Stella's POV
The festival grounds stretched out before me, buzzing with the kind of excitement that only comes from a school-wide event like this. Performances, games, and laughter filled the air, and even though I was a little nervous about being here alone now, I couldn’t deny the energy was contagious. 
Gwen gave me a playful nudge as we reached the performance area, her eyes scanning the stage setup with confidence. "Alright, kiddo, this is where I leave you," she said, sounding half like my best friend and half like she was my mother.
I laughed, rolling my eyes. "Geez, Gwen, you're acting like I'm going to get lost in a crowd."
She smirked, pretending to be serious. "Hey, if you do, call me. I’m just over at the judge’s table. Don't want you wandering around aimlessly, okay?"
"Yes, Mom," I teased back, unable to hide my grin. Honestly, having Gwen by my side had been like having a second mom—well, a funnier, more sarcastic one. She always knew how to lighten the mood, even when I felt a bit out of place.
She winked at me before heading off toward the judges' table. I watched her for a second, feeling lucky to have someone like Gwen in my life. Not everyone was as blessed to have a friend who practically acted like family.
With a deep breath, I turned toward the seating area where I was supposed to be, and there it was—the VIP section, right at the center and directly in front of the stage. It was obvious from the fancy setup that this wasn’t just your average spot. Eight black chairs were arranged in two neat rows, each with its own side table, bottles of water, and small trays of food. My seat was the closest one, and I made my way over, taking a quick look around before settling down.
As soon as I sat, I could feel eyes on me—students from the back and corners were already whispering, glancing at me with that familiar look of curiosity and maybe a bit of judgment. I sighed quietly. People were always like this, weren’t they? Couldn’t even sit down without becoming the center of attention. It wasn’t like I asked for it.
"Don’t mind them," a voice suddenly said from beside me, breaking through my thoughts. "People like that don’t have their own lives to mind, so they stick their noses in everyone else’s."
I turned to see a girl sitting next to me, looking perfectly put together in a pink polo and a matching white skirt. A white hat sat perched on her head, completing the look. She was stunning, the kind of girl who looked effortlessly clean and gorgeous, like she just walked off a magazine cover. She smiled at me warmly, her eyes twinkling with a bit of mischief.
“You look really pretty in that dress, by the way,” she added, her voice friendly.
I felt my face flush slightly and smiled shyly. "Thanks," I mumbled. "I’m, uh, Stella."
The girl extended her hand, still smiling that easy smile. “Nice to meet you, Stella. I’m Edana Acosta, but you can call me Dana.”
I shook her hand, feeling a bit more at ease. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Before we could talk more, the stage lights flickered, and a speaker stepped forward, commanding everyone’s attention. The crowd started to quiet down, anticipation thick in the air.
“Good evening, everyone!” the speaker called out, his voice booming through the microphone. “Welcome to the highlight of the festival, the music competition you’ve all been waiting for!”
The students erupted in cheers, waving banners and posters in the air. Some were holding light sticks that glowed in different colors, while others had photos of their favorite performers plastered on giant signs. I could feel the excitement rising, and even I couldn’t wait to see the performances. The OES group of Liam, Zeus, they were all going to play tonight, and it was going to be amazing.
The speaker continued, hyping up the crowd. “We’ve got a great lineup for you tonight! Some of the best talent from our school will be taking the stage, and I know you’re all eager to cheer them on. But first, I want to know—who are you all waiting for?!”
The crowd screamed even louder, chanting names, waving their signs even more wildly. Some students were yelling out their favorite bands, while others were just shouting random things in excitement. It was chaos, but in the best possible way.
I laughed softly at the scene, feeling the energy seep into me. Dana caught my eye and grinned. “It’s pretty crazy, huh? People really get into these events.”
“Yeah, it’s wild,” I agreed, watching as the speaker hyped up the crowd even more.
He finally raised his hands, signaling for the crowd to quiet down a bit. “Alright, alright, settle down, folks! We’ve still got a few minutes before we kick off the performances, but I promise it’ll be worth the wait. So keep cheering, get ready, and let’s make tonight one to remember!”
The crowd roared again, and I couldn’t help but smile. This was going to be fun. I could already feel it. 
As the speaker left the stage, Dana leaned in closer. “So, are you excited to see anyone in particular?” she asked, giving me a knowing look.
I hesitated, glancing at the stage. “Uh, maybe Liam’s band. They’re pretty good. And, well... Zeus, too, of course.”
