Melodies of Triumph

Harmony River’s POV I hummed the song we used to make with mom before. "You know, I have always heard that from you since childhood," said Lynda, my BFF. "Since childhood?" "Maybe it started when you comforted a crying child when we got kidnapped?" I takes me a moment to remember it. "Oh, I remember now. Mom and I made that song. Well, it didn't have lyrics yet, just the melody of the song." “Congratulations Zenith Esports for winning the Pro League!” I adjusted my glasses and my eyes widened. Lynda and I screamed out of our lungs as we heard the host announce the winner of this year’s Pro League championship in our country on the live stream. I can't wait for them to fight for the whole nation. “I won the bet again,” Lynda said with a smile as she tapped away on her cellphone, talking to the people she had bet with. Well, ever since Zenith Esports was formed in 2017, I've been a fan. I glanced at my wallpaper. He has sparkling blue eyes like the sky, dark brown hair, a sharp nose, and kissable lips. By the way, the photo on my phone was Liam, my long-time crush and the reason why I liked esports. I sighed and lay back on my bed, and Lynda looked at me. She glanced at my phone and then back at me, smiling broadly. “Are you remembering the time he saved you again?” she asked, lying down beside me, “Your mister gentleman savior, huh?” I just smiled as I remembered that time. Well, Liam saved me from falling off a cliff. That was the time when I went mountain hiking for the first time, and luck was not on my side. I slipped on the cliff, but luckily, Liam arrived just in time. I still can’t forget the warmth of his hands, his sweat, his deep breath, and his eyes on me at that time. I touched the necklace around my neck. It's a crescent moon-shaped necklace, and it's from Liam. Well, he has no idea that his necklace is in my hands. Maybe if we ever meet in person, I'll give it to him. Does he still remember me? I almost fell off the bed when my phone suddenly made a notification sound. I quickly read the notification. “Email from Ridgeway Academy” My eyes widened as I read the email. I stood up to confirm what I had read. My hands trembled with joy, and Lynda didn't know what was happening. She looked at my phone and then at me, her eyes wide. “Did something happen?” she asked, concerned. I faced her with my phone so she could see the wonderful message I had received. I adjusted my glasses to see it better. CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE ACCEPTED AS A SCHOLAR AT RIDGEWAY ACADEMY Lynda couldn't believe what she read. She even grabbed the phone to read it carefully. She screamed and grabbed both of my hands. We jumped for joy, and my glasses fell off because of our jumping. I never thought I would pass to such a prestigious school. One more thing, a member of Zenith Esport also attends this school. Imagine that, destiny bringing the two of us closer together. “You know, we have to celebrate this,” Lynda said, grabbing her bag from the sofa, “Let’s go?” I nodded and quickly changed clothes. We got into her car and went to the bar. Well, I mean Lynda's bar. What I forgot to tell you is that Lynda comes from a rich family. Her family is well-known for their wine products. However, they are quite private and like to stay low-key. The employees at the company and the bar probably don't even know that Lynda is the owner's daughter. “I forgot to take my uniform,” I said, “I still need to get my ID.” “Well, no worries. The drinks can wait,” she said, laughing. We first went to Ridgeway Clothing Shop. I just had to scan the QR code I received through email from the academy. I tried on the uniform and got my ID. I couldn't help but notice Lynda trying on the uniform as well. I saw her pay at the counter. Is this her idea of fun? “Don’t change,” she said, handing me a paper bag with my clothes and extra uniforms. We looked at ourselves in the large mirror. Ridgeway’s uniform was kind of cool. I adjusted my blazer. The academy's logo could be seen on the pocket over the chest. The blazer, necktie, and striped skirt were all maroon. The inner part was a white long-sleeved shirt, covered by the blazer. “Are you sure we're not going to change? We might be mistaken for high school students,” I joked. “Well, we have our IDs as proof that we're college students,” she said, then winked. When we arrived at the bar, we immediately went to the VIP area and ordered drinks. I sat down and looked around. Meanwhile, Lynda grabbed the remote and entered her favorite song into the karaoke machine. We started drinking. “You’re good at singing right?” she asked, handing me the mic. I started singing, and Lynda just vibed with the song. “I’ll ask my mom to transfer me to Ridgeway tomorrow,” she smiled and clinked her glass with mine. “Didn't you want to go to that school before? Why not before?” I asked out of curiosity. She pouted, “I just want to be with you. Nobody knows who I really am, and my parents will not allow anyone to find out. That’s why I haven't had any other friends since childhood.” she said sadly, taking another sip. I noticed her face reddening from the alcohol. “Also, my parents love you as my friend.” “You just stay here, I’ll just get some water--” I was about to say before she grabbed my arm tightly and spoke again. “I wish I’m just like you. Living a normal life.” “Living like me? Without parents? Doing part-time jobs? Needing a scholarship to go to the school I like?” Her lips parted in surprise at my response. She slowly loosened her grip on my arm. She pressed her lips, “I’m sorry. I just reminded you.” I smiled, “That was a long time ago. No worries.” I stood up and helped her sit properly, “I’ll just get some water.” She nodded and leaned back. As I walked out of the VIP room, I let out a heavy sigh. I suddenly remembered what my mom said before she died: You need to live. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the car accident where we lost my parents. I looked at my phone as I received a message from my younger brother. “Did you pass?” I replied with a ‘yes’ and a smile emoticon. I sighed and grabbed a bottle of water. As I made my way to the hallway leading to the restroom, I saw Lynda standing outside. My heart skipped a beat when I saw a guy in front of her, holding her arm. He was wearing a black leather jacket and black pants. I dropped the bottle of water I was holding and quickly ran towards them. I could feel the panic rising within me. Was I too late? Did something happen to Lynda? I saw her in the guy’s grip. I didn't know what came over me, but I lunged forward and punched him in the face. He fell to the ground, and the look of shock on his face was evident. His eyes darkened, and his jaw clenched. “You… nerd,” he whispered. I quickly helped Lynda up, unaware of what had just happened. “Is this guy bothering you?” I asked, pointing at the guy who was now standing up, dusting off his white shirt and pants that had gotten dirty. He looked at me from head to toe. From his darkened eyes, a smirk formed, and I saw it. Is he losing it? “You’re from Ridgeway and you had the audacity to do that to me?” he said, clenching his jaw again. “So what? And what are you doing with my friend?” I asked while still trying to steady Lynda, whose knees were weak from the alcohol. “I’m not doing anything with her,” he said, looking at my friend and then back at me, “See you tomorrow, Harmony,” he added before turning away. How did he know my name? I looked at my nameplate. Oh. I called one of Lynda's drivers since she couldn't drive anymore. I also went to the convenience store where I worked. The next morning, I woke up early. It was almost 2 am when I got home, and I only had 5 hours of sleep. My head was pounding a bit from the alcohol I drank last night. I took a quick shower and got ready. “Harm, I just got a part-time job too,” Leo said as he put on his socks. I took a deep breath and placed my hand on my waist, “Didn't I tell you to focus on studying and I'll take care of the expenses?” “I want to help too, Harm. Let me be. I'm a teenager now, I can handle it. I'm 15 already tho.” I was about to say something when he excused himself and left. I sighed and also grabbed my bag. Yeah, he’s already grown up. I was brought back to reality when I heard the sound of Lynda's car outside. I quickly put on my shoes and went out. She had a driver now. It was a miracle that she had a driver now. “You got scolded, huh?” She sighed, “Yup. By the way, do you still have a hangover?” she asked. “A bit,” I replied, and the events of last night came flooding back, “Do you remember what happened last night?” “Hmm, the only thing I remember is… there was a guy trying to help me because I almost slipped? I wonder what happened next. Why do you ask?” she furrowed her brows. “So, that guy didn't harass you last night?” Her eyes widened, “Did he?” “No… I think he didn't.” Why do I feel like something bad is going to happen today? “Are you okay? Why do you look pale?” “I'm okay, maybe I just didn't get enough sleep,” I replied. Our conversation was interrupted when we arrived at school. We were greeted by the large gate of the academy. The school's logo could be seen on the gate. It opened automatically, as if someone was controlling it. Lynda rolled down the car window to get a better view of the vastness of the campus. “Woah, I didn't expect the school to be this big,” Lynda said in amazement as she looked out the window. After passing through the gate, we were greeted by a large school fountain. We were dropped off in front of the building where we would enter. “Oh, by the way… my mom’s here. I was called,” she said, and I just watched her leave. I took a deep breath and looked at the entire building. Where could the room for the Fine Arts course be? I was about to take a step when someone suddenly blocked my path. I looked down at his shoes and then up. I could vaguely make out his face, and it seemed familiar. As I was about to walk past him, he suddenly grabbed my arm. I stopped walking and looked at him with furrowed brows. “What?” I saw the corners of his lips turn up. “You seem to have forgotten quickly, Harmony,” he said, releasing my arm before putting his hands in the pockets of his pants. I looked around, feeling like we were the center of attention. “How did you know my…” I squinted as I looked at his familiar face, “You're that jerk?” “Oh, she did not know Blake?” I heard a woman say from the side. “She’s over.” “You dare to call me… jerk? You really don't know me?” he said, his expression darkening as he casually grabbed my nameplate. I instinctively moved away from him. “Who are you and what do you want?” “Me?” he stepped closer to me and leaned towards my ear to whisper, “I'll make your school experience more exciting... and hellish.” My eyes widened, and I clenched my fist. Did I just bump into the wrong person?