Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Crown Feels Heavy

Third Person POV

Thyron Sebastian stood beneath the blazing lights of Wayne Academy's festival stage, sweat still clinging to his neck where three gold medals dangled proudly over his chest.
A crown sat on his perfectly styled hair. In one hand, he held the championship trophy for the freshman basketball team. In the other, the polished plaque of his unexpected title: Mr. Wayne Academy 2011.

He should've felt untouchable.

But the girl he wanted to notice wasn't even looking.

From the edge of the stage, his eyes flicked to a flame tree across the field. There she was—Miexha. Sitting on a bench, tugging playfully at the sleeve of Zatariel's hoodie. Laughing. Her eyes all crinkled, cheeks warm, fingers too close to his.

Thyron's jaw tensed.
His grip on the trophy tightened.

It should've been him she was laughing with. She looked at him like that. He'd owned this festival—broke records on the track, dragged the basketball team to victory, scored in soccer, even rocked a freaking pageant. For her.

But to Miexha?

It didn't mean a damn thing.

"Thyron, bro!"
Mark clapped him on the back.
"Final speech, man. Let's go—crowd's waiting!"

Thyron stole one last glance at the bench.
Miexha didn't even notice.

He turned away.

---

Onstage beside him stood Aleanna Lois Locsin Wov—sophomore beauty queen, sash-sparkling, smile rehearsed, the type of girl who knew her angles.

"You're spacing again," she whispered, nudging him with her hip.
"Try not to look so tragic. You literally have three gold medals and a crown."

Thyron smirked, shaking off the disappointment.
"Can't help it. You look dangerously good in the spotlight."

"Careful, Mr. Reigning Champion," she replied, glancing sideways at him.
"Flirting during the closing ceremony with me might get you headlines."

"Only if we kiss on stage," he said smoothly, offering her his arm.
"Which—if you're curious—I wouldn't mind."

Aleanna rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't leave.
"You're impossible."

"And yet... you're still holding me, My Queen."

They stepped forward as the emcee welcomed the
"Reigning Mr. and Ms. Wayne Academy" to the microphone.

The crowd cheered.

Fireworks were already lined up for the finale.

Thyron adjusted his crown, forced a dazzling smile, and raised the mic.

"To everyone who gave their heart this Foundation Month—this is for you," he began.
"And to the girl who inspired me to run faster, jump higher, and wear makeup in front of strangers..."

He paused dramatically.

"...you owe me a kiss," he said into the mic with flair.

Aleanna tilted her head, still playing her poised beauty queen role, but her whisper was sincere, barely audible beneath the applause.
"I'll take responsibility for the kiss..."

She blushed. Her lashes fluttered—whether from nerves or surprise, even she wasn't sure.

Thyron's smile widened.
He noticed the girl liked him.
And like any true playboy who knew when an opportunity cracked open... he stepped right through. Aleanna Locsin is Zatariel's cousin; she might be useful to him.