The school is alive with color, lights, and students in costumes. Booths line the courtyard, and the gym is decorated for the evening ball.)
[ Stella's Thoughts]
"It's loud, chaotic, and beautiful. Somehow... we made it here."
( Art Club's interactive mural exhibit. Students walk by, triggering shifting colors and layered scenes as they pass.)
Student:
"This is insane! It's like the wall is alive!"
Judge (impressed):
"An experience like no other. It's got depth and meaning. This one's going to be hard to beat."
(Ren, painting final accents, winks at Stella.)
Ren:
"Told you we'd turn heads."
(Alex watches quietly nearby, arms crossed, expression unreadable.)
(Principal stands at the podium, holding an envelope.)
Principal:
"And this year's Grand Festival Award goes to... the Art Club!"
(Crowd erupts in cheers. Stella looks stunned. Ren throws a fist into the air. Alex gives a small but genuine smile.)
Stella:
"We... we won!"
(Club members gather, hugging. Alex walks up behind Stella and offers a hand.)
Alex:
"Nice job, leader."
(She takes his hand, laughing, and it's the first real moment of closeness between them in a while.)
(The gym is transformed into a soft-lit ballroom. Students dance, lights twinkle, and music flows.)
[Stella's Thoughts]
"It almost doesn't feel like school anymore... like we're in another world for one night."
(Ren appears in a clean-cut suit, offering his hand.)
Ren:
"May I have this dance, my lady of the mural?"
(Stella laughs and accepts. They step onto the dance floor.)
(Ren spins Stella gently. Their movements are smooth, practiced, comfortable.)
Ren (softly):
"You always shine when you're creating. But tonight, it's different."
Stella:
"Different how?"
Ren:
"Like you're finally letting people see you. I'm glad I got to be part of that."
(Stella walks outside for air. The moon is high. Alex stands there alone, looking at the sky.)
Stella:
"Why aren't you inside?"
Alex:
"Too loud. Too many people."
(Beat. She joins him. A soft wind blows.)
Stella:
"Want to dance?"
Alex (surprised):
"I don't know how."
Stella (offering her hand):
"Then let's learn together."
(They dance slowly under the moonlight. No music, just silence and heartbeat.)
Alex (quiet):
"I was proud of you today. You lit up the whole place."
Stella:
"You were the reason I started believing I could."
(They stop, close now. A pause hangs in the air.)
Alex:
"There's a lot I haven't said. But... maybe I can start saying them now."
(Stella's head on Alex's shoulder as they sway gently. The lights from the gym spill out behind them. Ren watches quietly from the doorway, unreadable.)
[ Stella's Thoughts]
"In the noise of the festival, the quiet moments speak loudest. And tonight... I finally heard him."