Chapter 15

The performance had ended. The applause thundered through the auditorium, cheers echoing off the walls, but I barely heard any of it. My mind was still reeling, my heart hammering against my ribs. I barely had time to wipe away the lingering tears before he brush passed me backstage.

They all enjoyed the performance... but I heard it.

"That was so wonderful!" Mrs. Lee's voice cut through the noise as she rushed forward, practically launching herself at Jake the moment he stepped out into the hall. I followed right behind him.

"My little baby's growing up so fast!" She clutched him tightly, swaying slightly as if overcome with emotion.

Jake groaned. "Mom. You're embarrassing me." His voice was low, almost pleading, but Mrs. Lee was unfazed.

She sighed dramatically, releasing him with a shake of her head. "Can't a mother be proud of her son?" She glanced up, and her eyes landed on me. Immediately, her expression brightened. "Oh! Juno!"

Before I could react, she was already closing the distance, her warm smile disarming as she reached out and gripped my shoulders.

"That was a..." She hesitated, searching for the right words. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty before she settled on, "...really lovely performance."

I forced a small smile. I knew she meant well—she was just being supportive—but she had no idea why I had done what I did. No one did, except Jake. He had figured it out right away.

"It was hilarious!"

The smug voice came from behind her, and my stomach twisted. Mrs. Lee turned slightly, but I already knew who it was. I didn't need to look.

Chris strolled over, barely containing his laughter, his signature smirk already in place.

"What was that about, princess?" He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his amusement practically radiating off him. "And here I thought the talent show was going to be boring."

I exhaled sharply, reaching up to remove his hand. "It was a last-minute magic trick." I muttered, trying to keep my composure.

Chris threw his head back, laughing even harder. "Yeah, princess, I saw that!"

I get the feeling he's laughing at me. But strangely, I'm not embarrassed anymore. The weight of it has lifted, replaced by something else entirely. After watching Jake's performance, my mind has settled. The only thing I can think about is his voice—the raw emotion in it, the way his fingers moved effortlessly against the guitar strings, how the melody lingered in the air long after the final note.

"It was really funny!" Eslie chimes in, snapping me back to reality.

I roll my eyes playfully and ruffle her hair. "Not you too!"

Mrs. Lee giggles, covering her mouth with her hand as if trying to stifle her laughter. "I admit... I was a little confused at first..." she says, her voice betraying her amusement. "But it was... unique. Nothing that has been done before."

I narrow my eyes at her suspiciously. Her tone is betraying her. She's definitely trying not to laugh.

I knew what I was getting myself into, but their reactions are unexpectedly contagious. Before I realize it, a small smile tugs at my lips, and a quiet giggle escapes me.

Then—

"Hey."

A sharp voice cuts through the moment like a blade.

"Huh?" My smile fades as I look over Mrs. Lee's shoulder, only to be met with a piercing glare, staring right into my soul.

Jake stands tall, his guitar strap slung over his shoulder, his posture rigid. His eyes lock onto mine, unwavering, intense.

I glance around, confused, then point at myself. "You talking to me?"

His gaze narrows further, unreadable, but something in his expression softens just slightly as he exhales. He lowers his chin just a fraction, his voice firm yet quieter this time.

"Music room."

Two words. That's all. But his tone leaves no room for argument.

I blink, caught off guard. Before I can even form a response, he's already turning away, walking down the hallway without another word.

I glance back at Chris, Eslie, and Mrs. Lee, silently asking for an explanation. They only shrug, the universal gesture for looks like you're on your own.

Does he... want me to follow him?

I inhale deeply, then exhale slowly, steadying myself before stepping past them and trailing after him.

What is his deal all of a sudden?

Don't tell me... is he really going to scold me?

Jake turns a corner, slipping into the music room. I step inside right behind him, and the door clicks shut, enclosing us in silence.

He unhooks his guitar and sets it down beside him, his movements careful but deliberate. Then... nothing.

For a full minute, he says absolutely nothing.

I watch him, waiting, unwilling to break the silence first. The air feels heavy, charged with something I can't quite define.

