the world had labeled so easily.

But then again... maybe, we're just the same.

The crowd's excitement roared louder, drowning out my thoughts. 

I couldn't help but feel a private, almost foolish sense of pride for them. I hadn't participated in the contest, but their victory felt like mine too.

Maybe it was because I'd been there, watching them, feeling connected in some way I couldn't quite name.

Or maybe it's because I've never been so keenly aware of someone else's success, of how it ripples outward like a stone dropped into water.

Then Emily's furious voice broke through the noise. I turned just in time to see her storm out of her seat, eyes blazing, her glare aimed straight at Audrey like a weapon.

"This isn't over. She didn't deserve to win," Emily hissed, her voice sharp enough to slice through the air. She stormed off with her friends, muttering angrily about the unfairness of it all.

The scene was nothing new. People didn't like Audrey, not everyone, and I'd seen this before—the same bitter complaints when she succeeded, the same resentment when someone else shone. 

It made me wonder if I was just like that, too. If I, too, had built my life around expectations, judging others for doing the same. 

Was I any different from Emily? Was I any different from the others who couldn't stand to see someone like Audrey succeed?

I was so lost in these thoughts that I didn't realize I had drifted to the back of the crowd until I saw the flash of a smile—a bright, radiant smile—on Audrey's face as she pulled Wallace into a celebratory hug. 

My heart skipped a beat at the sight. I didn't know why it bothered me, or if it even should. I was happy for them. But there was a strange ache in my chest that I couldn't ignore. 

Wallace had performed for me, and yet, he was here with her.

I couldn't make sense of it. I wanted to be happy for them. But I felt this strange, sharp twinge of something else, something I couldn't name. Something that felt too close to jealousy mixed with longing.

The day dragged on, and as the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the school courtyard, I realized how tired I was. The events, the speeches, the constant motion—my mind ached for the quiet of my room. The soft, comforting stillness of my room, where I could slip away from everything and everyone.

But Franko was still by my side, oblivious to the weight of my thoughts. He'd been talking nonstop about his latest "romantic" adventure, his words a blur of enthusiasm.

"I just fell in love at first sight, Des!"

I blinked, and pulled out of my spiral, feeling my feet shift uneasily on the ground.

"You... what?" I asked, trying to pull my focus back.

"The girl earlier," he continued, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping a little to convey the magnitude of his revelation. 

"I feel like she's the one. She was glowing, so beautiful! What do you think? She's perfect for me, right? I'm going to buy her the largest bouquet and the sweetest chocolates in the world! I might as well ask Mom where she bought her most expensive necklace."

"Hold up, Franko. The who?" I furrowed my brow, my arms folding instinctively across my chest as I tried to make sense of his rambling.

"The girl who performed on the stage earlier!" Franko's hand shot out as if pointing at the very air around us, as though she was right there.

"Which girl?" I asked again, my tone more questioning this time.

"Oh, come on! The prettiest one!" 

He let out a small, dramatic huff, exasperated by my confusion, throwing his hands up in the air as if this were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Franko, how am I supposed to know which of those girls are the prettiest in your eyes? And more than one girl was on the stage earlier! I was on the stage earlier helping the MC, which is also a girl." I shook my head slightly, irritated, though I couldn't help the hint of amusement tugging at my lips. His excitement was almost endearing.

"Des, you know no one can match your beauty," he said with a wink, throwing a teasing glance in my direction. Then his face turned serious, but only for a second. "But no, it's not you or that chubby MC, and neither are the teachers. Although, to be honest, they're hot, just no longer considered girls for their age."

Seriously, this guy...

"Just—I don't know her, okay?!" Franko threw his hands up once more, a slightly exasperated grin on his face. "But she was with that talented singer boy and they performed last in the group singing contest."

I blinked at him, caught off guard by the shift in focus.

Audrey...

"Uhmm... Before anything, let me tell you who that boy she was with first."

"I wasn't really interested in that boy although he would make a great pop star, but okay," he said, shrugging.

"He's Wallace."

A brief silence lingered between us as he processed the name.

"No. Way! You mean the Wallace, your fiancé?" He asked, his voice rising slightly, disbelief creeping into his words.

"Yes."

"Oh... Oh! Wait, don't tell me... Is she Audrey?"

I confirmed with a quick nod.

Franko's eyes widened dramatically. He stood up a little straighter, his body language shifting from playful to thoughtful. He stared at the ground as if processing this new information. After a beat, he said nothing, his gaze distant, lost in thought.

"Well, if you really like her, Franko, maybe you should get to know her first before you jump into anything excessive, don't you think?" I suggested, my voice softer, trying to redirect his energy.

"No! Now I'm even more determined to make her like—no, love me," Franko shot back quickly, and his mischievous grin stretched from ear to ear. He winked at me, that familiar glint of determination in his eyes. "And if I do, I can help you in the process."

I sighed deeply, rubbing my temples as the weight of everything pressed back down on me. 

"I don't need help, Franko," I muttered, my voice more tired than I intended.

