It was the middle of December, and the school semester was coming to an end. Satoshi and I continued to grow closer after that night when Satoshi told me about his past. Despite still needing to be apart at specific times for Satoshi to entertain Princess Miette, it felt like we started to feel like a couple in a deep, committed relationship as time went on. But as our bond grew stronger, I began to wonder if we will soon reach a point where Satoshi might discover that he was in love with me. Every time I thought about it, a part of me discouraged the idea, thinking that he wouldn't let things go that far in case he couldn't avoid getting married to the princess. Even so, I continued to hope as I accepted that Satoshi has meant a lot to me.

Meanwhile, the script for Spectacular, Spectacular was nearly finished, and it was announced that the theater will be ready for use for our first rehearsal on the week before winter break. All of my friends were filled with excitement as if Christmas was coming a week and a half early. Even though we were all studying hard for finals during that week, it was clear that the minds of everyone in the art program were on the new theater. Even some of the hosts were looking forward to seeing the place where they will be performing.

Finally, it was the last day of the semester, and I was working on the script in my dorm after I took the last of my finals when I heard a hard knock on the door. I walked over and opened it to find Bonnie, May, Dawn, Kenny, Iris, and Cilan giving me ecstatic looks. I looked at the clock on my wall and turned back to my friends with a smile.

"It's almost time, huh?" I asked.

"Yep, Sonia and the princess are going to open the theater in fifteen minutes," Bonnie said, excitedly. "I can't believe it's finally happening."

"Me neither," Dawn said. "If this is a dream, I don't ever want to wake up. Right, Kenny?"

"Right as rain, Dawn," Kenny said, smiling fondly at his crush.

Cilan, Iris, and May smiled in agreement before Cilan said, "So get your coat already, Serena. We all want to experience this moment together."

My smile grew, and I said, "Alright, I'll be right back."

I quickly rushed over to my closet and grabbed my winter coat before exiting my dorm and locking the door behind me before the seven of us went outside where it was snowing and headed to the theater together. Cilan, Iris, and Kenny walked ahead while Dawn, May, Bonnie, and I walked behind. As we were walking, however, May, Dawn, and Bonnie decided to take the opportunity to speak with me quietly.

"So, Serena, how are things going for you and Mr. Super Handsome?" Bonnie asked.

I blushed at the way she described Satoshi and said, "It's going wonderful."

"That's great to hear," Dawn said. "Do you have any plans for Christmas."

I looked away, bashfully for a moment, and answered, "We are planning to have dinner at my place, and then we're going to exchange Christmas gifts."

All three girls let out an "awww" at the same time.

"What is your gift?" Dawn asked, excitedly. "Tell us! Tell us!"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm before I said, "Well, last week I went to a store in the city where they make lockets. I had them take a picture of me, and then they put it in this cute silver locket with Satoshi's and my initials."

Bonnie, Dawn, and May looked at me befuddled, and Bonnie asked, "Is that what you're really giving to your secret boyfriend for Christmas?"

"Yeah, I think you can do better than that," May said with Dawn nodding in agreement.

I smiled, knowing that they don't know how I'm going to give Satoshi the same thing his mother gave him.

"Trust me, girls," I said. "You don't know Satoshi like I do. This is easily the best gift I can give him."

The three of them looked at me skeptically as we walked before Bonnie shrugged and said, "Okay, if you're sure he'll like it."

"I'm positive,' I said.

By the time our conversation was done, we made it to the front of the new theater, where there was already a crowd of people, art students, and hosts alike. We squeezed our way through the crowd until we were at the front of it where Sonia, Satoshi, Jessie, and Princess Miette were standing in front of the crowd with a red ribbon covering the entrance. Bonnie, May, Dawn, Kenny, Iris, and Cilan's excitement grew as they stared at the building in awe. I smiled at them while noticing Octavia and Andy huddled together next to us with Octavia carrying her cello case, trying to contain their giddiness.

"Hey, guys," I called out.

The couple turned to me and smiled as Octavia said, "Hello, Serena. How are you."

"Happy to see everyone in our program so excited," I answered. "Though why are you looking forward to the theater opening, Andy? I thought you're a screenwriter."

"I am," Andy answered. "But I wouldn't miss this happy moment for the love of my life for the world."

Octavia turned to her boyfriend and gave him a loving look before firmly kissing him on the cheek. I smiled at their moment before I hear loud clapping any everyone became silent as we turned to see Jessie clapping her hands before Princess Miette stepped forward.

"Attention, everyone," she began with a smile. "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the opening of Galar Academy's own theater for members of the art program."

Everyone in the art program let out deafening screams before Jessie silenced them with her clapping again.

"So without further ado, I will invite Sonia in joining me to cut this ribbon before our first rehearsal for Spectacular, Spectacular can begin," the princess continued before Jessie handed her a large pair of scissors.

Sonia silently squealed in excitement as she walked over to Princess Miette, and the two of them grabbed a handle of the scissors before they cut the center of the ribbon. The crowd cheered again with joy before we charged toward the entrance and burst inside.

As soon as we were inside the building, we all stopped to stare at the auditorium. There were dozens of rows of chairs for an audience, half a dozen balconies on each side, and at the front of the auditorium is the largest stage I've ever seen with an orchestra pit below it. After a moment, everyone in the art program screamed for joy again and ran towards the stage like children about to play in a playground. Cilan, May, Octavia, and the other musicians went in the orchestra pit, carrying their instruments with Andy following his girlfriend. Iris and the tech people started climbing up the catwalk above the stage to look at all the new lights for the show while Kenny, Dawn, and Bonnie were exploring the main stage with all of the other actors and dancers. I, on the other hand, stayed behind to watch the excitement with Sonia, Satoshi, Princess Miette, Jesse, and all of the hosts.

