TO CHERISH AND BE LOVED

The next morning, Sophia arrived at the school early, her clipboard in hand and a renewed sense of purpose. She knew the final two days would be crucial, not just for the event's success but for proving that she could lead the student council through even the most chaotic situations.

As she walked through the venue, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. The booths were perfectly set up, the stage for the talent showcase was being finalized, and the volunteers were already bustling about. The hard work was paying off, and it showed.

Ethan was waiting for her near the main stage, already coordinating with the sound team. When he saw her, he waved and walked over. "Morning, President. Everything's looking good so far."

Sophia smiled. "Morning, Vice-President. Let's keep it that way."

He chuckled at her formal tone but quickly turned serious. "Maya texted earlier. She said Lucas is sticking to his side, and Damien hasn't caused any trouble—yet."

"Yet," Sophia repeated, a shadow crossing her face. "Let's hope it stays that way."

Before she could say more, Maya appeared, looking slightly out of breath. "Sophia, we might have a situation. Some of the vendors are complaining about their booth placements. They think they're not getting enough foot traffic."

Sophia sighed, rubbing her temples. "Alright, let's go talk to them. Ethan, can you handle the stage preparations while I sort this out?"

"Consider it done," Ethan replied, already heading toward the stage.

Maya led Sophia to the vendors, where a small group was gathered, their expressions ranging from annoyed to frustrated. Sophia took a deep breath, putting on her calmest and most professional demeanor.

"Good morning, everyone," she began, addressing them with a polite but firm tone. "I understand there are concerns about booth placements. Let's work together to find a solution."

The vendors began voicing their complaints, and Sophia listened carefully, jotting down notes and asking clarifying questions. It took some time, but she eventually proposed a compromise that satisfied most of them.

As the vendors dispersed, Maya gave her an approving nod. "You handled that like a pro."

Sophia managed a small smile. "Let's hope that's the last crisis for today."

But as she turned to head back to the main area, a familiar voice called out to her.

"President Sophia."

She turned to see Damien standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets and an unusually serious expression on his face.

"What is it, Damien?" she asked, her tone cool but professional.

"I know I've messed up," he began, his voice low. "But I want to help. Let me prove that I can still contribute to this event, even if I'm not the vice-president anymore."

Sophia studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Damien, this isn't about proving anything to me. It's about doing what's best for the council and the school. If you're serious about helping, you'll follow my instructions without question. Can you do that?"

"I can," Damien said firmly.

"Alright," she said after a pause. "Then report to Maya. She'll assign you to a task. And Damien—no more drama. We can't afford it."

"Understood," he replied, nodding before walking away.

Maya raised an eyebrow at Sophia as they watched him go. "You sure about that?"

Sophia sighed. "Not entirely. But everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves. Let's just hope he doesn't waste it."

With that, she headed back to the main stage, ready to tackle whatever the day threw at her next.

Sophia quickly dialed Maya and Jade on her phone, stepping aside from the bustling event preparations to speak with them.

"Hey, you guys," she said once they both picked up. "I want you to keep an eye out for Damien. I gave him a second chance to help with the event, but I don't want any surprises. Make sure he stays in line."

Maya's voice came through first, a mix of curiosity and mild disbelief. "Wait, you're trusting him again? After everything?"

Sophia sighed. "I know, but he seemed genuinely sorry, and I thought maybe... just maybe, he could redeem himself. Still, I'd feel better if you both kept an eye on him, just in case."

Jade's tone was more amused. "Got it, boss. We'll be his unofficial bodyguards. If he even thinks about causing trouble, we'll step in."

"Thanks, guys," Sophia said, feeling a small wave of relief. "I appreciate it. Let me know if anything happens."

"You'll be the first to know," Maya assured her before hanging up.

Pocketing her phone, Sophia took a deep breath and glanced at the event grounds again. Every decision she made seemed like walking a tightrope, but with the right people around her, she hoped the rest of the day would go smoothly.

