Ch.77 : Yin and Yang

Backstage, Chloe and Jack were getting ready for their turn. Jack stepped closer, a bit awkward, and said,

"Umm... What if I carry you onto the stage? It'd look cool, right?"

Chloe raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't that unnecessary? That's not even part of the concept."

Still trying to win her over, Jack insisted,

"Come on, Chloe. We'd look great together. This could help us win!"

Inside, Jack was thinking this might be his golden chance to get closer to her.

Not wanting to drag the argument, Chloe sighed and gave a small nod.

"Fine. If that's what you want..."

Jack positioned himself and let Chloe climb onto his back. But the moment she did, his posture wavered, and his face tensed as he struggled to hold her up.

"She's... heavy..." he muttered inwardly, forcing a smile.

Chloe looked at him innocently.

"Am I heavy??"

Jack, barely holding it together, stammered,

"N-not at all! Super light!! Haha..."

Though his knees trembled like a baby deer.

Ignoring Chloe's suggestion to get down, Jack stumbled toward the stage. By the time they arrived, his legs buckled, and Chloe leapt off with elegant grace just in time to save them both from falling.

The audience murmured in confusion.

"What was that?"

"Did the guy almost pass out?"

Chloe took a deep breath, locking eyes with her mother seated seriously at the judges' table. This was her moment. She had to be acknowledged.

Climbing a small stairway to the upper part of the stage, Chloe began her monologue, voice calm but laced with emotion.

"Fire and water… two forces that never blend, always at odds. But today, we'll attempt the impossible—bringing them together."

She gave a subtle cue to Jack—it was time for the dramatic part.

With confidence, Chloe undid the ties on her large gown. The fabric floated into the air like a majestic wave crashing toward Jack. But instead of a graceful rebound... Jack got tangled in the fabric!

Panic set in as he spun and flailed, looking like a man swarmed by bees.

His friends in the audience couldn't hold it in.

"HAHAHAHA! What the heck, Jack?! That's supposed to be dramatic, not a circus act!"

"Love makes people dumb, bro. Look at that disaster!"

Jack finally untangled himself, but Chloe was clearly disappointed.

Trying to salvage it, Jack jumped backward and shouted,

"I-I will rise! I will become one with the water!"

But it was too late. The performance had already unraveled.

Jack stood frozen, the echo of his friends' laughter ringing in his ears. His face turned red from embarrassment.

"Seriously, Jack! Trying too hard!" someone jeered.

Unable to take it anymore, Jack pointed at them and snapped,

"Shut the hell up, Damn it!"

The hall went quiet. Awkward silence spread.

Sitting among the crowd, Nic let out a long sigh.

"...What the heck is he doing..."

Chloe stepped over to Jack and softly said,

"Thanks, Jack... but we lost."

Still in denial, Jack replied,

"Lost? What are you talking about? We're not done yet!"

But Chloe just gave a sad smile. She let the water-themed gown fall from her body and walked off stage without looking back.

Jack was left alone—humiliated, angry, and frustrated.

"This is stupid! I hate this drama crap! What a waste of time!" he grumbled as he stormed off the stage.

His friends just laughed and shook their heads.

"There he goes. Classic Jack—Drama King to the core."

Two of the judges turned to Chloe's mother.

"Ma'am, your thoughts?"

Chloe's mom gave a faint smile.

"Well... he lost."

But just as everyone began to leave, someone stepped onto the stage.

It was Nic.

He raised his hand and spoke loud and clear,

"Wait! Chloe hasn't lost yet. If you'll allow it, I'd like to perform with her instead. I have a concept in mind."

The judges exchanged looks. There was hesitation in the air. But then, seeing Chloe's crushed spirit and Nic's clear determination, Chloe's mother gave a small smile.

"Alright. I approve."

From the audience, Leona elbowed Vivi.

"Here we go—Prince Charming to the rescue."

Vivi giggled,

"Typical Nic."

Backstage, Chloe was crying quietly, wiping her tears with her sleeve. She felt like everything had crumbled.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Nic entered, carrying a breeze of calm with him.