I glanced at Drew, who was watching May imagining herself playing the piano in the orchestra pit with a fond smile on his face. Clemont was shaking in fright, imagining a full house of people watching him perform. Paul, however, kept a cold look on his face, not caring about what was happening, not even Dawn standing on the stage, imagining herself playing as the sitar player in front of an audience. I then turned to Satoshi who was standing next to Jessie and Princess Miette. He noticed me looking at him and smiled back before we looked away so that no one would notice. Sonia was tearing up with a heartfelt smile on her face before she shook it off and cleared her throat.

"Alright, everybody, settle down!" She shouted. "Let's start rehearsing!"

Everyone in the art program stopped moving around and chattering right away. The musicians silently set up their instruments, and Andy left the orchestra pit to sit down in the auditorium to watch. Everyone on stage waited patiently as Sonia walked over to the stage with me, Jessie, Satoshi, and the other hosts. Sonia took out copies of the script so far and handed it to the actors and hosts.

"Here's what we have so far," she said. "Serena, Satoshi, Dawn, May, Cilan, and I are going through a couple scenes, but we have most of it ready to start rehearsing. So, let's get the show on the road."

Everyone nodded in understanding, and Sonia smiled and said, "Let's start with the first scene. Dancers, chorus, and the maharani, take positions for the first number."

Princess Miette raised an eyebrow and smirked, asking, "So you don't need Satoshi to practice a scene yet?"

"No, not yet," Sonia answered.

"Excellent," the princess said before turning to Satoshi. "Let's watch the rehearsal from the first row together until they need you, okay, Satoshi?"

I glowered at the princess while Satoshi gives her a fake smile.

"That sounds delightful, Miette," he lied.

"Fantastic," Princess Miette said cheerfully as she wrapped her arms around Satoshi's arm, and they walked back to the stands.

My hands turned into balls of fists before I took a deep breath to control myself while Sonia continued instructing the cast. I shook my head before focusing on the rehearsal, knowing that she won't be sitting with my Satoshi the entire rehearsal.

******************************************************************

For a couple of hours, we rehearsed as much of the play as possible. Much to my pleasure, Satoshi was needed for the majority of the scenes we had to go through a parts from the first one. I was able to focus on rehearsing more easily with my boyfriend, not always around the princess. The cast and crew slowly but surely started to get the hang of the scenes they were working on while the hosts, excluding Clemont, started to grow comfortable on stage.

On the last scene for us to go through for the day, Sonia excused Satoshi because she didn't need him for it. I became uneasy, knowing he has to go back to the princess, but then he walked over to me with a professional look.

"Serena, can I check with you on some of these lines?" He asked.

I smiled, knowing that he was saying that so we can speak in secret and said, "Sure, show me which ones."

Satoshi smirked as we turned our backs to everyone, and leaned close to each other to speak quietly.

"Are we still on for tonight?" I asked.

"You bet," Satoshi said. "Though I get the feeling that Princess Miette might want the two of us to do something tonight before she leaves for winter break."

I frowned and said, "We better come up with something to make it clear to her that you're unavailable."

"Way ahead of you," Satoshi said with a smirk. "I'm thinking that after rehearsal, you can come to me and the princess and say that you need me to work on a scene. If the princess has other plans, I can say that I demand to have the scene worked on until I'm satisfied."

I smiled, and I said, "I would kiss for coming up with something so sneaky if we weren't surrounded by so many people."

Satoshi chuckled with his mouth closed and said, "Well, maybe afterward, we can meet on one of the balconies to see the view from there among other things."

I blushed lightly and said, "That's more like it. Let's meet at the balcony closest to the stage on the left side."

Satoshi winked at me in agreement before he silently broke the huddle and walked over to sit next to the princess again. I went back to the rest of the group and started working on the last scene for the day. As we continued to rehearse, I constantly glanced at Satoshi and Princess Miette. The blue-haired princess was holding my boyfriend's arm again while he stood still, clearly not paying any mind to her shallow affections. I started to feel better about him standing beside his client, knowing that he is just as eager as I am to get through the day so that we can be together. Finally, we finished going through the scene, and Sonia stepped forward with a bright smile.

"Excellent work, everyone." She praised. "I believe we're off to a great start. If we keep this up, Spectacular, Spectacular will wow everyone in Galar Academy for years to come."

Students from the art program cheered while Jessie and the hosts politely clapped.

"So, since so many of you will be going home for the holidays, we'll continue rehearsals shortly after classes start again. Until then, happy holidays, everyone!"

"Happy holidays!" Everyone replied before they began to disperse.

I smiled in excitement and turned to the auditorium where Satoshi and Princess Miette are still sitting. Eager to carry out the plan before the princess gets any ideas, I quickly get off the stage and walked over to the first row where the two of them were. Princess Miette looked like she was about to speak to Satoshi about something, so I cleared my throat loudly to catch both of their attention.

"Excuse me, Satoshi, but I am having trouble me with one of the work-in-progress scenes: the lovers meet in the quarrel, and I was wondering if we can work on it later tonight?" I asked.

Satoshi smiled, but Princess Miette frowned and said, "Wait a minute, Serena. I was just about to tell Satoshi that I have a reservation at a restaurant in Hammerlocke tonight."

I acted disappointed and lowered my head humbly.

"I see," I said. "Well, it's no problem. We can work on it later."

Satoshi let out a gasp and sprung out of his chair, giving me an offended look.

"How dare suggest that, Serena," he rebuked. "The lovers meet in the quarrel is one of the most important scenes in the entire show. We will work on it tonight until I'm satisfied."

