The music room hummed with quiet energy—sunlight streamed in slanted beams through the long windows, catching on the dust in the air like glitter in water. Students were scattered across the room: some perched on the edge of their stools, others lounging near the piano, waiting.
Then the door swung open.
Mr. Jackson walked in, his signature brown fedora tipped slightly to one side, clipboard in hand.
"Alright, quiet everyone," he said, voice rich like a cello. "I've got news. Big news."
The room fell into a hush.
"We've been selected to compete in the State School Harmony Showcase," he continued. "We'll spend this week preparing. The competition will take place next week, Tuesday. That gives us—"
He glanced at his watch.
"Exactly seven days."
A buzz of excitement swept the room. Whispers erupted. Instruments shifted.
Then, the big moment.
"I've chosen two leads," Mr. Jackson said. "Main vocals and front-of-stage energy."
All eyes snapped to him.
"Sevira."
There was a breathless pause.
"And… Jeo."
Sevira blinked.
Jeo, sitting on the edge of a drum kit, grinned and gave a low whistle. "No pressure, huh?"
Sevira forced a smile, nodding politely.
But deep down?
She wished it had been Scott.
Scott, sitting across the room with his guitar resting on his lap, was already looking at her.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, the whole room faded.
He offered her a small, almost sad smile. The kind that said: it should've been us.
⸻
From the far row, Lizzie stiffened.
"What?" she muttered sharply. "Sevira? Again?"
Her voice wasn't loud—but her anger vibrated through every word. Her fingers clenched around the edge of her chair.
Abby leaned in. "Calm down, it's not that deep."
Kira added softly, "It's just one performance."
Lizzie shook her head. "He always picks her. Always. And she barely even talks."
Her glare shot across the room, landing like a dagger on Sevira's calm face.
"She's not even that good." It's a lie she used to calm her self down.
⸻
At the back of the room, Alex sat beside the keyboard, her sheet music untouched.
She wasn't listening.
She wasn't breathing.
Her eyes were on Sky.
He was sitting by the window, sunlight hitting his skin just right—casual, distracted, fiddling with the strings of a broken ukulele. His hoodie was too big, his hair slightly messy, and yet…
He looked like someone out of a dream.
The same guy who just days ago had come crashing into the lab to pull Dave off her like a knight out of nowhere.
That moment replayed in her head over and over. His voice. His anger. The wild look in his eyes.
He wasn't protecting just anyone. He was protecting me.
She tilted her head.
Sky had always been handsome—but now she noticed things she hadn't before: the way his jaw tightened when he concentrated, how his voice dropped when he was being serious, how he looked at her now…
Different.
Softer.
More intense.
Her breath hitched slightly.
And as if feeling her gaze, Sky looked up.
Their eyes locked.
Something passed between them—hot, electric, undeniable.
Scott, watching from the side, noticed the moment. He smirked to himself, strumming his guitar gently, lost in silent amusement. Well, well…
⸻
The room echoed with sound.
Jeo at the mic, full of swagger.
Sevira beside him—steady, focused, graceful as always. Her voice was soft and controlled, effortlessly matching pitch and harmony.
Jeo added flair.
Sevira brought soul.
Behind them, Scott followed on the guitar, playing along. His eyes barely left her.
"She's good," he whispered under his breath.
But Lizzie heard him.
She rolled her eyes so hard it almost hurt. "Ugh."
Sky sat behind the keys, barely touching them—his mind clearly somewhere else. Or rather, someone else.
Alex. He used math tutoring to get alone time with her.
She was watching him again, this time without shame.
He looked up and smiled.
She blushed.
⸻
As rehearsal carried on, the group began to blend like warm colors on a canvas—drums thumping, harmonies rising, voices climbing.
Jeo and Sevira moved closer as the song built.
Scott's fingers fumbled on a note.
He looked away.
Sevira noticed.
Her heart twisted.
But the show had to go on.
⸻
As everyone packed up—papers shuffled, laughter rose, the hum of chatter building—Sevira stayed back to collect her lyrics.
Scott hovered near the doorway.