Dana’s smile widened, and I could see the teasing glint in her eyes. “Oh, Zeus, huh? Isn’t he, like, super mysterious? You know him well?”
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Kind of. We’ve hung out a bit.”
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my casual tone. “Well, I can’t wait to see them. This night’s going to be something, I can feel it.”
I nodded, my excitement building as well. The thought of seeing Zeus on stage, performing in front of everyone, sent a thrill through me. He was always so composed and cool, but there was something about him that felt electric, like he was going to light up the stage the moment he stepped out there.
And Liam, too. He and his band had a huge following at school, and I could already hear students shouting his name. This was definitely going to be a night to remember. The music, the performances, the crowd, everything was coming together, and I was right in the middle of it all.
I took a deep breath, trying to soak it all in. The stage was set, the lights were on, and in just a few more minutes, the magic of the night was about to begin.
---
I had just gotten comfortable in my seat when the first act of the evening started: a commercial comedy skit. The stage lights dimmed slightly, and the spotlight focused on a group of students performing a playful parody of those overly dramatic soap operas, but with a twist. It was clearly a spoof of the popular ‘Pepso’ show everyone in school had been talking about.
The crowd giggled as one of the actors dramatically declared his undying love for an overly emotional girl who kept fainting every time he spoke. The girl, pretending to swoon, fell into the arms of a very bored-looking “Pepso,” who sighed dramatically while the crowd laughed even harder. They were really nailing the over-the-top nature of the show. I found myself laughing along too, it was impossible not to when they exaggerated everything to ridiculous levels. 
Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I hesitated, wondering if I should check it, but curiosity got the better of me. Pulling it out, I saw Zeus’s name flash on the screen, and suddenly my heart skipped a beat. 
I opened the text message, trying to act casual even though I could feel my cheeks warming up.  
Zeus: Hey, there’s something I need to talk to you about after the event. Can we meet at the campus park? You know, by the big tree?
I could feel my stomach do a little flip. There was something about Zeus that always made me feel... different. Something I couldn’t quite explain, like a mix of excitement and nervousness all rolled into one. He always knew how to stir something inside me that no one else did. And the way he texted, so casual, yet so direct. 
I bit my lip, giggling to myself, and quickly typed a reply.
Me: Sure! I’ll be there.
I hit send, my heart still fluttering a little. What could he possibly want to talk about? I had no idea, but just the thought of seeing him alone under that big tree later made me feel all kinds of things. It was like the world around me had faded for a moment, and all I could focus on was that one text. 
I put my phone away just as the stage lights dimmed even more, signaling the start of the main performances. Music began to play softly, and the lights on stage flickered in time with the beat. Excitement buzzed through the crowd as the speaker stepped forward again.
“Alright, everyone!” the speaker shouted, his voice booming through the speakers. “Who's ready for the first act of the night?!”
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, waving their banners and light sticks in the air. I couldn’t help but get caught up in the energy. 
“First up, we’ve got a group that’s been making waves at school. Four talented students who are going to kick off the night with a bang. Give it up for... The Knights!”
The crowd cheered even louder as four students walked onto the stage. Three boys and a girl, all of them with instruments in hand. The girl, who was leading the band, grabbed the microphone and smiled confidently at the crowd. Then, they started playing.
The music hit the air with a perfect balance of smooth vocals and upbeat guitar riffs. The crowd swayed to the rhythm, clearly enjoying the performance. I found myself nodding along too—it was hard not to when the energy was this high. The girl’s voice was incredible, and the band was tight. They had this great connection with each other that made their performance even more captivating.
By the time they finished, the audience exploded in cheers, clapping and shouting out compliments. “They’re amazing!” someone behind me shouted, and I couldn’t help but agree.
The speaker returned to the stage, his energy still just as high as when he first came out. “What a way to start the night! Let’s hear it for The Knights one more time!”
More applause filled the air as the band waved and disappeared off stage.
The speaker grinned and leaned into the mic. “Now, I know you’ve all been waiting for this one. The moment you’ve all been talking about. Who's ready for our next band?!”
The crowd went wild, screaming and stomping their feet. You could feel the anticipation building. 
“They’re the band everyone’s been dying to see. You love them, you cheer for them, and tonight, they’re here to give you a performance you’ll never forget. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for... OES!”
