As expected from the audience's reaction, their class took first place in the play competition.
Soon after, they were swarmed by relatives and friends who had come to enjoy the school festival and watch the play.
"Where did that story come from?"
"Who played the lead guy?"
"You guys went above and beyond with that rain scene!"
"You were amazing as Villager A!"
"Who knew there were so many talented actors in your class?"
"Who was that lead actor?"
"Wasn't he one of the four guys who stole the show at last year's festival?"
"I'm so glad I came this year to see him act!"
"It's a shame this is his last year here."
"Let's take more pictures of the four of them before we leave!"
As more and more people gathered to chat, someone else was observing the situation from a distance.
"There wasn't even a mention of her, even though everyone was talking about her performance right after the play ended," Gabriel said, adjusting his glasses.
The four boys could barely move as more and more people crowded around them, eager to talk.
Even though the whole school usually gave them enough space even with their popularity, there were still moments like this when everyone wanted to get a little closer. The festival atmosphere gave people the perfect opportunity to do just that.
"It's pretty amazing, actually," Kenneth said, looking around.
"How she can blend into the background even after such a great performance."
"It's simple, really," Luca shrugged.
"How?" Justin asked, curious.
"By sticking close to us for a while," Luca explained.
After the performance and all the excitement about their class winning first place, Harmony quietly stayed near the four of them. Luca had noticed how she managed to avoid the spotlight, even when some people took notice of her.
"But since she wasn't interested in talking and we were getting all the attention, everyone's focus eventually shifted to us. Her ordinary appearance and quiet demeanor let her slip away unnoticed."
Kenneth and Justin both nodded, impressed by Luca's explanation.
"And now, I'm heading out," Luca suddenly said.
The sun had set, and the sky had darkened since the play had been performed in the afternoon. Now that it was over, night had fallen.
"You're leaving already? We're going to celebrate at a nearby restaurant. Aren't you coming?" Patricia asked, appearing next to them after overhearing Luca's words.
"Maybe next time," Luca replied, turning on his heel to leave.
"Oh, okay…"
After a moment, Patricia turned to the other three, "How about you guys?"
"Sure, why not?" Kenneth agreed, and Justin quickly followed suit.
Even though they didn't know everyone around them personally, socializing was still important, especially for them as young masters. Building connections with other students, whether they came from good backgrounds or had talents that would bloom in the future, was always a good investment.
Gabriel simply nodded, indicating he would join them as well. Despite his aloof attitude, he didn't neglect the social aspect either.
…
"There you are!"
Harmony was quietly sneaking out of the back gates when someone suddenly called out to her. She knew the voice was directed at her since she was the only one trying to leave while the festivities were still going on. She also recognized the voice.
"Geez, just as I thought, you really don't plan on socializing at all," Luca said, walking up beside her.
Harmony sneezed and turned to him, rubbing her nose. The weather was cold, and she had no spare clothes. All she wanted now was to go home and change out of her wet clothes. She had brought her gym uniform home the day before, so she had nothing else to wear.
"Does it matter?" she asked, her tone indifferent.
"I just think it's sad that you're ending high school without making any friends," Luca said, his voice laced with concern.
"Isn't the answer to that simple?" she looked at him.
"I'm not here to make friends. I have a different reason for being here."
She sneezed again.
"Fine. Anyway, I'll walk you home," Luca offered.
Harmony raised an eyebrow at him.
"It's already late, later than when we were doing our rehearsals," Luca pointed out.
"I can get home just fine," she said in a deadpan tone, continuing to walk ahead.
"Even so," Luca said, falling into step beside her.
"Busybody," she muttered under her breath.
She had noticed Luca's stubbornness in helping others over the past few days while they prepared for the school festival.
Luca simply shrugged and continued walking beside her. They didn't speak again as they made their way to the train station and then walked in silence for another half hour after the train ride.
There were a few times when she would sneeze during their travel.
"Uhmmm…" Shawn finally spoke up, unable to keep quiet any longer.
"We're heading to your place, right?"
Harmony glanced at him, "We are."
"And your place is this far?"
"What of it?"
"Are you serious?" he turned to her in surprise.
"You can go back if you want," she replied, unfazed.
Shawn could tell she was serious.
"Has this been your route ever since we started high school?" he asked, trying to recall if they had been in the same school for the past three years.
But he couldn't remember.
"If it has, is there a problem with that?" she asked.
He shook his head, "No, I'm just surprised. I didn't expect you to live so far away."
As they continued walking, Shawn noticed that they were approaching a quiet subdivision with one-floor houses spaced far apart. The area was located in the middle of two mountains, making it secluded.
Despite the isolation, it seemed peaceful.