"Melissa, we won't be around today—we'll be heading straight to the contest," Kelly informed her younger sister.
Melissa nodded."God bless, sis. You and Nicole," she said softly.
Kelly smiled. "Thanks, Meli. You'll be with Julie today."
"Stop worrying about me. I'll be fine. Focus on the contest." Melissa gave her a quick hug.
"I know, I know. Alright—go with our brother now."
"Bye!" Melissa waved cheerfully before leaving.
Today, Kelly and Jonathan went ahead to prepare things they needed to bring for the competition. Their teachers had already excused them from classes.
By the time they reached school, the first subject of the day had already begun. Soon, they'd head straight to the contest venue.
This girl is too quiet, Kelly thought, glancing at Nicole—who looked unusually stiff and nervous.Even Dawn, whose punishment from the officers was already done, was with them again. She raised an eyebrow at Kelly.
Of course, Kelly raised one right back.
If it's about sass, I won't back down, she smirked internally. Her brother Kenjie had dealt with Dawn before—she still didn't know how—but ever since, Dawn always sent shade her way. Not that Kelly cared; she could be sharp too, especially when it came to her sister.
"Hey." Kelly nudged Nicole.
"N-Nothing. I'm just nervous," Nicole said, her voice trembling.
Kelly felt Nicole's cold, clammy hands when she held them."Hey, stupid, calm down," she said bluntly. "Don't pass your nerves to me. I'm pressured too, and my partner is the vice-president and our leader."
"I can't help it. What do I do?" Nicole asked, biting her lip.
"Nothing. Just dance that nervousness away." She teased before adding jokingly, "And don't you dare mess up, or you're getting kicked out of the troupe."
Of course, Nicole knew it was a joke. Kelly only said it to push her attention onto the performance.
Kelly herself had to focus. The moment she saw the massive stage they would be performing on, her heartbeat raced.
Suddenly, a hand tapped her shoulder, making her jump.
"What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you're nervous," Kevin teased.
"Can you not?" she snapped. "Let me think. You're scaring me."
Kevin just laughed mischievously. Kelly glared.
"Well, I know you can do it," he said, ruffling her hair. "Don't act like a scared little cat in front of your junior."
He patted her back before walking away.
Idiot, she muttered inwardly.
Their group was the third to perform. All contestants waited in the same backstage room.
"Get ready—your group is up next," a coordinator called out.
"This is it. Let's show them what we can do," Dave said with a confident smile.
Everyone nodded.
The schools they were competing against were strong. But they had worked hard. They were ready.
When the host announced their school's name, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Of course—they're expecting us. We're known for this, Kelly thought, forcing a steadying breath.
The music began.The crowd roared louder.Nicole, who had been trembling earlier, now danced as if she owned the stage.
Minutes later, the performance ended. They hurried backstage, panting and exhilarated.
"Good job, guys. Drink water," Dave said. "High five."
Kelly blinked before giving him a high-five.
"You're doing great," he added.
"Hey, partners—high-five each other too and compliment one another," Dave encouraged.
It was awkward—especially for Nicole—but they did it anyway.
When the results finally came out, they had reclaimed the championship trophy. The team exploded with excitement.
****
They returned to school early, since classes were ending soon. Nicole was ecstatic.
We deserve this. Our leader might be strict, and we've been yelled at a hundred times, but that's why our moves are so clean, she thought proudly.
Their teacher entered the classroom."I heard the troupe won the contest. Congratulations."
"T-Thank you, Ma'am," Nicole said shyly.
Her classmates also congratulated them before leaving.
Cielo, who had forgotten something, walked quietly behind Nicole. Julie hadn't come out yet, so Nicole slipped inside the room.
"Julie!" she squealed softly.
Julie nearly jumped. "Crazy girl—what's with you?"
"Champion dance troupe!" Nicole grinned.
"Really?! Wow, congrats!" Julie laughed and hugged her. Melissa smiled too and hugged her back.
"Hey, Cielo," Julie called. "They said the troupe won."
"Yeah.""Congratulations."
He gave a small smile before leaving with Joel.
"Raymond," Melissa called softly.
"Congratulations," he said, not meeting her eyes.
"Yeah. Thank you."He walked away with Joel.
"Hey, let's go home," Julie reminded them.
"Oh—right. Let me grab my things. Did we get any homework for tomorrow?" Nicole asked.
"None. You guys were exempted from quizzes," Julie replied.
"Hey, let me copy your notes, okay? You too, Melissa," Nicole said.
Melissa nodded.
They all walked home. Nicole chattered nonstop to her older brother about the contest.
"Brother, I don't regret joining the troupe—even if it's stressful and Dave is super strict. It's worth it! And Kelly's crush—he's really cool. I didn't know he choreographed that routine!"
Her brother laughed.
"We take turns choreographing, depending on the category."
"So the routine you helped choreograph also won at school?" she asked.
"Yeah."
"Brother, during auditions, are you guys the ones who make the steps and routines?"
"Yes, depending on the category. For general and all-boys competitions, it's usually me, Dave, and Chris. For girls' routines, we step in when needed."
"Wow," she said, amazed. "Does Kelly choreograph too?"
He laughed. "Yes—when it's all-girls competitions."
"That's so cool. She's crazy sometimes, but still awesome."
"What are you talking about? You nailed it earlier," he said, grinning.
She laughed shyly as he ruffled her hair.
After dinner, she collapsed onto her bed and fell asleep instantly from exhaustion.