The week leading up to the school's annual talent show was always filled with excitement and a little bit of chaos. Posters were hung up around the school, each one promising an evening of amazing performances. Josh wasn't sure if he was even going to go this year, but then Aki had pulled him aside a few days ago with her usual bright grin.
"Josh, I have a great idea!" Aki had exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "We should totally perform in the talent show! We've got plenty of time to practice. It'll be fun!"
Josh had nearly choked on his drink at the suggestion. "Me? In the talent show?" he had said, unable to hide his disbelief. "I'm not exactly… talented."
Aki had waved off his protests. "Oh, come on, Josh. You're better than you think. I'll help you! We'll do something simple—maybe a duet, or a comedy skit. It'll be awesome!"
Josh had reluctantly agreed, though in his mind, he was already picturing himself tripping over his own feet in front of a crowd. Aki had assured him that they'd practice together, and there was no way he'd mess up if they rehearsed enough.
And so, that's how Josh found himself standing on stage in front of a packed auditorium that Friday night, feeling like his heart was going to burst out of his chest.
Aki, as always, was beside him, practically glowing with energy. She was ready, confident, and smiling. Josh, on the other hand, could feel his palms sweating, his legs shaking. He'd never done anything like this before. He felt so out of place, but he couldn't back out now—not with Aki counting on him.
"Are you nervous?" Aki asked him softly, her voice almost drowned out by the noise of the audience settling into their seats.
Josh nodded, trying to laugh it off. "A little. I've never really done something like this."
She gave him a reassuring look. "You're going to be great. Just follow my lead, and you'll be fine."
Josh took a deep breath, nodding in return. "Alright. I'll try not to embarrass us."
Aki grinned. "You can't embarrass us if we're having fun."
The stage lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the audience. The spotlight flicked on, and they were suddenly in the center of the room, with everyone's eyes on them. Josh's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to focus on Aki's face, on her easy smile and her confidence.
Then, the music started. Aki took the first step, her voice clear and strong as she sang the opening lines of the song they had chosen. Josh stood beside her, feeling like a deer caught in the headlights. He had practiced, sure, but the thought of everyone watching him made his stomach churn.
But then, Aki turned to him and gave him a quick wink, and it was like everything else disappeared. The nervousness faded into the background, and all he had to do was keep up with her. He started to sing, his voice shaky at first, but as the song went on, it felt more natural. He found himself getting into it, even laughing at himself a little. Aki's energy was infectious, and for the first time, he wasn't thinking about how silly he might look.
They finished the performance with a flourish, and the audience erupted into applause. Josh stood there, wide-eyed, not sure what had just happened. He looked over at Aki, who was grinning from ear to ear.
"That was amazing!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a hug. "I knew you had it in you!"
Josh couldn't help but laugh, a nervous giggle escaping him. "I'm surprised I didn't mess up."
Aki pulled back, giving him a playful shove. "You were awesome! We should totally do this again next year."
Josh shook his head, still a little overwhelmed by what had just happened. "I'm not sure I'm ready for that."
Aki winked at him. "I bet you'll be ready next year."
They made their way backstage, where they were greeted with high-fives and congratulations from their friends. Josh couldn't stop smiling, despite the exhaustion that was starting to settle in. He had done it. And it wasn't as bad as he had feared.
As the night went on, they watched other students perform, and Josh found himself feeling strangely proud. It wasn't just the applause from the audience; it was the fact that he had stepped out of his comfort zone. Aki had been right—he had had fun. And, for the first time, he wasn't worried about what people thought.
Later, as they sat outside, the cool night air settling around them, Aki turned to him with a smile. "See? That wasn't so bad, right?"
Josh grinned back at her, feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the chilly evening air. "Yeah. You were right. It was fun."
Aki leaned back, staring up at the stars. "I knew you had it in you, Josh. You just needed someone to believe in you."
Josh looked over at her, his heart doing that strange fluttering thing again. "Thanks, Aki. I'm glad you talked me into it."
She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling. "Anytime, Josh. You can always count on me."
In that moment, Josh realized how much that simple reassurance meant to him. Aki had always been there for him, and she was still there, helping him find his way through his own uncertainties. And as much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't help but wonder if maybe he had been relying on her for something more than just friendship.
But he didn't know how to tell her that.
For now, he was content to sit next to her, watching the stars, his thoughts a little less cluttered, a little more at ease. He had survived the talent show, and he had done it with Aki by his side. That was enough—for tonight.