Princess Miette looked at Satoshi, shocked.

"But Satoshi, the reservation was made weeks in advance," she protested.

Satoshi turned to the princess and gently stroked her cheek with a fake longing look and said, "And I hate to disappoint you more than anything, my dear Miette, but remember that my fellow hosts and I are making this show all for you. I would be devastated if anything with Serena's writing is out of order. I must make sure this scene is exactly as perfect as can be no matter the sacrifice."

"But...but...but, Satoshi," the princess stuttered.

Satoshi lifted his finger for silence and said, "Please excuse me."

Without another word, Satoshi walked past me and exited the auditorium. Princess Miette stared at where he was before she glared at me coldly.

"You just had to bring up your stupid script before I could surprise him with the restaurant," she snarled.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," I lied with a bow. "Had I known, I wouldn't have brought it up."

The princess growled with her mouth closed and said, "This scene better be worth the waste of a perfectly good reservation."

"Then, I think I can speak for both Satoshi and myself that we will put our hearts into it tonight," I claimed.

Princess Miette frowned before she looked away from me in an uptight manner.

"You are dismissed," she said coldly.

I bowed my head and walked away to secretly meet with Satoshi on one of the balconies.

***************************************************************

Meanwhile, while Satoshi and I were meeting in secret, Drew was discussing the play with Jessie and Paul on stage. Jessie and Drew were excited about the way the show was progressing while Paul was acting as cold as ever.

"Hmph, I wish that Dawn would quit bothering me," Paul grumbled. "She keeps acting like I'm going to fall for her just because she's the female lead for this play."

"Well, you should be happy that one of your regular clients is one of the lead actors," Drew suggests with a smirk. "I know I'm happy for May that she's co-composing the music."

Jessie raised her eyebrow at the way Drew was complimenting May and warned, "Be sure that, that's the only thing you feel for her, Drew."

Drew quickly removed the smirk on his face and obediently said, "Yes, ma'am," to keep his true feelings for May a secret.

Jessie smiled, satisfied that her green-haired host was kept in check. She then heard someone marching toward her and turned around to see the princess in a foul mood.

"Ah, Your Highness," Jessie greeted with a friendly smile. "Everything is arranged for the special dinner in the city."

"Well, you may as well go there and eat it yourself, Jessie. Satoshi made plans with Serena before I could invite him," Princess Miette snarled.

Jessie's smile disappeared and said, "Impossible, I thought I told him that you might have plans for the two of you."

Drew and Paul gave unamused looks, knowing full well that Jessie didn't tell Satoshi anything. They had been around her throughout the day long enough to know that her mind was fixed on her role as the maharani as if she was the star. Princess Miette rolled her eyes, uninterested in Jessie's excuse.

"Look, Jessie, know this play is important, and the script is not finished yet, but I have had it with my Satoshi spending so much time with that annoying peasant just because she's the writer!" she snarled. "I was promised excessive time with him and all I'm only getting virtually half the time because he keeps going to see her. If this keeps up, I am leaving and shutting everything down!"

Jessie and Drew's eyes widen in fear while Paul remained uninterested. It was at this moment when Jessie was moving her eyes around to think of something that she saw Satoshi and me up in one of the balconies. The curtain behind the seats of the balcony was slightly open enough that she could see the two of us making out. It wasn't long before Drew and Paul noticed what Jessie was looking at and the green-haired host's mouth hung open. Princess Miette took Jessie's silence as a sign that the conversation was over and began to turn around to where Satoshi and I can be seen.

"NO!" Jessie screamed.

The magenta-haired woman stepped in front of the princess to cover the direction of the balcony and gave a reassuring smile.

"I insist that Satoshi takes the night off," she claimed.

Princess Miette raised an eyebrow and asked, "You will make sure he's there?"

"I'll staple his suit to the chair if I have to," Jessie answered.

Princess Miette looked at Jessie suspiciously before she smiled in satisfaction.

"Alright then," she said. "8 o'clock on the dot."

"8 o'clock on the dot," Jessie agreed.

Princess Miette nodded and walked out of the theater in the opposite direction. Jessie kept her smile until the princess was out of sight before she turned to the balcony with fury in her eyes. Drew was watching Satoshi and I kissing in shock while Paul smirked in amusement.

"I can't believe what I'm seeing," Drew said.

"Yeah, Satoshi is kissing the girl Calem wants to sleep with," Paul said with a low chuckle. "He's going to get a real kick out of this when he finds out."

"Calem isn't going to find out," Jessie growled without looking at the hosts. "You are not going to speak a word of this to anyone. Understand?"

"Yes, ma'am," Drew and Paul said obediently.

Jessie kept glaring at Satoshi and me from a distance until the two of us stopped kissing, and we further discussed our plans for tonight. After one more passionate kiss, I left to go to my dorm and Satoshi stayed on the balcony with a happy smile. Jessie kept staring at him as she saw her chance to confront him privately.

"Come," she said bluntly to Drew and Paul.

The two hosts silently obeyed and followed Jessie out of the auditorium and walked up the steps to the balcony. By the time they were there, Satoshi was about to leave after taking a moment to think about our plans when he spotted Jessie, Drew, and Paul. Before he could say anything, Jessie slapped him so hard that it left a red mark on his cheek. Satoshi gasped in shock as Jessie grabbed him by the suit.

"You wicked brat!" She shouted. "I went out of my way to give you a chance to woo that pig-headed princess who is funding this play, and you're snogging with the writer? What on Earth possessed you to do this behind my back?!"

It took a couple of seconds before Satoshi processed what she was talking about and chuckled as if nothing happened.

