MICHELLE

ONE TICKET TWO HEARTS

Hey," lee-gon called out to me.

My heart lurched, pounding wildly against my chest. I lifted my head and turned toward the sound.

"Yeah?" I replied.

It was only then that I truly looked at him. For the first time, I noticed that Lee-gon didn't just have striking blue eyes—they were framed by thick, impossibly long lashes that made them even more captivating.

"Sorry if I kind of scared you," he said with a small smile.

"No, it's okay," I replied. "Actually... can I ask you something?"

He nodded.

"You wore this same hoodie yesterday, didn't you?" I asked with a smile. "Don't get me wrong—I was just curious."

A faint smile crossed his face. "It's not the exact same hoodie. They're just the same brand."

"Oh."

"My best friend used to wear this brand all the time," he continued quietly. "Before he passed away from stage four cancer, we promised we'd always wear matching hoodies. After he died, I bought a whole closet full of this brand. It makes me feel like he's still with me somehow."

My smile faded.

"I'm so sorry," I said softly. "I shouldn't have asked."

"It's okay," he replied. "You didn't know."

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

"You know," I said gently, "it's okay to treasure someone's memory. Just don't let the loss keep you from living."

He looked at me, then smiled—a real smile this time.

"Out of all the friends I've made recently," he said, "you're one of the most special."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I looked away, trying to hide my blush.

Just then, other students began filing into the classroom, their chatter filling the silence between us.

Ardee walked into the classroom and headed straight for my desk. He sat on the edge of my table with a grin.

I smiled back, feeling oddly nervous.

"I got something for you," he said.

My eyes lit up. "Really?"

He glanced at Lee-gon for a brief moment. I caught the slight frown that crossed his face before he turned back to me.

Reaching into his bag, he pulled out two tickets.

"They're tickets to the BTS Music Night."

My mouth fell open.

"No way... Ardee, are you serious?" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around him in excitement. "I've always wanted to go!"

He chuckled.

I looked at the date on the ticket and gasped again.

"It's this evening!"

"I'm glad you like them," he said with a smile.

"Oh, you got tickets too?" Lee-gon asked, looking at Ade.

Ardee nodded. "Yeah. I got mine as well. We could all go together."

"Why not?" I replied cheerfully. "The more, the merrier."

Ardee's smile faded slightly.

"Michelle," he said quietly, "I was actually hoping it would just be the two of us."

I looked at him apologetically.

"Ardee, it'll still be fun if we all go together," I said. "Besides, we're classmates."

He forced a small smile, though I could tell it wasn't the answer he had been hoping for.Soon enough, the teacher walked into the classroom, and everyone returned to their seats. Ardee and Lee-gon also went back to theirs.

When the lunch break arrived, Ardee headed to his fencing class as usual, while I made my way to my usual spot in the cafeteria to eat.

Just as I was about to sit down, I saw Kyla walk into the cafeteria. She was completely drenched, her uniform soaked from head to toe.

I quickly stood up and rushed over to her.

"Kyla! What happened?" I asked, anxiously checking her for bruises or injuries.

Without saying a word, she pointed toward Tessa, Sia, and Aliyah.

My jaw clenched.

I immediately knew they were responsible.

Taking Kyla's hand, I led her out of the cafeteria.

As we reached the door, I heard Aliyah laugh.

"Look at that poor girl," she mocked.

I stopped in my tracks.

Turning to Kyla, I said, "Go wait for me in the restroom. I'll be there in a minute."

She nodded weakly and walked away.

I turned around and walked back into the cafeteria.

Grabbing a bottle of ketchup from one of the tables, I unscrewed the cap and emptied its contents all over Aliyah.

She let out a loud scream as ketchup dripped from her hair and stained her clothes.

Tessa and Sia quickly stepped back to avoid getting splashed.

"What is wrong with you?" Aliyah yelled, cursing at me.

I simply smiled.

"Now we're even."

Without waiting for another word, I turned around and walked out.

When I entered the girls' restroom, my heart nearly stopped.

"Kyla!"

She was lying unconscious on the floor.

I rushed to her side and screamed for help.

Within minutes, students and teachers came running, and Kyla was immediately taken to the school clinic.

After school, Ardee insisted on coming with us.

During the drive home, I held Kyla's hand tightly.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "I dragged you into my mess."

She gave me a weak smile.

"It's okay, sis," she said softly. "I'm fine."

Ardee gently tapped my shoulder.

When I turned to him, he silently handed me his handkerchief.

