WILD ON THE INSIDE

CHAPTER SIX

“The best fashionista of the day is—me, Nikki Lynn Evans!” she declared, dramatically pausing to let the crowd cheer. “I mean, come on, look around. I designed most of what you’re all admiring.”

She placed the microphone down and strutted across the stage. She wrapped her arms around Hardin, who kissed her with fervor, drawing cheers from the audience. Then she collected her gift from Jake and Tyler and returned to center stage to continue.

“Next up, the best-dressed judge: Hardin Cruz. I’ll hand him the award personally,” she said. The same sequence repeated—embrace, kiss, gift.

Then came accolades for Jake and Tyler as top dance trainers, and others for best vocalist, comedian, soloist, and more. And finally, the big moment.

Nikki raised the mic. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve witnessed greatness today. Let’s put our hands together for the best dance crew of the evening—The Unchallengeables!”

The room erupted. Megan gasped in disbelief, then turned to Charlie and hugged him impulsively. Together they walked up to the stage. Charlie respectfully shook Hardin’s hand and accepted their award. Megan extended hers too—but Hardin ignored it. Instead, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.

The crowd exploded in cheers.

As they walked off stage with their prize, Nikki announced one final category. “And now, the best dancer of the year, 2022. I will let our dear principal have the honor of announcing this one.”

The principal, young and visibly thrilled, stepped up. “It gives me great pride to declare the best dancer of the year—Miss Megan Charlene.”

Applause thundered across the hall. Megan’s breath caught in her throat as she stepped forward, glowing with triumph. Before she could receive her award, the principal leaned into the microphone again. “Nikki, don’t take this the wrong way, but don’t you think she deserves a kiss from the school president?”

Nikki laughed and nodded. “I wouldn’t agree more.”

Megan hesitated. Her instincts screamed at her to turn back. But then she took a breath and walked forward. Hardin was already there, his expression unreadable. He pulled her close, gently touched his forehead to hers, and, leaning down, pressed his lips softly to hers. She didn’t push him away, nor did she respond. But something shifted inside her—her heart raced, her stomach twisted. It was overwhelming.

She pulled away without meeting his eyes, collected her award, and exited the stage amidst chaos and celebration.

Charlie walked her to the car and wished her goodnight. Megan drove home silently, her thoughts spinning like a carousel. When she reached her room, she collapsed on her bed. Sleep didn’t come. Her mind wandered through memories and possibilities.

To calm herself, she turned on a recording of a biblical sermon. It spoke of Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys, guided by a servant who suggested they consult a prophet. Megan barely paid attention—her eyelids drooped, and before one could say Jack Robinson, she was fast asleep.

Sunday morning arrived slow and quiet. No classes, no obligations. She fixed herself breakfast, but her thoughts were tangled in the events of the previous night. Why had the ECG been so… gracious? What game were they playing?

She dressed in her own unique style—no makeup, no curls, just natural and effortlessly chic. She drove to a quiet, luxurious place on the outskirts of Cebu and found a peaceful spot to sit.

Then she sang.

Her voice floated like a prayer through the air, soft and angelic.

“It’s been a long day without you, my mom… and I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again…”

Tears trailed down her cheeks. Her parents—so vivid in memory. Every word summoned another wave of emotion.

“He said one day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember…”

As the words of Avicil’s “The Nights” fell from her lips, her heart cracked open. She reached for her handkerchief to dry her face, but before she found it, someone offered her a white one.

She looked up, startled.

Of all people—it was him.

The last person she expected.

“How on earth did you find me here?” she asked, blinking rapidly to clear her vision.

“First wipe your face,” he said, his tone smug but soft. “You look terrible when you cry.”

“How on earth did you find me here?” she asked, her voice a trembling mixture of anger and surprise.

Dylan shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips as he extended a clean handkerchief toward her. “First, take this. Wipe your face. You look terrible when you cry,” he said with an air of detached pride.

