9. Watch you entertain

The week of the finals had every student on the edge of their seat. 

Nora's housemates were strangely quiet but that worked in her favor to focus on the exams more than on them and what are their thoughts on her relationship with Chris Bang.

Oh, they knew. Nora was sure about it. That silence and their distance were enough to tell her they figured it out.

On the other hand, Nora was calm that they didn't start any rumors, but the way they looked at her, especially Leona, told Nora they weren't thrilled. They didn't ask, they barely talked to her, and avoided her like a plague. The atmosphere in the house turned cold, tension thick in the air, and there were no longer those friendly and giggly study sessions and idle chats. Those were clear signs of jealousy but the curiosity was so palpable that it was ridiculous.

But Nora decided to not give a fuck.

Having Chris by her side, believing in his protection, encouraged Nora to ace the finals and not worry and give in to anxiety about what two girls she once considered her best friends, the friends that should be happy and encouraging instead of jealous and maliciously distant, thought of her. She decided not to bother herself with what bothered them.

But then the school festival came...

A week full of fun games, food stalls, campus tours, and performances was crowned with a graduation ceremony on Sunday. Nora's Cinderella play was scheduled for Friday, at the same time as Chris's soccer tournament final, and until Friday, Nora was in charge of making and selling slushies to the visitors with the first-year prince, Yang Jeongin. It was safe to say that the line and demand were huge... and mostly female-populated. No one could resist Jeongin's handsome face and dimpled smile.

"I'm beat..." Nora huffed and finally sat when their shift ended and two of their classmates took over.

"Raspberry or kiwi?" Jeongin asked, holding two plastic cups. Between pink and green, Nora chose the pink raspberry slushy. Jeongin sat on the bench next to her, letting out a tired sigh as well. "It was a busy day... and it's only Monday."

"Hah, yeah..." Nora scoffed in defeat, "I don't know how I'll survive three more days..."

"Oh, yeah!" Jeongin gasped as he took the first sip of his drink, "You have a play on Friday," she nodded to his statement, "Well... good luck," he gave her a thumbs-up and Nora weakly smiled.

The two drank their slushies, not having the will or power to move from the bench. Some girls ran excitedly past them, giggling.

"What's their deal?" Nora grimaced at the three-girl group.

"Judging by the direction they are heading to... they must be excited to watch the first soccer game," Jeongin explained and Nora flinched, her slushy stopping mid-straw. "Wanna go watch?"

"I guess so... we can stretch our legs a bit before heading home."

Grunting and groaning like a couple of old people, Jeongin and Nora stood up and walked down the path until they met the crowd of cheering people pushing through to go up the stands and watch the game.

"Oh, it just started," Jeongin gasped, "Let's go over there," he offered his hand to Nora and she accepted it, following Jeongin as they climbed the steps.

People's cheers mixed but being so high up they subsided and Nora could have a clear view of the field and the players. Leaning on the railing, they watched the game. Her eyes found the one she wanted to follow.

"So..." Jeongin smacked his lips, savoring the kiwi taste of his slushy. Nora turned her head to him. "What's up with you and Channie-hyung?"

"Channie...?"

"Chris," Jeongin clarified, rolling his eyes. Nora blushed, having completely forgotten that his close friends used his Korean name when addressing him. "You two left my party early, I saw you. What happened? Or, on the other hand, I don't want to know," he shivered in apparent disgust, "But, are you two, like, together or nah?"

Nora moved her head back to watch the game, "I don't know... I mean, I like him but we're not official..."

"What's stopping you? That stupid senior-freshman rule?"

Nora shrugged, "Yeah, I think so..."

Jeongin scoffed again, "Pfft, stupid reason. It's obvious he likes you too and given that you, most likely, had sex... I don't see the problem why not go official? You scared of what everyone's gonna say?" Nora pressed her lips tight, her hands slightly crunching the plastic cup, "Another stupid reason," She sighed, shaking her head, "He way be graduating this week but, knowing Chan, he will fight for you. So, even if you have someone bothering you, he'll step out and protect you."

That's what he said but...

"You shouldn't give a single fuck for what people have to say, Nora," Jeongin continued and she finally looked up at him, meeting Jeongin's caring smile, "I know him. If Chan has something on his mind, and has someone dear to him, he won't give up so you don't need to worry if he'll leave you fending out for yourself for the next two years. Trust me."

Nora finally smiled, feeling some weight slide off her shoulders. "Thanks, Jeongin."

"I have nothing of that thanks. You need to buy me another slushy, this one has melted."

The two laughed and continued watching the soccer game where Chris's team eventually won and everyone cheered loudly.

A new obligation was on Nora's mind after Jeongin's speech - how, when, and where to announce her relationship with Chris Bang.

...

Days go by fast when you're having fun! But in Nora's case, the days flew by fast when she was working at the slushy stall for six hours. She would return home completely tired, the fatigue disappearing only when she watched Chris play.

