Semua Bab One I Love [BL]: Bab 31 - Bab 40

The sun dipped lower, casting long golden streaks across the campus lawns as the festival carried on around them. Booths overflowed with handmade crafts, games, and colorful snacks, while the faint scent of popcorn and roasted corn mingled with the warm evening air. Lareina wandered from stall to stall, stopping to examine trinkets or sample sweets, Sean and Yvo flanking her as they moved. Their laughter blended with the music drifting from the main stage, carefree and bright, carrying a rhythm that mirrored the lightness of the fading afternoon.A few buildings away, Lucy weaved desperately through the throng of students, her ponytail bouncing with each hurried step. She wiped sweat from her brow, chest heaving as her heart thudded erratically. Her eyes darted across the crowd, scanning for Sean. The notice had come only minutes ago. The art exhibit schedule had been moved up, and the presentations were starting sooner than expected, in just twenty minutes. Panic prickled at her ches

The judges moved deliberately from canvas to canvas, their footsteps quiet but measured. Each pause, each tilt of the head, carried weight, as if the art itself demanded careful attention. Murmured discussions floated between them, low and thoughtful, punctuated by the occasional scratching of pens on clipboards. Sean, Lucy, and Lareina hovered nearby, hearts pounding, their eyes flicking from one judge to the next, following every subtle gesture.At each booth, the judges lingered briefly, exchanging quiet words. A young artist blushed as the tall man with the neatly trimmed beard studied her piece, scribbling a few notes before nodding. Nearby, a judge leaned closer to another painting, adjusting his glasses, murmuring under his breath about the intricacies of the brushwork. The crowd around them shifted subtly, curious and tense, whispering in hushed tones.Lucy’s fingers tightened around her bag strap as she watched Sean’s composure hold steady despite the suspense. Lareina’s eyes

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 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

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