HER RECKONING

CHAPTER 13

The Velvet Gem teaser exploded across campus. Within hours, Velvet Gem was all anyone talked about. The three backup members — Raye, Cherry, and Lx-A — became instant campus stars, while Suhee and Cornelia’s fame soared even higher.

Each member’s individual photoshoot captured their symbol, color and gem’s essence — while the group shot radiated power. They hadn’t even debuted yet, but they were already a phenomenon.

Practice sessions took place every evening in the gymnasium. They trained relentlessly, determined to perfect every move. Soon, Velvet Gem became the heartbeat of Stanton University.

Fan-made light sticks were distributed across campus. Students argued over biases. School Social media flooded with edits, theories, and countdowns to their debut. A fan chant was even written — by none other than Ryan, who had declared himself fan club president.

“My bias is Raye,” he boasted. “I’ve forgiven her for lying.”

Rachel, however, despised him even more.

Angelique, on the other hand, was sick of the Velvet Gem hysteria. Every corner of campus screamed their names. She couldn’t stand Suhee’s face plastered on posters, her name trending online. When a special Velvet Gem light stick arrived for Trunks, Angelique threw it out and never mentioned it. Later, passing one of Suhee’s posters, she tore it down in fury.

That same week, Trunks and Suhee crossed paths by accident in the corridor, a feeling of unease filled the air.

“Hey,” Trunks said awkwardly, scratching his neck.

“Hi,” Suhee replied, smiling gently. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine. And you? How’ve you been?”

“Busy,” she said. “The festival preparations are exhausting, but fun.”

“I know I haven’t been there for you lately,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it,” she said warmly. “Did you receive the light stick I sent?”

“A light stick?” he frowned. “I never saw it.”

Suhee blinked, then smiled faintly and handed him the one she had with her. “Then take this one. I hope to see you at the concert — especially for the final performance.”

She gave him one last smile before walking away.

Trunks watched her go, a dull ache spreading through his chest — a feeling he couldn’t quite name.

The final week arrived, and the tournaments and activities were drawing to a close. Ryan won his golf contest, and was proudly boasting around with his trophy, while Alejandro, for the first time, lost his title to Aaliyah and placed second. Catherine delivered a moving violin performance on stage, and Pavitra mesmerized the audience with an elegant traditional Indian dance.

When it was time for Trunks’ competition, both Angelique and Suhee were there to support him. Each time he won, he ran straight to Angelique, showering her with kisses, while Suhee stood a few steps behind, smiling faintly. Angelique never let him get too close to her. Still, Suhee continued to cheer for him from the sidelines, content with the smallest glance or polite waves he gave her from a distance. In the end, Trunks won the tournament—and Angelique claimed victory in her swimming race as well.

The day before the concert, the Velvet Gems were in full motion—fittings, rehearsals, and final stage run-throughs. They were set to perform three covers: one as the “appetizer,” one as the “main dish,” and one as the “dessert.” The third song, La La La by Stray Kids, had been requested by the fans, and although it was the most difficult of the three, the girls accepted the challenge with fiery determination.

Their last teaser had just been released, and the entire campus buzzed with excitement. Some students believed they would steal the show, while others predicted an embarrassing flop. But Velvet Gem didn’t care—they were ready to give their all.

That night, Suhee couldn’t sleep. Anxiety churned in her chest. She had always been terrified of performing before large crowds—a secret she had only ever shared with Trunks. He was the one who used to calm her nerves when she was overwhelmed. But now, she had to face it alone.

Meanwhile, Angelique was setting the final steps of her plan—the one meant to destroy Suhee and Trunks once and for all. She decided the concert would be the perfect day to execute it. Ryan, on the other hand, was practically giddy with anticipation. He couldn’t wait to see what chaos would unfold.

When concert day finally came, Suhee sent Trunks one last message early that morning: Are you coming tonight? He didn’t answer. He didn’t pick up her calls either. What she didn’t know was that Angelique had deliberately planned an entire day of distractions to keep him away.

“Babe, you promise you’ll let me go in time for the concert, right?” Trunks asked.