Sophia made her way to the other side of the stage, weaving through the busy crowd of students and staff preparing for the next activity. As she approached, she spotted Ethan standing among the dancers, his calm demeanor shining as he gave them last-minute pointers.

His hands moved animatedly as he explained something to one of the performers, earning a nod of understanding from the group. Ethan always had a way of making even the most chaotic situations feel manageable, a trait Sophia secretly admired.

"Ethan," she called out as she stepped closer, her voice cutting through the noise.

He turned, his expression softening when he saw her. "Sophia, what's up? Everything okay?"

"Yeah," she replied, crossing her arms as she glanced at the dancers. "Just wanted to check in. How are things looking over here?"

Ethan smiled. "The dancers are ready. A few jitters, but nothing out of the ordinary. They'll be great."

"Good to hear." She paused, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "Also... thanks for stepping up earlier. I know taking on the vice-president role wasn't exactly on your to-do list."

Ethan shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm just doing my part. Besides, you've got enough to worry about without Damien adding to your plate."

Sophia nodded, her gaze briefly dropping to the ground. "Still, it means a lot. I feel like everything's been falling apart, and I'm just trying to hold it all together."

"You're doing more than holding it together," Ethan said firmly. "You're making it work. And if you need me to handle anything else, just say the word."

Sophia felt a small smile tug at her lips. Ethan's steady presence was a reminder that she wasn't alone in this. "Thanks, Ethan. I'll hold you to that."

He chuckled. "You always do."

"Speaking of Damien, I might have given him a chance to help. Sorry," she said.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he looked at her. "You what?"

Sophia sighed, rubbing her temples. "I know, I know. After everything that's happened, it probably sounds ridiculous. But... I just thought he deserved one more chance."

Ethan shook his head, a mix of concern and amusement on his face. "You're way too forgiving sometimes, Sophia. Damien's already messed up more than once."

"I know," she replied quickly, her voice firm. "But I couldn't just... push him out completely. Not without giving him a shot at redeeming himself."

Ethan studied her for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. If you're sure about this, I'll back you up. But if he messes up again—"

"Don't worry, Maya and Jade are on the lookout," Sophia interrupted, her tone resolute. "Trust me, Ethan. This is his last chance."

Ethan nodded reluctantly, though the concern in his eyes didn't fade. "Alright, as long as someone's keeping an eye on him. But I'm telling you, if he so much as steps out of line again, I'm pulling him from the event myself."

Sophia managed a small smile, appreciating his protectiveness. "Fair enough. I just hope it doesn't come to that. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt... for now."

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You've got more faith than I do, that's for sure." He glanced toward the dancers, who were finalizing their routine. "Alright, let's focus on what we can control for now. How's everything else looking?"

Sophia followed his gaze, her expression softening as she saw the performers practicing with energy and excitement. "Honestly, better than I expected. If everything stays on track, this might just be the highlight of the event."

"Good," Ethan said, his tone lighter now. "Let's make sure it stays that way. And let's hope Damien doesn't turn this into another disaster."

Sophia chuckled lightly, the tension between them easing. "I'll hold him accountable, Ethan. Promise."

As they continued to check on the preparations together, Sophia felt a small flicker of hope. Despite the chaos and stress, maybe—just maybe—this event would end on a high note after all.

Ethan watched her for a moment longer, his expression softening slightly. "Alright, Sophia. I trust you know what you're doing. Just... don't let him drag you down with him if things go sideways again."

Sophia gave a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Ethan. I won't. And I'll make sure Maya and Jade stay on top of things."

Ethan nodded, leaning back against the stage railing. "You've got a good heart, Sophia. Sometimes too good. But I guess that's one of the reasons people look up to you."

Sophia blinked, slightly caught off guard by his words. "I don't know about that," she said, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I just... want this event to succeed. I want everyone to feel like their efforts mattered."

"That's what makes you a great president," Ethan said, his tone sincere. "You care about everyone, even when they don't deserve it."

