What is this exciting announcement?

The Central Crew's club room was full of chatter. The second session was just about to conclude, but the announcement that Hazel had built so much hype for had yet to be proclaimed. Aster had just finished his performance- he chose to sing the same song that he had auditioned with. This time, it was honestly less nerve-wrecking, considering that a lot less was at stake. 

The second session involved everyone performing a solo for the other members, so everyone could hear how each other sounded. Besides Calix, Aster was also particularly impressed with Hazel's bright and sweet tone, which he found particularly soothing. 

"Thank you, Aster for that lovely performance!"

Hazel's enthusiasm always perked Aster up. Hazel smiled brightly as she walked to the centre of the room, bringing her electrifying energy with her.

"Okay! Now that everyone’s heard each other sing, it's time for the special announcement you've all been waiting for. Drumroll please!"

Everyone made a drumroll sound by tapping their hands on their legs. Lila even went the extra mile, using the drumsticks that she carried around to make a drumroll sound on the table. Hazel was so stoked by the response she had received, and revealed:

"There’s homework this week!"

The vibrant room fell dead silent instantly upon the mention of the word "homework". A low, collective groan emerged from the quiet, but Hazel's expression did not falter.

"It'll be fun!"

No one seemed convinced just yet.

"You’ll all have to pair up to sing a duet at next week's meet! Let’s decide on groups now!"

The chatter that was present in the room returned, as people started to register exactly what Hazel had said in their heads. Aster, however, stayed rooted in place, too anxious to act.

In any other situation, I’d be the first one to make a move, but why do I always feel so nervous around him????

The room quickly devolved into chaos as the members of Central Crew, other than Calix and Aster, scrambled to find a partner. There was particular interest placed on Calix, who had a couple of girls swooning over him. 

"Dibs on Calix!"

"You can’t say that!"

"No fair! I wanna sing with Calix"

Aster looked at Calix, who was surrounded by girls. He felt his jealousy brimming up within, but he did not dare do something about it. The pestering continued.

"I’ve been waiting for a year now!"

"Pick me! Pick me!"

Aster deduced that the demand for Calix was particularly high because he was one of the two guys in the club, but that was not enough to curb the emotions he felt in the moment. It wasn't long before some of the girls viewed Aster as another potential prospect. Two of them turned towards Aster, and started strutting confidently towards him.

"Hey! Wanna pair up?"

"You have sick guitar skills! I wanna learn."

Aster confirmed his theory. The girls of central crew were clearly dying to sing with someone with a male timbre. He couldn't help but blush at the attention that he was getting, even though he had no intention of singing with either of the girls. 

There was also the uncomfortable problem of needing to reject them. Aster had never rejected or turned anyone down before- he had always gone with the flow and just accepted whatever happened. His blood turned cold as he stammered, trying to find the words to say to let them down gently.

"Um, actually, I…"

"Okay! Since there's such high demand for Calix and Aster, why don’t we let them pick their partners instead?"

Thank goodness Hazel is taking charge of the situation. I don't know how I can even reject either of these girls.

Hazel beckoned Aster and Calix to go to the centre of the room. 

This is the perfect excuse to pick Calix.

"Calix, you pick first."

Aster braced himself for the worst.

"I’ll sing with Lila."

Those words stung Aster's heart. Worse still was the subtle smile that Calix gave as he announced his choice of duet partner. Aster felt his whole world crashing around him. He grabbed his heart a little, trying to console the heartbreak that only he knew he faced.

I’ve never seen him smile like that before. 

"Let’s do it!" 

Lila was clearly pleased. She waved her hand cheerily as she walked towards Calix. She wasn't even one of the girls who were pestering him. Maybe that was why he picked her.

In that case, why couldn't he choose me?

The other girls were displeased. Scattered murmurs of jealousy and envy filled the room. The only option that was truly desirable to Aster was now gone, and he dreaded the need to make a decision.

Who should I sing with now?

"Okay, how about you Aster?"

Although it was not Hazel's intention, the question attacked Aster's mind relentlessly. Choice was something that he absolutely avoided making. He blurted out the first answer that came to his mind, without even processing it.

"I’d love to sing with you, Hazel."

Hazel's face reddened as she was caught off guard by what Aster said. She motioned for Aster to come closer. The rest of the girls dispersed, heads hung low in disappointment

"I look forward to singing with you, Aster. I love your voice and vibe." 

She sure was direct.

"When shall we practice?" Aster asked. 

"Wanna practice together with Calix and his partner?"

Just the mention of that name was enough to get Aster to agree immediately. As the session ended, and everyone started packing up, the two of them walked over to Calix and Lila.

"Maybe we can all practise together sometime this week? How’s Wednesday?"

Hazel's proposal was immediately approved by Calix.

"Sure, sounds good."

"I’ll come by after my class." Lila chimed in.

Ash has cancelled on me twice already, but I swear he’s going to kick up a fuss if I do the same. Ugh, why must-

"How about you, Aster?"

To his surprise, the question did not come from Hazel. It came from Calix.

Calix cares enough to ask me? Is this the real life?

Aster took a moment to regain his composure before responding with a resounding "Yes!"

I just need to find an excuse to get out of the stupid Wednes-date. Ugh.