"Na-uh, don't you lie to me, Des. I know you've been feeling down lately because of that same girl being near Wallace," Franko said, his tone shifting into something more serious, his fingers tapping restlessly on the phone in his hand.

"And I am here to help you, my best friend. After what I witnessed earlier, I am convinced Wallace has talent but can't be fully trusted... yet. But since I can tell you're interested in him, I'll try my best to investigate him in person to see if he's good for you."

"Like I said, Franko, I don't need any help regarding her or them or anything."

"Oh, come on! Can't you at least not act like you're fine, Des?" Franko's voice softened, but the urgency was still there. "Because you're not. And as much as I want to just tuck you in my pocket right now and sneak you to a faraway island where you can be free from your mother's clutch and this damned engagement with that boy, I can't. So, I'll do whatever I can just to make things easier for you, okay?"

I shot him a look, eyebrow arched. "By charming your way into another innocent girl's heart? No, thanks, Franko. As much as I love you, I can't just let you break another girl's heart for my sake."

He deadpanned at me, not breaking his gaze. His posture stiffened, but his eyes twinkled with a mischief I knew all too well.

"Besides, it's clear as day to me that she likes Wallace, who might also like her back," I spoke the last part in almost a hushed tone as if it hurt to even say it. "You can try, Franko, but I don't think you have a chance."

He pouted, his face scrunching up in exaggerated disappointment. His eyes darted away dramatically, avoiding my gaze as if dismissing my words without acknowledging them.

I sighed inwardly, my gaze lingering on him. I knew I was being too pessimistic, but it was for everyone's sake. And truthfully, I didn't have the energy to talk about it any further.

We were almost to the gates when I saw Wallace again. He stood with his usual group of friends, Audrey included. As always, they were laughing together, a little too comfortable in each other's company.

They looked at ease as if they fit together effortlessly, and I...

The thought hit me like a jolt of cold electricity, and the familiar pang of jealousy twisted inside me, sharp and uncomfortable.

Before I could talk myself out of it, my feet were already moving, bringing me closer to him, to them, without my permission. 

I didn't even know why I needed to talk to him, only that I did. It was as though something inside me was demanding answers, urging me to make sense of whatever... this connection was, even if I couldn't define it.

As Franko and I drew closer, the lively chatter among Wallace's group began to slow, like the sudden shift of gears in a car that had been running too fast. The laughter died down, and an odd stillness fell over the group. The transition was subtle, but I felt it immediately as the air thickened, like the moment before a storm.

Wallace turned to face us. His gaze locked onto mine, cool and measured, as though he had been expecting me, or perhaps had noticed my approach long before I was aware of it. His eyes briefly flicked to Franko, standing beside me, before narrowing just slightly. That brief glance made me feel...

Audrey's group of friends—her tight-knit cluster of girls—were the first to notice us. They exchanged quick glances, their eyes darting between each other with that familiar, silent communication that always seemed to happen in cliques. Their postures shifted ever so slightly, becoming more closed off, more defensive. The tension in their stares was palpable, like invisible strings pulling them all together in opposition to me.

Wallace's friends, on the other hand, merely looked up, offering casual nods or subdued smiles before falling silent, their expressions neutral. Only Wallace himself seemed unaffected, staring at me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

Audrey's hesitant smile didn't reach her eyes as she greeted me, but I barely registered it. My attention was still captured by Wallace, by the quiet confidence in the way he held himself. The slight quirk on his lips, and the way he stood just a little taller than the others, made me feel like he was always one step ahead in this silent, unspoken game we were playing.

I cleared my throat, trying to find my voice, summoning the perfect smile I'd practiced countless times.

"Congratulations on your win," I said, keeping my tone steady, controlled, and laced with the poise expected of me. "Audrey, you were amazing up there."

Audrey's expression softened, gratitude shining through the surprise. "Thank you. That means a lot coming from you."

Before I could respond, one of Audrey's friends interjected with a laugh that sounded forced.

The others chimed in with murmured agreement, their voices a little too rehearsed, a little too sugary to be sincere. But the way they shot sidelong glances at me—those brief, sharp looks—told a different story. The warmth of their words couldn't disguise the coolness of their eyes.

Franko, ever the social butterfly, couldn't resist the opportunity to make a grand entrance. He flashed a smile at Audrey and stepped forward, extending his hand with dramatic flair.

"I'm Franko, by the way," he said, his voice smooth and playful. "And I have to admit, I couldn't take my eyes off you during the performance. You, Audrey, were absolutely mesmerizing out there."

Audrey raised an eyebrow, her expression playful yet skeptical. She clasped his hand briefly and tilted her head, a glint of humor in her eyes.

"Well, that's sweet of you to say, but it was more about teamwork," she replied with a smile, her tone light but firm.

Franko, with his usual theatrics, pressed a hand to his chest as if struck.

"Ah, modesty—yet another one of your charming virtues. But let's not get too humble now, Audrey. You commanded that stage like a queen. I was spellbound. Unforgettable, honestly."

Audrey tilted her head, her eyes narrowing with a glint of humor.

"Unforgettable? Quite the claim from someone who's just met me. What makes you think I'm unforgettable?"