He wanted to say something.
But before he could, Jeo leaned over her shoulder, too close.
"Nice work today," he said. "You and me? We're gonna crush this."
Sevira smiled awkwardly, taking a step back.
Scott saw.
And left.
Without a word. He was jealous.
From the other side of the room, Sky approached Alex again.
This time… he didn't say anything.
He just stood there, waiting.
And she?
She smiled first.
———————
It was a calm Saturday morning at Scott's house.
Sunlight slipped through the tall windows as Sky stretched out on the soft suede couch in the media room, scrolling lazily through his phone. Kyle was in the kitchen with Scott, popping open cans of cold soda while casually arguing over who had better music taste.
"Don't embarrass yourself, bro," Sky called from the couch. "Kyle's playlists are literally TikTok leftovers."
Kyle rolled his eyes. "Says the guy who listens to sad boy piano loops at 2 a.m."
Scott chuckled, leaning on the marble counter. "You two fight like you're married."
"Don't even play like that," Sky replied, shaking his head.
The vibe was light. Chill. Exactly what they needed after a long school week.
⸻
Just after noon, Scott's phone buzzed.
"On our way." – Alex.
He looked up. "They'll be here in thirty. Limo's already sent."
Sky raised a brow. "What girls?"
Scott gave a knowing smile. "Sevira, Alex, and Emma. Told them we'd take them shopping."
Kyle perked up. "Wait, we're going to the boutique?"
Scott nodded. "My dad's place. Only the best for my favorite girls."
Sky didn't say anything, but his jaw tightened slightly—just at the mention of Alex's name.
⸻
Elsewhere, a sleek white limousine pulled up in front of Sevira's building. The driver stepped out, holding the door.
Alex, Sevira, and Emma stepped into the car like it was nothing new—though Emma still couldn't help but whisper, "This is like… crazy rich people stuff."
Sevira giggled. "Get used to it."
Alex looked out the window, already feeling a weird flutter in her stomach. She didn't want to admit it, but she was thinking of one person—
Sky.
The car was calm, with soft music playing and cool air drifting around. Emma poured sparkling water into a flute.
"Today is going to be fun," she said.
⸻
The boutique looked more like a palace than a store.
Tall glass doors opened to gold-tipped railings, white marble floors, and velvet seating. Expensive perfume hung in the air. Mannequins were dressed like runway royalty.
When the girls walked in, they immediately spotted Scott, Sky, and Kyle already waiting—dressed clean, stylish, and rich in energy.
Scott walked over and kissed Sevira on the cheek. "Welcome, Queen."
Kyle did a little playful spin and offered Emma his arm. "Milady."
Sky?
He just looked at Alex.
And she looked right back.
No words.
Just eyes.
⸻
They split off into groups. Scott and Sevira were whispering and picking jewelry. Kyle and Emma argued over sunglasses.
Sky and Alex ended up in the mirror section—trying clothes, pretending not to watch each other.
Alex slipped into a fitted deep blue dress.
Sky stared a second too long. "That… works."
Before she could respond, someone stepped out from behind a perfume stand.
A young man,tall, mid-to-late 20s, tatted arms, sharp jawline, and confidence.
He smiled straight at Alex.
"You shouldn't wear a dress like that unless you're planning to stop hearts."
Alex raised a brow. "That line works often?"
He laughed. "Only when I mean it. You're beautiful. Would you maybe want to go out sometime?"
Sky froze. Watching. Waiting.
Alex smiled politely. "That's really kind. But no, thank you."
He nodded. "Your loss," he said casually and walked off.
Alex turned back to the mirror—her reflection meeting Sky's again.
She didn't say anything.
She didn't need to.
⸻
Later that afternoon, they all sat in the boutique's private lounge—plates of gourmet sliders, truffle fries, and virgin cocktails lined up on the table.
Everyone laughed, talked, clinked glasses, and teased each other.
Sky and Alex weren't sitting together, but their glances said everything they didn't say aloud.
When it was time to leave, the limo returned—full of shopping bags, rich smiles, and something hanging quietly in the air.
