Aria's stomach twisted with nerves.
As she stepped onto the stage, her eyes immediately searched the crowd.
It didn't take long to find her mother.
Mom was already recording.
The moment Aria saw her, some of the fear disappeared.
She straightened her shoulders and smiled.
Just like they had rehearsed, the keyboardist keyed them in.
The violinists followed a moment later.
The familiar melody filled the hall.
Aria tightened her grip around the microphone.
For a brief second, she remembered Evelora performing the same song.
Then she pushed the thought aside.
It was her turn now.
She began to sing.
Lewis joined her shortly after, and together they followed the rhythm they had spent weeks perfecting.
Aria glanced across the audience.
Her eyes landed on Marie, who was smiling, cheering, and supporting her.
A smile tugged at Aria's lips before her gaze shifted toward the judges.
Their expressions remained serious as they wrote notes into their pads while listening carefully.
Aria quickly turned her attention back to the song.
Note after note, the performance flowed exactly as they had practiced.
Before she knew it, the final note had been sung.
For a moment, the hall was silent.
Then applause broke out across the room.
Aria released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Everyone slowly began leaving the stage to give the host room to speak, but Aria didn't move.
She stood there staring at the crowd, quietly enjoying the validation.
"Come on, Aria," Rebecca called.
Only then did Aria realize she was the only one still standing there.
Quickly, she followed Rebecca backstage.
"Wow, wow, wow... wasn't that absolutely beautiful?" the host said, earning another round of cheers from the audience.
He smiled before continuing.
"Tonight, both schools used their voices to battle for this trophy."
He gestured toward the judges' table.
"The judges are currently reviewing the performances carefully, so we'll be taking a short break before the final results are announced."
The hall slowly became noisy as people stood up. Some went to the restroom, others talked excitedly.
Miss Sofia led the students of Silvercrest Academy—Aria and her teammates—to the main hall so they could sit and rest.
But Aria couldn't stay still. Her chest felt tight with anticipation.
She slipped away quietly to the restroom.
---
Aria stepped inside and turned on the tap.
She splashed water on her face, trying to calm her nerves.
When she looked up—
Jasmine was there.
Aria frowned. "I don't want any trouble."
Jasmine gave a small shrug. "Relax. I just came to wash my hands."
A pause.
Aria turned off the tap. "We're about to get results. Don't start anything."
Jasmine leaned against the wall, watching her.
"You know…" she said slowly, "it's kind of funny."
Aria looked at her. "What is?"
Jasmine gave a small smile.
"How someone who got everything handed to her can still act like she worked harder than everyone else."
Aria's expression tightened. "What are you saying?"
Jasmine tilted her head.
"I mean… I could've been up there too."
Aria blinked. "What?"
Jasmine shrugged again.
"My dad is important to this school, you know."
A beat.
Then she added lightly:
"But I let you have it."
Silence.
Aria stared at her.
Jasmine pushed herself off the wall and walked toward the door.
"Just wanted you to know what it feels like to be noticed."
She paused at the entrance.
"Anyway… see you in the hall."
Then she left.
---
Back in the hall, the atmosphere had shifted.
The students of Silvercrest Academy and Ravenbrook Institute were seated again. The noise had dropped into a heavy silence.
Aria returned to her seat.
Miss Sofia stood nearby, trying to keep everyone calm.
But Aria's thoughts kept circling.
I let you have it.
Just wanted you to know what it feels like to be noticed.
Her hands tightened in her lap.
The host stepped forward.
"Welcome back. The judges have finalized their decision."
The hall went completely silent.
Aria's heart tightened.
The host opened the envelope.
"Both Silvercrest Academy and Ravenbrook Institute delivered outstanding performances tonight…"
A pause.
"But there can only be one winner."
The moment stretched.
Then—
"The winners of this year's competition are…"
Aria barely breathed.
"…Silvercrest Academy!"
For a second, nothing moved.
Then the hall erupted into applause.
Cheering filled the space. Students stood. Miss Sofia covered her mouth, overwhelmed.
Aria slowly rose to her feet.
They had won.
The hall was filled with cheers and applause, but it all sounded distant to her ears.
She clapped slowly, almost unsure of her own hands.
And somewhere in the back of her mind—
Jasmine's voice still lingered.
Not loud.
Just enough to stay.