Though wary, Megan accepted the cloth. With trembling fingers, she dabbed at the tears on her cheeks, taking slow, deliberate breaths as she forced herself to calm down. She hated that he had caught her in such a vulnerable moment.

“I’m at least curious to know why you’re crying,” he continued, his voice low and oddly gentle. “Not that I expect you to actually tell me. Besides, we’re not friends, remember?”

She drew in a sharp breath, her jaw tightening. “Why are you even here, Dylan? If that’s all you have to say, you can go. I have no interest in seeing your face.”

His expression shifted as he noticed her gaze flicker to the faint scar on his nose—a reminder of their last violent encounter. “Ah, looking at my broken nose?” he asked lightly. “Congratulations, by the way. I never thought I’d be taken down by a single-eyed flower like you. So beautiful, yet so rough,” he said, the words dripping with a teasingly bitter admiration.

Megan’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t try to flatter me. You pushed me too far, Dylan. You forcefully kissed me, and then you had the nerve to send a letter asking how it was. You’re unbelievable.”

“I get it. You’re impressed by my persistence, maybe,” he said with a wry smile. “But regardless, let’s put an end to this. I’d prefer peace. Hate me forever if you want, but don’t break my nose again.” He raised an eyebrow. “So if it makes you feel any better… I’m sorry.”

Megan’s eyes blazed. “You want to end this feud, but without admitting that what you did was wrong?” she demanded.

He tilted his head back slightly, a sarcastic laugh escaping his lips. “Why? Do you want me to admit everything? To get down on my knees?” he asked, his tone sharp.

“Is it really that hard for you?” she shot back. “What do you think you are—some kind of god, or a king? If a simple ‘sorry’ is too much for you, then this war will never end.”

Dylan’s jaw tensed as he held her gaze. “Don’t act so high and mighty with me. Life doesn’t work that way, Megan. I don’t have a reputation to protect or a name to uphold. I’m already hated in school. I came in peace today—please, don’t make me regret it..” “

You and your cousin—well, you’re different. You’ve got character, even if you’re impossible to deal with.”

He took a step back, folding his arms across his chest. “Anyway, I’ve got other things to occupy my mind than our endless feud. Do you want to schedule a fight between us? Not that I’d ever lay a hand on you. Even a slap… I can’t do that. It brings back memories I’d rather bury forever. I’d rather wound you with words than see you physically hurt.”

Megan raised an eyebrow, a spark of disbelief in her eyes. “But you fought me at the house,” she interjected sharply.

“Oh no,” Dylan said quickly, shaking his head. “In case you don’t get it, I was never at your house. The day of the fight was the first time I ever saw you. Otherwise, I never would have known you at all.”

He hesitated for a moment, his expression softening. “Yesterday, during your talent show… I have to admit, it was thrilling. I didn’t expect that from you.”

Megan blinked in surprise. “Were you at the show yesterday?”

He laughed. “Not really. The event was covered by the press—I watched it on TV. You were incredible, Megan. I expected my idiotic brother to pick someone else as the winner, but no… it was you. It’s as if he’s under a spell whenever he’s around girls.”

He paused, his tone turning mocking. “I wouldn’t have expected him to kiss you in front of his girlfriend’s very own eyes.” “

Is he always like that?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Megan’s fists clenched, her chest tightening.

“You’ll get to know much more about him when the two of you start dating,” Dylan added with a smirk.

“What did you just say?” she demanded, her fists shaking at her sides.

“No need to get mad,” Dylan said, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “But let’s make a bet right here and now.”

“What kind of bet?”

“The day you two begin dating, you and I will become friends,” he said, his tone suddenly serious.

She cut him off before he could continue. “And if we never date, you’ll apologize publicly and humble yourself before Hardin and the whole school. Though I have no idea why I would want to impress that fool,” she snapped.

He tilted his head, considering her words, then gave a small, almost grudging smile. “It’s a done deal.”

“We have a deal,” she said firmly, her voice low and resolute.