Sophia felt her cheeks warm at his compliment, and she quickly looked away, pretending to adjust some papers in her hand. "Thanks, Ethan. That means a lot coming from you."

Before he could respond, the sound of music rehearsals starting up nearby drew their attention.

"Looks like the dancers are getting ready," Ethan said, glancing over his shoulder. "I should probably go check on the tech crew to make sure everything's set for the lighting cues."

"Good idea," Sophia said, regaining her composure. "I'll handle things here. Let me know if there's anything I need to step in for."

Ethan gave her one last reassuring smile before walking off toward the backstage area. Sophia watched him leave, a small sense of relief settling in her chest.

**With Ethan's support, maybe things wouldn't be as chaotic as they seemed.** She took a deep breath and turned her focus back to the stage, determined to finish the day strong.

Meanwhile, back with Maya and Jade, the two stood off to the side, keeping a close watch on Damien as he carried out his tasks. They exchanged knowing glances every now and then, occasionally pulling out their phones to sneak updates into the group chat.

*Maya*: **"Update: Damien is actually helping. Surprising, I know. Points TBD."**

*Jade*: **"Still keeping a close eye, though. If he tries anything, I'll be the first to report. 😉"**

Maya snorted softly as she read Jade's message, quickly typing her reply. **"Fair. But so far, he's behaving. Guess Sophia's second chance might not be wasted after all."**

They both glanced up when Damien began setting up decorations with a surprisingly focused demeanor.

"Well, I'll give him credit," Jade murmured, slipping her phone back into her pocket. "At least he's taking this seriously. I was half-expecting him to slack off or get into another argument with Lucas."

"Same," Maya replied, folding her arms. "But hey, it's good for Sophia's sake. She doesn't need another headache right now."

As the two watched, Damien finished arranging a set of banners and turned toward them, wiping his hands on his jeans. "Is there something else that needs to be done?" he asked, his tone genuinely cooperative.

Maya and Jade exchanged a look before Maya replied, "Actually, yeah. Check in with the logistics team and see if they need extra hands with the stage setup. And, you know, keep up the good work."

Damien gave a quick nod before heading off, leaving the two girls momentarily stunned.

"Okay, I take back half of the bad things I said about him earlier," Jade said, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe he really is trying."

Maya smirked, pulling out her phone again to type another update. **"Points for Damien: TBD. So far, so good."**

Meanwhile, Daniel and Ryan, who were keeping an eye on Lucas at the Harbor Academy booth, sent their updates to the group chat.

**Daniel:** "Lucas is being suspiciously quiet today. He's been at the booth, but he keeps glancing toward the main stage. Think he's planning something?"

**Ryan:** "He's still here for now, but yeah, I've noticed the same thing. He looks... distracted. I wouldn't put it past him to try and make a dramatic move."

**Maya:** "Ugh, of course. Keep him there. Do whatever it takes. Snacks, games, *threats*—I don't care, just don't let him near Sophia."

**Ryan:** "Roger that. He's not going anywhere on my watch."

**Jade:** "I can't believe we're babysitting Lucas while Sophia juggles everything else. Who's winning in the points race right now?"

**Maya:** "TBD. Damien's helping, so he's inching up, but Lucas and Ethan are still neck-and-neck. Sophia doesn't even know what she's walking into."

The group chat buzzed with activity as they continued their updates, all determined to manage the chaos behind the scenes.

TBD = To be determined

**Ryan:** "Lucas just asked when the stage performances are starting. He's definitely planning something. Should we distract him?"

**Daniel:** "Already on it. I'm challenging him to a game at the booth. He's too competitive to back down."

**Maya:** "Good. Buy us as much time as you can. If he even thinks about heading to the stage, block him. I don't care how."

Meanwhile, back at the event, Maya and Jade were still shadowing Damien, who was surprisingly focused on his task.

**Maya (in the group chat):** "Damien's actually... helping? He's been handing out programs and coordinating with the performers. I didn't think he had it in him."