"Snogging with Serena?" He said. "Honestly, Jessie, whatever could lead you to think -"

"I saw you together!" Jessie screamed angrily. "And so did Paul and Drew."

Satoshi took a step back, taken aback before turning Paul and Drew.

"She's right, Satoshi. We saw you kissing Serena," Drew said with a frown.

Paul nodded, still smirking in amusement. Satoshi stood still, speechless that he and I were found out. He then cleared his throat, adjusted his suit, and smirked at Jessie.

"Don't worry, Jessie. What Serena and I have is nothing," he lied. "It's just an infatuation. It's nothing for you to be concerned about."

"Wrong," Jessie snarled. "I am your manager. You do what I tell you and nothing else. Tonight, you are going to have dinner in the city with Princess Miette, and tomorrow, you will go to Serena and end your so-called infatuation. You are never to speak to her again in person again. You are not helping her with her script or letting her tutor you privately. If you ever to continue your infatuation again, I will make things miserable for the both of you. Is that clear?"

Satoshi opened his mouth to protest, but nothing came out of his mouth. He gave a small nod, and Jessie nodded back, satisfied.

"The princess is expecting you at the restaurant at 8 sharp," she said. "And I'll take your phone to make sure you don't get any ideas."

Satoshi winced before he reluctantly handed his phone to Jessie. Without another word, Jessie walked away, knowing that she has Satoshi back in line. Paul silently followed her, and Drew hesitated before he also left. As the green-haired host walked away, however, he glanced at Satoshi with a sympathetic look. It was clear to Drew that what Satoshi and I had is more than an infatuation and Satoshi didn't want it to end at all. Drew's mind then went to May and how he wished he had the courage to pursue his feelings like Satoshi. But no matter how much he wished, he feared Jessie's wrath and his image as a host too much to tell May how he feels. He turns his head away from Satoshi and proceeds to leave the building, but not before he heard the raven-haired host ask himself, "What am I going to tell Serena?"

****************************************************************

When I got back to my dorm after rehearsal, I made all the preparations to set up dinner for Satoshi and me. After that, I hid my present under my bed for me to take out when it was time to exchange gifts. I then sat down on my bed, waiting for him to knock on my door promptly at 8 o'clock.

But he didn't knock on the door. My excitement began to fade as time went by. After I checked the clock on my wall to see that it was 8:17, I grew concerned. Before long, I became worried that something had happened to him. I tried to text or call him, but my calls went straight to voicemail. I started to pray that he was alright and that he was just late or something like that, but I had no answer if either were the case.

Eventually, I fell asleep as I waited. Several hours later, I was woken up by someone knocking on my door. I looked at the clock, and it was seven minutes past 9 in the morning. I looked at my surroundings to find the food still there, left untouched. The person on the other side kept knocking and I finally walked over and opened it to find Satoshi there. He was staring at me with a crestfallen look on his face before he hung his head in shame. I frowned and sighed before I gestured him to come in with my head. He robotically walked inside and I checked to make sure no one else is in the hall before I slammed the door and turned to my boyfriend with my hands on my hips.

"Where were you last night?" I asked angrily. "I texted and called, and I get nothing? You can't do that, Satoshi. That's not okay. If you're not able to make it, the least you can do is tell me beforehand."

"I couldn't text or call you," Satoshi said. "Jessie took my phone."

My anger turned into confusion, and I asked, "Why does she have your phone?"

"Because she knows about us," Satoshi answered.

My eyes widened, and my mouth hung open as he continued.

"She somehow saw us kissing along with Drew and Paul. She made me join Princess Miette for dinner and warned me never to see you personally again," he said before sighing sadly and giving me an apologetic look. "We have to end it, Serena."

I stood there with my heart beginning to break from those six words. Satoshi looked away, wishing he didn't have to say anything.

"Believe me, I don't want to any more than you do, but we have no choice," he said. "It's just like May said, a secret is no good if half of Galar Academy knows about it. If we keep it up, the princess might find out sooner or later and I don't want to think about what she would do to you if she does."

"Then we be extra careful," I finally said. "We'll never express our feeling outside of my dorm and -"

"Serena, please try to understand," Satoshi said. "On opening night, I have to give the princess my hand in marriage and become her husband to show off and use however she wants to."

"No, you don't have to be that," I protested. "You can choose who you want to be with."

"No, I can't," Satoshi said. "I am a host. I have to be whatever Jessie tells me to be. I can't let you pursue our relationship anymore. You'll become jealous to no end."

I opened my mouth to protest again, but words failed me. As much I didn't want to admit it, Satoshi's logic made sense. I was fine with us not having a future when we started dating in secret, but now I want nothing more than to pursue a future for us.

But even so, I was not willing to let my relationship disappear, just like this. I wanted to stay with Satoshi even if we have to be apart because of Jessie. I walked over to Satoshi and took both of his hands while giving him a determined look.

"I won't get jealous," I claimed. "I don't care what Jessie says or what her threats are. What we have is not something to simply throw away when things look inconvenient. We didn't stop before despite the odds, and we shouldn't stop now."

Satoshi gave me a sad smile and said, "Serena, please try to understand. We can't see each other with Jessie on my neck. How can what we have continue if we have to be apart?"

I thought about it for a moment and said, "We'll, add a new song in the show. A song that is secretly meant for you and me to say how we feel about each other. That way, no matter how bad things get or how long we are apart, whether you hear it, sing it, whistle it, or hum it, you'll know how I feel about you, and I will know how you feel about me."

Satoshi shook his head and said, "Things don't work that way, Serena. Besides, what do you know about how I feel about you?"

