Young Aria sat upright in her seat, her eyes fixed on the board.
No distractions.
No glances at Marie.
No searching for Lewis.
Just focus.
"Aria," the teacher called. "Can you answer that?"
She stood up immediately.
"Yes," she said, her voice steady. "When people speak with a low tone then switch to a high tone, their intonation changes."
The class went quiet for a second.
The teacher nodded.
"Good. Very good."
She sat down calmly, like it was nothing. But this was the first time she actually paid attention to the teacher.
And this was also the first time—
She wasn't trying to be noticed.
She just… was.
I noticed it and so did Marie.
Her eyes lingered on young Aria for a moment before she looked away.
Lewis also noticed this new version of young Aria.
Of course he did.
But unlike the others, he didn't react.
He just watched.
Quiet.
Observing.
The bell rang, and the class slowly came to an end.
Students began to move toward the music hall.
Young Aria didn't hesitate.
She stood up, picked up her things, and walked out with them. She didn't even bother looking towards Marie or Lewis like any other day.
—
The music hall was already alive with beautiful sounds, miss Sofia played soft piano notes in the background.
Then she stood up slowly and walked to the front as she watched them enter.
"Alright," she said. "Today, we focus on control. Not just singing—but how you carry your voice."
Young Aria stepped forward with the others and today she was fully present.
"Aria, Lewis," Miss Sofia called. "Let's hear you again."
A few students turned as young Aria walked to the front.
Lewis joined her shortly after.
They stood side by side.
Not speaking.
Not looking at each other.
"Now begin with the first verse," Miss Sofia said.
Young Aria closed her eyes, blocking out any possible thought that could be a hindrance to her focus.
And with that, she began singing.
Her voice came out steady, stronger than before.
Controlled.
Clear.
Lewis joined in on the second line.
Their voices blended again—
But this time, young Aria didn't lose herself in it.
She held her ground and finally they hit the climax together.
Miss Sofia stepped closer.
"Better," she said. "Much better. But you're still holding back something."
Young Aria opened her eyes.
"I'm not trying to," she said.
"I know," Miss Sofia replied. "That's why you need more training. Like I said before, this is no ordinary competition—it's going to be a real battle. And if you want to stand out, you'll have to give it everything you've got."
The words real battle lingered.
Young Aria felt it settle deep inside her. Miss Sofia was right.
And she was ready to give it everything.
"And I'm not just talking to you, Aria," Miss Sofia continued, her gaze shifting. "Lewis, this applies to you as well. The both of you will stay back after class. I'll teach you how to control your voice… and how to own the stage."
I glanced at Lewis.
It looked like he wanted to say something.
But, as always—
He stayed quiet but he was unknowingly tapping his right foot on the floor, maybe he didn't like the idea.
But why