"Melissa." Kelly called out to her sister.
"Why, sis?" Melissa asked.
"Did you… forgive Raymond?" Kelly asked carefully.
Melissa froze for a moment, surprised by the question. Then, she gave a small, quiet nod.
Kelly sighed. "Do you really think he was sincere when he apologized?"
"Sis, I could see it. He meant it, so I forgave him. Besides… it's been a while already," Melissa replied softly.
Kelly nodded slowly. "If that's your decision, I respect it. I understand—because you also like Raymond." She smiled, teasing."Ah, my little sister finally has a crush. I just hope you don't end up like your older sister."
Kelly laughed, but Melissa didn't have time to react.
"Eh? You still don't believe the man you like feels the same way about you?" Kenjie suddenly chimed in from behind.
Kelly froze, cheeks burning."Brother! Why are you suddenly here? This is girls-only talk!"
"What do you mean 'girls only'? I have the right to know who my sisters like," Kenjie said with a grin.
He turned to Melissa. "I respect and support your decision. And honestly, I know you and Raymond will end up dating sooner or later. I know that kid—impatient but very considerate. While Kevin…" He glanced at Kelly. "He's possessive but always respects your decisions, right?"
Kelly didn't answer. Her face only grew redder.
"But girls," Kenjie continued, "remember your limits, okay? You're still students. It's fine to like someone, even have boyfriends someday, but don't neglect your studies. Learn to say no when you need to."
"Brother, we don't even have boyfriends yet," Kelly protested weakly.
Kenjie laughed. "I'm just getting ahead of things. I know one day—or one year—both of you will end up in relationships. And when that time comes, bring your boyfriends home, okay?"
After saying that, he headed upstairs.
"That's really Kenjie," Kelly muttered.
Melissa giggled. "But sis… Brother's right about the guy you like, isn't he?"
Kelly only gave a small nod.Deep inside, she knew it—she truly loved that man.
But I'm scared he'll find out the truth, she thought.
"Ate… you still haven't told him, right?" Melissa asked gently.
"I'm scared. What if he leaves me again?" Kelly admitted quietly. "T-That's why I told Jonathan… After our moving-up, I'll finally tell him the truth." She clenched her fists.
"Sis, he won't blame you. I can feel it. He'll understand."
Kelly smiled and pulled her sister into a tight hug.
"Ah… my baby sister isn't a baby anymore."
"Ate, I'll always be your sister," Melissa laughed softly.
Later that afternoon, Kelly headed to their dance room to finish their choreography. Dave was already choosing who would join the all-girls competition. On her way, she unexpectedly bumped into Raymond.
"Raymond," she called.
He looked at her silently and sighed.
Kelly sighed as well. No matter what, she had to respect Melissa's choice.
"I forgive you for what you did to my sister," she said firmly.
Raymond blinked, surprised. "I know you never asked her if I was courting her… But is she really your girlfriend? I didn't ask Melissa because she probably wouldn't admit it."
"Yes," Kelly replied. "She's my girlfriend already."
Raymond nodded slowly.
Kelly took a breath. "Take care of my sister. If you cheat on her, or make her cry… there's no second chances. She's soft-hearted. Don't ruin her first love. And if you ever grow tired of her, tell her. She'll understand."
"I know how much you love your sister," Raymond said sincerely. "I promise I'll take care of her. Thank you for trusting me, Kelly."
Suddenly, an arm landed over Kelly's shoulder.
Kenjie.
"Good. My sister already said everything I wanted to tell you," he said. "Take care of Melissa. You can visit the house anytime—you're always welcome. I don't like it when my sister hides things from me."
He added, "And introduce our baby sis to your parents. That matters too." He ruffled Kelly's hair.
Raymond nodded again. "Thank you."
"Kelly, hold back your tears. You still have practice," Kenjie reminded her.
"Yes, brother…" she murmured.
She hurried to the dance room, her chest tight. Her little sister wasn't a child anymore. She had her own heart now—her own choices.
"Kelly, are you okay?" Angie asked when she arrived.
Kelly nodded. "Sorry I'm late. Let's finish this, okay?"
The next morning, in their classroom—
"Kelly," Dave called.
"Yes?"
He handed her a list of seven girls chosen for the competition.
Her eyes scanned the names.Good—Nicole made it. Dawn and Claire too.
"Are you okay with the list?" Dave asked.
She nodded. "Yes."
"I already posted it in the group chat. I'll call a meeting later. Don't worry—you'll have support from us." He patted her shoulder.
"Thank you."
"Kelly, you sure you're okay?" Angie asked.
"If anyone bothers you, we'll handle it," Steph said seriously.
Kelly scratched her head, embarrassed but grateful.
Dave gathered the seven dancers and explained the monitoring system."Two weeks from now is the competition. I expect full cooperation. Anyone who refuses to practice or causes trouble will face disciplinary action after the event. Practice means practice."
Everyone nodded.
After dismissal, Kelly went home with Nicole.
"I didn't expect to be chosen," Nicole admitted.
Kelly smiled and lightly tapped her shoulder."Because you did great."
Nicole smiled back.