The one Charlie likes

Charlie could feel his heartbeat rising. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead as his palm felt wet. He could feel panic building in his chest as his grip on Willow's hand loosened and he released it. Clutching the hem of his black shirt, he looked at Claude in horror.

No...no...He's going to say it! He...He's going to tell everybody...

Now even Willow would leave him...He couldn't let that happen!

Charlie wanted to refute it, to yell it's not true, but no sound came from his mouth. He simply stood there, frozen in place.

His inability to respond encouraged Claude even more. Eyes shining with triumph, he continued, "Oh, seems like I was right. Then, why don't you confess, huh? After all, don't people confess when they like someone?"

"Or, perhaps-"

He also released Willow's hand and came closer to whisper in Charlie's ear. "...Are you, possibly, afraid that Will doesn't like you like that?"

'No...Shut up...Please, just...stop..' Charlie really couldn't take it anymore.

He wanted to yell at him to stop, but again, no sound came out. He could feel his heart beating in his chest rapidly and nerves getting restless. He didn't even realize when his hands started shaking. If Claude continued, he...He would lose everything!

No...no...He couldn't let that happen! He had to stop him! He had to do something-

Willow grabbed Charlie's shaking hand. His palm was wet, showing how anxious he was. He held it in place, squeezing it tightly.

Charlie's eyes were fixed at a point on the ground as he felt the tears coming. Willow's sudden move caught him off guard and he reflexively glanced sideways.

Willow looked in Charlie's eyes and nodded encouragingly. Yes, he'd stand with him. Whatever the situation may be, he'll always be there for him.

Both of them simultaneously looked up at Claude. They'll face it together.

Claude seemed to notice their intertwined hands as envy flashed in his eyes. He mused, "Oh, how sad. Willow is still standing with you. Say, Charlie, what do you think he will say when he finds out you had ill intentions from the beginning?"

"What do you think Willow would say when he finds out that you've never thought of him as a friend? When he discovers you approached him because of your own twisted attraction-"

"Stop!"

"Shut up, kid!"

Two voices interrupted him. Willow was startled by the second voice and looked at the audience. A lady in a blue dress was approaching the stage, climbing up the stairs.

She hurried towards them, in the spotlight. Athanasia shoved Claude away and stood at his place. She turned to the unnoticed Adelia in the background and cried, "I'll say it now. Even though my brother probably doesn't want anyone else to say it, I'm still a better candidate than this rude blonde guy."

"...?" Charlie couldn't register what was happening. Why was his sister here? And...What on earth was she talking about?

His instincts told him there was a big misunderstanding there. he tried to stop her, "Sister, wait-"

"My brother likes you so much, Adelia Astor! Why're you playing so hard to get! Yes, he did approach you guys because of his crush," She turned to Claude and snapped, "What of it, huh? Is it a crime to pursue someone you like!?"

Claude, "..." Charlie likes Adelia? So he wasn't his competition, after all? Well, it seems like his sister is the one who has competition.

Willow, "..." Charlie likes Adelia? WTF the plot isn't like this!

Charlie, "..." He likes Adelia? How come the person with the crush didn't know it?

Adelia, "..." Charlie likes me?! Oh, the woes of a beauty! She even attracted a gay guy! Maybe he's bi?

Literally everyone else, "..."

Louise wrapped her hands around Adelia, as if to show her ownership. "She's mine. Hands off, Mr. Taylor."