I managed a grateful smile before using it to wipe away my tears.

Not long after, we arrived home.

Dad was sitting in the dining room when we walked in.

Ardee greeted him respectfully.

"Good afternoon, sir."

"Good afternoon son," Dad replied warmly before looking at us. "Hello, ladies."

Kyla forced a small smile.

I noticed Ardee glance at me before subtly signaling that he was about to tell Dad about the BTS concert."Sir," Ardee called, turning to my dad.

"Yes, son?" Dad replied.

Ardee scratched the back of his neck nervously.

"Michelle and I were hoping to get your permission to attend the BTS concert tonight."

Dad looked at me for a moment.

If it'll make her happy, then I guess she can go, he thought.

A smile spread across my face.

Dad looked at me and smiled back, as though he already knew I had heard his thoughts.

"We're going, Ardee," I said excitedly.

He blinked in surprise before a wide smile appeared on his face.

"What about me?" Kyla asked, pouting as she looked between Dad and me.

Dad chuckled.

"While they're at the concert, you and I will go shopping."

"Really?" Kyla squealed.

Dad nodded.

She threw her arms around him in excitement.

"Thank you, Dad!"

Not long after, Ardee left for his house to get ready for the concert.

I wanted to tell Dad what had happened to Kyla at school, but I held back. Knowing him, he'd probably insist on transferring us to another school, and I wasn't ready for that conversation.

So, I kept quiet.

The rest of the afternoon was spent searching through my wardrobe.

Most of my clothes were joggers and oversized hoodies—not exactly what I'd wear to a concert.

After what felt like forever, I finally found the perfect outfit.

It was an orange shift dress Dad had bought for me during our last shopping trip with Kyla.

I smiled in satisfaction before reaching for my white sling back.

"Perfect," I whispered to myself.

"Sweetheart!" Dad called from downstairs. "Aren't you going to eat before you leave?"

"I am, Daddy!" I called back while putting the finishing touches on my makeup.

I tied my hair into a neat bun and hurried downstairs.

Just as I sat at the dining table, my phone buzzed.

Ardee: I'm on my way. My driver and I should be there soon.

"Oh my God," I muttered, quickly digging into my food.

Across the table, Kyla couldn't stop looking at me.

Without even trying, I caught her thoughts.

I wish I was going with them.

My heart softened.

I smiled at her.

She smiled back, though I could still see the disappointment lingering in her eyes.Not long after, Ardee arrived. The gatekeeper quickly opened the gate and let him in.

"Dad, I'll be leaving now," I said, standing up to hug him.

"Have fun, sweetheart," he replied, hugging me back.

I glanced at Kyla, and she gave me a playful wink.

Dad looked at the two of us in confusion before shaking his head and returning to his meal.

Ardee walked in and greeted both Dad and Kyla respectfully.

"Good evening, sir. Hi, Kyla."

He took my clutch and sling back from my hands before we headed for the door.

Look at her, Kyla thought. Already letting him carry her bags. What a gentleman.

I almost laughed.

"You two have fun," Dad said.

He reached into his wallet, pulled out his debit card, and handed it to me.

"Use it wisely."

"Thank you, Daddy!" I said happily, slipping it into my bag.

A few minutes later, Ade and I were on our way to the concert.

The drive, however, was torture.

His thoughts never stopped drifting to Sia.

I hope she gets there early.

I wonder what she'll be wearing.

Maybe I'll finally get to talk to her tonight.

Every thought felt like another stab to my heart.

I stared out of the window, pretending to admire the passing lights, but before I knew it, warm tears were rolling down my cheeks.

"Michelle?"

Ardee's voice pulled me back.

I quickly wiped my face.

"Why are you crying?" he asked with concern.

"Oh..." I forced a smile. "It's nothing. My eyes have been acting up lately. They just started watering again I lied."

He looked unconvinced but nodded.

"I'm sorry. I hope it isn't serious."

"Thanks," I replied quietly.

Before long, we arrived at the concert venue.

Just like last year's event, the place was packed with excited fans. Many carried glowing light sticks, ready for the moment the arena lights would go out before the main performance.

I had forgotten to bring mine, so I hurried to one of the merchandise stands and bought a light stick before returning to Ardee.

The fans who had arrived early had already claimed the front-row spots.

Unfortunately, Ardee and I had come too late.

We were left standing near the middle of the crowd.

This is going to be exhausting,i thought.

Then, just as everyone had been waiting for...

Every light in the venue went out.