Unspoken.
Unresolved.
Undeniable.
———
The house was still.
Outside the wide windows of his room, the night was painted in soft shadows and silver moonlight. A clock ticked gently in the background. Somewhere far off, a dog barked.
Scott sat on the edge of his bed, phone in hand, thumb hovering over her name.
He'd stared at it for ten minutes.
He sighed.
Ran a hand through his hair.
Then — pressed call.
Ring… ring…
His heart thudded louder than the phone.
"Hello?" Sevira's voice was soft. Sleepy. But warm.
Scott's chest tightened. "Hey… it's me. I didn't wake you, did I?"
She paused. "No. I… I was awake. Just lying here."
"I couldn't sleep," he confessed. "I tried. But I kept thinking."
"About?" Her voice was barely above a whisper now.
"You," he said before he could stop himself. Then added, quickly, "—Today. Everything. You… laughing at the store. The way you squinted when you tried on those sunglasses. How you looked under the lights…"
He let the silence fall.
She didn't speak.
And that silence said everything.
"Scott…" she finally said, gently.
"I know," he said, flopping back onto his pillow. "I shouldn't have called. It's late. But I just… I missed hearing your voice."
More silence.
Then, her breath: soft, steady. "I was hoping you'd call."
His heart fluttered.
"Really?"
"I've been staring at my phone for the past twenty minutes," she admitted. "Trying not to be the one who breaks first."
They both laughed — quietly, like they didn't want the night to end.
"I miss you…" Scott confessed, voice low, "so much…"
"Me too," she whispered. His heart raced.
But he could feel her heartbeat in the silence.
Then—Knock knock.
He froze.
"Scott?" a voice called through the door.
Oh no.
"Not now…" he whispered.
The door cracked open and his mom peeked in, wrapped in a long silk robe, holding a mug of tea.
She squinted at the phone in his hand.
"Is that who I think it is?"
Scott tried to wave her off, but it was too late.
She beamed.
"Oh my God, you're smiling! Is that Sevira?"
He groaned. "Mom, please—"
"Tell her I said she should come see me sometime," she said with a grin.
Sevira's laughter burst through the line.
Mrs. Briggs winked and disappeared back into the hallway.
Scott covered his face. "I'm never recovering from that."
Sevira laughed.
Scott sighed dramatically. "Great. Now you're laughing at me."
"No," she said softly. "I'm laughing because I like this version of you. The one who calls just to say he misses me."
His voice dropped again. "Then I'll call more often."
They both paused. A beat. Two.
"Goodnight, Sev," he said, like a promise.
"Goodnight, Scott," she replied, voice laced with something warm. "Sleep well."
Scott dropped his phone on his chest and exhaled a long, shaky breath.
He stared at the ceiling, the taste of her voice still fresh in his ears. His lips curled into a crooked smile. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the moon slicing through the blinds. Outside, the night was silent.
Then—
Creak.
The door opened slowly, and Kyle stepped inside wearing a t-shirtand socks, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
"You were on the phone with her, weren't you?" he said with a yawn
Scott groaned and pulled a pillow over his face. "Why are you in my room?"
Kyle grinned and sat at the edge of the bed. "Because I can't sleep… and Fiona gave me the little gist."
Scott threw the pillow at him.
Kyle caught it. "So. You talked with her?"
Scott didn't answer.
Kyle leaned back and crossed his arms. "Sevira, huh?"
Scott rolled to his side, his face serious now. "Where's Sky?"
"Went to see Alex," Kyle replied with a knowing smirk. "Told me not to wait up."
"Ouuu," Scott grinned, shaking his head. "That boy is falling hard."
"Look who's talking," Kyle shot back. "You're over here floating in your sheets."
Scott raised a brow. "What?"
"You like her," Kyle said simply, folding his arms behind his head. "I mean, really like her."
Scott looked down at his fingers, playing with a thread on the blanket. "Yeah…"
Kyle waited.
Scott finally looked up. "I do."
There was a pause.
Then Kyle asked, softly, "So why haven't you told her?"
