Nicole noticed her friend Julie asleep at her desk again. She scratched her head and walked over, letting out a soft sigh.
What was she doing last night? Nicole wondered silently.
She set her bag down and gently shook Julie's shoulder.
"Julie," she whispered.
Julie stirred, yawning and stretching.
"You're here already, Nik," she said, rubbing her eyes.
"What's going on with you? You keep falling asleep in class," Nicole asked, frowning.
"Ah, I just couldn't sleep last night," Julie replied, stifling another yawn.
"But our teacher didn't give us homework or anything, right?" Nicole tried to recall.
Julie only smiled, leaving her friend exasperated.
"You're hopeless," Nicole muttered, lightly tapping her forehead.
Julie didn't respond, but Nicole quickly changed the subject.
"Hey, I have an audition this afternoon. You're coming with me, okay?"
Julie smiled and nodded. "You can do it, Nicky."
Nicole returned the smile, then suddenly hugged her. "I'm nervous," she admitted softly.
Julie patted her shoulder, offering silent support. Nicole could feel her encouragement.
"You can do it. I know you can," Julie reassured her, ruffling her hair and pinching her cheek.
"Ouch! You pinch too hard," Nicole complained.
Julie laughed. Even though they'd only known each other a week, Nicole already sensed her kindness.
"Good morning, you two," a voice greeted.
They turned. Jason? Nicole thought. Just yesterday, he and his group had arrived, and Julie had been mistaken for Crisha. Nicole remembered it clearly.
"Good morning," Nicole replied.
"Good morning," Julie echoed.
Jason gave them a small, awkward smile. "Hey, I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have called you by her name. If Ken hadn't mentioned your surname and that you're Christian's sister, I wouldn't have realized. I'm really sorry."
"It's fine, I understand," Julie said calmly.
Jason nodded and returned to his seat. Nicole noticed Cielo watching from the side, observing everything.
"Hey, are you okay?" Nicole asked Julie.
Julie nodded, offering a small smile.
******
"Nicky, go back to your seat before you get scolded," Julie said a little later.
Nicole nodded and returned to her place. Julie couldn't really blame Jason for yesterday—seeing the resemblance to Crisha had been shocking. She had caught a glimpse of Crisha's photos while passing a faculty room, and her brother had mentioned the uncanny resemblance too.
Julie sighed.
I haven't even escaped my brother's shadow, and now this problem comes up.
There was only one solution: focus and win.
I've already found friends here. But should I transfer again? Or stay hidden in someone else's shadow?
"—Hey, Julie! Come back to earth!" Nicole's voice cut through her thoughts.
"Sorry, do you need something?" Julie asked.
"No, but the teacher's been calling you for a while," Nicole said.
Julie looked up to see her teacher staring. Idiot! This isn't home—space out like that, and you'll get scolded.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. I'm okay," Julie said quickly. She noticed Nicole's worried gaze and smiled back before turning her attention to the lesson.
"Ugh, so many lessons," Julie groaned when recess came.
"Your brain was wandering earlier," Nicole teased.
Julie chuckled. "Sorry, I just had a lot on my mind."
"Hey, what's happening here?" Kelly suddenly appeared, making them jump.
"You again," Nicole muttered.
"What? Is there a sign here that says this table belongs to Nicky?" Kelly raised an eyebrow.
Here we go again, Julie thought.
She watched as Nicole and Kelly bickered like usual. Even in her quiet moments, Julie felt comforted by their closeness.
"Kelly, don't tease her. She has an audition later," Julie winked.
"Really? Then I'll come watch," Kelly said.
"No! Just go home instead," Nicole shooed her cousin away.
"Don't tell my brother I'm auditioning," Nicole added nervously.
"Huh? Oh right, your brother's one of the judges. And also…" Kelly's expression shifted as she glanced at Julie. "Your brother too. And Dave. And…" She paused, thinking, before continuing. "Kevin."
"Anyway, good luck—break a leg. I know you'll do great," Kelly encouraged her.
Julie chuckled at how quickly Kelly's face changed when she mentioned Kevin's name.
"Too obvious, huh?" Nicole whispered.
"Definitely," Julie agreed. Kelly's reaction had given her feelings away.
"Focus on your audition instead of teasing people," Kelly said to Nicole.
"You always lose whenever we argue," Nicole teased back, laughing.
Julie couldn't help but smile at Nicole's playful energy. Still, a pang of sadness hit her—she'd miss these two if she ended up transferring back to public school.
"Is something wrong, Julie?" Kelly asked, concern softening her voice.
"No, nothing. Just thinking," Julie replied quickly, turning her attention back to the bickering and laughter.