The school auditorium was full of the hum of chatter, footsteps, and the occasional squeak of a chair. Lights glowed overhead, casting warm pools across the wooden floor.
Ubi stepped onto the stage. Her cosplay outfit clung perfectly; every detail was precise, and every move was natural. She took a breath, lifted the microphone, and began to sing.
Her voice was clear, steady, effortless, and it filled the hall.
Lestari sat in the front row, hands clasped tightly in her lap. She blinked, unable to look away.
"Wow." Her chest tightened. "She's… amazing."
Ubi's eyes looked around the crowd, then focused briefly on Lestari, who immediately ducked her head.
"Focus," Lestari muttered to herself. But she couldn't. Not a chance.
Behind her, Arka nudged Bayu. "See that? She's glued to her. We can work with this."
Bayu rolled his eyes but whispered, "Stop talking. They'll hear you."
Arka grinned. "Exactly. Let's just… help fate along."
The song ended, applause crashing like waves. Ubi bowed, confident, flawless. Lestari clapped too loudly, cheeks burning, almost dropping her notebook. Ubi glanced toward her, a smirk tugging at her lips.
Later, backstage, costumes were tangled in racks and fabrics were scattered everywhere. Ubi crouched to adjust a stray seam.
"Uh… need help?" Lestari asked, her voice small, fumbling as she held a pin awkwardly.
Ubi looked up, grinning. "Sure… if you're not afraid of needles."
Lestari's hand shook slightly. "I-I'm not… I think…" She trailed off, heart hammering.
"You're cute when you're nervous," Ubi said lightly, brushing Lestari's hand away with a teasing ease. "Here, let me show you."
Lestari's heart fastened. She didn't look up, couldn't look up. Ubi's fingers were warm, brushing over her own as she adjusted the seam.
Arka peeked through the curtain. "Yep. Definitely works. She's melting."
Bayu swatted him. "Go away. They're busy."
Lestari finally met Ubi's gaze for a fleeting second. Ubi winked.
My chest… It's going too fast… Lestari thought.
The moment broke when another student called for Ubi's attention. She stood, dusted her hands off, and whispered, "Thanks… for helping."
Lestari nodded, cheeks burning, fumbling to straighten the fabric she had been holding.
Arka leaned back into the shadows. "Step one complete."
Bayu rolled his eyes but didn't speak.
Lestari's heart, however, refused to calm. Every glance, every small touch, every smile from Ubi had left a mark she couldn't ignore.
"How am I supposed to act normal around her ever again?" she thought, biting her lip.