"Oh, where are you two headed tonight?" Melissa's older brother asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Ah, we just have somewhere to go, brother," Kelly replied, already dressed and ready.
He studied them carefully.
"Brother, we'll be back right away. We won't be out past midnight," Melissa added quickly.
"Make sure of that. And I better not smell any alcohol on either of you," he warned.
"No, we promise," Kelly said immediately.
Her brother smiled faintly. "Alright then. Take care. Who else is going with you?"
"Only Nicky, brother," Melissa answered.
"Is Jonathan going with you?"
"No," Kelly replied.
The truth was, they were headed to Julie's mini-event—just for them and a few close friends. No uninvited guests allowed. Both girls were excited to see Julie perform on stage again.
"Okay then. Be careful."
"Yes, Kenjie," they said in unison.
Kenjie gave a small nod and a smile before letting them go.
Once out of the house, Melissa breathed a sigh of relief. It had been a while since the three of them—cousins—had a night out together.
"Nicky!" she called, spotting Nicole waiting for them.
"Hey, make sure you're home before 11 o'clock," Jonathan reminded them firmly.
"Yes, brother, we'll be back before your curfew," Nicole replied sheepishly, scratching her head.
"At least your curfew is eleven. Melissa and I only have until ten." She showed them a text from Kenjie as proof.
"Alright, just go. Be careful," Jonathan said.
The two girls nodded and headed out.
"Whew, I'm glad I got past Jonathan tonight," Nicole whispered, grinning.
"Same here. Brother almost didn't let us go, but good thing he was in a good mood," Melissa chuckled.
The mini-event venue wasn't far, and their driver dropped them off at the entrance, instructed to wait until the event ended.
After a short ride, they arrived and immediately spotted Jason. Nicole waved enthusiastically.
"Good thing I made it before it started," Jason said, sighing in relief.
Melissa laughed softly at his reaction.
"I'm glad you all came," Chris said warmly.
"P—Pres," Kelly greeted nervously.
"Good evening," Melissa and Nicole chimed in.
Chris smiled. "Don't be so tense, especially you, Kelly. My sister invited you here, and I'm really glad you came. I'm just here to accompany her. So relax and enjoy, okay?"
"T–Thank you," Kelly stammered.
"Anyway, the event is about to begin in just a few minutes."
They all nodded, excitement building.
"Hello! Good evening! Thank you for continuously supporting me!"
Melissa's eyes widened as Julie walked on stage. Gosh, she's so beautiful, she thought. I feel like fangirling right now. She laughed quietly at herself. Should I wave?
She lifted her hand, and beside her, Nicole and Kelly were already squealing, waving excitedly while jumping up and down.
Julie spotted them and flashed a radiant smile, waving back. Of course, she didn't just wave at them—she greeted the entire audience with the same warmth.
"This event is also my way of helping children through charity. Everything I earn tonight goes to kids in need, so thank you so much for all your support and love. It means the world to me. Thank you!"
*****
Jason couldn't help but smile, watching the young star—known to many as the Pop Princess.
"It's true," he murmured to his companions. "She really donates the proceeds to children's charities."
"At such a young age, she's using her talent to help others. That's so sweet," Kelly remarked.
Jason nodded, noticing a group of children, around ten years old, happily waving at Julie.
"Sis, is it bad if I go full fangirl mode over her?" Melissa asked playfully.
They all laughed.
The music started, and Julie began to sing.
That's why they call her the Pop Princess, Jason thought.
"My gosh, this is the first time I've heard her sing again," Melissa whispered in awe.
Jason blinked in surprise.
"She and Julie often meet at contests," Nicole whispered back.
"Oh, that explains why Melissa keeps looking at her that way," Jason muttered.
Nicole nodded knowingly.
"Do you want another song?" Julie asked the crowd.
"YES!" the audience shouted, and Melissa and the others joined enthusiastically.
Julie grinned, holding the crowd in the palm of her hand.
"Before that, I'd like to do a duet tonight. Hmm, who should it be?" she teased, scanning the crowd.
Her eyes landed on Jason, and a mischievous smile curved her lips.
"Oh, I found someone!"
Wait—don't tell me she's going to pick me?! Jason panicked internally.
"Hold on, let me grab my duet partner," Julie said, stepping down from the stage and walking toward him.
"Yay! He's going to be my duet partner tonight!" she announced happily.
Julie reached out and tugged Jason along.
"Hey," Jason whispered nervously.
She grinned, laughing lightly. "So, what's your name?" she asked, sneaking in a playful wink.
"Jason," he admitted, embarrassed.
"Everyone, this is Jason! He'll be singing with me tonight."
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the noise filling the venue.
Melissa and Nicole couldn't stop laughing at Jason's flustered expression.
Oh, great… Jason scratched his head, completely helpless.
They performed a duet together, and after the event, everyone gathered for photos with the Pop Princess before heading home.
As Jason left, he noticed that everyone walking away wore smiles on their faces.
That's exactly why Kenneth wanted the Pop Princess as our guest, he thought quietly, keeping the thought tucked away.