preparation and Distractions

The school singing competition was on everyone's mind. While Lisa and her friends were determined to give their best performance, the competition was heating up.

Elsa, Erica, and Linda—now famously known as "The Barbies"—were practicing Blackpink's "Typa Girl" for the competition.

"We'll show everyone why we're the queens of this school," Linda said with a smirk.

Elsa flipped her hair. "Lisa and her little group don't stand a chance. We'll blow them off the stage."

They practiced tirelessly, focusing on their choreography and vocals. They weren't just aiming to win; they wanted to humiliate Lisa's group in the process.

At home, Felix was surprised by an unexpected visit from his two closest friends, Jack and Nick.

The two barged into the small living room, grinning widely. "Bro, we've been looking everywhere for you!" Jack exclaimed, throwing an arm around Felix.

Felix, sitting on the couch, looked up and smirked slightly. "You found me now."

Nick frowned. "Man, you don't look like what you've been through. You're still holding up."

Felix shrugged. "I do what I have to."

Jack reached into a bag and pulled out a box. "We brought you something—a little gift. Open it."

Felix opened the box to find a brand-new gaming laptop. His eyes widened slightly.

"Thought you might need a break," Nick said with a smile. "You used to love gaming. Maybe this will help."

Felix stared at the laptop, his emotions hidden. "Thanks, guys," he said quietly.

Meanwhile, Grace was with her friend Zihan after their shift at the grocery store.

"Grace, do you want to know how I really make my money?" Zihan asked casually as they walked home.

Grace raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it from working at the grocery store?"

Zihan laughed. "That's just for show. My real income comes from dating rich guys."

Grace stopped walking. "What do you mean?"

"Simple," Zihan said, flipping her hair. "I date wealthy men, they buy me things, and I save my money. Easy life."

Grace frowned. "How many have you… dated?"

"Ten," Zihan replied with a proud smile. "And I'm living better because of it. Want to come to my house? I'll show you how I do it."

Grace hesitated. "I don't think so, Zihan. That doesn't sound right."

"Oh, come on. Just say yes or no," Zihan pressed.

Grace sighed. "Fine. I'll go."

Later that day, Lisa returned home from school and found Felix sitting on the porch with Jack and Nick, who were getting ready to leave.

She smiled and walked up to him. "Hey, Felix."

Felix glanced at her but said nothing. He turned back to his friends, nodding as they said their goodbyes and left.

Lisa watched him for a moment, feeling a pang of frustration. "Why does he always act like I'm invisible?" she thought.

As Felix turned to go inside, she called out again, "Felix, I'm talking to you!"

But he didn't respond, walking past her into the house without a word.

At Zihan's house, Grace sat awkwardly as her friend rummaged through her closet, pulling out designer dresses and expensive shoes.

"Get dressed," Zihan instructed.

"For what?" Grace asked suspiciously.

"We're going to meet one of my guys. I'll show you how I make my money."

Grace shook her head. "I'm not going anywhere unless you tell me exactly what this is about."

Zihan sighed dramatically. "It's simple. Rich guys love beautiful girls. I date them, they spoil me, and I move on. It's not a big deal."

Grace stood up. "Zihan, I can't do that. That's not who I am."

"Suit yourself," Zihan said with a shrug. "But don't come complaining to me when you're broke and struggling."

As the competition drew closer, everyone was dealing with their own struggles. Felix was trying to hold the family together, Lisa was navigating her feelings, and Grace was fighting the temptation of Zihan's lifestyle.

Meanwhile, The Barbies were determined to sabotage Lisa's group, setting the stage for a showdown at the competition