Finally, he sighs. Jake lifts his chin again just like he did earlier, fixing me with that same sharp gaze.

"Why'd you do that?"

His question hits me harder than expected.

I hadn't thought he'd ask. I assumed he'd just... accept it, let it slide like everything else. But Jake is observant—too observant. And somehow, despite everything, he's managed to see right through me.

I study his face, his expression. There's something unreadable in his eyes, something beneath the surface.

I take a slow breath, thinking of a response. But then it occurs to me—this doesn't have to be complicated.

I step forward, closing the space between us.

"Jake..."

I'm standing directly in front of him now, close enough to feel the tension between us, but I don't waver.

He looks down at me, his expression unreadable, terrifying even. But I'm not scared.

I hold my ground, steady, confident.

I open my mouth to speak.

"You and I are going to be friends."

The words hang in the air, heavier than I intended. For a moment, neither of us moves. The silence stretches, thick and uncomfortable. Then, to my surprise, Jake nearly stumbles back, his expression morphing from intensity to sheer confusion.

"Huh?" His voice is more disoriented than menacing now.

I lean in just slightly, making sure he feels the shift in the atmosphere. "Close friends."

He blinks, still clearly not understanding. The confusion deepens, quickly replaced by a look of utter disgust. He stares at me as though I've just said the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard.

The moment stretches on, but before I can process what's happening, Jake shakes off the shock, standing up straighter and readjusting his shirt. The coldness returns to his gaze.

"Who says I wanna be friends with you?" His eyes dart around, as if searching for an exit, before landing back on me with a mix of disbelief and mockery. "Close friends, at that!"

I expected this response, so I stay steady, not backing down. I lean in just a bit more, my arms behind my back as I flutter my eyelashes, playing my part. "But you don't have a choice."

Jake scoffs, the sharp edge to his voice caught between amusement and exasperation. For a second, he looks at me as though I've just broken the rules of the universe. He runs a hand through his hair, attempting to maintain some kind of control. When his eyes meet mine again, there's something darker behind them.

"Is that a threat?" His voice is quieter now, almost teasing, though there's an edge to it. He leans back against the door, hand running over his face in a gesture of frustration, mumbling under his breath just loud enough for me to hear. "Being friends with you is already a threat in itself."

I can't help but pout, feigning offense. "Hey! That's not very nice!"

A soft chuckle escapes him, faint but unmistakable. I catch it, and it's enough to make me realize I've pushed a button, maybe more than one.

I've already made up my mind. Whatever this is, whatever brought me here, it wasn't random. It's not a dream—this is real. I kept crossing paths with Jake for a reason. It wasn't pure coincidence. And maybe, just maybe, there's something I'm supposed to do here. Something I'm supposed to change.

I glance up at him, determination settling in. There's a chance to save Jake Lee. There has to be a reason for all of this.

"Oh yeah?" Jake says, breaking through my thoughts, his eyes narrowing with a small, mocking smirk. "Who said I had to be nice to you?"

I roll my eyes at his words, but I can't be too mad. For some reason, the anger I expected isn't there. Instead, I sense something different—amusement. It's like he's actually enjoying this conversation.

I raise my eyebrows, refusing to break the eye contact between us. "Mark my words, Jake Lee."

I take a small step back, standing straighter, still holding my position with my arms behind my back. The seriousness in my expression matches the gravity of what I'm about to say. "We will be friends."

There's a brief pause as silence stretches between us, thick and charged. Jake raises an eyebrow at my words, his gaze flickering with skepticism before I continue.

"Close friends."

I won't let this chance slip away. This isn't just a random encounter; it's something more. I had thought he was just a random person I'd meet with a big story to tell—another chapter in a life full of oddities. But now, I realize I've been blind to the bigger picture. I could be the one to change his terrible fate.

I push aside every difference, every hesitation. I know Jake has his own battles. And somehow, I just know that I can't walk away from him. I'm here now, and I won't leave his side.

His lips curl into a smirk, clearly seeing this as some sort of challenge. "I'd like to see you try."