Scott's throat worked. His eyes found a spot on the ceiling, like he was searching for answers there.
"I don't know how to," he said. "I mean, I could… I want to. God, I want to. But…"
"But what?"
"I'm scared," Scott admitted, the words dragging out of him like something painful. "Scared I'll say it wrong. Scared she won't feel the same. Scared if she does… I'll mess it up."
Kyle nodded, silently.
Scott continued. "You know, it's not just her smile, or how she walks, or laughs, or how she makes everything feel beautiful. It's… the way she listens to me. The way she sees me, I swear, sometimes she looks at me like she understands every feeling I'm going through and that—"
He trailed off.
Kyle filled the silence. "That terrifies you."
Scott nodded. "Exactly."
He sat up, raking a hand through his hair.
"I don't just like her, Kyle. It's more. It's deep. Too deep. And that's what scares me. I mean child hood trauma, don't know how my parents ended up like that."
Kyle sat up too. "But you're not them."
Scott's eyes flicked toward him.
"You're not your dad Scott. You're not afraid of loving her, because I know you do. You're afraid of how vulnerable it'll make you and remember you are not your dad."
Scott's lips parted, but no words came.
"You've already fallen, bro," Kyle added quietly. "You're just afraid to say it out loud."
Scott stared at the floor.
He whispered, "What if I lose her?"
Kyle's voice was steady. "What if you don't?"
Scott looked up.
Kyle smiled. "What if she's been waiting this whole time for you to just say it?"
Scott blinked slowly. "I think… I'd give up everything if it meant she could feel what I feel. Even for a second."
Kyle stood and grabbed the door handle. "Then you know what to do."
Before he left, he looked over his shoulder.
"Dream of her."
Scott smirked, shaking his head as Kyle disappeared down the hall.
He leaned back on the bed, lost in his own thoughts.
———
The air was calm. Still. The kind of silence that only settles after midnight.
Alex tiptoed down the stairs, phone in hand, still glowing with the message that made her heart flutter.
Sky: Come outside. I'm downstairs.
No emojis, Just those four words.
She stepped quietly past the living room and opened the front door. A breeze kissed her bare arms. There he was, standing under the soft golden wash of the streetlamp, hands in his pockets, eyes locked on the porch like he'd been waiting forever.
Alex stepped into the light.
He looked up. Smiled.
Her breath caught.
Sky said nothing.
He just walked toward her slowly, his steps sure, his heart loud in his chest. And when he reached her—
—he kissed her.
Gently. Firmly.
Like he'd been holding it in for days.
Alex froze for a second.
Then she melted.
Her hands moved up to his face, fingers curling behind his neck, and she kissed him back — deeper, Like her heart had been waiting for that moment and finally, finally got permission to speak.
They pulled apart slowly, breathless.
Their foreheads touched.
Sky's voice was low. Honest. "I can't stop thinking about you, Alex."
She blinked up at him, eyes glossy under the stars.
"I don't how I started feeling like this but it happened and you make me feel… safe. I love you."
He swallowed hard.
"I've been falling for you. Slowly."
Alex felt the tears sting, but they were the good kind. The real kind.
"Sky…" she whispered.
"I don't want to pretend anymore. I love you. A lot."
She smiled, eyes brimming.
"Too much," she said, voice catching. "So much it scares me."
She glanced up at him.
Sky closed his eyes, smiling like a man who'd just heard everything he ever wanted.
Then—he pulled her into his arms.
And she let him.
From the upstairs window, the blinds parted slightly.
Sevira peeked through, hugging her stuffed unicorn against her chest.
Her eyes widened as she watched Alex and Sky kiss under the streetlight. Then she gasped, hand over her mouth, and giggled like a little kid.
"Oh my gosh…" she whispered to herself.
Her smile stretched wide, her heart swelling.
"They finally kissed!"
She bounced once on her toes and squealed softly into her unicorn.
It was like watching her favorite love scene come to life.
Still grinning, she whispered, "It's about time."
She dropped the blinds gently and spun around, falling onto her bed with a smile plastered on her face.