"I'm nervous," Julie whispered, her voice trembling as her turn in the surprise presentation for Cielo's father drew closer.
Cielo glanced at her, instantly noticing the anxiety written all over her face.
"Calm down," he said softly, letting out a quiet sigh.
His brother soon announced for the guests to find their partners for the opening dance. Julie shifted uneasily beside him.
"What if I mess up?" she murmured.
"Don't overthink it. You'll be fine," he reassured her, giving her shoulder a gentle pat.
"Hey, since our part is at the last segment anyway…" she hesitated. "Can't I just stay here?"
"Nope." He pulled her toward him before she could react, making her stumble straight into his arms.
The music began to play—his cousin had arranged everything perfectly. His brother and Melody, Dave's girlfriend, were the first to take the floor.
"Just follow my steps," Cielo whispered so only she could hear. "You did well during practice. You'll be fine."
Still uncertain, Julie nodded.
"He really has a beautiful voice," she muttered, watching the performance.
"Yeah," Cielo replied, meeting her gaze, "but so do you."
Julie blinked, then laughed softly.
"What's funny?" he asked, brows knitting.
"There you go again—getting annoyed so easily," she teased. "I just wasn't expecting you to say that. I realized a lot about you during practice."
"Are you teasing me again?" he asked. "And what exactly did you realize?"
She smiled as they swayed gently to the rhythm. "You have a good heart. You're annoying sometimes, but deep down, you're really kind. You just don't make it obvious."
"Really?" he smirked.
"There it is—that smug smile," Julie laughed, shaking her head.
Cielo found himself staring at her more intently. She's really beautiful.God, why am I so drawn to her? She's been part of my life since childhood.
"Hey! Stop staring," Julie snapped, pulling him out of his thoughts.
"Why? Is it bad?" he teased. "You're staring too. Or am I just too handsome?"
Her cheeks flushed. "Idiot. You're just lucky you're handsome."
"See? You admit it," he chuckled.
"Whatever." She rolled her eyes.
"You're beautiful," he said quietly. "Very different from the Julie I used to know."
She froze. "Y—You called me by my name?"
"Why not?" he replied casually. "It is your name."
Her face burned hotter. "Hey… do you like me?" Cielo blurted.
"What do you mean?" Julie quickly countered, flustered.
He laughed under his breath. "Yeah, yeah. You won't admit it."Then he glanced toward his cousin. "It's our turn. Ready?"
Julie swallowed and nodded.
"You'll do great," Cielo said firmly as he handed her the microphone.
*******
Julie's hands trembled. What was that? Focus, Julie. You're first.
"Ready?" Kenneth whispered from the side.
She nodded as the music began.
Take my hand, take a breath.Pull me close and take one step.Keep your eyes locked on mine,And let the music be your guide…
Julie sang softly, her gaze fixed on Cielo. Calm down. Don't lose it now.
Cielo pulled her closer, guiding her with practiced ease. Their eyes met, and something stirred in her chest—something she couldn't name. It felt as though her heart was singing along with her voice.
Is this it? Am I… falling for him?
Despite her nerves, Cielo adjusted to every movement, letting her shine. When the song ended, warm applause filled the hall.
Julie searched the crowd and spotted her mother clapping proudly. A lump formed in her throat.
Cielo ruffled her hair playfully before guiding her back to her seat.
"You can take off your heels now," he murmured.
"It's fine. I'll rest for a bit," she replied with a small smile.
"Wait here." He slipped away.
Left alone, her thoughts spiraled.
What am I feeling? Am I really falling for him?The more time she spent with Cielo—the more she saw beyond the teasing—the clearer it became. But… he has a fiancée, right? Or does he? The way he treated her didn't feel like that. He was open, attentive—different. We're just childhood friends… or so I thought.
She sighed deeply.
"—Julie! Julie! Come back!" Nicole snapped her fingers.
Julie blinked. "What?"
"We've been calling you forever," Nicole complained.
"Sorry." Julie forced a smile.
"Admit it—you're under your partner's spell," Nicole teased.
"Stop it, Nicky."
"Oh? You're blushing. That means I'm right."
Julie groaned. This girl hasn't changed at all.
"Where's Joel?" Julie shot back. "Shouldn't you be annoying him instead?"
"Right here," Joel said dryly.
She nearly jumped. "When did you get there?!"
"You zoned out," Raymond explained. "Ciel's busy entertaining guests, so we came over."
"Drink this," Joel added. "He'll be back."
"I wasn't waiting for him!" Julie protested.
Melissa snickered. "Sure. We believe you."
Nicole leaned closer. "But seriously—Cielo's got you under his spell."
"Shut up!"
"You're stammering now. Totally obvious."
Everyone laughed, and Julie glared at them all.
"Oh—he's here," Melissa said suddenly.
Julie's heart skipped as she turned to see Cielo approaching, holding a plate stacked with chocolate cake.
"Sorry I took so long," he said. "A guest needed help."
Julie nodded stiffly. "W-Why so much cake?"
"I told Mom you like chocolate cake," he replied. "She said to thank you properly. We can share if it's too much."
He sat beside her.
"Thank you," she murmured.
"You're welcome." He smiled warmly.
Her friends watched silently—far too knowingly.
"You guys can have some too," Cielo offered.
"Thanks," Raymond grinned. "And please keep Julie entertained. She was definitely looking for you."
Julie shot him a deadly glare.
"I didn't get to excuse myself earlier," Cielo said softly to her. "But I'm here now."
Julie avoided his eyes, focusing on her cake.
This is karma, she thought. Every time I tease others about their crushes, it comes back tenfold.
Keep it together, Julie.Don't let it show.