He picks up his guitar case, and the moment feels charged with finality as he moves toward the door. The turn of the knob is almost too casual, like he doesn't even realize how much weight his words carry. As he opens it, he glances back, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes the air crackle.

"Not everyone can get close to me." he says, his voice low, tinged with something darker, something that almost dares me to prove him wrong while.

He steps out the door without another glance, and the echo of his footsteps grows faint, swallowed by the distance of the hallway.

I stand there, alone for a moment, letting the silence fill the space. My thoughts spin, but they settle quickly into a deep, steady resolve.

Placing my hand over my chest, I draw in a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision I've just made.

This is it. The beginning of something bigger than either of us. A new chapter of my life, one that will be dedicated to saving Jake Lee's life. To saving him from the tragic murder that looms over him.

I will save him.

I'll save him so he can sing his songs on big stages, perform in front of large crowds, marry the girl of his dreams, and have the family he deserves.

He will have a future. I won't let that future of his slip away.

I nod to myself, my resolve strengthening as I march toward the door. But my determined steps are abruptly halted when I collide with something solid—like running into a brick wall.

"Ouch!" I stumble back and look up, only to be met with the principal's terrifying glare.

"Oh..." My voice trails off, and I instantly regret my decision to march outside so confidently.

"What stunt was that?" His voice is sharp, each word laced with irritation. "You made a fool out of my talent show!"

I roll my eyes, resisting the urge to roll them harder. "Hey! That was my most precious magic trick!" I turn my head slightly, trying to feign innocence. "I saved it just for the talent show."

He lets out a huff, clearly not buying a word of my nonsense. His hands plant firmly on his hips, and I swear I can see the veins in his forehead threatening to pop. "Don't play with me, Juno Celeste Maye!"

Damn it, not the full government name...

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to look up at his towering figure. Why is he so angry? His talent show was a success, mostly thanks to Jake, and yet here he is, acting like I just set fire to the stage.

"Well, technically speaking..." I start, deliberately avoiding eye contact as a hint of mockery creeps into my tone. "You didn't give me any rules for the talent show."

His eyes widen, his face quickly morphing into a color that could rival a tomato. "You—"

I cut him off, enjoying this little back-and-forth more than I should. "So clearly... I didn't break any rules." I add with a small, mocking grin, watching his frustration boil over.

He takes a step back, his chest rising and falling with barely contained anger. It's not just my ridiculous magic trick that's bothering him. It's the fact that I'm standing here, mocking him, speaking to a superior like I'm some equal.

"You, Juno..." He stammers, his rage barely contained. He takes a breath, his fingers curling around his nametag as he glances down the hallway.

It's then that he spots a couple getting a little too affectionate in the corridor. The principal's attention shifts in a heartbeat. "Hey! Stop right there!" His voice booms as he begins marching toward them, but in a split second, he turns back to me, pointing a shaking finger in my direction. "I got my eyes on you, Juno Maye!"

Then, without another word, he turns and stomps down the hall to break up the public display of affection.

I exhale a sigh of relief, my shoulders sagging slightly. Phew. At least I'm out of that.

.

.

.

"So, you didn't get detention?" Chris chuckles, glancing over at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes before turning his attention back to the river we're sitting in front of, our legs dangling lazily off the edge of the small cliff.

I shake my head, a light laugh escaping me. "No. Honestly, I was pretty shocked."

Chris leans back, his gaze drifting upward, lost in thought. "Damn, princess. You're gonna have a criminal record at this rate." he says with a teasing grin, before giving me a sidelong glance. "Before me, even."

I let out an exaggerated sigh, the playful sarcasm dripping from my voice. "As if!" I snort, then look back toward the river, picking up a smooth rock and tossing it into the water below. "I just don't like being walked all over."

Chris nods, following my lead and tossing a rock of his own into the water. For a moment, he goes quiet, the calm between us filling with the gentle rush of the river and the rustle of the wind. Then, in a tone lower than usual, he speaks.

"So, what'd Jake wanna talk to you about?"

I feel the weight of the question settle in. My thoughts shift back to that tense moment in the music room, and I stare down at my feet dangling carelessly above the river. I let out a sigh, the wind carrying the sound, and take a moment to gather myself before answering.

