The auditorium was packed.
The annual Foundation Day celebration had always been a highlight at Sunvale Academy. Performances, club booths, awards. Everyone attended. Even those who didn't care about tradition showed up for the food and the shortened class schedules.
Eli and Riven stood at the back of the hall, barely breathing.
Riven tugged nervously at the hem of his shirt. "We don't have to stay the whole time."
Eli gave him a quiet look. "You sure? You were the one who wanted to come."
"Yeah. I mean, I do. I think. I just… It feels like everyone is watching us."
"They are," Eli said simply. "But maybe it's time we let them."
Riven took a deep breath. He hated that Eli made it sound so easy. But deep down, he knew Eli was right.
The announcer on stage was listing the names of students being honored for academic and extracurricular achievements. And then suddenly—
"For outstanding performance in the Science Club, Riven Castillo."
His name echoed through the mic.
He froze.
Eli gently nudged him. "Go."
"No. I—I can't. What if they—"
"You deserve to be up there, Riven. Let them see you. Let them know you."
Riven walked.
Each step toward the stage felt like walking underwater. His name was still being applauded. But some claps were hesitant. Others were genuine. He passed a row of students who looked at him, not with disgust—but with something more uncertain.
Curiosity.
Respect, even.
He accepted the certificate with a tight smile, bowed, and turned to step off stage.
When he returned to his seat beside Eli, his hands were shaking.
"That was terrifying."
Eli smirked. "And yet, you didn't combust."
"I might still. Give it time."
They laughed, and it was the first time Riven genuinely felt lighter in weeks.
Then something unexpected happened.
The music club took the stage for a performance. And just before they began, one of the singers said:
"This song is for the people who showed us what it means to be brave."
The melody started—soft, acoustic.
Eli and Riven looked at each other.
They didn't say a word. They didn't need to.
Because in a room full of eyes, judgment, and noise—they still had each other.
And it was enough.