As the door to the barbecue restaurant swings open, a striking silhouette steps inside. At that moment, everyone feels a subtle shift in the atmosphere, an undertone hinting that something is amiss.
Charlotte Winston enters, her gaze quickly scanning the room before landing on Sebastian Vanderbilt. She addresses everyone with an apologetic expression. "I'm so sorry to dampen everyone's spirits," she says regretfully, "but it's time for Jessica to head back to the dormitory."
All eyes turn toward the man at the piano.
"Is that right? Okay then…"
"It's getting late; you girls better get going." Sebastian Vanderbilt opens his mouth as if to say something more but ends up chuckling softly. He seems genuinely tipsy.
Resuming his seat at the piano, he starts playing again. But this time, the beautiful melodies from before are replaced by a chaotic jumble of dissonant notes, as if a child is mashing the keys without purpose.
His composure unravels. His heart is in turmoil. He's not as unaffected as he hopes to appear, struggling to maintain at least a superficial calm.
...
Jessica's attention shifts away from Sebastian's retreating figure and settles on Charlotte Winston. For some unknown reason, looking at Charlotte's slightly rigid silhouette, her heart feels an unfamiliar turbulence of discomfort.
The two women exchange brief glances.
"Despite being classmates for so long, I never knew you took up piano lessons," Charlotte says to Sebastian, her tone colored with ease and friendliness, devoid of awkwardness.
"You have no idea about many things," Sebastian replies, now more composed. Sweet music flows beneath his fingertips—a blend of jazz rhythm laced with a sorrowful melody that, despite its simple repetition, has a hypnotic allure all its own.
"This piece is enchanting!" Jessica exclaims as she approaches with an excited smile. "Does it have a name?"
"It does… This one is called 'Cut in Love,'" he says with a grin, adding that it's what he likes playing whenever boredom engulfs him.
To avoid revealing his emotions, Sebastian playfully scolds, "Hey! Stay alive, everyone—the barbecue is getting cold, and the beers are still full in your cups!"
Charlotte shifts the conversation naturally. "When you dropped by S Entertainment last time and didn't see me, I was really upset," she admits lightly, though there's seriousness beneath her joking manner. "When I learned how long I kept you waiting, I felt even worse. Maybe I should apologize for making you wait unnecessarily?"
"Should I thank you for freeing me from checking your schedule then?" Sebastian inquires, lifting his gaze and fighting against his buried emotions.
"There's no need for thanks. But maybe treat me next time we're both free," she suggests playfully, her tone leaving no room for refusal. "Otherwise, I might report straight to Caroline at our next reunion party."
"I might not have the time," Sebastian says, managing to collect himself. "I'm in the early stages of building my business, so..."
"It's OK. Take your time!" Charlotte replies cheerfully. "There will be free time eventually." She gives Jessica a signal.
Jessica glances at Sebastian involuntarily.
"Better head back now; remember to practice those tearful scenes well," he tells her with an ambiguous smile.
With an exaggeratedly playful punch to the chest, Jessica responds cheekily, "Hey! Save those comments for more appropriate times!"
Charlotte casts one last meaningful look at Jessica—her gaze hinting at something deeper in their exchange.
Meanwhile, Victoria stands silently, observing everything unfold. As Pretty Generation's face of beauty, she feels somewhat overlooked amidst Jessica and Charlotte's commanding presences. Their strong vibes make it hard for anyone else to intrude despite outwardly amicable behavior.
There's an undercurrent that leaves a slight chill even without obvious hostility.
"Sorry, guys, but it looks like we'll have to leave soon. Hopefully, we'll see each other again soon," Jessica announces while gathering her belongings into her purse.
The trainees inside bid farewell reluctantly, having grown fond of the senior artist whose friendly presence added warmth to the evening, enhancing the already captivating aura seen onstage.
"I'm not what you said," Sebastian counters with a hint of annoyance, but his expression soon softens. Opening his arms invitingly, he adds, "Looking forward to our collaboration in a few days, my esteemed endorser!"
"Hmph, always looking for an angle to get close—you can't deny it this time!" Jessica playfully scrunches her nose and sidesteps his embrace. This time, she really has to leave.
The BBQ joint quickly regains its boisterous atmosphere.
Patrick Anchor watches the interactions quietly, his mind full of thoughts. Finally, as if he can no longer hold back, he downs a strong shot.
"Drink up!" commands Sebastian, whose speech is now slightly slurred—a telltale sign that he has truly succumbed to the drinks at last.
...
The narrow alley where the BBQ restaurant nestles doesn't allow for cars, so they walk down the dimly lit path on foot—three figures carving their way through the night's veil.
"So, Lotti, all that talk about romance affecting group dynamics was just words?" Jessica suddenly stops and turns to confront Charlotte. Her eyes pierce the darkness, revealing depths of sincerity.
"Is jealousy getting the better of you?" Charlotte implies with a subtle upward curl of her lips, signaling some accusation beneath the teasing demeanor.
Charlotte looks at her squarely, unflinchingly replying, "I have no idea what you're talking about." She continues walking ahead without missing a step.
"Do you even realize how often you speak while you're dreaming?" Jessica seizes Charlotte's arm as they brush past one another, insisting, "You've mentioned Sebastian's name numerous times during those dreams. I think I understand now why there was such an abrupt change in your personality after we came back from Boston Arts High School. It started when we returned, didn't it?"
Behind them, Victoria covers her mouth in shock as the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Her previous suspicions are confirmed—the shadow she couldn't recognize was none other than Sebastian Vanderbilt.