"That I'm someone you trust with the real you," I answered. "You said I'm the only one who cares about the real you and that you would give away all of your fame from being a host to stay with me. Or was all of that empty words as if I'm just a client to you."

Satoshi looked at me shocked and said, "No, never. Nothing I said was empty words. I really would give it all away, but I have to protect you from what may happen if we were discovered. I owe you that much for making me happier than I ever was before I met you."

I couldn't help but smile at the way he was worried about my well-being. He continued to look at me sadly and started to caress my cheeks slowly, wanting to make the most of it before saying goodbye. I hugged his arm with both of my arms, refusing to let go.

But then I realized something and I looked away from my boyfriend in thought. Satoshi looked at me, confused as I was thinking.

"Happier than you ever were before you met me," I said. "Happier than you ever were before."

Satoshi tilted his head, wondering what was on my mind. I then smiled and placed my hands on his cheeks while giving him a sweet look.

"Never knew I could feel like this. Like I've never seen the sky before," I said. "Want to vanish inside your kiss. Every day I love you more and more."

Satoshi stared at me, still befuddled until he realized I had just come up with lyrics for the secret song. I could see in his eyes that he was trying to convince himself that he still needed to break us up, but his conviction was faltering. Deep down, he was feeling a sense of hope that my plan with this song will work.

"Go on," he said plainly.

My smile grew, and I looked away to think about what else to add.

"Listen to my heart. Can you hear it sing, telling me to give you everything?" I said out loud. "Seasons may change from winter to spring."

Satoshi began to smile as his curiosity grew.

"And then?" He asked.

I frowned and took a moment to think about how to finish it. Then my smile came back bigger than ever, and I turned my head to face Satoshi again. Without any warning, I leaned in to give him a kiss. But this was not a firm kiss of passion like how we normally kiss each other. This was a soft but tender kiss, slowly moving my lips against his and cherishing every moment of it. I half expected Satoshi to pull back and rebuke me for what I was doing, but he didn't. He stood there and let me express how I feel before I pulled back and stared deeply into his eyes.

"But I love you," I confessed. "I love you until the end of time."

It took a moment before Satoshi realized that I wasn't just saying those words for the song like I was before. At the moment, I saw his lips curl up, and his eyes started to light up.

"Is that really how you're going to confess your love?" He asked.

I giggled with my mouth closed and said, "I guess so."

Satoshi chuckled before he turned serious and said, "But I don't love you back."

I felt a sharp pinch in my heart after he said that. My optimism faltered for a moment before I shook my head and gave a reassuring smile.

"That's okay," I said. "You may not love me, but you still care about me. That's still something precious to me."

Satoshi looked at me skeptically before he sighed and smiled.

"I can't argue with that," he admitted.

My optimism grew with those words, and I asked, "So, do you agree to stay together?"

Satoshi hesitated and said, "I don't know. I still want to protect you from the princess, but those lyrics do sound like something I would sing for us to communicate in secret. I assume you would put this song in a scene where the prince and the sitar player are in a rough spot similar to where we are right now?"

I chuckled with my mouth closed and said, "You got me. We may not have a character in the show that commands the prince what to do like Jessie does with you, but I don't think it'll be hard to put the lovers in some situation where they have to be apart more. In fact, now that I think about it, this can work for the ending."

Satoshi raised his eyebrow and asked, "How do you figure?"

My smile grew, happy that my boyfriend is intrigued by my idea and said, "Picture this: after the maharani forces the prince to trick the sitar player into thinking he doesn't love her, she becomes bitter about her broken heart. She sells everything she owns and angrily throws her bag of coins on the ground in front of the prince, saying, 'You tricked me into thinking you love me like some male prostitute, so I will pay you like you're a male prostitute. I owe nothing and you're nothing to me. Thank you for curing me of my ridiculous obsession with love.'"

Satoshi smiled and said, "Oh, but a life without love is terrible."

I giggled again and said, "Yes, but on the day of the wedding between the prince and the maharani, the prince sees the sitar player watching the ceremony before she leaves the kingdom. But at that moment, the magical sitar, which is in the vizier's possession, shouts out the most truthful thing that any living creature can say."

"Let me guess: there is no greater blessing The Lord gave us than the ability to love?" Satoshi asked with a smirk.

"That's right," I said. "So, feeling his heartache for her, the prince decides that he would rather risk everything and express his love for her in front of everyone than to live on with the love of his life deceived and brokenhearted. So he stops the ceremony and stands in front of the stage to sing the secret love song for everyone to hear. The sitar player realizes that he's using their song to say that he truly loves her and so they run over to each other and sing their song together while they embrace."

"And that's when the maharani tries to have them both killed, but everyone else is so touched by their act of love that they drive her and the royal vizier out of the kingdom instead," Satoshi said, putting the pieces together.

"Mmm-hmm," I replied.

"I like it," Satoshi said. "Then, I guess all that's left is finishing the lyrics and having someone write the song for us."

My smile turned into a mischievous smirk as I said, "Then it's a good thing we have a co-composer who knows about us."

**********************************************************************************************

The next day, Satoshi snuck out of his room in the clock tower and headed to the theater. When he came in, he found me waiting for him in front of the stage with May, Dawn, Cilan, Octavia, and other members of the orchestra who haven't left for home for the holidays. I turned to him and smiled sweetly before I put on a professional face and greeted him.

"Ah, Satoshi, there you are," I said while taking out my phone to look at the time. "You're a couple minutes early."

Satoshi chuckled with his mouth closed, amused with my act.

"Ah, what can I say, Serena? I like to be punctual," he said.

May and Dawn smirked at each other, knowing what Satoshi and I were doing. I told them about the situation revolving around Jessie, Paul, and Drew finding out about Satoshi and me, and so they were reluctant but willing to help us out. May then shook her head before she took out a copy of the song she finished writing last night with me.