The lights on the stage flickered wildly as the sound of drums filled the air. Then the guitar kicked in, and the lights centered on four boys standing on stage, each wearing these effortlessly cool outfits that fit their vibe perfectly. The crowd erupted even louder when Liam stepped up to the mic, his presence commanding everyone’s attention.
Liam started singing, and the crowd lost it. The beat was infectious, and the way the band played together was magnetic. You could tell they knew exactly how to work the stage, how to get everyone vibing with them. The way Liam’s voice flowed over the music, combined with the rhythmic thump of the drums and the sharpness of the guitar, made for a performance that was impossible to ignore.
Students in the crowd were jumping up and down, waving their arms, some even screaming at the top of their lungs. It was like a tidal wave of energy that swept through the entire venue, and before I knew it, I was swaying along with everyone else, completely lost in the moment.
I glanced at Dana, who was sitting beside me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “They’re incredible, right?” she shouted over the music, grinning from ear to ear.
I nodded, feeling a smile tug at my lips. “Yeah, they really are.”
Liam’s voice rose with the chorus, his eyes sweeping over the crowd like he was soaking in every ounce of their energy. The lights flashed in sync with the music, and it felt like the entire world was pulsing with the beat of the song.
When the song finally came to an end, the crowd erupted in applause, even louder than before. I clapped along, my heart still pounding from the intensity of it all. The whole performance had been electric, like they’d managed to capture everyone’s attention and hold it in the palm of their hands.
The speaker returned to the stage, his voice hoarse from all the shouting. “Give it up for OES! Man, that was something else, wasn’t it?!” 
The crowd screamed their agreement, and the speaker laughed. “We’ve still got more in store for you, but let’s take a quick break before we continue. Catch your breath, grab some food, and get ready for the next wave of performances! You won’t want to miss what’s coming next!”
As the crowd started to disperse a bit, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement for what was still to come. But more than that, I couldn’t stop thinking about the text from Zeus. Something about the way he’d asked to meet me after the event had my mind racing, my heart fluttering with anticipation.
I glanced around the stage one more time, watching as students chatted excitedly and moved around, still buzzing from the performance. 
-----
Liam and his band had just finished their performance, and the energy was high. The crowd was buzzing, still cheering and talking about how amazing they were. I couldn’t help but feel that electric vibe running through me too. It was impossible not to, the whole place felt alive. 
But then, just as the speaker came back on stage, his voice was a little off, kind of serious this time. “Hey everyone, I hate to break the flow, but there’s a small emergency happening backstage with the next performer,” he said, and the crowd hushed a bit, some people murmuring. “We’re going to take a short break while we sort things out. Don’t go anywhere though—we’ll be back shortly!”
I immediately felt my stomach drop. Zeus hadn’t performed yet. My mind went straight to him. Was it him? Was he okay? What if something had happened? My heart started racing, and before I could stop myself, I pulled out my phone and shot him a text.
Me: Is everything okay?
I waited, staring at my phone screen, willing it to light up with a response. Nothing. I swallowed hard and texted again, trying to stay calm.
Me: Hey, Zeus, just checking if you’re alright. Please let me know!
Still nothing. My message was delivered, but there was no “read” sign. My thumb hovered over the screen, feeling more anxious by the second. 
He had to be nervous. I could feel it in my gut. Zeus was probably backstage freaking out, trying to make everything perfect. I knew him well enough to know how much he cared about this performance. He wanted to give everything, and sometimes that pressure could eat him up inside.
So, I texted again.
Me: Zeus, listen. You don’t need to be perfect, okay? Just enjoy yourself. I’ll be the first one cheering for you, no matter what! I’ll be here, cheering till the end.
I sent the message, hoping it would calm him down, hoping he’d see it and relax. But again, nothing. My message just sat there, delivered, unread. And that made the worry build up inside me even more. It felt like something was twisting in my chest, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe Zeus was struggling more than I thought.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I felt so helpless, sitting here, waiting, not knowing if he was okay or not. Suddenly, before I could even think it through, I stood up from my seat, cupping my hands around my mouth, and shouted at the top of my lungs, “ZEUS! COME ON! YOU GOT THIS!”
Everyone around me turned to stare. I could feel all eyes on me, but I didn’t care. Zeus had to hear me. He needed to know that it was okay, that he didn’t need to stress so much.
Dana, who was sitting beside me, jumped up, her face pale with shock. “Stella! What are you doing?” she whispered harshly, grabbing my arm and pulling me back down into my seat. “Calm down! You’re causing a scene!” She glanced around awkwardly, apologizing to the students nearby who were giving me confused looks.
