Cheat Million Love

That day, Melody excused herself from class, saying she needed to get something from the music club. But the truth was different—she just needed to breathe. She felt restless and wanted to find a quiet place to clear her head. Her feet, almost instinctively, brought her to the Unity Club.

When she opened the door, she found Olivia sitting alone, flipping through a sketchbook.

"Olivia? What are you doing here? It's still class time," Melody said softly, closing the door behind her.

Olivia looked up and smiled. "I came to grab something for Nic. But since you're here, I might as well show you this." She opened the book and held out a page. It was a sketch of Melody performing on stage with her instrument.

Melody froze for a moment, staring at the drawing with a mix of surprise and awe. "This... is me?"

"Yep. Nic drew it. He didn't say anything, but I think he really admires your talent," Olivia said with a gentle smile.

Melody looked down and sighed. "Talent, huh? I never thought about doing concerts or anything like that. Markus keeps telling me I'm not ready... that I need to keep practicing."

Olivia pulled a chair closer. "Sit down for a bit, Melody. I can tell you need some peace. What's going on?"

Melody hesitated, but Olivia's warm aura felt comforting. She finally spoke. "I'm just confused, Olivia. I don't know what to do after graduation. And Markus… he's been disappointing me lately. I feel like I'm reliving my old self. The only difference is—now Markus is the one behind it."

Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Why is Markus acting like this? Is something going on?"

Melody played with the ends of her hair. "I recently found out that Markus likes me. But I can't return his feelings. He's just my cousin—nothing more."

Olivia gave her a kind look. "Melody, one-sided love isn't healthy. If you don't like him that way, it's better to say so now. If you wait until he confesses and then reject him, it'll only hurt more."

Melody fell silent, thinking about Olivia's words.

---

Meanwhile in class, Nic glanced at the clock and tapped his fingers on the desk. Olivia had been gone a while, and the teacher was starting to wonder.

"Sir, can I go check on Olivia? She said she was grabbing something, but she's been gone quite a bit," he said.

The teacher nodded without much care. "Be quick."

Nic made his way to the Unity Club. As he got closer, he heard voices—Melody and Olivia's.

"So you're just going to keep quiet about it?" Olivia sounded firm.

"I don't know… I don't want to hurt Markus, but…" Melody replied, uncertain.

Nic decided to eavesdrop for just a second, but his curiosity got the better of him. He quietly opened the door and stepped in.

"Am I interrupting?" he said with a small smile.

Melody turned, surprised. "Oh, Nic… what are you doing here?"

He looked at her seriously. "Do you have time after school?"

Melody hesitated. "Maybe… but Markus probably won't let me go that easily."

Nic sighed and walked closer. "Who is Markus? Your parent? Are you a child? Listen, Melody. You're not some little bird that needs to stay locked in a cage. You deserve freedom—for yourself and your music. I promise, your talent won't go to waste."

Melody said nothing, but his words hit deep. And oddly, they moved her.

Nic grabbed what he came for and turned to Olivia. "Olivia, you've been gone forever. Come back to class before the teacher flips out."

Olivia chuckled. "Alright, boss." Before leaving, she shot Melody a teasing smile. "Melody, Nic just wants you to be free, you know. He's a good guy… even if a bit annoying sometimes. Haha!"

Gracefully, Olivia exited the room with a wave.

Melody sat in silence. For the first time, someone had spoken to her so directly and honestly—and that someone was Nic.

---

After school, Nic found Melody standing awkwardly near the end of the hallway. She looked nervous, glancing over her shoulder like she expected someone to catch her.

"Ready?" Nic grinned with confidence, making Melody blink in confusion.

"Um… but if Markus finds out…" she said hesitantly, clutching her bag.

Nic gave her a casual pat on the shoulder. "Come on. You're a talented musician, not a secret agent. A little sneaking out won't kill you."

"Talented musician? I've never even performed in public," Melody muttered, just loud enough for Nic to hear.

He thought for a second, then smirked. "Alright then, let's call it Operation 'Free Melody.' If Markus finds out… well, we'll deal with that later!"

Melody gave a small smile, her shoulders easing. They made their way to the back gate, cautiously checking for any signs of Markus.

As they turned a corner, Nia appeared carrying a few thick books from the library.

"Where are you two headed?" she asked, glancing between them.

"Uh, Nia, we're in a bit of a rush!" Nic blurted out.

Melody quickly added, "I just… needed a break. Markus isn't looking for me, is he?"

Nia gave a slight smirk. "Don't worry, I won't report anything. But Nic, if something happens to her… watch out."

Nic grinned. "Relax. I promise nothing will go wrong. And if anyone does try anything, I'll be the first to step up."

Nia laughed. "You two be careful."

With that, Nic and Melody made it out unnoticed.

---

They arrived at a cozy little café. Nic seemed familiar with the place, but Melody looked a little tense.

"This is it," Nic pointed to the café sign. "This place is special. They have a little stage where anyone can perform."

Melody looked toward the stage nervously. "But… I've never performed in front of people. Especially not somewhere like this."

Nic leaned in slightly, catching her off guard. "Didn't you say you wanted to try something new? Here's your chance. Don't let Markus or anyone else hold you back."

Melody lowered her gaze, thinking. Nic added with a soft smile, "I'm right here. If anyone says anything rude, I'll personally kick them out."

A waitress came over with menus. "What do you want to order?" she asked, eyeing Melody like she was bracing for a final exam.

"Two strawberry juices," Nic answered without even glancing at the menu. "And please give her some moral support. She's thinking of performing later."

Melody turned to him wide-eyed. "I never said yes!"

The waitress smiled. "Don't worry. Lots of people get nervous their first time. But if you're good, everyone will love you."

Eventually, Melody nodded. Hesitantly, she walked toward the small stage. Nic gave her a thumbs-up from his seat, cheering her on with a proud smile.

As she touched the piano keys, soft, beautiful music began to fill the room. Slowly, everyone stopped what they were doing, captivated by her performance.

One man whispered to his friend, "What song is that? Feels like heaven."

"No idea. But whoever she is… her melody's magical," his friend replied excitedly.

Melody, initially tense, started to lose herself in the music. Her fingers danced on the keys, her voice echoing gently—touching everyone in the room.

A little boy at a nearby table asked his mom, "Mom, is she an angel?"

His mom smiled. "Yes, sweetie. A music angel."

When the song ended, the entire café erupted into applause. Phones came out, cameras rolled. Melody turned to see Nic clapping the loudest, standing tall with pride.

Back at the table, she returned with a glowing face Nic had never seen before.

"So, how was it?" he asked, trying to sound casual, though his heart was bursting with pride.

Melody let out a long breath, then smiled. "I don't even know how to describe it. It felt… amazing. Like I could finally breathe. My talent was heard—and they liked it! And it's all thanks to you."

Nic scratched the back of his head. "Nah, it's thanks to your amazing gift. I just gave you a little push."

At a nearby table, the waitress whispered to her coworker, "Look at them. Such a cute young couple. So romantic."

Her friend nodded with a smile. "Lucky guy."

Nic didn't hear them, but his face turned slightly red as Melody looked at him with genuine warmth.

"Thank you, Nic," she said softly, but full of meaning.

Nic nodded, thinking to himself, Melody... that smile of yours... maybe i should be the one saying thank you.

To be continued...