Josh didn't like drama class.
It wasn't that he hated it. He just didn't love being told to "project his voice" or "speak from the diaphragm." Whatever that even meant. He would much rather stay behind the scenes—quiet, unnoticed, safe.
Unfortunately, Aki had other plans.
As the class gathered in the small auditorium, the teacher, Ms. Laraya, stood at the front with a clipboard and a smile that made Josh nervous. "Auditions for the school play are this week," she announced. "It's an original script written by the upperclassmen—fun, modern, and full of heart. We'll need brave volunteers to read for parts today."
Immediately, Aki raised her hand.
"Of course," Josh muttered.
Ms. Laraya beamed. "Aki! Thank you for being our first brave soul."
Josh watched as Aki made her way to the front, flashing him a wink on the way. She wasn't nervous at all—her steps were confident, her smile relaxed. When she took the script from Ms. Laraya, it was like she belonged there.
She read a few lines—something about a girl discovering her powers—and everyone clapped when she finished.
"Wonderful energy, Aki," Ms. Laraya said. "Anyone want to read opposite her?"
Josh froze when Aki raised her hand again.
"I nominate Josh."
The whole class turned toward him. His eyes widened. "What?! No—no, I—"
"Yes!" Aki said cheerfully. "He's perfect for the role of Kai—the best friend who secretly has a crush on the main character."
Someone in the back snickered. Josh wanted to disappear into the floor.
Ms. Laraya smiled like this was the best idea ever. "Josh, give it a try. It's just for fun!"
Aki held out the second script. "Please?"
Josh hesitated… then stood up, legs wobbly.
He took the paper, walked up to the front, and stood beside Aki. She gave him an encouraging nudge with her elbow.
"Relax," she whispered. "Just read it like you're talking to me."
The scene was short. Just a few lines. Kai was confessing something—how he always believed in her, even when no one else did.
Josh cleared his throat and read the lines quietly. His voice cracked a little.
But then he glanced at Aki, who was smiling at him—not the teasing kind of smile. A soft one.
So he read again, louder this time. With feeling.
When he finished, the class actually clapped. Someone even whistled.
He looked at Aki, stunned. "That... wasn't horrible."
"You were great," she said, grinning. "Told you."
He walked back to his seat, heart pounding but strangely proud.
Maybe drama class wasn't so bad after all.