Annual Day!

4:23 PM

The college auditorium was packed. Students filled the rows of seats, their voices blending with the light background music that drifted through the speakers.

Parents sat in the back rows, waving at their children on stage, phones held high to capture every moment. Professors stood near the exits, clipboards in hand, making sure everything ran on time. The lights were dim, casting a warm golden glow over the sea of faces.

Bella walked through the crowded hallway backstage, clutching her bag tightly against her chest. Inside was her dress, the one Miss J had made for her.

She was wearing her casual clothes now. Simple jeans that hugged her hips, a loose cream colored sweater that slipped off one shoulder, and her hair pulled back in a messy bun. No makeup.

Her face was bare and fresh, her fair skin glowing softly under the fluorescent lights. Her brown eyes were bright and alert, taking in everything around her. A few strands of brown hair had escaped her bun, curling softly against her temples and the nape of her neck.

Even without makeup, even in simple clothes, she was beautiful.

Krystal passed her in the narrow hallway.

She was wearing a short white dress that barely reached her mid thigh, the fabric hugging every curve. Her dark hair was curled into perfect waves, cascading over her shoulders.

Her makeup was flawless, with smoky eyes, bold red lips, and highlighter on her cheekbones that caught the light.

Her heels were high and strappy, the kind that cost more than most students’ monthly rent.

She looked like she had stepped out of a magazine, like she had been preparing for this moment her whole life.

She smirked at Bella.

The smirk was wide, confident, and cruel. Her eyes glittered with triumph, with the certainty that she had won, that Bella was nothing, that tonight would be her night.

Bella wanted to cut that smirk off her face. Wanted to wipe it away with her fist. Wanted to see the shock and fear replace that smug satisfaction.

But she did not.

Instead, she looked confused. She tilted her head slightly, just enough to seem puzzled. She furrowed her brow, just enough to seem innocent, as if she did not understand why Krystal was smirking at her, as if she had no idea what was coming.

Krystal’s smirk widened, if that was possible. She tossed her hair over her shoulder, the blonde waves catching the light, and walked away, her friends trailing behind her like ducklings.

Bella watched her go.

When Krystal disappeared around the corner, Bella’s expression changed.

A devilish grin spread across her face. Her brown eyes sparkled with mischief, anticipation, and the quiet thrill of knowing something no one else knew. Her fair cheeks flushed pink with excitement.

"Bella."

Karl appeared at her side. He was out of breath, his chest rising and falling quickly. He had been running, probably helping backstage, carrying props, and moving equipment. Sweat glistened on his forehead.

Bella noticed Karl looked different today.

He was wearing a simple, clean white shirt tucked neatly into black trousers. The shirt was fitted, stretching across his broad shoulders, the fabric pulling slightly when he moved. The trousers were dark, pressed at the knees, falling just above his black leather shoes. He looked polished and put together. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Bella had only ever seen him in jerseys and hoodies, his hair messy, his clothes casual. But today, with the white shirt and dark trousers, he looked like a different person.

His dark hair was slightly damp, sticking to his forehead. Beads of sweat dotted his brow, catching the light. He had been working hard, and it showed. His jaw was tense, his eyes sharp.

A group of girls were staring at him from behind a stack of props. They whispered behind their hands, their eyes fixed on Karl’s back, on the way his shoulders moved, on the way his shirt hugged his frame.

Another girl, standing by the stage entrance, nearly walked into a pole because she was not looking where she was going. Her friend had to grab her arm and pull her back.

Karl did not notice any of them. His eyes were on Bella.

"Sorry," he said, still catching his breath. "Are you okay? Is everything alright?"

His voice was tight and concerned, with a hint of anger underneath, but not at her. At Krystal.

Bella smiled. Her brown eyes softened, the mischief fading for just a moment. "I am okay," she said. "Do not worry."

"How can I not worry?" Karl ran a hand through his damp hair, pushing it off his forehead. The gesture was restless and anxious. "She is... she is... I cannot even say what she is. I do not have words bad enough."

Bella touched his arm. Her fingers were light and warm. "Do not. Save your energy. You will need it."

Karl looked at her, confused. His dark brows drew together. "What do you mean?"

Bella’s devilish grin returned, slow and secret. Her brown eyes glittered. "You will see."

Karl’s eyes widened. "Bella..."

"Shh." She put a finger to her lips, her pink lips curving into a smile. "It is a surprise."

Karl shook his head, but he was smiling now. A reluctant smile appeared on his face because he could not help it. "You are scary sometimes, you know that?"

Bella tilted her head, her loose bun swaying. "I know."

She winked at him, a quick, playful wink that made his heart stutter.

Then she turned and walked toward the dressing rooms, her hips swaying slightly.

Karl watched her go. His heart gave a sudden, unexpected thud, loud in his ears.

She is breathtaking, he thought.

He had always known she was beautiful. Even when she wore oversized hoodies and no makeup, even when her hair was a mess and her eyes were tired after classes.

But today, walking away from him with that devilish grin on her lips, her fair skin glowing under the dim lights, her brown eyes sparkling with secrets, she was something else entirely. It left a mark on his heart.

He swallowed hard and looked away.

A girl approached him. She was pretty, with long dark hair and a sequined dress that sparkled under the lights. Her smile was bright.

"Hi, Karl. You look really—"

"I am busy," he said, not looking at her.

He walked away.

The girl blinked, hurt and confused. Her smile faltered. Her friends rushed to her side, asking what happened, but Karl was already gone.

He did not notice.

He was already thinking about Krystal, about Bella, about whatever plan Bella had brewing in that beautiful, terrifying head of hers. He could not wait to see it unfold.