Kevin POV:
The night smelled of salt, smoke, and sound.Waves crashed against the shore in rhythm with the bass, the sand vibrating under the crowd's feet. Lanterns swayed in the ocean breeze, their golden light flickering over faces excitement, nerves, joy.
And right there, standing beneath the lights, was Kate.
Her hair caught the wind like fire and her voice rang out through the mic bright, steady, and full of life.
"Welcome, everyone!" she called. The crowd answered in cheers and whistles, her smile lighting up the beach. "Tonight's the night music, memories, and a little friendly chaos!"
I couldn't stop watching her. She belonged there confident, effortless, glowing. I wanted to freeze that moment forever.
But when my eyes shifted across the stage, Michael was already looking at me, his guitar hanging loose over his shoulder and that familiar smirk tugging at his lips. A silent message passed between us.
May the best one win.And we both knew it wasn't just about the music anymore.
Kate's voice echoed again, giving the signal to start. The crowd cheered, and the first few bands took the stage. The energy was wild lights flashing, drums pounding, sand flying as people danced.
I tried to keep calm, but every time Michael played, every time Kate smiled at him, my stomach twisted tighter.
When he finally went up, he owned the stage fast fingers, sharp vocals, that rockstar charisma that everyone loved. The crowd screamed his name, and I caught Kate clapping proudly.
I looked away. Don't think about her. Just play.
When my turn came, the noise seemed to fade. My heartbeat was louder than the waves. Kate's voice floated through the speakers softer now, almost careful.
"Our next performer… Kevin."
I looked at her. She smiled, small but warm. It steadied me more than any deep breath could.
I stepped into the light, the sand cool under my feet, my guitar resting against my chest.For a second, everything disappeared the crowd, the lights, even Michael.It was just me, her, and the sound of the sea.
My fingers brushed the strings, and I started to play.
Hazel eyes that shine like firelight,Wavy hair flowing through the night.Grace in her steps, she owns the room,A love that blossoms, a heart that blooms.
The melody floated over the water. The crowd quieted. Kate's eyes widened a little, her lips parting as she listened.
She's beautiful, strong, and she knows her worth,A voice of calm in a world of hurt.Her love is deep, steady, and true,A mature girl's soul, shining right through.
My voice shook, but I didn't care. I wasn't performing anymore. I was confessing. Every line was her the girl who made everything brighter without even trying.
She laughs with wisdom, cries without fear,Her gentle words, everyone wants to hear.Dreams in her heart, courage in her hands,She builds her future, she makes her stand.
The waves seemed to play along, each crash timed with my rhythm. I glanced toward Michael once he wasn't smiling anymore. But it didn't feel like victory; it felt like truth finally breaking free.
No games, no masks, just a love so rare,Hazel eyes, wavy hair.She teaches the world how to love and care,Every moment, she's always there.
Kate's hand trembled around the mic. I could see it even through the lights.
Beautiful heart, a guiding flame,Love everlasting, never the same.She's more than a dream, she's life's sweet song,A mature girl's love, forever strong.
The final note lingered in the air soft, aching, complete.And then came the silence. The kind that's heavier than any sound.
Then — cheers.They erupted like thunder, echoing against the sea. But I barely heard them.All I could see was Kate, standing there frozen, eyes glistening under the glow.
For a heartbeat, I thought she'd walk up to me. Say something. Smile.But instead, she just looked down. And that silence between us hurt more than words ever could.
The judges spoke, the results came in, and suddenly my name was called.
Kevin Wins.
People clapped, shouted, patted my back. Michael even grinned and said, "Good one, Kev."But none of it really landed.
When Kate walked up with the trophy the golden cup shining under the lights she looked at me, smiling faintly.
"Congratulations," she said softly.
I took the cup, felt its weight in my hands… then held it back out to her."For you," I said.
Her brows furrowed. "Kevin, it's your win."
"I only played because of you," I whispered. "So… it's yours too."
For a moment, she didn't move. Then slowly, she reached out, her fingers brushing mine as she took it.
The crowd around us blurred into noise laughter, music, waves. But all I could feel was that small, electric touch.
She looked up at me eyes bright, soft. "Thank you."
And for the first time that night, she smiled the way she used to.The kind of smile that made every song worth singing.