Easy dinner, shower, bed. That was her routine. She would text Chris, congratulating him on another win and getting a secured place in the finals. He would ask how her day was and her replies were short after which they would wish each other good night, and crash into dreamland as soon as her eyes closed.

And then came the dreaded Friday.

Nora didn't have to work at the stall but spent the hours before the play rehearsing her lines, trying out the dresses, and warming up her voice for singing. Leona and Stephanie were as distant as ever, their judgmental glares perfect for their step sisters' roles. Nora didn't let herself be fazed by their silence, she needed a play to perfect.

"Five minutes until the curtains rise! Everybody standby! The theatre is packed!" the staff boy peeked into the dressing room, announcing the close start of the show.

The actors stood up from their chairs, ready to leave.

"So, Nora..." a giggly voice came behind her and Nora let out a long breath, preparing herself for what was to come. Turning around, she met Leona's smiling face. The smile never reached her eyes as she twirled the curls of her wig between her fingers. "What's up with you and Chris?"

There we go...

Nora sighed, waiting for everyone to exit until just the three of them remained in the room.

Putting her hands on her hips, Nora tilted her head up at the taller girls, "We fucked."

Silence. Dead silence enveloped them after this direct statement, Leona's eyes and mouth open wide. Stephanie just sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"You wha--- Oh my god! What the actual fuck!?" Leona's smile disappeared, rage taking over, "How? When? Where?!"

"Missionary. Three weeks ago. In his room," Nora listed the answers one after another while maintaining a poker face.

"You have to be shitting me! What did he even see in you?!" Leona continued. Stephanie placed a hand on her raging friend's shoulder.

"Take it easy, lioness..."

"No!" Leona shrugged Stephanie's hand away, "I knew something was odd when he asked us about you that day. But you already fucked?! I can't believe this shit!" she continued and Nora sighed. "I mean... I've been flirting with him a lot more than you, little Miss Princess. You two barely talked yet he's suddenly interested in you?! How?!"

And there we go...

Nora sighed again, blinking a burn behind her eyes and gulping down the tightness of her throat. She couldn't cry now.

"You know, Leona..." Nora stepped closer, her arms crossed and her eyes pinned on her "friend's" angry face, "I thought of you as a good friend, one of my best friends that is. We ate, laughed, studied, and lived together. The least you could've done was be happy for me. But you remained a selfish, spoiled brat like always. Stephanie..." she moved her head to the brunette, "You didn't react in any way. Even now when she was bashing on me you didn't take my side. Both of you were always looking out for each other and never me. I was always your cute, little gnome. A keychain that keeps dangling and following you around. I was never enough for you just because I haven't slept with half of the college boys," she stepped back and uncrossed her arms, mockingly chuckling, "Thank you, girls. Thank you for showing your true faces. Instead of sharing my happiness, you despise it," she glared at frowning Leona, "Or you're silent about it," her eyes moved to Stephanie. Nora sighed again, relaxing her shoulders, "Now, let's go. We have a show to do."

Nora turned on her heel, her heart in her throat, and walked out of the room, passing Minho and other actors on her way to the stage.

"You did well," Minho's voice passed Nora and a smile came up to her face as she climbed the steps and went onstage.

It's showtime.

Taking their positions, Nora, Stella, Stephanie, and Leona began with the opening scene. Kind Stella learned how to get into her character, whipping insults and looking down on Cinderella/Nora, but Leona and Stephanie didn't even have to try, their hatred came naturally. And Nora enjoyed herself. Especially when she got her evening gown and let her smile spread as she headed to the Prince's ball.

She beamed with love and pride, almost imagining Minho as Chris as they danced, her joy evident and smile never leaving her face. All scenes were excelled to perfection and the audience was entertained, watching the play breathlessly.

Midnight struck and Cinderella ran down the stairs, the glass slipper falling off her foot. She was locked in her room the next day as the castle's servants sought for the mysterious woman the Prince fell in love with. Cinderella made her escape, tried the little glass shoe, and was on her way to marry her Prince Charming.

The wedding scene was set, Cinderella and the Prince were dressed in white, looking into each other's eyes with so much love it was tangible. A few sniffles could be heard from the seated audience as Cinderella made her way toward the aisle, the train of her dress stroking the ground she walked on. Stopping by her lover, she smiled and turned to the pastor who would marry them.

The priest began his speech, everyone held their breath.

"If there is someone who objects to this holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace!" he spread his arms and everyone was over-hyped, anticipating the happy ending.

But then the door of the theater burst open and a dozen gasps filled the space, heads turning to the source. The light from outside shone on the person's form, the scene straight out of the movie. So dramatic, cinematic, magical, and fitting a fairy tale.

"I object!" his voice roared and gasps and whispers erupted.

Nora watched the situation unfold, her mind blank and eyes wide, pure shock displayed on her face. Standing beside her, Minho chuckled.

"About damn time," he mumbled, taking a small step back as the other man marched between the seats.

