Indhu's POV
The school had never felt this alive.
Banners waved wildly in the breeze, corridors buzzed with excitement, and when the announcement echoed through the speakers, even my heartbeat synced with it.
"An inter-school all-rounder competition will be held over five days. Each school will send one representative per event. The school with the most wins will be crowned the All-Rounder Champion."
I didn't even need to turn.
I felt them look at each other.
V5.
This wasn't spoken. It didn't need to be.
We were in.
And then came the detail that made my stomach tighten —
Leonor's group.
Day 1 – Acting
I watched Rohan stand behind the curtain, rolling his shoulders once like he always did when he was nervous — pretending he wasn't.
The moment he stepped on stage, something changed.
He wasn't joking.
He wasn't hiding.
He was the character.
Every emotion hit hard — the pauses, the tremble in his voice, the raw silence he left behind. Ethan was good. Really good. But Rohan… Rohan felt real.
When the judges announced the result—
Winner: Rohan
I felt my chest swell before my hands even started clapping.
Swetha ran to him, eyes shining.
"You were amazing! I felt like crying."
Rohan laughed softly. "I almost did too."
Day 2 – Dance
Swetha on stage was something else.
I had seen her practice, seen her doubt herself — but this?
This was confidence wrapped in grace.
Her semi-classical fusion wasn't just movement. It was emotion, control, and power. Kiara danced well, but Swetha danced with heart.
Winner: Swetha
I clapped till my palms hurt.
Rohan leaned toward her. "You stole the show."
She smiled — that shy, glowing smile that said I did it.
Day 3 – Drawing
This one hit close.
Leonor sat across from me, calm, confident.
The topic read: "A World Without Words."
I didn't think.
I just drew.
A silent scream.
A colourless world.
Eyes filled with colour — because some things are felt, not spoken.
When the judges announced—
Winner: Indhu
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
Aditya stared at my sheet. "You didn't just draw… you told a story."
Charlotte whispered, "Your art had soul."
I didn't look at Leonor.
I didn't need to.
Day 4 – Piano
I had always known Aditya was talented.
I didn't know this.
His fingers moved like the piano was listening to him. A self-composed medley — soft, powerful, emotional.
The hall was silent.
Winner: Aditya
I shook his hand backstage. "That was beautiful."
Swetha grinned. "Teach me piano?"
He laughed. "Deal."
Day 5 – Athletics
Charlotte stood at the starting line, eyes sharp, body still.
The whistle blew.
She flew.
Every second felt endless until she crossed the finish line — first.
Winner: Charlotte
We ran to her without thinking.
"You nailed it!" I shouted.
"Last race, last win," Rohan added. "You're our star."
She was breathing hard, smiling harder.
Closing Ceremony
The auditorium thundered with applause as the Principal lifted the trophy.
"Five days. Five victories. Excellence, teamwork, and resilience. Let's hear it for our champions — V5!"
My hands shook as I stepped forward.
They joined me, one by one, each placing a hand on the trophy.
Not my win.
Our win.
From the crowd, I saw Leonor watching — jaw tight, fists clenched.
"It should've been us," she muttered.
But even her group stayed silent.
Swetha leaned toward me. "Can you believe this actually happened?"
Rohan grinned. "Five competitions. Five wins."
Aditya turned to Charlotte. "You ended it with fire."
Charlotte smiled. "We all did. Together."
As we walked out, Rohan suddenly sighed dramatically.
"I think I'm in the wrong school."
Swetha raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Aditya asked, "What nonsense now?"
Rohan mimicked a dramatic adult voice,
"Brooo, tenth grade is very important. Very crucial. If you lose, you lose in life."
Swetha almost spilled her water laughing.
"But look at our school," Rohan continued. "Festivals, programs, competitions—"
Aditya cut in, "Then be happy but—"
I finished for him, smiling,
"But don't think this is an excuse for you not to study."
Rohan shot me a glare.
Aditya nodded seriously. "Hey, my best friend is right."
Rohan turned to Swetha desperately. "Any help for me here?"
She smirked. "Your mess. Your problem."
We burst out laughing as we walked away.
And in that moment, trophy in hand, laughter in the air, I knew—
This wasn't just a victory.
It was us.