CHAPTER 012: WRONG MOVE

"Ok class, as we all know, Valentine's Day is coming next week. So it means that we have to prepare a lot. I am asking all of you guys to form your own group. It does not matter which department they are from, nor what grade level they are in. It's just an activity to show the strong relationship between all high school students here in Estrella." what their instructor stated made the class from Department Of Practical Dance scream because of excitement. Well, that's actually the current scenario in every department. "As we all know, we have the best performer in our class, which is Ms. Moon, right?" he asked as the whole class nodded as a response, except for Stella who's just silently listening. "So it means that she should prepare her solo performance too," the whole class scream in unison. They all agree to it and she's not even shocked. Ever since they were in middle school, Stella is always the representative in any program, especially when it comes to dancing.

The teacher raised his right hand while making a 'shhh' sound to stop the students from making too much noise. Luckily, this guy has long patience.

Just a minute after, the whole class suddenly became quiet, making their instructor speak again. "As for the said group, or a duo may do,.. they must perform one whole song. Dancing, and/or singing must be involved in the performance. This will be very different guys." he just continues talking in front; explaining what they should do.

When it was done, they were told to make their own groups and practice for the whole day, starting from now until next week. All students are very happy since all they have to do is practice and communicate with people whom they are close to.

Meanwhile, Michelle, Stella, Shelby, and Flora chose to be in one group together. It was Shelby's idea to form the group with the other three members.

They are now in the practice room while choosing what they should perform. They also think of what group name would be perfect for them. There is also another group who are practicing in the same room where they are in right now.

"How about Delilah?" Flora suggests.

"Let's add that to the list," Michelle agrees to her suggestion. Shelby wrote it down on her paper. That's the first song that comes up to their mind.

"Gfriend's Rough?" Michelle suggested, making all the three members shook their heads.

"The choreography is too hard. Do you think we can do that?" Flora reasoned out.

"We have Stell. So there's no problem," Michelle reasoned out, making Flora scratch her not so itchy neck. She thinks that they won't be able to perfect the choreography since Stell is the only one from the Dance department. Shelby on the other hand just wrote it down to avoid making arguments.

As they were talking about their plans for the upcoming event, a knock on the door was heard. Stell stood up immediately to open it, revealing Jaeson with his wide smile. He greets her with a bow, so she did it too.

"I heard from Jade noona that you'll perform with Shelby. Is she here right now?" he asked her.

'What does he need from Shelby?' she tried not to act weird as she opens the door widely open, exposing the other three girls who were sitting comfortably on the floor.

He smiled at Stell before entering the room. He also greeted the other members. "Have you already decided a song?" he asked as soon as he sits beside Shelby while giving her a bottle of water.

"We're still choosing," Shelby answered with her sweet voice as she accepts the bottle. Mich and Stell just stared at them with confusion written on their faces. Stell sat down as well, in between Mich and Flora.

Michelle cleared her throat. "Are you guys officially dating?" she asked with her wide smile as the couple nodded in unison. Flora isn't in shock since she's the first person who knew about it. Michelle claps her hands while letting out her dolphin scream.

Stell on the other hand stayed frozen on her seat.

"Since when it started?" Michelle asked again. Her smile is still there since she's too happy for the two, not even realizing that it brokes Stell's heart into pieces.

"Just last week," the couple answered in unison.

"Congrats," that's the only word that Stella can say, right at this moment. It's was said with her low tone voice, but enough for them to hear. Suddenly, the atmosphere became awkward.

Realizing her mistake, Shelby just bit her lower lip while lowering her head.

It's a wrong move.

She forgot that Stella was there. Jaeson on the other hand is confused but did not bother to ask any question.

"What's with the sudden silence?" Stella asked as if she's trying to light up the mood. She's showing the fakest smile she has since she doesn't want to ruin the moment.

'Who am I to feel bad?' she thought.

"S-stell?" Mich doesn't know what to say. She knew that Jaeson has been courting Shelby for almost 6 months... or maybe longer. But she did not dare to tell it her best friend. She felt guilty, thinking that she's at fault too.

"Let's think of another song?" Flora tried to shift the subject. She doesn't want to see any drama today. Well, Stell is not a dramatic person, at least when she's surrounded by people. Stell is hurt, but at this moment, she still managed to smile.

She's tough.

*****

TYRON'S POV

I was about to order food when I saw a familiar figure, eating alone at the wooden table. A smile formed on my lips as soon as I realize that it's Stella. I wonder why she's not with her friends today. She seemed so peaceful while eating.

I decided to order teokbokki, sandwiches, and 2 banana milk. Luckily, there are no many students today. They may be busy preparing for the event next Friday. I decided to sit on the wooden chair in front of her.

I placed my food on the table and put the sandwich and banana milk in front of her. She looked at me, confused.

I gave her my widest smile, hoping that she'll do it in return. But what surprises me is that she did not say any word nor gave even just a little smile. She just continues eating her pasta. Something is bothering her, I guess. I'm just staring at her while she's silently eating her food.

"Stop staring," she coldly said without even looking at me. I was a bit embarrassed so I decided to start eating.

Why is she silent today? I mean, she has been being talkative towards me ever since I started helping her. She only turns silent when something pains her.

I put my palm on her forehead to check her temperature. She's not even sick. "Hey, what's with you?" I decided to ask her with my voice a bit louder. She just shooked her head which made me frown.

I put my fingers on her chin so that she'll look at me in my eyes. She's frowning right now, giving the same energy when we first met. "Yah! What's wrong with you?" I asked again with my worried tone. I can't stand seeing her like this.

She forcefully removed my hands from holding her chin that made me shook my head in disbelief. "Is there something wrong? You can tell me,"

Still, there's no response from her. "You know what, frowning won't resolve your problem. You can open up to me. We're f-friends, right? Besides, I'm here to help you." why can't I say the word 'friends' as easy as she does?

She replied with sarcasm. "Yeah, to help me." I saw her roll her eyes. Did just the boyish Stella disappear? Why is she acting strange today?

"Do you have any problem with that?" I asked again and she did not respond. I groaned in frustration. "Stella Moon!" Even I, myself, was surprised by the sudden increase in my voice. Every student in the cafeteria is now looking at us, murmuring something.

Stella on the other hand seems unbothered. I cleared my throat before speaking again. "Look, aren't you going to talk to me? I don't understand why are you acting like that. You can open up. You know that I'll alw-" she forcefully put the bread she was holding into my mouth so that I would stop talking.

"You knew it, right?" And then she leaves the place while stomping her feet, without finishing her food. She did not even let me answer.

I was left frozen on my seat.