“Yes, of course,” Angelique replied sweetly. “Once it’s evening, I’ll even give you your phone back.”

But when evening came, she still didn’t let him leave.

At the concert venue, excitement filled the air. Several of the girls’ friends came backstage to wish them good luck. They were already dressed in their first outfit for Perfect Night of Le Sserafim, their opening song. The theme color was soft pink, each girl wearing pins of her representative gem, and in their hair, delicate accessories shaped like their symbols.

“Woah!” Ryan exclaimed. “The queens of Stanton! You girls are stunning!”

“Tan bonito,” Alejandro added with a grin.

“I can’t wait to see you perform,” Ryan said, practically bouncing. Cornelia and Suhee exchanged amused smiles.

“So… can someone explain why you’re wearing a pink trouser skirt?” Alejandro asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m Velvet Gem’s number one fan,” Ryan declared proudly. “I have to dress the part! Look—I even made a fan sign!”

He lifted his board. Alejandro squinted and read aloud, “Raye, marry me! Raye, I love you! Raye, you’re my bias! Raye, show your bra— What the hell, man?” Cornelia burst out laughing while Suhee rolled her eyes.

“You’re a weirdo,” Alejandro muttered.

“Anyone seen Trunks?” Ryan asked after catching his breath.

“Nowhere,” Alejandro said.

“I doubt he’ll come,” Cornelia added. “That witch of a girlfriend probably won’t let him.”

“He’ll come,” Suhee said quietly. “Trunks always keeps his word.”

The others went silent, unsure what to say. Moments later, Alejandro and Ryan left the room, leaving the girls alone to prepare.

Suhee looked at her team. “We’re going to make it today,” she said softly.

The others nodded. They joined hands, eyes closed, sharing a silent moment of determination before their names echoed from the speakers.

“Velvet Gem!!!” The crowd erupted in cheers.

Meanwhile, Angelique continued to keep Trunks away from the concert. Every time he tried to leave, she found a new excuse.

“The concert must’ve already started,” Trunks said, glancing at his watch, frustration in his voice. “I’m probably missing the first song… and it’s one of my favorites.”

“Please,” Angelique said softly, slipping her arm around him. “Stay a little longer with me.”

“Okay,” he sighed, “but not for long. I’ll have to go at some point. Can I at least have my phone?”

Angelique hesitated, then handed it over with a faint smile. “Here. Your phone.”

Trunks immediately unlocked it—and froze. Dozens of missed calls and messages from Suhee, Cornelia and Alejandro filled the screen. He scrolled through them, guilt tightening his chest. It was too late to answer now. He opened the school’s live stream and began watching.

On screen, Velvet Gem were performing Perfect Night. It was near the end, but he caught the last chorus—Suhee glowing under the lights, radiant and alive. The crowd roared as the song ended.

Backstage, the girls returned to their room, breathless and flushed with adrenaline. The audience screamed their names. Their first stage had been a perfect success.

While other performers took the stage, Trunks was still arguing with Angelique, trying to convince her to let him go.

“Please, Angelique. I’ve missed a song already.”

But she pouted, clinging to him. “Can’t you stay just a little longer?”

By the time he managed to break free, the second performance had already begun.

On stage, Suhee kept glancing at the empty seat reserved for him. Still, she smiled and danced—her heart heavy, but her spirit unshaken. Even if he doesn’t come, she told herself, I’ll still give the public my all.

Finally, Trunks stood up.

“So you’re leaving?” Angelique asked sharply.

“Yes,” he said firmly. “Suhee needs me.”

“But—”

“No buts. You stay here. I’m going to support my best friend.” He walked toward the door.

“You think Suhee’s your friend?” Angelique snapped.

“She’s more than that,” he said quietly, then closed the door behind him.

Back at the concert hall, Cornelia adjusted her mic and glanced at Suhee. “It’s the last song. What are you going to do if he doesn’t show up?”

“He’ll come,” Suhee said, her voice calm but her heart trembling. “I know he will.”

The lights dimmed. The audience screamed. The stage burst to life with smoke and shadow as the opening beat of Ash by ATEEZ thundered through the hall.

This wasn’t just a performance—it was a story. A message.