I can't say I do without you

Book 1 end

Following what happened that day, the scholars whom Tal had persuaded decided not to take part. I even tried to seek help from King Lucien, but even the king was incapable of changing Borstal's decision. The music club is desperate, handing out flyers, begging like beggars on the street, and holding rallies to persuade the school board not to shut down the music studio. However, those tactics are useless; we have tried everything and have run out of ideas. We've only had a few days till the music studio shuts for good. The month has ended, and the nightmare has begun.

I ran into the school's administration on my way to the old building. I hastened my pace without hesitation. My surroundings, as well as my heartbeat, appeared to slow as I approached closer. I know where they went and what they did, but I wish their decision had been different.

Miss Janna, Felipe, Elias, Janus, Jonah, and Tal were standing outside the music studio, and I looked at their faces, which were all filled with tears.

"They disbanded the music club," Janus sobbed.

"No, this isn't right. School administration had no authority to do this," I said as I stood in the doorway and attempted to unlock it. However, Felipe blocked me. "They can't just close the studio, not until they explain why."

"Enough of that, Gemma; the board has decided, we can't do anything."

"But, Miss Janna, we can't just give up," I said, after a brief pause. "Shouldn't you be the one encouraging us not to give up? Shouldn't they stop their students' dreams?"

They were all silent on the side, unable to fight; all they could do was feel despondent and cry in secret. I couldn't help but cry, as Tal did.

"You need to choose another club, but don't worry, nothing will change in our bond. I owe you a lot until we meet again," Miss Janna remarked as she hugged us all goodbye. Although we didn't see Janna weep, I knew that losing the club devastated her since Miss Janna founded it.

"You all did well," Felipe said as he followed Miss Janna.

It would be much fairer if I were the only person who was eliminated from the club. Tal and the others don't deserve it. What about their students, who believe that this is the only means of achieving their dreams, that this is the only place to circumvent the world's loneliness?

I approached Tal, but he instantly ignored me, immediately following Miss Janna and Felipe. "T- Tal... I'm sorry."

"Let him go, Gemma. He's the most affected of us all," Janus said as he placed his arm over my shoulder. "He needs to be alone to think."

I know it's not my fault, but I feel I owe them an apology. My heart felt terrible since, despite being close to the king, I had done nothing. "I'm sorry, I truly am sorry," I apologized repeatedly.

"Hey," Elias said, as he stopped me from bowing. "This isn't your fault, Gemma; don't hold yourself accountable." Tears of pain still ran down my cheeks, even though I swiped at my eyes, but the tears came, anyway. I'm curious about why they abolished the music club. Is it because they despise music?

I accidentally heard the students talking as I headed back to the prince's private room.

"Did you hear what occurred at the music club?"

"The prince has completely shut down the music club, and it's all over the campus."

I really could not understand what I was hearing and came to a halt to listen to more of their conversation.

"According to reports, Prince Cynfael talked to the chairman about getting rid of their useless club."

The blood was seething with wrath, as if all the veins in my brain were about to be severed. Why didn't I suspect that it was the Prince's scheme? That's why I feel it's my fault, and why I feel terrible since the music club has vanished because of the Prince's vengeance on me.