The day of the band competition finally arrived.
Kiki, who had already resigned herself to not being able to go because she wasn't allowed, took a chance and asked her mom for permission, using “group study” as an excuse—a small lie that made her feel uneasy, but she thought this would be the last time she'd lie for something she truly believed was important.
She secretly made her way to the competition venue and sat in the back row, her heart pounding not only because she was afraid of getting caught, but also because she was nervous for Bara.
Static Radio performed sixth.
As soon as the stage lights came on and Bara started singing, all that nervousness seemed to disappear, replaced by awe.
His voice, his guitar playing—everything looked more alive than it had during their usual rehearsals, as if he'd poured every emotion from the difficult weeks they'd been through onto the stage.
In the middle of the second song, Bara's eyes accidentally met Kiki's in the audience.
He looked surprised for a moment, but a small smile appeared on his face, making his performance even more energetic.
The performance ended to thunderous applause from the entire audience.
Static Radio took second place—a proud achievement for a school band competing for the first time at an event that big.
But the most memorable moment wasn't just about the trophy.
After the announcement, with the audience still buzzing, the host asked Bara about his plans for the band going forward.
Bara's voice trembled slightly, but he spoke with conviction as he finally said something he'd never told anyone but Kiki: “Actually, I was thinking about transferring schools and going with my dad out of town. But after seeing how my friends, my band, and the people around me have supported me this whole way... I realized that sometimes what we need isn't a change of place to feel whole, but people who are willing to fight alongside us where we are now.”
He said it with conviction.
The audience applauded, even though not everyone understood the context—but Kiki, standing in the back row, had tears welling in her eyes.
After the event ended, Bara hurried over to Kiki through the crowd. “You came,” he said, still out of breath.
“I couldn't not come,” Kiki replied with a smile, even though her eyes were still wet. “What did you decide about transferring?” Kiki asked, curious.
“I called my dad this morning,” Bara answered. “I told him I'm staying here. But I asked him to video-call more often, and I promised I'd visit him every vacation. He... he understood. He said he was proud of me.” His voice trembled slightly.
That happiness didn't last long before another reality was waiting for Kiki at home: her mom had found out that the “group study” excuse was a lie, because Della, so nervous when she was questioned, had accidentally spilled the beans about the band competition.
By the time Kiki got home, her mom was already waiting in the living room, her face a mixture of anger and disappointment.
“You lied again, Kirana,” she said, emphasizing every word.
Kiki took a deep breath.
This time, she wasn't going to run away.
“Yes, Mom. I lied, and I'm sorry about that,” Kiki said, her voice trembling but clear. “But I don't regret going there. I went to support someone who's important to me, just like you and Dad have always supported me.” She spoke with conviction.
“This isn't about supporting each other, Ki. It's about honesty, about priorities—” her mom began, but Kiki cut her off.
“Mom,” Kiki interrupted, more quietly but firmly.
“I know you love me, and that you made all these rules because you want what's best for me. But I've also tried to prove that I can keep my grades up, I can handle my responsibilities as class president, AND I can have a relationship that teaches me things I've never learned from any textbook. I'm asking you to trust me, not just forbid things without listening to me first.” Kiki's voice grew softer and raspier as she pleaded.
For the first time that night, Mom stayed silent for a long while, staring at Kiki as she stood tall despite the tears glistening in her eyes.
A few days after that difficult conversation, Kiki's mom asked to meet Bara in person—something that left Bara nearly unable to sleep all night from nervousness.
“What should I wear? What should I bring? Chocolate? Cake? Or should I just prostrate myself right away?” Bara asked Yuda in a panic over the phone.
“Just show up as yourself, but the non-cheesy version,” Yuda replied, shaking his head on the other end of the call.
The meeting took place awkwardly in the living room of Kiki's house.
Kiki's mom asked a lot of questions—about Bara's family, his plans for the future, and why he liked playing in a band.
“I like music because it's the only way I can show my feelings when it's hard to say them directly, ma'am,” Bara answered honestly, without trying to look perfect. “I also know my relationship with Kiki won't interfere with her schoolwork. If anything, she's always the one reminding me to stay focused on studying, not the other way around.” Bara offered his defense.
Kiki's mom was quiet for a moment, then asked one final question: “If you two ever fight, or one of you gets busy with your own future, are you sure you won't make Kirana sad for so long that she forgets her goals in life?” she asked firmly and pointedly.
Bara glanced at Kiki, then answered with certainty. “No one can guarantee that a relationship will always be smooth, ma'am. But I promise I'll never be the reason Kiki stops becoming the best version of herself.” Bara replied firmly.
That night, although she hadn't completely softened, Kiki's mom said one sentence that made Kiki feel overwhelmingly relieved: “I won't forbid you anymore. But I'll be keeping an eye on you. And you”—she pointed at Kiki—“don't ever lie to me again about anything.” She finished, still looking slightly annoyed.
Kiki and Bara's lives gradually returned to “normal,” but in a more mature way than before.
They still studied together in the library, still took turns practicing guitar and chemistry, but this time there were no more hidden lies.
Della, who could finally retire from her position as the “secret love courier,” actually started sulking more often because it was “less fun” without all the sneaking around and drama—which Kiki and Bara always answered with laughter.
Kiki's grades stayed at the top, and sometimes Bara even climbed the rankings thanks to their regular study sessions.
Static Radio became better known throughout the school and was often invited to perform at internal events.
Everything felt just right—until a new issue arose at the end of the school year: the announcement of their college plans.