Chapter 5: The Spotlight Turns

Carter, Savannah, walk your path well...

And I’ll take the bus.

I pressed my forehead to the cool glass, watching the city lights smear into watercolor. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to let the main characters have their slow-motion moment while you get to your destination on time.

If they walk back, they’ll definitely be late for their major exam.

Let alone scholarships, even keeping their GPA will be tough.

But that’s not my problem. I opened my phone to browse and was shocked—

Apparently, I, Autumn Blake, am going to crash Carter’s confession tonight and snatch the bouquet!

The rumor was spreading fast, with chat screenshots and an anonymous source.

The avatar was blurred out thicker than a suspect on a Dateline episode. GroupMe, Snapchat, and even the campus Reddit thread were blowing up with speculation.

I was speechless.

Even after finishing my macroeconomics exam, I couldn’t figure out how the rumor spread.

The exam questions were as expected, but the main couple didn’t follow the script.

A little tired, study tired, life tired, exam tired—maybe this is what they call "accrued experience."

Since that’s the case, let’s go.

Under the muggy, 90-degree Florida night sky, I headed to the football field.

Let’s let the main plot crash and burn!

The heat clung to my skin as I walked across campus, the stadium lights glowing like a beacon for drama. I checked my notifications—thirty unread DMs. Apparently, the whole school was waiting to see if I’d go viral for all the wrong reasons.

On summer nights, the campus breeze was hot, mixed with the freedom of exam week ending.

Only when I reached the field did I realize how lively it was.

At 9:30 p.m., students filled the track, field, and bleachers.

Normally at this hour, everyone would be in the dorm playing Mario Kart or out for burgers and milkshakes.

But tonight, every gaze was fixed on the stage.

No need to look—it had to be Carter Reed.

He’d boldly taken over the red track, but instead of roses and candles, he’d set up a mini stage:

Drums, guitar, bass, keyboard—everything.

And the lead singer, of course, was Carter.

Savannah was on stage too.

The area was surrounded by students, packed tight, everyone half-joking, half-watching. The gym echoed with laughter, the smell of popcorn and sweat thick in the air.

Soon, a powerful singing voice rose from the crowd:

"I can watch the stars with you..."

I looked up, a little regretful—

Tonight, the sky was overcast, not a star in sight.

Carter held the mic, singing with a relaxed, affectionate tone:

"No need to say more,"

"I just want to be with you."

The crowd erupted in cheers, even screams. Someone nearby started a wave, and a group in the back flicked their phone flashlights.

I could vaguely see Savannah’s bright eyes sparkling, her cheeks flushed pink—

Like a lily blooming in midsummer.

If you ask what it’s like to ship a couple in person, I can only say: sweet, really sweet.

If you ask why I don’t have my own romance, I can only say: even if I have feelings, I’ll hold onto my pen—the right person will be waiting for me in the future.

If you ask again...

Don’t ask. If you do, I’ll start charging you.

I let myself fade into the background, watching the main act from the shadows. There’s a strange comfort in being the observer, the one who takes notes while everyone else is busy living their highlight reel.