**Jade:** "We'll see how long this lasts. But credit where it's due—he hasn't caused any drama so far."

**Ryan:** "Damien being responsible? Lucas staying put? Are we in an alternate universe?"

**Maya:** "Don't jinx it. Let's just get through the day without another incident."

Meanwhile, Sophia, still at the stage with Ethan, checked her phone and smirked at the updates. She shook her head in amusement before putting it away.

"Ethan, looks like the team's holding things together," she said with a small smile. "For now, anyway."

Ethan crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "As long as Lucas stays where he's supposed to and Damien doesn't pull another stunt, we might actually make it to the end of this event in one piece."

Sophia sighed, glancing toward the crowd. "One can only hope. Let's just focus on keeping everything running smoothly."

Unbeknownst to them, Lucas had grown increasingly restless at the Harbor Academy booth. Despite Daniel's distractions, his mind was clearly elsewhere, and it was only a matter of time before he made his next move.

As Sophia and Ethan were preparing for the stage performances to begin amidst the chaos backstage, one of the dancers accidentally ran into Sophia. She stumbled, her balance faltering as her feet tangled together.

"Whoa, Sophia!" Ethan exclaimed, reaching out just in time to catch her before she hit the ground. His arms wrapped securely around her, steadying her as she gasped in surprise.

"I'm so sorry!" the dancer apologized frantically, bowing quickly. "I wasn't watching where I was going!"

Sophia waved a hand, her heart still racing from the near fall. "It's fine, just—just be more careful, okay? There's a lot going on back here."

Ethan helped her straighten up, his hand lingering on her arm for a moment longer than necessary. "You alright?" he asked, his voice softer now.

She nodded, brushing off her skirt. "Yeah, I think so."

"Can you stand?" Ethan asked, his hand still firmly holding her arm for support.

Sophia tried to get to her feet, but as soon as she shifted her weight, her legs wobbled and she stumbled.

"Whoa, easy there," Ethan said, tightening his grip to steady her again. "Looks like you twisted something."

Sophia groaned, frustrated. "Great. Just what I needed today."

Ethan crouched slightly to check her ankle. "Does it hurt when you move it?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

She flexed her foot a little, wincing. "Not too much, but it's sore."

"Alright, no sudden moves for now. Sit for a second," Ethan instructed as he helped her back to a nearby chair.

"I can't just sit around," Sophia protested. "The event is about to start!"

Ethan crouched in front of her, meeting her eyes. "You can't lead anything if you're injured, Sophia. Give me five minutes to get ice or something. You're not going anywhere until I know you're okay."

His determined tone left no room for argument, and Sophia sighed, reluctantly nodding. "Fine. But make it quick."

Ethan stood, glancing toward the stage crew. "Stay here. I'll handle this."

Sophia watched him leave, a mix of gratitude and exasperation washing over her. Even in the middle of chaos, Ethan managed to stay calm and take control.

Maybe having him as vice-president wasn't such a bad idea after all.

As she sat there, she saw Maya and Jade running quickly toward her, their expressions full of concern.

"Are you okay?" Maya asked, kneeling beside her and gently checking her for any injuries.

"What happened? We were worried," Jade added, her voice edged with panic as she glanced around, trying to piece together the situation.

Sophia gave them a small, reassuring smile, though the lingering ache in her ankle was hard to ignore. "Yes, I'm fine. It was just a little accident. Nothing to worry about."

Maya raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "You don't look fine, Sophia. You're sitting here like you can't move. What happened?"

"One of the dancers accidentally ran into me," Sophia admitted, brushing off her skirt as she shifted slightly. "I tripped, but Ethan's getting ice for my ankle."

"Why are you guys here?" she asked, tilting her head, hoping to divert their attention from her fall.

Jade huffed, crossing her arms with a teasing smirk. "Oh, we heard it from Ethan. He called us, saying there was an accident. It's not every day we see our fearless president almost take a tumble."

Sophia rolled her eyes playfully, trying to downplay the situation. "I'm fine, you guys, really. This—this is just a slight pain. It will go away," she said, brushing off their concern and adjusting her position slightly.

