Melissa thought after that conversation with Alec, things would calm down.
But life, it seemed, had different plans.
The notice was pinned to the club room door when they arrived that afternoon:
"Music Club Collaboration Project:
Members will be randomly assigned into groups of four. Prepare a performance for the annual Fall Festival. Teams will be announced today."
Ginny squealed in excitement, bouncing on her heels.
Melissa just stared at the paper, a sinking feeling forming in her stomach.
"Please please please let us be together," Ginny whispered, squeezing her hands in prayer.
The club president came out, holding a clipboard. "Okay guys! Listen up for your groups!"
Names were called out one by one, the crowd getting louder and more chaotic with each announcement.
"And... Team Four: Alec Fernandes, Melissa George, Dayne George, and Ginny Hayes."
The world stopped for a moment.
Melissa froze. Ginny gasped. Dayne straightened up. Alec... smirked.
"Luckyyyy," Ginny whispered, not fully sensing the tension.
Dayne threw a sharp look at Alec, who caught it and raised an eyebrow lazily.
Melissa pressed her lips into a thin line. She was trapped.
Later, in the practice room, the four of them sat in a rough circle.
"So, what should we do?" Ginny asked brightly, trying to break the heavy silence.
"We could perform an original song," Dayne offered, pulling out a small notebook.
"I can help with lyrics!" Ginny said excitedly.
Melissa nodded slowly. "I can design a backdrop. Maybe a theme too."
All eyes turned to Alec, who leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.
"I can compose something simple for everyone to contribute to," he said casually.
His eyes flickered to Melissa. "Wouldn't want anyone to feel left out."
Melissa ignored the implied jab.
As they brainstormed ideas, Alec kept throwing occasional glances at Melissa.
Dayne noticed. His jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Melissa tried to focus. She really did. But her hands kept trembling slightly whenever Alec's voice brushed too close to her name.
Dayne caught it. Quietly, he moved his chair a little closer to hers, as if offering silent support.
Melissa noticed — and for the first time, she didn't feel like she was suffocating.
Just... breathing. Slowly. One moment at a time.
When the meeting ended, Alec hung back, pretending to pack up slowly.
Melissa felt the weight of his stare but ignored it, walking out with Ginny and Dayne.
But a voice called after her.
"Melissa."
She paused in the hallway, feeling Dayne freeze beside her.
"I'll catch up," Dayne said, reading the room instantly.
Ginny hesitated but followed Dayne down the corridor.
Melissa turned around.
Alec stood a few feet away, the dim hallway light casting shadows across his face.
"I meant what I said," he said quietly.
Melissa stayed silent.
"I can't change the past. But maybe..." He paused, searching her face.
"Maybe I don't want to lose the chance to know you now."
Melissa's heart thudded painfully against her ribs.
"I don't even know who you are anymore," she whispered.
Alec smiled sadly.
"Then maybe... we can start from zero."