Kevin spotted Kenjie that morning at the Junior High School Department, walking alongside a girl in uniform on their way to class. Kenjie stopped for a moment to speak to her, and Kevin tried to peek at who she was.
"Hey," Jonathan called, noticing Kevin's curiosity.
"She's their sister," Jonathan answered before Kevin could ask.
"The youngest one you mentioned?" Kevin asked.
"Yep," Jonathan nodded quickly.
"How's Nicole? And… I'm sorry about my comment yesterday. It was mean," Kevin apologized.
Jonathan chuckled, giving him a look. "Don't worry about it. She's fine, and she understood. Besides, she got in, right?"
Kevin exhaled in relief. "You were really surprised yesterday. Your sister didn't tell anyone she was auditioning."
"Yeah, not a word," Jonathan agreed, shaking his head. "And you even ended up arguing with Kelly."
"I guess so," Kevin muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
Just then, the girl with Kenjie waved goodbye before glancing in Kevin's direction.
Whoa… she's beautiful. She looks so much like her sister, Kevin thought.
"Surprised? They look like they were cut from the same stone, right?" Jonathan teased, laughing.
"Yeah," Kevin admitted, still staring at Kelly's younger sister. "She seems timid, though."
"She really is. Unlike Kelly, overflowing with confidence, her younger sister is shy and gentle. Definitely not feisty like Kelly," Jonathan explained.
"You're so mean to Kelly. She's your childhood friend," Kevin said with a laugh.
"I'm just stating facts," Jonathan replied.
By then, they reached their classroom, where Kelly was already inside.
"Why didn't you walk your sister to the faculty office? It ended up being your brother instead," Jonathan asked as they entered.
Kevin shook his head at Jonathan's meddling and noticed Kelly frowning at the remark. Here we go again, he thought, sighing.
He placed his bag on his chair.
"What's it to you?" Kelly shot back.
"You're worried again, aren't you?" Jonathan pressed.
"Worried? About what?" Kelly snapped, sliding the book she had been reading into her bag.
Jonathan flicked her forehead, earning a loud complaint.
"Ow! That hurt, you jerk!" she whined.
Kevin shook his head at the two of them. His gaze met Kelly's for a moment.
"Good morning," he greeted with a smile.
But Kelly quickly looked away, frowning, and buried herself in her notes.
Cute, Kevin thought. He wanted to tease her more but restrained himself. She'd only get angrier. A small, secret smile tugged at his lips.
******
Melissa's heart pounded as she followed her new teacher. No matter what she did, she couldn't shake the nerves.
Her older brother had reassured her earlier, walking her to the faculty room and telling her she'd be classmates with Nicole. You can do this, Melissa told herself.
Her cousin had also mentioned that Nicole had joined a school club and even passed an audition related to her love for dancing.
Melissa now stood outside the classroom, peeking through the window. She immediately spotted Nicole sitting inside.
Nicky! she screamed in her head.
Her teacher motioned for her to enter. Melissa's hands grew clammy, and her knees trembled.
"This is Kate Melissa Santibañez. She'll be your new classmate starting today. Melissa, please introduce yourself to everyone," the teacher instructed.
Melissa's lips trembled as she took a deep breath. Dozens of expectant eyes were on her, and she quickly lowered her gaze.
"M—My name is Kate Melissa Santibañez. N—Nice to meet you all," she stammered, forcing a small smile.
Just as she glanced around the classroom, her eyes landed on a girl who completely caught her attention.
She frowned. Nicole was watching her worriedly—but Melissa's gaze lingered on the other girl.
She's studying here? she thought in disbelief.
"Miss Santibañez, sit near Miss Navares," the teacher instructed, pointing to an empty chair in front.
Melissa quickly obeyed. Nicole smiled warmly at her as their eyes met again.
"So you're studying here now? No wonder I haven't seen you before," Melissa said softly as she sat down.
"Ah, class, I'll just head back to the faculty for a bit. Please behave while I'm gone," their adviser reminded them before leaving. Everyone nodded.
"Melissa, do you know her?" Nicole asked.
Melissa placed her bag down and nodded. "I told you before, right? The one I always mentioned—how I'd always get second place whenever she was around."
She had often told her cousin stories of competitions where she would always encounter that girl and how frustrating it felt to always lose.
"No way!" Nicole exclaimed.
"It's her! She's the one they called the Pr—" Melissa's words were cut off when a small notebook smacked into her face.
"Julie!" Nicole cried out in shock.
"S—Sorry! I didn't mean to!" Julie quickly apologized.
"Ouch," Melissa muttered, rubbing her face.
"Why are you throwing things?" Nicole asked Julie.
"U—Um, it's just—"
"Nicky, it's fine," Melissa interjected. She understood immediately. She wasn't insensitive enough to miss what Julie was trying to hide.
Julie didn't want anyone to know that the girl Melissa had been talking about was once known as the Legendary Princess of Singing.
"Sorry again! I really didn't mean it," Julie insisted.
"S—Sorry too. I shouldn't have said that," Melissa admitted.
"What happened? Miss Santibañez, Miss Navares?" their teacher returned just then.
"N—Nothing, ma'am," Melissa said quickly.
"Then what happened to your face?"
"N—Nothing, really," Melissa insisted.
The teacher sighed but let it go. "Take your seat now."
Melissa obeyed and glanced back at Julie. She smiled softly.
I think we might actually become friends… even with the rival I once had.
A quiet smile curved her lips at the thought.