The college festival was the biggest event of the semester.
Bright banners hung across the campus, booths lined the walkways, and the music club was set to perform on the main stage that evening.
Melissa, in her plain white tee and jeans, fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.
She hated crowded events.
But it was mandatory for all club members to participate.
"Lisa!" Ginny waved, carrying two giant cups of soda.
Behind her trailed Dayne, casually tossing a football between his hands.
"You ready for the performance?" Ginny asked, practically bouncing.
Melissa forced a smile. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Dayne grinned. "You're gonna be amazing. Trust me."
Melissa smiled genuinely this time, feeling lighter... until a familiar figure appeared from the crowd.
Alec.
He was dressed casually too — black hoodie, ripped jeans — but somehow he stood out like a sore thumb.
His brown eyes locked onto hers, unreadable.
Ginny noticed first and nudged Dayne, whispering something in his ear.
Dayne stiffened immediately.
Melissa looked away, pretending she hadn't seen Alec.
But it was too late.
He was already walking toward them.
"Hey," Alec said, nodding slightly at everyone but keeping his eyes on Melissa.
The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.
"Hey," Dayne said flatly, stepping a little closer to Melissa.
Ginny, ever the peacemaker, clapped her hands.
"So, group task! We have to set up the booth together!" she announced, waving the instruction sheet.
"Together?" Melissa asked, her voice dry.
"Yep. Four per booth. And guess what?" Ginny grinned mischievously.
"We're the last four to arrive."
Dayne groaned.
Melissa wanted to sink into the ground.
Alec... smiled, a little sadly.
"Great," Alec said. "Teamwork."
The next hour was awkward at best.
Melissa focused hard on arranging the table, avoiding Alec's gaze like it was radioactive.
Dayne kept handing her things — too many things — as if he could build a wall between her and Alec using paper decorations and thumbtacks.
At one point, Alec reached over Melissa to grab a banner and his hand accidentally brushed hers.
She flinched.
"I'm sorry," he muttered immediately, stepping back.
Melissa didn't say anything.
She couldn't.
Because even now — even after everything — his touch still sparked something inside her.
And she hated it.
Dayne saw the flinch.
His jaw tightened.
"Lisa, can you help me with this side?" Dayne asked, louder than necessary.
She nodded, grateful for an escape.
As she moved away with Dayne, Alec just stood there — hands shoved deep into his pockets, eyes following her every step.
Later that evening, as the sun set and fairy lights blinked to life across the campus, their music club performed.
Melissa sang her assigned song — a soft ballad — her voice trembling at first but growing stronger with every line.
When she risked a glance into the crowd, she caught Alec staring at her with a look she couldn't quite decode — regret, admiration... pain?
And just beside him, Dayne watched her too.
But his expression was different.
He wasn't looking at her like he missed something he lost.
He was looking at her like she was something precious yet to be discovered.
Something he wanted to protect, not possess.
Melissa closed her eyes, letting the last notes of the song carry her away.
For now, she didn't have to choose.
For now, she just needed to heal.