"Whoa, look at this, Ken," one of his bandmates, Kean, muttered in awe.
"Yeah," Kenneth replied, lips curling into a sly grin.
"Man, your intuition never fails," Gian said, shaking his head in amusement.
"Of course," Kenneth said proudly. "It is me we're talking about."
"But you still haven't proven she's really the Pop Princess," Kean reminded him.
"We'll get there," Kenneth said calmly. "For now, I'm just glad I confirmed something—Julie can really sing."
"So, are you planning to recruit her?" Gian asked.
Kenneth laughed. "No. I know she won't agree that easily. She even glared at me earlier." He smirked. "But hey, my plan worked."
"You're really persistent," his friends commented almost in unison.
"So why'd you do it in the first place?" Jenny asked, genuinely curious.
Kenneth thought for a moment, then shrugged lightly. "Honestly? No big reason. I just teased Julie." His eyes gleamed. "Mostly because Cielo's really fond of her."
"I don't even want to know what goes on in your head sometimes," Jason muttered, shaking his head.
Kenneth only grinned.
Since there was no more practice that day, they were heading home early. He already knew people were talking—whispers followed wherever Julie went now.
That was when two familiar voices reached him.
"You said you'd treat me again," Julie insisted.
"I am treating you. Did I say I wouldn't?" Cielo shot back.
These two, Kenneth thought with a quiet chuckle as he approached.
"What are you fighting about now?" he asked.
Then, turning to his cousin, "Ciel, you done with practice?"
"Yeah," Cielo nodded.
Raymond, Joel, and Julie's friends trailed behind them.
"Heading home already?" Kenneth asked.
"Nope," Cielo said. "Someone here ambushed me and demanded food." He pointed at Julie, who was already pouting. "I was about to leave when she cornered me."
Kenneth laughed. "Well, I'll come too. I am partly the reason you won that bet."
"You're treating me as well?" Julie raised a brow.
"Don't want me to?" he teased.
"Of course I do," she grinned.
Kenneth laughed again.
"Mind if we join?" Kean suddenly asked as he caught up.
"Yeah, yeah—whatever," Kenneth waved them along.
He noticed Neah glancing around.
"Neah," Dennis called, slipping an arm over her shoulders when he reached her.
"You two on a date?" Kenneth teased.
"Nope," Neah smiled. "But we'll tag along."
"Alright," Kenneth nodded. "The more, the merrier."
"So where are we going?" he asked.
"The convenience store," Julie answered simply.
Kenneth casually draped an arm around Jenny's shoulder as they walked.
Julie, however, kept glancing at Jenny and Neah—clearly intrigued by how identical the twins looked.
"Curious about them?" Kean asked her.
Julie startled but nodded.
"You'll find out once you talk to them," Raymond added cryptically.
She only nodded.
When they reached the convenience store, they ran into Chris and his group. The gathering quickly grew louder, filled with laughter and chatter.
Kenneth watched quietly, amused—and satisfied—as he noticed how everyone seemed drawn to Julie now.
******
Later that evening, Kenneth and Cielo headed home together.
"Dave, I'll stay over at your place tonight," Kenneth said.
"Sure," Dave replied easily.
"Oh—Tito Adrian's birthday is coming up, right?" Kenneth asked.
"Yeah. Two weeks from now," Dave said.
"What's the plan?" Kenneth pressed.
"Simple gathering. Semi-ballroom theme," Dave explained. "But instead of the usual background music, I want live singing—something lively enough for ballroom dancing."
Kenneth hummed thoughtfully. "Want me to handle that? I can bring my band."
Dave laughed. "Your band's talent fee isn't exactly cheap."
"It's fine," Kenneth said. "Consider it my gift for Tito. Besides, my parents probably won't attend anyway."
"Are you sure?" Dave asked, hesitant.
"Yeah," Kenneth said firmly.
"If you say so," Dave nodded.
"So it's a ball dance," Cielo said. "That means once the music starts, everyone dances."
"Exactly," Dave replied. "I want it unforgettable."
"But who's singing?" Cielo asked.
Dave's lips curled into a mischievous grin."Julie."
Kenneth burst out laughing.
"I'll put a little pressure on her," Dave continued. "And Cielo—you'll duet with her."
"That's actually brilliant," Kenneth said. "And you've got friends who can guide the guests through the steps, right?"
"Yeah. I'll invite them."
"And it'll be a surprise," Cielo added.
"Exactly," Dave smirked. "Even Mom and Dad won't know."
"Tito's going to lose his mind," Kenneth laughed. "Count me in."
"Thanks, Kenneth," Dave said, patting his shoulder. "I just hope your parents come this time."
"I'll try," Kenneth promised.
Dave smiled, genuinely grateful.
Now, all that was left was to gather the right people—and make sure the music played exactly as planned.