Mag-log inThanks for reading.
Sean slipped backstage, weaving through the flurry of students carrying instruments, props, and stage outfits. The lingering energy of Lareina and Yvo’s performance still buzzed in the air, and he spotted them near the dressing area, sharing a quick laugh.“Hey,” Sean said, approaching cautiously. His phone, thankfully still functioning aside from the lost recording, was tucked into his pocket.Lareina looked up first, her smile bright despite the faint flush on her cheeks from performing. “Sean! You made it!”Sean forced a small smile. “Of course, I would not miss it.”Lareina’s brow furrowed slightly as she studied him. “I am so happy. You looked pale earlier, and kind of out of it, and I was worried about you.”Sean blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “I am fine,” he said quickly, forcing a laugh. “It was just something on my mind, I guess. By the way, well done. Your performance was really good.”Yvo stepped forward, crossing his arms with a faintly smug grin. “You mean our per
The night sky above the academy shimmered with color. Strings of lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their warm glow rippling across rows of eager faces. The open-air stage gleamed beneath the spotlights, and the courtyard pulsed with laughter, movement, and sound.The host bounded onto the stage, his bright jacket catching the light as he raised the microphone. “Good evening, everyone!” he called out. “Welcome to the second night of the school festival concert! Let’s make some noise!”The crowd erupted in cheers that rolled across the campus like thunder.Backstage, Sean watched the host beam into the lights as the sound of the audience vibrated through the wooden floor beneath his feet. Performers hurried past him, whispering last-minute pep talks, fixing costumes, or clutching instruments. The air was alive with nervous energy and excitement.The first act set the tone with a high-energy dance number, earning wild applause and rhythmic clapping from the crowd. A pianist
The second day of the school festival began with a rush of color and sound. Bright banners fluttered from every post, students hurried across the courtyard carrying instruments and costumes, and the air was alive with laughter and music. Unlike the first day, which focused on sports and competitions, today was devoted entirely to performances. This was the festival’s heartbeat, the moment when the school truly lived up to its reputation as a premier performing arts academy.Tonight’s concert was the main event. Talent scouts, alumni, and well-known artists were expected to attend, filling the campus with an electric mix of excitement and nerves. For most students, it was a chance to shine under the lights. For Sean, it felt heavier—like a weight pressing on his chest that he could not shake off.He sat quietly near the stage, elbows resting on his knees, watching as crew members adjusted spotlights and microphones. His usual spark was gone, replaced by a distant stillness. The congrat
“There you two are,” Yvo said as he approached the bench. “I thought you got lost in each other’s eyes or something.”Sean looked up, startled. “We were just talking.”“Sure,” Yvo said with a smirk. “It looked more like a scene from a drama. Romantic lighting, emotional tension, classic Sean.”Lareina laughed softly, unaware of the meaning beneath his tone. “You’re so dramatic.”“Occupational hazard,” Yvo replied. “Someone has to keep this group from turning into a love story. Unless it’s a romance between us.”Lucy stayed quiet, glancing briefly at Sean, her thoughts tangled with uncertainty and Yvo’s earlier words.“Anyway,” Yvo said with an easy shrug. “It’s late. We should head back. We still have a performance tomorrow.”Sean stood, brushing off his jeans. “Yeah, let’s go.”As they started walking back, Lucy glanced one last time at Sean. His laughter reached her faintly, low and soft. She looked away before he noticed.The walk toward the park exit was quieter. The earlier excit
The night deepened over the city, softening the sharp glow of lights beyond the glass walls. Plates were cleared, laughter lingered, and the hum of conversation mellowed into a comfortable quiet. The air still carried the warmth of garlic, bread, and the faint trace of candle wax melting on the table.Sean leaned back in his seat, his laughter finally subsiding. “All right,” he said, glancing at the time on his phone. “Before this turns into another round of Yvo’s ego parade, we should head out soon.”“Ego parade?” Yvo gasped in mock offense. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”Darren grinned. “It is. We barely survived the last one.”Lareina giggled, covering her mouth, and even Sean couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips. “Come on. Let’s all walk together. The park across the street is open until midnight. We can cool off before heading home.”“Sounds perfect,” Liqueen said cheerfully, already gathering her things.While the others chatted, Sean stood up and made his wa
The restaurant Sean had chosen glowed warmly under amber lights. Its floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the soft shimmer of the city beyond, while the faint hum of evening traffic outside blended with the mellow jazz playing inside. The air carried the comforting scent of roasted garlic and freshly baked bread, familiar and inviting, perfectly fitting the quiet excitement of the night.Bricks and Bloom sat just a few blocks from their school, a cozy spot popular among students who wanted something more refined than the usual cafés. Sean had reserved a large corner table near the window, far enough from the crowd to enjoy a bit of privacy. As soon as they arrived, he stepped ahead and politely pulled out chairs for Lareina and Lucy, earning soft smiles from both.“Well, well,” Yvo drawled with a teasing grin. “Such a gentleman. I didn’t know you were auditioning for Mr. Chivalry 2025.”Sean gave him a flat look. “It’s called manners, Yvo. You should try it sometime.”“I have manners,”