High School Musical || Huke Stemmings

Back To School

They were still giddy from the excitement of their impromptu performance, so they went for a walk outside in the cold, sparkling air.

"You have an awesome voice," Luke said. "You're a singer, right?"

Harry shrugged. "Just the church choir is all." He smiled and admitted. "I tried to do a solo and nearly fainted."

"Why's that?" He asked, surprised.

He shook his head at the memory. "I took one look at all the people staring at me, and the next thing you know, I was staring at the ceiling. End of solo career."

"The way you sang just now, that's hard to believe." Luke said sincerely.

"This is the first time I've done something like this," he answered.

Luke knew how he felt. "Completely." He agreed.

"You seem like you've done a lot of singing, too." He said.

"Oh, sure, lots." Luke said jokingly. "My showerhead is very impressed with me."

At that moment, everyone around then started chanting in unison. "Ten! Nine! Eight! . . ."

The New Year's Eve countdown had begun.

Luke and Harry glanced at each other, then just as quickly looked away.

"Seven! Six! Five! Four . . ."

This was a magical night, Harry thought, wishing it would last longer.

I can't believe I didn't want to come to this party! Luke thought. This was awesome!

"Three! Two! One!"

Everyone began cheering and blowing on their noisemakers. Fireworks burst in the sky in showers of red, gold, and blue. Everyone was celebrating—but Luke and Harry were suddenly feeling awkward.

People kiss each other on New Year's Eve, Luke thought. Should I—?

It's a tradition to kiss when the clock strikes midnight, Harry thought. Will he—?

Neither one moved. After a few seconds, he smiled and said. "I guess I'd better go find my mum and sister and wish them Happy New Year."

Luke nodded. The spell was broken, and he was a little relived. "Me too," he said. "I mean, not your mum—my mum . . . and dad. I'll call you tomorrow."

He pulled out his phone, quickly snapped a picture of him, then handed him the phone. "Put your number in."

Harry grabbed his own phone and handed it to him. "You, too—"

They quickly switched phones and tapped in their numbers. Then Harry turned to leave. Luke stopped him.

"Singing with you was the most fun I've had this vacation," he said sincerely. "Where do you—"

Another series of fireworks exploded overhead, drowning out whatever he was saying.

Harry was already at the stairs. He waved back, smiling, then vanished. Luke stood absolutely still, gazing after him.

A week later, school started again at East High in Sydney, Australia. It was the first morning back after winter vacation, and the scene was bedlam. Kids were pulling out of buses, yelling at each other, showing off new clothes.

As Luke entered the courtyard, under the banner read "Happy New Year, Wildcats," other students gave him high fives, low fives, and side fives.

His friend and basketball teammate Michael came up to him, yelling. "Yo, doggie! Luke, my hoops boy!"