It was finally the day of the competition.
Chris let out a deep sigh.
"Dave," he called.
Dave turned to him and gave a small pat on the shoulder. "I know you're worried. Rest easy."
Chris didn't respond—he only nodded, his gaze drifting to Kelly.
"Kevin," he said quietly, "don't lose sight of Kelly. Not even for a moment."
"Yeah," Kevin replied, stretching his arms as they prepared. They were already at the venue, gathered in the same room. Most of his teammates had finished changing.
Kelly sat quietly at one corner, her hands clasped tightly as she tried to steady her breathing.
"Angie," Chris called softly.
She immediately walked toward him. "I'm worried about Kelly," she admitted.
Chris nodded and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "It will be okay."
She nodded back, reassured—but the worry still lingered in her eyes.
Chris was grateful that Kevin was Kelly's partner today. And though Jonathan remained unusually quiet, Chris knew his friend was overthinking every possible thing that could go wrong.
The competition was held in Sta. Catalina—a familiar venue for events like this. Soon enough, their school was called to perform.
Chris exhaled slowly as he scanned the audience.
Among the crowd were other competitors—and, as expected, students from Schola Academy.
His eyes caught Charles.
The man was staring shamelessly at Kelly's body, a disgusting smirk spreading across his face as his companions whispered among themselves.
Kelly didn't let it faze her.
She danced with confidence and precision—every move sharp, professional, controlled.
She's a professional, Chris thought bitterly.Unlike that bastard.
The crowd erupted in cheers as their performance ended.
Backstage, Chris immediately noticed Kelly struggling to catch her breath. Jonathan was beside her, guiding her gently, murmuring reassurances until her breathing slowed.
They returned to their room. Kelly sat down, her hands trembling.
"Kelly," Jonathan said softly, "breathe."
She nodded faintly.
Chris draped his jacket over her shoulders, noticing how Angie's worry deepened at the sight.
After a few moments, Kelly finally steadied herself.
"Dave, I'll step out for a bit," Chris said.
Dave nodded.
Chris walked down the hallway, needing air—space to clear his thoughts.
"It's good to see you."
The voice made him freeze.
Chris turned—and there stood Vincent.
"…Yeah," Chris replied coldly.
Vincent smiled faintly. Chris never imagined they'd cross paths again.
"I'm sorry to disturb you," Vincent said casually, "but how's your sister?"
Chris's ears burned. "Why are you asking about my sister?"
"Oh, I just want to make sure she's doing well."
"She's doing fine," Chris snapped, then forced himself to breathe. "Even without you."
Vincent chuckled softly.
Memories surged—Julie's tears, her broken voice, the betrayal.
"Oh," Vincent added lightly, "send my regards to Julie."
Chris narrowed his eyes. "For what?"
"I want her back."
Chris scoffed. "You know she has a boyfriend now, right?"
Vincent's smirk deepened. "I'm confident I'm the only man who can truly make her happy."
He stepped away, then paused when he noticed Cielo nearby, drinking water.
Vincent flashed him a taunting grin.
"See you again, Chris."
When Vincent disappeared, Chris clenched his jaw.
"I'm sorry you had to hear that," he muttered to Cielo.
Cielo finished his drink calmly. "So he's my girlfriend's ex?"
Chris nodded. He really doesn't hide how possessive he is, Chris thought.
"Well," Cielo muttered, "he doesn't know I'm her real boyfriend. That bastard only knows about the fake thing with Gabriel."
"Ciel," Chris warned, "be careful."
"No worries," Cielo replied firmly. "No one's following us. And neither Gabriel nor I will ever let that guy near Julie again."
Chris exhaled. You really are something else.
********
Later on, Kelly sat quietly, still wrapped in Chris's jacket.
"Don't you want to watch?" Jonathan asked.
Kelly shook her head. "They're out there, Nathan. While I was dancing earlier… h-he looked at me like he was stripping me with his eyes."
Her voice cracked as tears fell.
Jonathan ruffled her hair gently. "It's okay. If you want to step out, I'll go with you. I'll call your boyfriend too."
Nicole moved closer and held Kelly's arm. "I'll stay with you."
Kelly nodded.
Chris and Cielo returned soon after—Chris tense, Cielo unusually serious.
Something happened, Jonathan thought. We'll find out later.
"I need to use the bathroom," Kelly whispered.
"Let's go," Jonathan offered.
"Are you crazy?" Kelly snapped weakly. "You're a guy!"
Jonathan sighed. "Do you want to go alone or not?"
"We'll go with her," Claire said quickly. "We need to use it too."
"Yeah," Steph added firmly.
Jonathan's gut tightened.
"I'll come too," he decided.
Kevin tapped his shoulder, signaling he'd join.
"Aww, so sweet," someone teased as Steph pulled Kelly along.
The restroom wasn't far—but Jonathan's instincts screamed.
On their way back, a group of men blocked the hallway.
I knew it, Jonathan thought grimly.
Charles stepped forward, smirking.
Claire muttered, "Oh great, bye," before slipping away with Vanissa—leaving Kelly with Jonathan, Steph, and Kevin.
"We'll let you pass if you hand Kelly over," Charles sneered.
Kevin sighed and raised his phone. "Not afraid of this proof?"
Charles laughed. "Once I've had my taste of your girlfriend, I'll erase it. That's why I brought more men."
Jonathan shook his head. "You really dragged people into this just to get yourself expelled?"
He subtly motioned for Kelly and Steph to stay close.
"Don't you want to negotiate?" Charles mocked. "Hand over your childhood friend."
"Win-win my ass," Kevin muttered.
Charles gestured sharply. "Fine."
The men lunged.
Jonathan moved first—swift, precise. He kicked, threw, and blocked with practiced ease, shielding Kelly and his girlfriend.
"It's been a while," Jonathan muttered, watching bodies fall. Years of martial arts training kicked in instinctively.
Kevin fought beside him—strong, controlled. The Colonel's son didn't hesitate.
Charles' smile faltered—then returned.
"You know it's against the rules to harm council members," he warned smugly.
A familiar voice cut in.
"Eh? Really?"
"Chris," Charles muttered.
Kevin scratched his head. "By the way… are you really a council member?"
"I have proof," Charles said confidently. "I'm the witness."
Chris smirked and played a video. "So do we."
Charles' face darkened.
"You know what," Chris said quietly, "I'm really irritated right now."
Jonathan stiffened. This is bad. Chris rarely loses control.
"We're here for peace," Charles insisted. "Just hand Kelly over. She's a bitch at your school anyway, right?"
Chris' eyes hardened. "Is that what your girlfriend told you?"
He glanced at Claire and Airah. "Should I tell them?"
"What?" Charles scoffed. "That your friend isn't a virgin anymore?"
Jonathan's gaze turned lethal. "What a dumbass."
"No need," Chris said calmly. "He's already here."
Caden stepped forward.
"After this event, we'll settle this, Charles," he said firmly. "And by the way—Kelly is my cousin."
Charles froze.
Jonathan pulled Kelly into his arms, shielding her completely.
It's better this way, he thought.This ends soon.