"So?"
Harmony could not understand why she was suddenly holding a script and was being asked about her opinion.
She had thought that after returning Luca Atkinson's jacket, she would be free of any connection with them.
For days, she had done her best to blend in with her surroundings again, to become invisible like before, and to make people forget about her existence. But now, people were once glancing her way—all because of one person.
That person was none other than Beatrice Falcon.
Beatrice Falcon was the drama club's star—a captivating high school girl who commanded the spotlight with her acting talent and undeniable charisma.
She had a flair for the dramatic and a deep passion for storytelling. Onstage, Beatrice shone brightest, drawing audiences into her world with every line she delivered and every emotion she conveyed.
Whether portraying a tragic heroine or a comedic sidekick, her performances were unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who watched her.
But it wasn't just her acting that made Beatrice popular. She was known for her infectious enthusiasm and endless creativity, always eager to collaborate with fellow actors and crew members to bring their productions to life.
Her positive energy was contagious, inspiring her peers to push their own limits and explore their talents in new ways.
Offstage, Beatrice was just as captivating. With her effortless charm and magnetic personality, she became the life of any gathering.
She had an innate ability to connect with classmates from all walks of life, and her genuine kindness and warmth made her approachable to anyone. Because of this, Beatrice earned a wide circle of friends who admired her talent and down-to-earth nature.
Despite her popularity, Beatrice remained humble and grounded, never letting success go to her head. She quickly offered guidance and support to newcomers and veterans in the drama club, always encouraging others to improve.
Her dedication to her craft was evident in every role she took on.
Beatrice was easily as well-known as Luca Atkinson's group, making it even more difficult when approaching Harmony. Since Harmony's goal was to remain in the shadows.
"How do you think I should act in this part?" Beatrice asked, her eager eyes fixed on Harmony.
Harmony blinked, confused by the sudden question. She didn't understand why someone like Beatrice was asking her for advice.
"I… I'm not into acting," she replied honestly, feeling out of place.
"But the way you acted—"
"Please," Harmony interrupted, shaking her head.
"I did what I had to do because of the situation. I'm not into acting, and I can't give you any advice. I just can't."
All she wanted was to quietly finish her high school life without any more attention. She had no desire to be noticed, let alone get involved with the most popular students.
She wasn't interested in acting; her only focus had been on improving the story they had performed. During rehearsals and the play, she had seen many parts that needed work.
She had ideas to make it better. But now, here she was, being pulled into a conversation about acting when all she wanted was to be left alone.
Beatrice pursed her lips thoughtfully as if there was something about Harmony's acting that intrigued her. But it seemed that Harmony's talent was more natural than intentional, and Beatrice wasn't going to push it.
"I… understand," Beatrice said with a sigh, slowly getting up and walking away with the support of Kathrine.
Kathrine, still frowning, shot Harmony a look, one full of judgment, but Harmony didn't care. She wasn't concerned about whether her classmates liked her or not. She just wanted to stay out of the spotlight.
Kathrine Oscar was an outgoing person, known for her vibrant personality and fierce loyalty.
She had a strong sense of justice and never hesitated to confront anyone who hurt her friends.
Whether it was a cutting remark or a deliberate slight, she would stand up for them without fear. Her friends admired her bravery, knowing that Kathrine would always have their backs in tough situations.
Her passion often drew attention, and while some appreciated her boldness, others found her intensity too much, bringing her friends and foes alike.
After that encounter, their classmates finally stopped glancing at her.
'Finally,' she thought with relief.
'I'll be able to get my peace back.'
She knew she came off as cold and distant, but it didn't bother her. She had never wanted attention. High school was just a phase that would soon end, and she was fine with it.
Or so she thought.
*SLAP*
The sharp sound of a slap echoed through the hallway the very next day, stopping everyone in their tracks.
"No wonder you were so cold to Beatrice. And no wonder you acted so well in the play—you must have practiced for hours," Kathrine sneered, her voice filled with mock.
Harmony blinked, looking around at the crowd of students that had gathered.
Her eyes drifted to the announcement board, where she saw something shocking: pictures of herself and a copy of the play's script. But this wasn't just any script.
It was filled with detailed notes—notes on how to improve certain scenes, how to deliver specific lines, and how to better portray the female lead.
Harmony's eyes narrowed as she recognized it immediately.
It was her copy of the script.
The one she had been looking for after the play but had never found. She had shrugged it off, assuming it had been lost in the chaos of the crowded dressing room, maybe even thrown away by mistake.
'So, someone deliberately took it,' she thought grimly.
Then, her eyes shifted to the photos.
The first was of her in her gym clothes, her side profile clear as she passed a shop. The second was of her climbing the overpass, following behind Beatrice and Kathrine.
The next two photos, however, were of her running down the other side of the overpass and along the road. They were taken from a distance but still captured her silhouette. The angle showed her side profile once again.
'If I remember correctly…' she began to think, trying to piece together the timeline, but her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden force.
"Look at me!"
Kathrine had grabbed her by the collar, yanking her closer as she glared at her with pure rage.
"I knew it was suspicious when you didn't change into your gym uniform after the play. You stayed in your wet clothes, didn't you?" Kathrine spat.
Harmony remained silent, trying to process everything.
"You couldn't change because when you pushed Beatrice down those stairs, her drink spilled all over you!" Kathrine accused, her eyes narrowing.
Harmony could feel the stares of her classmates burning into her, but this time, the judgment was harsher than usual.
'This is different from what I usually receive,' she thought, feeling the weight of their suspicion.
She knew that no matter what she said, no one would believe her. There was no point in defending herself.
"Answer me!!!" Kathrine screamed, her patience running thin as Harmony continued to remain silent.