Finally! It was time for the talent show. We were scheduled to be the first act of our grade level. Oh gosh, here come the butterflies.

“Are you okay?” Luhan asked while lovingly caressing my frame.

“Y-yeah, just nervous. What if I mess up?”

“You’ll be perfect. I believe in you.” How could a simple declaration heat up my entire face and bring flutters to my heart? Oh my, that beautiful face. Focus, Janice! Focus!

“Now I present to you, Class 3-A! Welcome Huang Zitao, Ouyang Jiayi, Wu Yifan, Xi Luhan, and Zhang Yixing!” the MC hollered zealously into the mic.

This was it.

We piled onto the stage and took out assigned placed. The piano intro started. Lay started moving his right hand as if he was playing the piano. He stopped. I did the same. I stopped. He began again and I turned away from the crowd when the spotlight shone on him.

We performed the routine just as we practiced, and after what seemed to me as though five brief seconds, Luhan finished his vocals, leaving the beautiful timbers of the piano to soar through my body. I began gracefully stepping towards the curtains. Lay followed behind me and caught me before I was out the spotlight. He turned me around and caught me in an embrace. We sunk to the ground and remained in that position until the piano stopped and the only sound that could be heard was silence.

Piercing silence.

I’ve always hated endings. Did the audience like it? Or did they not?

I didn’t hear any applause or booing. I couldn’t see the faces of the audience either.

Then…

Clap.

Clap.

Clap.

Suddenly, the entire auditorium was filled with clapping and appraisal. Yes, they liked it. I didn’t mess up. The five of us stood at the center of the stage, bowed, and walked backstage.

“We did it, guys! We did it!” I cheered while hopping like a maniac.

The other - even Kris - joined me.

“All groups please proceed onto the stage for results,” the voice of the MC boomed on the intercom.

“Third place goes to…”

Silence.

“Class 2-B!”

Maybe we’re second.

“Second place goes to…”

Class 3-A. Class 3-A. Class 3-A.

“Class 3-C!”

Dammit. Maybe we’re first. Who knows?”

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