Franko leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice but ensuring the entire group could still hear.

"Some things, Audrey, are burned into memory. You? You're a wildfire."

Audrey laughed softly, a twinkle of mischief crossing her face. "I don't know about that. Are you always this generous with compliments?"

Franko grinned, unfazed. "Only when they're deserved. And you, Audrey, deserve all of them."

"You're a funny one."

"And yet," Franko countered with a grin, "you're still talking to me."

The girls in Audrey's circle exchanged glances, their words too low for me to hear but their disapproval clear in the way they positioned themselves more closely together. One of them smirked, speaking just loud enough to be heard.

"I think she's got better things to do than entertain random admirers."

Franko, ever the charmer, didn't flinch. "Ah, but life's too short not to appreciate brilliance when you see it."

Audrey, however, shot her friend a look before turning back to Franko, she gave him a wry smile.

"Hmm." Audrey crossed her arms, her smile widening as she leaned in slightly, her voice low enough to make it feel like a private challenge despite the group. "You sure you're not just saying that because you want something?"

"Only your undivided attention," Franko quipped, earning chuckles from Wallace and a few others nearby.

Audrey straightened, her laughter infectious. "Well, consider it granted for now. But don't push your luck, Franko. I'm tougher than I look."

"I wouldn't dare," Franko said, throwing up his hands in mock surrender.

The light banter carried an easy rhythm, with Audrey holding her ground effortlessly. Her playful wit left no doubt that she wasn't the type to be easily swept off her feet, no matter how smooth the lines.

Audrey, her expression a mix of amusement and skepticism, turned her attention to me. There was a hesitation in her gaze, as though debating whether or not to ask what was on her mind. Then, she spoke, her tone light but curious.

"So... Desiree, have you ever done anything impulsive, like agreeing to a bet or something?"

I glanced at her, surprised she'd directed the question to me. Though we were classmates, our interactions had been limited to polite exchanges. Still, there was a sincerity in her tone that made it hard to dismiss.

Before I could answer, Franko jumped in, a theatrical gasp escaping his lips. "Oh, Audrey, you've just opened Pandora's box!"

Audrey tilted her head, clearly unsure if he was teasing her or being serious. "Have I?"

"She's full of surprises," Franko said, his grin widening as he ignored the glare I shot his way. 

"Take that time she accidentally signed herself up for a swimming competition because she thought there'd be free snacks."

Audrey's eyes widened, her laughter bubbling out before she could stop herself. "Wait, what?"

That wasn't even the truth! I signed up because of Mom. I only said that to him as an excuse when he saw me crying with frustration that day because I was only the third placer.

"It's a crime not to share brilliance," Franko declared, unapologetic. "She spent the next two weeks training harder than any athlete I've ever seen, and she crushed it."

I noticed Wallace's demeanor shift. His easygoing posture stiffened, and his eyes darkened just slightly, though his expression remained carefully neutral.

"Sounds like you know her pretty well," Wallace said suddenly, his tone calm but carrying an edge that hadn't been there before.

Franko grinned, oblivious or perhaps deliberately playful. "Of course. Best friends are supposed to."

There was a pause, subtle but palpable, as Wallace's gaze flicked to me. 

"Must be nice," he said, though his expression betrayed something deeper.

Franko, unfazed, leaned back in his chair with a grin. "She's a tough nut to crack, but once you do, you find a lot of gold in there. Isn't that right, Desiree?"

"Don't let him fool you. He just likes to exaggerate."

Audrey and Franko soon dove into another round of teasing, their focus entirely on each other. It was at that moment, as the noise around us swirled into the background, that Wallace leaned slightly toward me.

His movement was subtle and deliberate. His shoulder brushed mine in a featherlight touch that sent a jolt through me. His voice, low and smooth, slipped into the space between us.

"So, what did you think?" he asked, his eyes lingering on mine, dark and intent. "Of my performance... and the song?"

For a split second, it felt as though the world around us had muted and everything faded into the background. It was just Wallace's question, his unwavering gaze, and the rush of heat in my chest. I could feel it in my veins, the weight of his stare.

I blinked, trying to regain my composure.

"You were great," I replied, my voice betraying the flutters I couldn't quite contain. I glanced down, unwilling to let him see the way his presence affected me, but I could still feel him watching, waiting.

"So, Wallace," Franko began a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I have to say, that performance was impressive, bro. But tell me, whose idea was it to pick that song? Yours or Audrey's?"

Audrey answered before Wallace could, her tone teasing. 

"His. He thought it was perfectly sentimental." She air-quoted dramatically, earning chuckles from the group.

Wallace shot her a dry look. "It's a good song."

"It is!" Audrey agreed, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I found myself half-listening, nodding occasionally, but my thoughts drifted. 

It was strange, being here like this—the four of us. 

Franko's endless energy, Audrey's soft but sharp wit, Wallace's quiet intensity... and me. 

If someone had told me a year ago that I'd be standing here with these three, I wouldn't have believed it. Yet, here we were, a strange quartet that didn't entirely make sense but somehow worked.

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