Dr Jackie & Mr Hideo

Chapter 6: Festival

"...He's cute, like Mackenyu."

"...You're joking, right?"

I overheard the whispered conversation, a familiar giggle catching my attention. I turned, scanning the crowd of students milling around the makeshift stage set up in the middle of the campus quad. It was Chloe, emerging from the snack tent, a giant pretzel clutched in one hand. Beside her was a girl I didn't recognize, her thick curly hair bouncing with every step.

There were five of them in total. Sarah was there, of course, and, to my surprise, so was Cheryl. I hadn't really expected her to show up. She'd responded to my reminder text with a cryptic combination of emojis that I hadn't bothered to decipher.

I weaved through the crowd.

"Ladies!" I called out, approaching their little huddle.

"Hideo!" Chloe waved enthusiastically, her pretzel threatening to take flight.

"Chloe!" I grinned, my gaze shifting to the girl beside her. She was watching me with wide, curious eyes, her pupils dilated as our gazes met.

"And who is this lovely lady?" I asked, my voice laced with playful intrigue. "Did you bring a main dancer for our performance?"

Chloe snorted. "This is Maya. She's... uh... my emotional support human for dealing with Cheryl's fashion emergencies."

Maya blushed, a shy smile spreading across her face.

"Sarah," I said, offering a playful wink.

"...and?" I extended my hand to the other unfamiliar girl.

"Angel," she replied, shaking my hand with a firm grip.

"...and..." I tapped my forehead dramatically, pretending to struggle to recall Cheryl's name.

"...Cheryl," she said, her voice dry.

"...Emoji Girl," I said at the same time, unable to resist the teasing.

Cheryl shot me a playful glare, but I could see the hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"I honestly didn't think you guys would actually come," I admitted, my voice softening.

"A promise is a promise," Cheryl said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Chloe chimed in, "Besides, we can't wait to see how you finally solve your existential crisis."

Maya and Angel exchanged curious glances, their eyes darting between Chloe and me.

"I'm going to perform," I explained, as if it were the most obvious solution in the world.

I turned back to Chloe and Sarah, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And I think I've found the solution to my crisis. I've decided to play the most important instrument in the band..." I paused for dramatic effect. "...The triangle."

The girls burst into laughter.

"Hey, laugh all you want," I said, puffing out my chest in mock indignation. "But just wait until you hear my epic triangle solo. It's going to blow your minds."

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Joe.

"Dude, where are you? Get your butt backstage, ASAP!"

"Duty calls," I said to the girls, offering an apologetic shrug. "Wish me luck. And try not to be too blinded by my triangle-playing brilliance."

As I turned to leave, I caught Cheryl's eye. She was watching me. I winked, and she responded with a subtle smirk.