Unspoken

CHAPTER 31 : Hidden melodies

THIRD PERSON POV

Y/n hadn't exactly agreed to join the university singing competition—it was more like Jhoana decided for her. Jhoana's persistence was impossible to resist, and before Y/n could even protest, her name was already on the list. Mikha's friends, who had become fast friends with Y/n over the past few days, rallied together with her own circle, all determined to make sure she saw it through. There was no room for backing out, not when everyone was so excited for her.

That was how Maloi ended up introducing Y/n to Gwen—a laid-back guitarist with an easy charm and a knack for making every song sound like magic. Gwen, of course, had been Maloi's friend through her girlfriend Sheena.

The next few days were a whirlwind of rehearsals, council duties, and classwork. Y/n juggled it all, carving out precious hours to practice with Gwen for the Talents and Arts Festival. The nerves were there, sure, but Gwen's calming presence helped ease the tension, making Y/n's mounting anxiety feel more like an exciting challenge.

Still, there was one person who hadn't heard her sing yet: Mikha.

Y/n didn't mind Mikha's persistence—okay, maybe she did just a little. Mikha had tried every possible excuse to "accidentally" stop by rehearsals, dropping by like a curious cat trying to sneak a peek. But there was one small problem: Y/n wasn't ready for Mikha to hear the song.

"Can you guys make sure Mikha doesn't show up while I'm practicing? She's never heard me sing before and... it just makes me nervous," Y/n said one day, her face turning pink as she glanced away, trying to hide her flustered expression. "I really don't want her to hear me until the competition."

Jhoana raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Oh, we know that's not the only reason Mikha makes you nervous, Y/n."

Y/n rolled her eyes, though the hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "Don't make it worse, Jho."

"Relax," Jhoana said with a wink, her grin growing. "We'll make sure Mikha doesn't get anywhere near the music room."

Stacy leaned in, smirking as she added, "Yep, we've got this. Mikha won't hear a peep until the competition. We'll fill everyone in on the plan."

Y/n snorted, her nerves easing as she laughed. "You guys are ridiculous," she said, shaking her head. "But honestly, thank you. It's not that I don't want Mikha to hear me sing—it's just... I want everything to be perfect before she does."

Stacy smirked. "Sure, Y/n. We get it. You're trying to impress her."

"Yeah, you want to blow her away. But don't worry, we'll keep your secret safe," Jhoana teased with a wink.

Y/n smiled, feeling lighter and grateful for her friends' teasing support. She couldn't deny that she was hoping to impress Mikha, and the thought of her reaction when she finally performed made her heart skip a beat. It was a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation, but mostly, it was a sense of wanting to show Mikha something special—something just for her.

Meanwhile, Mikha's attempts to sneak in continued, each one blocked with growing frustration. Her efforts to catch a glimpse of Y/n practicing only made her more determined, but little did she know, Y/n's secret was in safe—and very capable—hands. The friends had their eyes on the prize, and Mikha's persistence, while admirable, was no match for their playful scheming.

The hum of Gwen's guitar filled the practice room, her fingers gliding effortlessly over the strings, weaving a soft, melodic backdrop to Y/n's nervous energy as she adjusted the microphone stand.