The school buzzed with excitement in the days following the audition. Posters for the festival went up, students chattered about costumes, and for once, Hannah's name wasn't whispered with malice but with curiosity.
"She was amazing at the audition.""Didn't expect her to sing like that.""Maybe she's not so weak after all."
For Hannah, it felt like stepping into sunlight after years of shadow. She still caught a few cruel glances, but they didn't sting as deeply. Sara, Lina, Adrian, and the others made sure she was never left alone.
But behind the smiles and laughter, Emily seethed.
One afternoon, she gathered her two closest companions in the art room, where the paint-stained walls muffled their voices.
"She thinks she's finally found her place," Emily said, her tone calm but laced with venom. "But we'll take it from her on the night of the festival."
Her companions exchanged nervous glances. "What do you mean?"
Emily's eyes gleamed. "Sabotage. Subtle enough that no one can prove it, but devastating enough that she'll never show her face again."
She tapped her notebook, where she had already scribbled potential plans.
Swap her sheet music.
Loosen her microphone cord.
Damage her costume.
Spread rumors about favoritism.
"She'll crumble," Emily finished with a smile. "And Sara won't be able to save her this time."
Meanwhile, Hannah and Lina stayed late after classes, practicing for the performance. The music room echoed with Hannah's voice, still uncertain but growing steadier with each attempt.
"You're getting better every day," Lina said, clapping. "By the time of the festival, they'll all be eating out of your hand."
Hannah blushed. "I'm still scared. What if I mess up?"
Sara, who had been quietly watching from the doorway, spoke firmly. "Then we'll pick you back up. That's what friends are for."
Hannah smiled faintly, warmed by their confidence. For the first time, she wanted to believe she deserved it.
Emily's sabotage began with whispers.
"She only got the role because Sara begged the teachers.""The audition was rigged.""She's just a charity case."
The rumors spread quickly, eating away at Hannah's fragile confidence. By the third day, she sat in the cafeteria staring at her untouched food.
"Maybe they're right," she murmured. "Maybe I don't deserve this."
Sara slammed her tray down. "Don't listen to them. Emily's scared, that's all. She knows you're better than she ever expected."
Adrian leaned forward. "If she's spreading rumors, it means she's desperate. Desperate people make mistakes."
Daniel nodded. "Which means we'll be ready."
Hannah looked around at their determined faces and felt her chest tighten. Maybe she wasn't strong enough to fight Emily alone — but with them, maybe she had a chance.
Emily, however, wasn't done.
Late one evening, she sneaked into the costume storage room. Racks of dresses lined the walls, including the delicate white gown assigned for Hannah's solo. Emily's fingers brushed the fabric before she pulled out a small pair of scissors.
"Let's see how you handle humiliation," she whispered, snipping carefully at the seams. Just enough to tear under stage lights, but not enough to be noticed beforehand.
She tucked the gown back neatly, her smile as flawless as ever.
The next morning, Lina nearly caught her.
"Emily? What are you doing here so early?" Lina asked, frowning as she entered the hall.
Emily turned gracefully, holding a sketchbook. "Oh, just working on ideas for the stage props. Some of us care about the festival's success, you know."
Her tone was sweet, but her eyes were sharp.
Lina narrowed her gaze, but said nothing. Something about Emily's calmness unsettled her. She made a mental note to warn Sara.
That evening, Sara gathered the group.
"She's planning something," Lina reported. "I saw her near the costume room."
Sara's jaw tightened. "Then we need to check everything before the festival. Costumes, props, music — all of it."
Adrian smirked. "If she wants a game, we'll play it smarter."
Daniel's voice was cool, steady. "Stay alert. Emily won't stop until she's exposed. And when that happens, she'll have nowhere to hide."
Hannah sat quietly, her heart pounding. Fear gnawed at her, but so did determination. For once, she wasn't just bracing for survival — she wanted to fight back.
Back in her room, Emily stood before her mirror, practicing her smile. On the surface, she looked flawless, untouchable. But in her eyes burned something darker.
Grace's words echoed in her mind. Destroy her in front of everyone. Let her own stage become her grave.
Emily whispered to her reflection, "This festival will be her end."
And in the silence of her room, she believed it.