"I told him I wanted to be close friends."

Technically, I didn't ask permission. I just told him I will be close friends with him.

The wind picks up, tugging at my hair as birds chirp in the distance, their songs blending with the stillness around us. Chris bursts into laughter, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees as he looks at me, eyes wide in shock.

"And he let you?" He chuckles loudly, his voice a mixture of amusement and something else—maybe disbelief. Even Chris knows how impossible it is to break through the walls Jake Lee puts up. But that doesn't stop me.

I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. I clap my hands together to rid them of the dirt from the cliffside and curl my knees up to my chest. "Well, not exactly..."

Chris laughs harder, the sound bubbling up from deep within him. The back of his hand swipes at his eyes, wiping away the tears of laughter as he grins at me.

"You, princess..." he trails off, still shaking his head, before looking back at me with that same smirk. "...really are quite something else."

I raise an eyebrow at his words, but the laugh I've been holding in escapes. He's right. I live for impulsive decisions, for pushing boundaries and testing limits. It's the way I've always lived—unpredictable, reckless, but somehow... it works.

.

.

.

Later that evening, I make my way up the long driveway of the Lee residence. As I approach, I spot Mr. Lee bent over the hood of a car, his hands working meticulously on the engine. The car itself is stunning, gleaming even in the fading daylight, and looks far more expensive than anything I'd expect around here from this timelime.

"Hey, Mr. Lee!" I call out, walking closer.

He straightens up at the sound of my voice, wiping his hands on a rag before setting the tool he was holding down inside the open hood. "Ah, Juno!" His voice carries the warmth of a greeting, though his focus stays on the car for a moment longer.

I glance at the sleek red exterior, curiosity sparking. "Is this a new car?"

Mr. Lee follows my gaze, his hand brushing over the smooth surface of the paint. "This old thing? It was practically being tossed out at a dealership." he explains, chuckling softly. "I figured I'd save it, give it a little TLC."

My brow lifts in surprise. "Wow, I didn't realize something like this could be considered old." The car already looks like a piece of art—how wealthy does one have to be to see a car like this as "run-down"?

"Well, you know," he adds with a shrug, "it's all about perspective." He gives a small, almost nostalgic smile as he runs his hand over the red body once more.

I nod, still a little stunned. "Ohhh." My eyes wander to the house, and I decide to change the subject. "Well, I should head inside and help Eslie with her homework."

He nods at my words. "Yes, Eslie certainly needs all the help she can get," Mr. Lee laughs lightly, grabbing a cloth to buff a small spot of dust on the already shining surface of the car. "Especially with her 'challenging' math grades."

I can't help but chuckle with him. "Yeah, those grades are... something." I try not to laugh too hard, but the image of Eslie staring at her textbooks in frustration is amusing enough to make me grin.

He lets out a tired sigh, as if the weight of the world rests in the deep lines on his face. His gaze drifts upward, as if he's looking for something in the distance—or maybe lost in a sentimental memory of his own. I almost call out to him, unsure if he's really seeing what's in front of him. Why did he zone out all of a sudden?

But then, as if snapping back to reality, he turns toward me.

"Well, I won''t hold you here." he says, motioning toward the house. His voice is soft but resolute.

I freeze for a moment, unsure why his tone feels so distant. But instead of prying, I simply nod and smile. "Right... thanks, Mr. Lee." The moment lingers in the air as I turn and make my way toward the steps. That was strangely weird...

I'm halfway up the stairs when Mr. Lee suddenly calls out.

"oh Juno?"

I stop in my tracks, a chill running down my spine. I turn back toward him, expecting another casual comment. "Yeah?"

His hands, now clean, hold a cloth that he rubs between his fingers, his gaze focused but distant. There's something in his eyes—a flicker of sadness, maybe even pain—that I can't quite place. His expression remains carefully neutral, but there's an unmistakable weight behind it.

I stand there, waiting for him to say something, but for a long moment, he doesn't. It's as if he's studying me, trying to figure something out. Finally, he speaks.

"You'll save my son, yeah?"

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***