Chapter 85 - 85: Falling in Place (pt.17)

And when the lights dimmed, anticipation flooded the theatre once more. This was the final performance of the night—the last chance to close the fifth evaluations on a perfect note. The air felt tight, expectant, like everyone was holding their breath at the same time.

Then, soft piano keys drifted through the silence—gentle—before the stage slowly lit up with the swell of the music.

The set revealed itself: an empty high school classroom. Chairs and desks were stacked along the sides in an almost dreamlike arrangement, messy yet intentional, instantly tugging everyone back to their own school days.

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