"Here you go, Satoshi," she said, handing it to the raven-haired host. "Feel free to look through it before we get started."

Satoshi nodded and looked carefully through the musical notes before he smiled and nodded.

"Looks like a very nice melody," he complimented.

May smiled, knowing Satoshi meant it and said, "Thank you. Serena and I put a lot of heart into it."

"I don't doubt it," Satoshi said, giving me a flirtatious smirk.

I looked away, smiling with my cheeks red before Cilan cleared his throat.

"I'm ready when you are," he announced.

"Got it," I said before turning to Satoshi and Dawn. "Now, just to overview, this song takes place in the last scene of act one. The prince is forced to spend more time with the maharani for the sake of his kingdom, so he and the sitar player create this song for them to sing in secret so that they know that they love each other no matter how bad things get."

Cilan nodded and turned to Satoshi, saying, "We've rehearsed the music beforehand so that we are ready whenever you and Dawn are."

Satoshi smiled and said, "I'm ready if Dawn is."

"I'm good to go," Dawn said with a smile. "Fire away, Cilan."

Cilan smiled back before he took out his baton, tapped it against his music stand, and signaled Octavia and the other musicians to start playing. As they played a soft melody, Satoshi and I glanced at each other secretly with warm smiles on our faces, happy that our plan was coming into motion. After roughly half a minute of instrumental music, Satoshi cleared his throat and began to sing.

Never knew I could feel like this

Like I've never seen the sky before

Want to vanish inside your kiss

Every day I love you more and more

Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing?

Telling me to give you everything

Seasons may change, winter to spring

But I love you until the end of time

Come what may

Come what may

I will love you until my dying day

Satoshi glanced at me as he sang the last few notes. I smiled sweetly, knowing that Cilan and the musicians are too focused on their music to notice us. Dawn smiled at the two of us, dreaming of having a moment like that with Paul before she stepped in and joined the singing.

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place

Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace

Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste

It all revolves around you

And there's no mountain too high

No river too wide

Sing out this song, and I'll be there by your side

Storm clouds may gather

And stars may collide

But I love you (I love you)

Until the end of time(until the end of time)

Come what may

Come what may

I will love you until my dying day

Oh, come what may, come what may

I will love you, Oh I will love you

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place

Come what may

Come what may

I will love you until my dying day

When the music ends, and Satoshi and Dawn stop singing, the auditorium is quiet for a few seconds before May, and I applaud.

"Excellent. Nicely done," I compliment.

"Yeah, great first go around," May agreed. "Though you might want to work on a couple of notes at the end of the song, Satoshi."

Satoshi scratched the back of his head and said with a toothy grin, "Yeah, some of those high notes were pretty tricky."

"That's okay. This is why we practice," Dawn said. "The important thing is we have a great song for the secret lovers. Right, Serena?"

I turn to Satoshi, and we both smile brightly at each other, knowing that Dawn was referring to us as opposed to the characters in the show.

"You have no idea, Dawn," I said softly.

"Ahem."

Everyone turned to one of the side entrances to find Drew standing there. His gaze was fixed on Satoshi and me with his arms crossed and a disapproving look on his face. Satoshi, Dawn, May, and I grew afraid that we were found out while the musicians were clueless about why he's there.

"Satoshi, can I speak with you privately?" Drew asked.

Satoshi and I looked at each other before he gulped and walked over to Drew. I turned to May and Dawn who had concerned looks and we silently agreed to follow the two hosts.

"Let's take a break, guys," May said as the three of us girls left the stage.

"Uh, sure?" Cilan said, confused.

May, Dawn, and I followed Drew and Satoshi to the entrance of the building just in time for Drew to turn around and face Satoshi. He opened his mouth to talk until he noticed us walking over to them and frowned.

"I would like to speak to Satoshi alone," he said.

"Whatever you have to say to Satoshi, you can say to us," I said.

Drew looked at us disapprovingly before he shook his head.

"Fine," he said before turning to Satoshi. "Then I'll come right to the point. Jessie found out that you are not in your room, and I volunteered to look for you."

Satoshi frowned and said, "You can tell her I was here for an emergency rehearsal, and I was not here alone with Serena."

"She said you are not to go anywhere without her permission," Drew said.

"Well, then she should have said so," Satoshi countered. "I can't be disobeying her if she didn't tell me that beforehand."

Drew sighed in frustration and said, "Look, Satoshi, I watched your rehearsal, and I know you're using this new song to help your little infatuation with Serena."

Satoshi, May, Dawn, and I looked at each other confused, and I said, "That's just silly, Drew. Just because you caught us, you think we're using our play to keep our relationship hidden?"

"Don't play dumb with me, Serena. It's completely obvious," Drew rebuked. "A play about a secret relationship that started with as mix up? One is a well off guy while the girl is poor, and now you are adding a scene where they have to create a secret song for the lovers to communicate with each other after the prince has to spend even more time with the maharani? You two are lucky Jessie and Paul haven't figured it out too."

I opened my mouth to tell another lie, but I stopped myself, accepting that I can't talk my way out of it. I turned to Satoshi, and he looked at me sadly, having the same thought.

"Fine, you got us," he confessed.

May and Dawn looked at the two of us worriedly while Drew crossed his arms again.

"Now that we have that out of the way, I can finally ask; what in the world is the matter with you?" He rebuked. "Do you have any idea what would happen if Princess Miette found out about this?"

"Of course we do," I answered. "We knew that before we started dating."

Drew looked at me appalled and turned to May and Dawn.