"What are you doing in here?" Chloe sniffled, quickly drying her eyes.

Nic grinned wide.

"What else? I'm here to perform with you!"

Chloe blinked in surprise.

"Perform... with me?"

Nic leaned in and whispered a short version of his new plan: Yin and Yang.

Chloe stared at him, her cheeks flushing a bit. Then her eyes lit up with determination.

"I... I don't want to disappoint my mom again. Let's do it."

Nic gave her a thumbs-up.

"That's the spirit I love to see."

They both got ready, bringing with them renewed hope.

When Chloe finished preparing, they walked onto the stage together. The lights dimmed, leaving only a gentle spotlight illuminating the two figures at center stage.

Nic wore a pristine white suit with gold accents—like radiant light. Beside him, Chloe stood elegantly in a dark purple gown with black trims around the waist and hem—a vision of shadow, grace, and mystery.

They stood back-to-back, like two opposing forces.

Nic's voice echoed gently.

"We're different in so many ways."

Chloe followed, her tone low but steady.

"Like light and dark. Day and night. Unable to become one... yet unable to exist alone."

Nic turned slightly, his voice growing stronger.

"I have flaws I can't hide on my own."

Chloe turned too, their faces now almost touching.

"And I have sides only someone opposite can truly understand."

"Our imperfections... are not to be hidden. But to be completed."

Music began to swell as their dance started.

Their steps were slow, deliberate at first. Nic approached Chloe with controlled poise. Chloe stepped back, spun, avoided him—until finally facing him head-on. They touched hands, then flowed into a rotating motion, soft yet intense.

Nic lifted Chloe gently, spinning her midair. Her gown fluttered like a swirling night sky. Their movements were filled with tension but also harmony. At times, Chloe would retreat, symbolizing the gap between their worlds—only to run back into Nic's arms, silently declaring: "Even if we're different, I still want to be with you."

The stage became a dance floor of two energies: golden white and deep violet. No dominance—just perfect balance.

As the music reached its climax, Chloe pretended to trip. Her body fell backward—but Nic caught her in time.

He supported her with one arm around her back, the other lifting her hand high toward the ceiling.

Two forces... now united in a single breathtaking moment.

The hall was silent... then applause exploded.

Teachers stood. Students cheered. Some even whistled, overcome by the beauty and meaning of the performance.

Chloe's attention snapped to the judges' table—her mother had stood up and was walking toward her.

"Mom...?"

Her mother approached gracefully. Chloe froze, her heart pounding in fear of disappointment.

But her mom didn't speak. Instead, she hugged Chloe tightly.

"You... were incredible." Her voice trembled.

"Me?"

"You reminded me of my younger self. But even more elegant... and braver."

Chloe tried to hold back tears, but failed. She hugged her mother tightly, overwhelmed by the long-awaited praise.

Her mother turned to Nic.

"This concept... where did it come from?"

Nic answered sincerely,

"From the heart."

She gave him a soft smile.

"Thank you... for giving her confidence."

Then she handed over their scorecard—tied for the highest score of the night.

After the award photos and formal congratulations, Chloe's mother gave her daughter one last hug.

"I have to return to the city. But I'm at peace now. My daughter... has grown stronger than I ever imagined."

The night continued at Unity Club headquarters.

Laughter filled the room. Vivi imitated Jack's awkward runway walk while Rika reenacted the shocked reactions of other contestants.

Knok knok knok...

Someone was at the door.

Olivia opened it.

"Oh? Chloe?"

Chloe stood at the entrance, dressed casually but still stunning.

"Um... can I join you guys?"

Vivi turned around with a mischievous grin.

"Join as a girlfriend or just a club member?"

Chloe blushed, nervous.

"Uh… I…"

Nia got up from the couch.

"That's enough teasing, Vivi. Chloe, come on in. Let's welcome you as Nic's new girlfriend!"

Nic smiled and looked at Chloe.

"Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

Chloe nodded shyly.

"Welcome to the Unity family," said Leona, pulling Chloe in for a hug, quickly joined by the rest of the girls.

To be continued...