Sunsun au "Love at first sight [my idol, my lover]"

Chapter 4: Taking Another Chance

After the success of the cake, Alli's confidence had grown, but so had his determination. Now that he had caught Zildjian's attention, he knew he couldn't stop there. He needed to make sure that Zildjian remembered him, not just for the cake, but for who he was.

Ace had been right — he needed to stand out.

Sitting in class, Alli absentmindedly scrolled through the school's events page when something caught his eye. Zildjian was performing in the upcoming school talent showcase.

Alli's heart skipped a beat. This is it.

He knew exactly what to do. If he could perform in the same showcase, it would give him another opportunity to impress Zildjian. But this time, it wouldn't be with a cake — it would be with something more personal.

Alli's Decision

That afternoon, Alli signed up for the talent showcase. His hands shook as he filled out the registration form, but his mind was set. He wasn't much of a performer, but he knew he had to try. This was his chance to show Zildjian his true self — not through gifts, but through something that came from his heart.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Alli muttered to himself as he left the sign-up sheet at the student office.

When he told Ace about his plan later that day, Ace's eyes widened in surprise. "You're performing? In front of the whole school?"

Alli nodded, his heart racing with both excitement and fear. "Yeah, I figured it's the best way to get noticed. And besides... I've always wanted to perform. I just never had the courage."

Ace grinned, clapping him on the back. "You've got guts, Alli. I'll be cheering you on from the front row."

Akinoa's Struggles Continue

While Alli prepared for the showcase, Akinoa's frustration grew. Every time he saw Alli talking about Zildjian, his heart twisted painfully in his chest. The cake had been the first step, but now it felt like Alli was going further and further down a path that led away from him.

He sat in his room, staring blankly at his phone. The messages from Alli were always about Zildjian now — how nervous he was to perform, how excited he was for the talent show. Akinoa wanted to be happy for him, but all he could feel was the weight of his own unspoken feelings.

I should tell him, Akinoa thought, his finger hovering over the keyboard. I should say something before it's too late.

But once again, fear held him back. What if confessing ruined everything? What if Alli didn't feel the same?

Akinoa sighed, tossing his phone onto the bed. "I'm such a coward."

The Day of the Showcase

The day of the showcase arrived, and Alli stood backstage, his heart pounding in his chest. The auditorium was packed with students, all waiting to see the performers, and the pressure was getting to him.

I can't believe I'm doing this, Alli thought, taking a deep breath. He clutched the microphone in his hands, trying to steady his nerves. He could hear the murmur of the crowd, their excitement building as the performances began.

But when Zildjian took the stage first, everything else faded into the background. Alli watched, mesmerized, as Zildjian performed with ease and grace, his voice filling the room and captivating the audience.

He's incredible, Alli thought, his admiration for Zildjian growing with every note.

As Zildjian finished his performance, their eyes met for a brief moment. Zildjian smiled softly, and Alli's heart skipped a beat.

This is my chance, Alli thought. This is my moment.

As Zildjian stepped off the stage, Alli's nerves spiked. This is my moment. He was next, and all the preparations, all his hopes were riding on this performance.

Ace appeared at his side, giving him a reassuring smile. "You've got this, Alli. Just go out there and be yourself."

Alli nodded, taking a deep breath. The lights dimmed, signaling the end of Zildjian's performance and the beginning of his own. As he stepped up to the edge of the stage, the spotlight found him, illuminating his figure. For a split second, all the nerves disappeared. It was just him and the music.

As the first notes of the song began to play, Alli knew he had one shot to make this count. His heart pounded, but he was ready.