Ch. 29
The Invitation to Perform
"Class, reminder!"
Their teacher's voice carried over the morning chatter.
"Today is the last day for submission of your intramural forms. If you still haven't decided what club or event to join, better finalize it now."
The whole classroom buzzed with excitement again.
Some students rushed to fill out their papers, others exchanged forms and signatures like they were signing business contracts. Selene, on the other hand, leaned her cheek against her palm and sighed.
Oh, that Intramurals.
The school's grand event a mix of performances, sports, and talent showcases across all year levels. It was like a festival of competitiveness and chaos.
Selene stared at her blank form.
She had no idea what to pick.
Sports? No thanks.
Theater? Too dramatic.
Dance? Her two left feet said no.
Music? ...Ugh. Don't tempt me.
She twirled her pen absentmindedly until the teacher's voice snapped her out of it.
"Miss Valen, can you come to the faculty room after class?"
The entire class turned toward her with curious looks.
"Uhm— yes, Ma'am?" Selene blinked.
"Good. I'll be waiting." The teacher smiled.
The bell rang shortly after, and the students poured out of the classroom like bees from a hive. Selene stayed behind a bit, confused.
What does she want from me? I didn't even submit my form yet.
The faculty room smelled faintly of coffee and chalk dust. Selene knocked softly before peeking inside.
"Ma'am? You called for me?"
"Oh! Selene, come in, dear." Her music teacher Ms. Rivera waved her over with a bright smile.
She was one of those calm, elegant teachers who looked like they belonged in a classical painting all pearls and composure.
Selene stepped in, clutching her bag.
"Uhm, is this about the intramural form?"
"In a way," Ms. Rivera said, folding her hands neatly atop her desk.
"I actually wanted to ask you something... special."
"Special?" Selene frowned slightly.
"Yes. I heard you play the violin."
Selene froze. Her brain short-circuited for two seconds.
"...What."
Where did she heard of it? Is it from Ethan or Adrian?
Ms. Rivera chuckled softly.
"You played beautifully during Mrs. Vale's birthday party last weekend. I was there, a guest, and also the instructor of young Miss Vale who performed the guqin that evening."
Selene's jaw nearly dropped.
Of course.
That explains it.
So, it wasn't Adrian who spread it. Good. He's safe from my wrath— for now.
Ms. Rivera continued warmly, "We're preparing for a special number during the intramurals' opening ceremony. I'd love for you to perform. Your skill would be perfect for it."
Selene blinked, processing the words.
"Perform... in front of the entire university?"
"Yes. You don't have to answer right away, but I hope you consider it. You'd be representing your year level, after all." The teacher nodded eagerly.
Representing? Performing?
Selene forced a polite smile, her inner self screaming.
"I'll... think about it," she said finally.
"That's perfectly fine." Ms. Rivera's smile brightened even more as she reached into her drawer and pulled out a silver key.
"Here, this is a spare key to the music room. You may use it anytime for practice."
Selene hesitated before taking it.
"Thank you, Ma'am."
As she stepped out of the faculty room, she twirled the key in her hand. It glinted under the hallway lights.
A key, huh? Is this fate forcing me to join the music club again?
Should she perform?
It wasn't that she hated it, music used to be her comfort. But the thought of standing on stage again, after living a life where perfection was demanded from her every move, made her chest tighten a little.
Still... there was a flicker of something else inside her something stubborn and familiar.
Selene deserves to shine, too, she thought, smiling faintly.
Maybe this time, I'll play not because I have to... but because I want to.
And somewhere in the distance, the silver key in her pocket seemed to gleam brighter as if the universe just smirked at her indecision.