Maya wasn't convinced. "Sophia, don't even try to minimize this. You can barely stand on your own. We're not letting you brush this off like everything else."

Jade nodded in agreement. "Exactly. You're always putting everyone else before yourself. For once, just let us take care of things."

Sophia sighed, her resolve faltering. She knew they were right, but the weight of her responsibilities tugged at her. "I just don't want to let anyone down," she admitted softly, avoiding their gazes.

"You're not letting anyone down," Maya said firmly. "The event won't fall apart just because you take a moment to rest. We've got this, okay?"

Sophia looked at them, her heart warmed by their unwavering support. "Thank you," she said quietly, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt.

After a few minutes, Ethan returned with a pack of ice in one hand and a small snack in the other. He crouched down beside Sophia, carefully placing the ice on her ankle. "Here," he said softly, offering her the snack. "You need to rest, okay?"

Sophia accepted the ice gratefully, letting out a small sigh of relief as the coolness eased the pain. "Thanks, Ethan," she said with a faint smile, taking the snack from him.

"You sure you're okay?" he asked, his tone gentle but concerned.

Sophia nodded, her smile softening. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Just... a little embarrassed."

Ethan chuckled, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "No need to be. It happens. You don't always have to be the invincible president, you know."

She gave him a small laugh, grateful for his lightheartedness. "I know, but it's hard to stop sometimes. Everyone's relying on me."

Ethan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And we've got your back, always. Just let us take care of the rest today, alright?"

Sophia met his gaze, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thanks, Ethan. I really appreciate it."

Maya and Jade, who were just a few inches away from the pair, exchanged grins before high-fiving each other.

"10 points for Ethan," Maya muttered under her breath, her tone amused.

Jade smirked, leaning closer to whisper, "At this rate, he might just win the race."

Maya chuckled softly. "Well, he's certainly stepping up."

The two continued to watch, their playful expressions giving away their amusement at the unfolding dynamic between Ethan and Sophia.

"Let's update the boys," Maya said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Yes, let's message them in the group chat," Jade added, already pulling out her phone.

The two leaned against the nearby railing, quickly typing updates into the chat.

**Maya:** *10 points for Ethan. He just brought Sophia an ice pack and snacks. Very smooth.*

**Jade:** *He's got the lead right now. Lucas and Damien better step it up!*

A flurry of reactions immediately filled the chat—laughing emojis, mock groans, and one dramatic "Not fair!" message from Clarence.

**Ryan:** *Ethan's making us all look bad. Snacks and ice packs? Smooth move.*

**Marco:** *Can someone tell Lucas to stop sulking at Harbor? He's losing ground fast.*

**Clarence:** *I still vote for Damien. Not fair, guys.*

**Daniel:** *I don't think Lucas is doing anything at this point.*

**Maya:** *Same as Damien. He's just helping, not flirting.*

**Ryan:** *So, basically, it's Ethan's game now? Y'all are making this too easy for him.*

**Jade:** *Pretty much. But hey, maybe Lucas or Damien will surprise us. You never know.*

**Marco:** *Doubt it. Lucas is too busy sulking, and Damien's just trying to stay out of trouble.*

Maya laughed quietly, typing back.

**Maya:** *Well, unless they start doing more than just existing, Ethan's getting all the points today.*

The chat simmered down as everyone seemed to acknowledge Ethan's lead, and Maya leaned over to Jade. "Think Damien will step up his game, or is he just going to lay low the whole time?"

Jade smirked. "If I know Damien, he's probably planning something to prove he's still in the running. Let's see if he can pull it off."

They both exchanged amused glances, ready for whatever chaos the boys would bring next.