But I wasn’t done. “Zeus! I swear I will rushed over there to kick your butt if you're not planning to stepped on the stage!” I yelled again, not caring if I looked insane. I couldn’t help it. I needed him to hear those words.
Dana let out an exasperated sigh and put her hand over her face, clearly embarrassed. “Stella, stop!” she hissed, trying to keep me in my seat. “You’re going to make it worse. He’s probably already stressed out!”
But I shook my head. “He needs to hear this, Dana. If he’s nervous, he won’t be able to perform. He has to know that being nervous won’t help him.”
Dana just looked at me, stunned. After a few seconds, she sighed again, shaking her head but with this tiny smile on her face. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
I leaned back in my seat, finally calming down a bit. My heart was still pounding, but the rush of shouting had helped release some of the tension that had been building up inside me. Dana shook her head again, amazed at my boldness. “I’ve only met you tonight, but wow, Stella. You’re... something else.”
I gave her a sheepish smile, still feeling a little worked up. “I just... I had to say it. He needed to hear it.”
Dana chuckled softly, massaging her temples like she couldn’t believe what just happened. “You really care about him, don’t you?”
Before I could respond, the speaker came back on stage, smiling as if nothing unusual had happened. “Alright, everyone! Thanks for your patience. The wait is over. Are you ready for the next performance?!”
The crowd cheered, excitement building again.
“Let’s give it up for... ZEUS!”
As soon as his name left the speaker’s mouth, my heart leaped. I stood up, clapping and cheering like a maniac, shouting his name at the top of my lungs. “Go, Zeus! You got this!”
Dana looked at me, shaking her head, but she couldn’t help smiling. “You’re unbelievable,” she muttered, but she started clapping too, supporting me in her own way.
The lights dimmed, and a single spotlight illuminated the piano at the center of the stage. Zeus stepped out from behind the curtains, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world went still. He looked calm, but I could see that determined look in his eyes, the same one he always had when he was about to pour his heart into something. 
He sat at the piano, his fingers brushing over the keys for a second, and then he began to play. The music was soft at first, almost hesitant, but then it grew, filling the room with this beautiful, delicate melody. And then, he started to sing.
“There’s a spark in her eyes when she’s near,  
A fire that I can’t help but feel,  
She laughs, and the world fades away,  
But I can’t find the words to say...”
His voice was smooth, tender, each word hitting me straight in the chest. I felt a lump form in my throat as I realized—this song wasn’t just any song. It was about me.
Zeus’s eyes scanned the crowd, and when they found mine, something shifted. It was like the rest of the room disappeared, and it was just the two of us, connected through his music. Every lyric, every note, it was all for me.
“She hides behind a wall she’s built,  
But I can see the cracks within,  
Her smile’s a shield, her laugh’s a lie,  
But when she’s near, I feel alive...”
The music swelled, and Zeus leaned into the piano, his fingers moving faster now, like he was pouring all of his feelings into the song.
“I’ve tried to hide these thoughts I feel,  
But when you’re close, I can’t conceal,  
You’re the reason my heart won’t rest,  
And I’m stuck trying to do my best…”
I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. The way he was playing, the emotion in his voice... it was like he was laying his heart bare in front of everyone, but at the same time, it felt like this song was just for me.
And then, as the final notes of the song faded into the air, silence fell over the room. For a moment, no one moved, no one spoke. It was like everyone was holding their breath, letting the last echoes of the song settle in.
Then, before anyone else could react, I jumped up from my seat, clapping and screaming. “Zeus! You were amazing!” I shouted, my voice loud and clear.
Dana joined in, clapping beside me with a big smile on her face. And soon, the whole crowd erupted into applause, cheering and shouting his name. Some of the girls near the front were screaming like they were at a rock concert, trying to get pictures and videos of him.
Zeus stood up from the piano, bowing his head slightly, but before he left the stage, he glanced in my direction, and our eyes met again. He smiled, just a little, but it was enough to make my heart race all over again.
As he disappeared backstage, Dana nudged me with her elbow, smirking. “You like him,” she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
I didn’t say anything. I just smiled, my cheeks still flushed from all the excitement. There were no words I could say that would explain how I felt in that moment.
But one thing was clear. Zeus was amazing, and tonight, he had given me more than just a performance. He had given me a piece of his heart.