"And you two are okay with this?" He asked in disbelief. "I would have thought you two would know better than to support them. Especially you, May."

"Me?" May asked, surprised.

"Yes, you," Drew replied walking over to her. "You're one of the smartest and caring people I know. Do you not care about what could happen to your friend? Heck, have you considered what would happen if it was revealed that you are a part of this?"

May looked at Drew seriously and said, "I do. I'm just as worried as you are. I was against their secret relationship, too, Drew, but I also care about their happiness and I want to support them. I'm willing to risk it for what they have."

"But what about how I care about you?!" Drew shouted.

May looked at Drew taken aback by his outburst. I looked at Drew surprised while Satoshi and Dawn looked at the green-haired host, confused. It took a moment before Drew realized what he just said and looked away, blushing.

"What do you mean how you care about me?" May asked.

"Nothing," Drew lied. "Forget I said anything."

May frowned and asked, "What did you mean, Drew?"

"I said forget it," Drew said.

May walked over to Drew, placed her hands on his cheeks, and forced him to look at her.

"I'm not going to forget it," she said firmly. "You asked what about how you care about me as if that has anything to do with Satoshi and Serena, so how do you feel about me that puts me into the picture?"

"Okay, fine!" Drew growled. "I have feelings for you, okay?!"

Dawn gasped sharply, and Satoshi started at Drew with his eyes wide open, trying to process what he just heard. My mouth hung open, shocked that Drew spat out his secret. But out of all of us, May was the most shocked. Her eyes widened and her pupils shrunk as her face turned red.

"Y-y-y-you what?" She managed to say.

"I have feelings for you," Drew repeated. "I've liked you for a while, but I've been hiding it for the longest time for the sake of my job and to avoid Jesse's wrath. And I don't want you to be mixed up in this when the princess could learn that you are part of it and she could use her power as the future queen of Galar to ruin you and your family. She most likely would shut down Spectacular, Spectacular and you would never be able to achieve your dream. I care about you too much to let you risk your life over protecting two people who are messing around behind Princess Miette's back."

May's blush grew while Drew confessed in front of her. When he finished, the hall was silent with May, Dawn, Satoshi, and I speechless. May stared at Drew flabbergasted until she shook her head and looked at him disapprovingly.

"So, you like me but not enough to risk your job?" She asked. "Doesn't seem like you like me at all."

This time, Drew was the one who was shocked before he suddenly took both of May's hands and gave her a pleading look.

"I know it sounds that way, but I do like you. I swear it," he claimed.

"But that's not enough, is it?" May challenged. "If you really like me that way, you would take that risk just like Cilan with Iris or Satoshi with Serena. They all care about each other so much that they would put their jobs at stake."

Drew opened his mouth to protest before May's last sentence hits him. He turned to Satoshi with a confused look.

"They care about each other?" He asked. "You two aren't just messing around?"

Satoshi looked at Drew seriously and walked over to me to give me a side hug.

"No, we're not," he said. "I appreciate your concern, Drew. I really do. And I won't deny that I'm worried about Serena's safety too. Having said all that, I can't help but hold on to our relationship. Every time it looks like we should split because of Princess Miette or Jessie, she finds a way to keep us together. She doesn't want to be with me solely for my looks or my charm. She's been fighting to bring the best in me no matter the risk. No one has ever acted this way for me before, and that's how I know that she loves me."

Drew, May, and Dawn looked at Satoshi, taken aback before turning to me.

"Wait, is he being serious, Serena?" Dawn asked.

I looked away, bashfully, and said, "Yes, it's true. I confessed my feelings yesterday."

Drew stared at me before turning to Satoshi.

"And do you love her?" He asked.

I frowned and turned to Satoshi, unsure of how he was going to answer. The raven-haired host looked away from everyone and thought hard about Drew's question. Then he turned his head to face Drew again and gave him a small smile.

"You know something, Drew? I do," he said.

My pupils shrank, and May and Dawn let out sharp gasps. Drew, however, looked at Satoshi suspiciously.

"Are you sure?" He challenged. "Maybe you just think you do."

Satoshi's smile grew, and he turned to me while tightening his side hug.

"No, I know I love her," he said.

"R-r-really?" I asked, my cheeks heating up.

"Really, really," Satoshi confirmed.

The two of us stared at each other in silence before my shock turned into a bright smile. Then I moved my body to face him with wrap my arms around his neck and pulled him into a heartfelt kiss. He pulled me closer to him to deepen the kiss, and we pressed our lips against each other until we had to part for air. May and Dawn looked at each other before they smiled for Satoshi and me while Drew kept his skeptical look before he sighed in defeat.

"Okay, that kiss says enough for me to know that you both mean it," he admits. "But even so, you're still technically promised to another girl, Satoshi."

Satoshi frowned and turned to look at Drew again while still holding me tight.

"I know," he said. "And I don't know what we're going to do about that, but after everything we've been through, I want to hold on to Serena to whatever end."

I gave Satoshi a loving smile and said, "I do too."

"Aww," May and Dawn coo.

Drew sighed and said, "Well, if that's the way you feel, then that's the way you feel. But I still can't condone you risking everything for it."

May frowned and stepped in front of Drew.

"If you won't do it for them, then do it for me," she commanded.

Drew looked at the girl he liked worriedly and said, "May, it's because of you that I'm concerned about this more than anything else."

"If you really care about me in that way, Drew, then you will support me in helping my friend with her relationship," May countered. "If you're unwilling to risk your job and reputation for me, the least you can do is back me up in keeping Satoshi and Serena a secret."

Drew flinched, wishing May didn't put him on the spot like that. He tried to protest, but nothing but incoherent words came out of his mouth. Ultimately, he accepted that there is nothing he can do to deny May's wishes and sighed again.