**Marco:** *If I were Damien, I'd step up just by helping. Maybe Ms. President will acknowledge my presence if I stay consistent and helpful.*

**Ryan:** *Big words, Marco. Too bad Damien's too busy moping to think of that.*

**Maya:** *True. Actions speak louder than words, and Ethan's already proving that.*

**Clarence:** *Y'all are too harsh on Damien. Give the guy a break.*

**Jade:** *We're not being harsh. We're being real. He's got a shot, but only if he actually tries.*

Maya chuckled as she glanced at Sophia and Ethan, who were now discussing stage details.

**Maya:** *At this rate, Ethan's going to win by default. Lucas and Damien better start stepping up their game if they want a chance.*

**Daniel:** *Agreed. Lucas is just... there. And Damien? Well, he's got the skills to turn this around if he stops wallowing.*

The group chat buzzed with agreement, but Maya couldn't help but smirk. "This is starting to feel like a reality show," she whispered to Jade.

Jade laughed. "And Ethan's winning all the votes. Classic underdog story."

Meanwhile, Ethan and Sophia's point of view:

"How's everything going?" Sophia asked, looking at Ethan.

"Everything is going as planned, Ms. President," Ethan replied.

"Good. Only two more days before this event is over, and we can go back to our normal class routines," she added.

Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "Two days feels like forever, though. But at least we're almost there."

Sophia let out a small chuckle. "Forever might be an exaggeration, but I know what you mean. It feels like this event has been going on for a month instead of a week."

Ethan glanced at the clipboard in his hand. "Well, everything's ticking along. No more unexpected chaos, and Damien's actually been... behaving. For now."

Sophia arched a brow. "That's surprising, but I'll take it. As long as everyone plays their part, we might just survive this."

Ethan grinned. "Speaking of playing their part, have you checked the decorations for tomorrow's final showcase? The committee said they're missing some materials."

Sophia sighed, already pulling out her phone. "Of course they are. I'll message Maya and Jade to handle it. Those two are the only ones I can count on to get things done."

Ethan watched her for a moment before speaking. "You know, you could delegate even more. Take a break, maybe."

Sophia shook her head, a determined look in her eyes. "Breaks come after this event. Right now, I need to focus. Two more days, Ethan. Just two more."

He smiled, impressed by her drive. "Alright, Ms. President. But don't forget, you've got a team who's ready to help. You're not alone in this."

Her expression softened, and she gave him a grateful nod. "I know, Ethan. Thanks for reminding me."

Her expression softened, and she gave him a grateful nod. "I know, Ethan. Thanks for reminding me."

"But for now, you need to rest your injury. I'll take care of the rest—just contact Maya and Jade about the decorations," Ethan said firmly before turning and walking away.

Sophia watched him leave, a small smile forming on her lips. Despite the chaos of the event and her own stubbornness, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing Ethan was by her side, always ready to help when things became overwhelming.

She pulled out her phone and dialed Maya, ready to coordinate the final touches for the decorations.

Sophia leaned back in her chair after the call with Maya, closing her eyes for a moment as the stress of the day slowly caught up to her. Her ankle still throbbed slightly, but she knew she couldn't afford to rest for long.

Her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Jade in their group chat.

**Jade:** *Maya and I got the decorations under control. Also, Damien is actually being useful for once—he's helping us carry supplies. Who would've thought?*

Sophia smiled faintly, typing a quick reply.

**Sophia:** *Glad to hear. Keep me posted if anything else comes up.*

A knock on the door pulled her attention, and she looked up to see Freya peeking inside. "Sophia, everything's running smoothly at the booths. The representatives wanted me to check in on you."

"Thanks, Freya. Let them know I appreciate their hard work," Sophia replied.

Freya hesitated for a moment. "Also... don't push yourself too hard. Everyone can see how much effort you're putting into this. You don't always have to shoulder everything alone."

Sophia blinked at her, a bit surprised by the comment, but nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Freya."

As Freya left, Sophia turned her attention back to the stage layout plans, her determination renewed. With Ethan handling the final logistics and the council stepping up, she felt a glimmer of hope that they'd pull off the event successfully.

