I reached the school’s outdoor soccer field in time. Apparently, the organizers considered this event as an informal one because they decided to do it outside the school and not at the Performing Arts Center. Regardless, it’s one of the most anticipated highlights in our school every year. Students from the performing arts department are going to show off their talents and impress, not only the crowd, but the sneaking scouts attending the event.

I was about to join the queue of students trying to get inside the venue when I remembered that I’m here for business and not for pleasure. I'm actually part of the school newspaper team and was given a task to cover the event because our social events writer got sick. I walked towards the tall and buff guy, who I assumed as the “usher” of the event because he’s standing by the entrance and he’s the one gathering the tickets.

“Sorry, miss.” another tall guy said in his very deep voice, as soon as I reached the usher. “You should join the queue—” he pointed the long queue on my left side. Some of the students stare daggers at me, assuming I’m trying to crash or get inside without suffering with them. “—before getting in.”

I sighed. “Actually....” I took out my school press ID and ticket which my Editor-in-Chief gave to me so that I wouldn’t have to join the queue. I showed these to the two men and for a second, I was worried that they still wouldn’t let me pass.

The two men exchanged looks, one of them—the usher—shrugged and then the other tall guy took the ticket from my hands and make way for me.

“Thanks!” I grinned at them and then I ducked inside. I didn’t dare look back at the queue behind me but I definitely heard them complaining about my free pass and the two guys explaining to them austerely why.

I was amazed by the venue—it looked incredible. There was a vast stage in the center with gleaming spotlights hanging from above. There were no seats, most likely, because they assumed that the audience wouldn’t really be able to keep themselves from jumping due to exhilaration and delight once the show started. The venue was starting to get crowded as well and I noticed that some of the visitors doesn’t even go to our school, their trendy outfits were screaming that they’re ready for the after party later. I looked down at my own outfit—a shirt dress paired with flats. On the contrary, my outfit was screaming “Put your geek on!”.

“Hana!” a familiar voice called out.

I spun my head and spotted the owner of the voice—my best friend, Kim Min Jee. She was peeking behind a tent, beaming and gesturing for me to come. “Over here!” she mouthed.

Pushing aside the hesitation why my best friend was in a tent, I walked briskly to where Min Jee was and ducked inside. “Min Jee, what are you doing...” I trailed when I notice the tent was actually where the performers of that night was being gathered.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” Min Jee said excitedly, bouncing up and down a little, evidently oblivious by the way people are staring at us.

“Why are you here?” I hissed at her. “Aren’t we supposed to be outside?”

“I was just talking to Baekhyun minutes before you arrive.” Min Jee said, glancing behind her. “Besides, you’re from the Press so that’s okay.”

I rolled my eyes. “Still.” I protested. “Let’s go outside—”

“What are you two doing here?” a stern voice asked.

Min Jee and I turned around. A plump man was looking at us with scrutinizing stare. I recognized him as one of the organizers of school events but I don’t quite remember his name. I bumped into him before but apparently, he doesn’t remember me, either.

“You don’t look like performers to me.” the plump man said seriously but the crowd behind him burst out laughing.

I blushed in embarrassment while Min Jee, being naturally rude herself, scoffed at the man.

“Excuse me?” Min Jee sneered at him. “Wha—”

“It’s okay, sir!” a voice said.

I turned to my side, our good friend Byun Baekhyun was walking towards us. He looked different tonight and it’s not because he’s wearing leather pants and leather jacket with asymmetrical zippers. I sized him up and realized that it was the eyeliner. He looked really different from the boyish charm he always has when he’s hanging out with us. Different but in a good way. Apparently, Min Jee was thinking the same thing because she’s staring at him, too.

“They’re with me.” Baekhyun told the plump man. “And she’s from school press.” he added, gesturing at me.

“That’s right.” I piped, holding up my ID pass.

“Exactly!” Min Jee chimed in. “We’re from the press.”

Baekhyun and I merely exchanged looks. The plump man seemed to bought it because he walked away after giving me and Min Jee a dull look.

“Let’s go over there.” Baekhyun said, gesturing to the other extension of the tent.

Min Jee and I followed him and greeted by another crowd of performers when we reached the other tent. Some of them looked anxious while others looked stoked, re-touching their makeup, hair styles and doing deep breathings.

“You guys will have a clear vie