Chapter 23: Facing the Spotlight

Chapter 23: Facing the Spotlight

Liam woke up to an unexpected flood of notifications. His song, the one he had hesitated to share, had started gaining traction online. Comments poured in—some from strangers, some from classmates who had never spoken to him before.

This is amazing!

Dude, I had no idea you were this talented.

Can't wait for the next one!

Liam blinked at the screen, his heart racing. This was real.

Ethan called moments later, his voice buzzing with excitement. "Bro, people love your song. You need to upload more. You could actually make something out of this."

Liam ran a hand through his hair, still processing. "I don't know, man. It's just one song."

"One song that's already getting attention. Don't overthink it. Just keep going."

Liam wasn't sure if he was ready for "keeping going," but for the first time, he started to believe that maybe—just maybe—he had something worth sharing.

---

Maya, meanwhile, was in a different kind of whirlwind. The environmental program she had applied to had sent her an email. She hesitated for a moment before clicking it open.

Dear Maya, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Summer Environmental Leaders Program…

Her breath caught in her throat. She had done it. She had actually gotten in.

She ran to find Chloe, practically bursting. "I got in!"

Chloe squealed, pulling her into a hug. "Maya, that's amazing! You're going to change the world."

Excitement flooded her, but underneath, a sliver of doubt lingered. The program was out of state. What would that mean for her and Liam?

---

That evening, Maya met up with Liam, nervous energy buzzing through her.

"Liam, I have something to tell you," she started, gripping his hands.

"Me too," he said at the same time.

They both laughed, then Maya gestured for him to go first.

"So… my song is kind of blowing up online," Liam admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "People are actually listening to it. Ethan thinks I should keep posting."

Maya's eyes widened. "Liam, that's huge! You should keep going! This is what you love."

Liam smiled, the weight of doubt lifting slightly. "Okay, your turn. What's your news?"

Maya hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I got into the summer program. The one out of state."

Liam's expression flickered, just for a second, before settling into something softer. "Maya, that's incredible. I knew you'd get in."

She searched his face. "You're okay with this?"

He squeezed her hand. "Of course. This is your dream. I'd never want to hold you back."

Maya exhaled, relieved. But deep down, a question lingered between them—what would happen when summer came? Neither of them said it out loud, but they both felt it.

For now, though, they held onto the moment, choosing to believe that everything would work itself out.

---

To be continued…