But in the back of her mind, a small voice whispered, *What happens when it's all over? Will things really go back to normal?*

Sophia shook her head, pushing the thought aside. She had to focus on the present. The success of this event mattered not just for her, but for the entire council and the school. She couldn't let doubt creep in now.

Moments later, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Ethan.

**Ethan:** *Stage is set. Decorations look great. Jade and Maya are keeping Damien in line, and Lucas is staying far from the chaos. So far, so good.*

Sophia smirked at the message and typed a reply.

**Sophia:** *Good to know things aren't falling apart without me.*

**Ethan:** *Not yet, but don't jinx it, Ms. President.*

She chuckled softly, appreciating Ethan's unwavering support. Just as she was about to get back to work, there was another knock on the door.

This time, it was Damien. He walked in cautiously, his usual confident demeanor replaced with something more subdued. "Hey, Sophia. Got a minute?"

Sophia arched a brow but gestured for him to come in. "What is it, Damien?"

He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I know I've been a pain lately. I just wanted to say... thanks for giving me another chance. I know I don't deserve it after everything."

Sophia studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "You're right—you don't. But I gave you that chance because I believe people can change if they're willing to put in the effort. So far, you're proving me right. Don't mess it up."

Damien nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I won't. I promise."

As he left, Sophia felt a strange sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, this event would be a turning point—not just for Damien, but for all of them. Two more days. She could handle this. She *had* to.

As the day wore on, the energy of the event began to settle, and the vibrant chatter of students was replaced by the hum of quiet conversations and the occasional sound of laughter. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the campus.

Sophia stood near the edge of the stage, watching as the last performances of the day wrapped up. The decorations shimmered under the fading sunlight, a testament to the council's hard work. She glanced at her watch and let out a small sigh.

"Almost there," she murmured to herself.

Ethan appeared by her side, his sleeves rolled up and a bottle of water in his hand. "Hey, everything's wrapping up smoothly. Decorations are still intact, no fights broke out—yet—and Damien's actually been helping Maya and Jade. Guess your faith in him wasn't misplaced."

Sophia chuckled softly, taking the water he offered. "For now. I'll take the win while I can."

Nearby, Maya and Jade were organizing the clean-up crew, their voices a mix of authority and humor as they gave instructions. Damien was hauling boxes of supplies, exchanging occasional jabs with Marco and Clarence. Even Lucas, who was supposed to stay on the Harbor Academy side, had sent a message to sophia, congratulating her on the smooth day.

As the golden light gave way to the soft hues of twilight, Sophia allowed herself a rare moment of peace. The weight on her shoulders seemed a little lighter.

"Tomorrow's another day, and good news is that we only have one day left and it will be over" Ethan said, breaking the silence.

Sophia nodded, her gaze lingering on the horizon as the last traces of sunlight faded. "Yeah, just one more day. It feels like we've been preparing for ages." She paused, letting the quiet calm settle in before looking at Ethan. "I honestly couldn't have done this without you."

Ethan shrugged, his expression soft but sincere. "You would've made it work. But I'm glad I could help." He then glanced around the field, where the last few students were packing up. "Looks like everything's under control. I think the hardest part is over."

Sophia let out a long breath, feeling the tension in her muscles ease. "I hope so. Tomorrow's another day and day after that is the final day, and I really want it to go off without a hitch."

Ethan nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "It will, Sophia. You've worked hard for this, and tomorrow will be no different. We've got everything in place."

Sophia looked at him, a quiet gratitude in her eyes. "I just want it to be perfect. The event, the atmosphere, everything. It's been a lot of work, but I can't help but feel like it's all riding on tomorrow."

"It's been a team effort," Ethan reminded her, giving her a supportive smile. "And no matter what happens, you've already done more than enough."

Sophia smiled back, her shoulders feeling lighter. "Thanks, Ethan. That means a lot."

As the last of the sunlight dipped below the horizon, she took a moment to just appreciate the calm.

Tomorrow would come with its own set of challenges, but she knew now more than ever that she wasn't facing them alone.

With the event nearly over and everything falling into place, she was ready to face whatever came next.