Nora silently watched as Chris climbed the stage, dressed in a servant costume. With panting breath, he stepped up and came in front of Nora, kneeling before her. She could hear the whispers behind her and feel Leona's piercing glare on the back of her head.

"Dearest Miss Ella," with a hand over his chest, Chris acted out a miserable man, "You may not have noticed me but I've been by your side since childhood," whispers quickly quieted, "My father, a mere stableman, has been working for your late father until his death. I took over, grooming and looking after your precious horses but also keeping a close eye on you," his expression was sorrowful and Nora's eyes filled with tears, "The destiny that had stuck you, miss, is saddening and I feel your pain but..." Chris finally stood up, taking Nora's hand in his, "I have not once stopped loving you."

The crowd gasped and Nora's heartbeat quickened. Chris raised her hand, pressing his lips on her fingers.

"For all these years of my life, I have never met a more joyous, astonishing, assiduous, angelic, and amiable person such as you, Miss Ella," his smile widened, that adorable dimple appearing, "I would understand if you, an aristocrat, reject me, a mere peasant, but I want you to know that my heart weeps at your despair and exhilarates at your happiness as it only knows you, my dearest..." he stepped close, lowering his head for their foreheads to touch.

"What are you doing?" Nora whispered, her teeth clenched.

"Entertaining the crowd while confessing my true feelings," he whispered back and winked.

Taking both of Nora's hands, Chris moved them to his lips while keeping their gazes locked.

"I will understand if your heart belongs to the prince but let me say this..." Chris's voice was loud enough for everyone to hear, the audience holding their breath for the new grand finale. He smiled, his hold on Nora's hands secure. "I may not have a palace, the beautiful gardens, and the immense wealth but I can offer you my heart and soul as..." his smile softened as he gazed into her teary eyes, "I love you, my dearest princess. I love you with all my being. I love you in the morning, at noon, in the evening, and in the dead of the night. I love you in my every awake moment and my dreams. I love you when you're far and even more when you're near. All my life I've given my all but, at this moment, I want to be selfish and ask of you..." Then he knelt and kissed Nora's hand again, "My princess, will you love me back?"

The silence was loud. Tension was thick. No one dared to blink or breathe. And Nora cried.

She bit her lip, the corseted dress feeling suffocating, but she nodded and whimpered.

"I will," she cried out, "I will love you until the end of time. I promise."

And the crowd erupted in cheers. Everyone agreed that this was the best alternative ending to the story, the ending that would've sent Mrs. Bernard into a coma, but the ending that both Nora and Chris deserved. This shared love was crowned with a kiss and while some thought that it was acting, that the script was perfectly written, only a handful of people knew that what happened was purely written by feelings their hearts wrote. Genuine, lovable, pure.

The audience cheered for the actors, especially two lovers who couldn't stop smiling and holding hands.

"He really loves you," Leona whispered to Nora as they waved to the cheering people.

"I know, right," Nora replied and giggled. Leona couldn't stay mad so she smiled back, accepting her defeat.

...

"Ugh, my palms are sweating..."

"It's just the heat of the sun, relax."

Nora was fidgety and she couldn't calm down no matter how much Minho tried to soothe her. It was a graduation day. Family and friends watched the dressed-up students from the back, waiting for the ceremony to begin. And the reason Nora was specifically antsy was because Chris was selected to give a speech as the students' representative.

The dean and a few teachers said a few words but then called for the most popular and officially taken Christopher Bang.

"Here he is... uhh..."

"Calm down," Minho gritted out, already annoyed by Nora's behavior. "It's not like he's going on there naked." She smacked his arm and he chuckled.

Chris's speech went without a single flaw but then...

"And this might be against the rules but I want my girlfriend, Nora Oakley, to join me on stage," Chris spoke into the microphone and people applauded, Nora petrified as if she looked into Medusa's eyes.

"Go. That's you," Minho pushed her forward and all eyes were on Nora as she walked down to the main stage, joining Chris. Her timid smile shook and her heart was on the verge of exploding.

Chris took her hand, giving Nora a reassuring squeeze and a smile.

"While we all faced many difficulties, we learned to overcome them with the help of dear people," Chris continued talking, "And, for me, one of those people was Nora," he smiled at her again, finding her blush purely adorable, "She helped me, supported me, accepted every side of me without a single moment of judgment, and what else could I have asked for? Her love? Yes, I already have it. And with her by my side, in my mind, I think I can strive for greatness. I wish for everyone to have a person like that because with the power of love, care, and support... only sky's the limit. So, thank you, fellow students, friends, professors, ..." he turned to Nora, stepping away from the microphone stand, "And thank you, Ms. Cutie... My lovely Nora."

She smiled back, intertwining their fingers together. Chris leaned his head down as the crowd before them went wild.

"You're entertaining people until the end, huh?" she joked and he chuckled, their noses touching.

"Let them watch, I don't mind."

"Me neither."

And so, this graduation ceremony was also finalized with a loving kiss from the two most talked about people on campus now, tomorrow, and in the years ahead.

______________________________

To be continued...

A/N: *cries in the corner*