"Okay," he said. "If that's what it takes to prove my feelings for you, then I will do it. But please don't make me regret it

May smiled and said, "Deal."

Drew nodded, satisfied with May's answer. Then without warning, May wrapped her arms around Drew and pulled him into a firm kiss on the cheek. The brunette held the kiss for a few seconds before letting go to see Drew looking at her speechless with his face beet red. May giggled with her cheeks also heating up.

"And now, we have our own little secret," she said as she playfully poked his nose.

Drew looked away bashfully and mumbling incoherent words again. The rest of us chuckled in before Satoshi cleared his throat.

"Well, we better get back to rehearsing," he said. "You're welcome to watch if you'd like."

Drew smiled politely and said, "As much as I would love to hear more of May's music, Jessie would probably be looking for me if she doesn't hear from me soon. Besides, someone has to tell her that you are nowhere near the theater so that she won't look here, right?"

Satoshi and I smiled and nodded appreciatively. May gave Drew a sweet look for him saying that we wanted to hear her music while Dawn nodded in approval. But then Dawn's eyes lit up and she walked over to Drew with a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Oh yeah, by the way, Drew, has Paul said anything about me?" She asked.

I looked at Dawn sadly, thinking about Kenny's feelings for her while Drew frowned.

"He has," he answered. "But I won't tell you what he said."

"Aw, why not?" Dawn asked.

"Because he didn't say anything good about you," Drew replied.

Dawn looked at Drew, confused, and said, "What do you mean?"

Drew hesitated before he gave the blue-haired girl a sympathetic look.

"Let's just say you are never going to reach out to Paul that way the same way as Iris, Satoshi, and May have to Cilan, Satoshi, and me," he said calmly. "Full disclosure, Dawn, you're better off finding someone better for you than somebody like Paul."

Dawn looked at Drew even more confused, for she smiled and shook her head.

"Nice try, Drew, but like Serena, I don't give up that easy," she said proudly. "I will get to Paul one way or another. You'll see."

With that, she walked back to the auditorium as if she just won an argument. Drew, Satoshi, May, and I watched her leave, concerned before the green-haired host cleared his throat.

"Okay, I better go," he said before turning to Satoshi and me. "I wish you guys luck."

"Thank you, Drew," I said appreciatively.

"Yes, thank you, Drew," Satoshi said.

Drew nodded and turned around and walked to the exit. He was halfway through the door when he paused and turned to May. The green-haired host smirked before he blew a kiss at May, making her squeak bashfully.

"Might as well have one more secret," he said before he went outside.

May, Satoshi, and I looked at where we last saw Drew, and we looked at each other before May smiled brightly. She skipped back to the auditorium in a giddy manner as if Drew kissed her full in the mouth while Satoshi and I chuckled. Before the two of us followed, however, I turned to Satoshi with a hopeful look.

"So, you finally love me, huh?" I asked.

Satoshi smiled and caressed my cheek.

"I do," he confirmed. "I admit I had to think about it back there, but when I realized everything I said about you, it just hit me. After all, my mom might have loved me, but she gave up on me. You, on the other hand, haven't given up on me, and you aren't going to start now even though we will constantly be apart soon. There just nothing left for me to do but realize that I love you for everything you do for me."

My smile grew, and I said, "And I will continue to do so much for you to whatever ends. That's just how much l love you back."

With that, we leaned in for another soft kiss and stared into each other's eyes. We stayed like this for a moment before I remembered something and looked around to make sure we are still alone before I reached into my pocket.

"I might be pushing it in terms of making everyone waiting for us, but I wanted to give you your Christmas present before rehearsal is over," I said, taking out a small wrapped box. "I thought it would be best to do it now since I can't give it to you privately at my dorm, thanks to Jessie."

Satoshi smiled and took out a small box and said, "I was thinking the same thing."

My heart skipped a beat, and I said, "Let's take turns opening our gifts. I want to see your reaction for yours."

"Sounds good to me," Satoshi said.

We swapped gifts, and I watched in anticipation as Satoshi opened his gift. His smile turned into one in confusion as he took out the silver locket until he opened it and saw what was inside. He stared at it for half a minute before he looked at me with a happy smile.

"A locket with a picture of you," he said. "You got this idea from my mother's locket, didn't you?"

I nodded and said, "Now, you have one locket each from the two women who love you."

"And that's just what I need apart from our secret song," he said. "I couldn't have asked for a better gift."

I smiled brightly, happy that he loved his gift. Then I opened my gift and gasped sharply to find a small heart-shaped sapphire handing on a silver chain. I lifted the necklace up from the box and held it close to me to make sure that it's really there. I looked at Satoshi, who gave me a proud smile, pleased with my reaction.

"I pulled a couple strings whenever Jessie and Princess Miette weren't around," he said. "Thought maybe you'd like to wear it underneath your shirt or school dress or something so that you're always wearing it in secret whenever we're not together."

Tears of happiness came out of my eyes, and I said, "You're right. I want it with me always."

Satoshi gave me a toothy grin before I turned around and he put my new necklace on me. I looked at the heart-shaped sapphire fondly before I grabbed Satoshi by his suit and pulled him into a firm kiss. He didn't hesitate to passionately kiss me back before we eventually pulled back to look at each other happily. We then hugged each other tightly with me resting my head on Satoshi's shoulder and he rested his head against mine. We knew that we would have to part and go back to rehearsal, but for that moment, we made the most of our time alone together.

"I love you so much, Satoshi," I said.

"I love you too, Serena," Satoshi said, tightening his hug on me. "I love you more than anything in the world."