from his life-long passion—the band we created yesterday in gym class."

Gideon chimed in from the side, his tone serious but his grin anything but. "Yeah, man, we made an oath and sealed it with sweat. While I tried to do a pull-up."

Melanie bit back a laugh but saw Phoebe's shoulders stiffen.

"Muscles are the first sell-outs," Gideon added with a shrug.

Max's eyes narrowed. "I can't have a bandmate dating my sister. Oyster, are you with us or with Phoebe?"

Oyster hesitated, running his fingers along the strings of his guitar. "I told you, Max... my guitar's my heart and soul."

Max's grin widened. "I knew you'd make the right choice. Let's go rehearse."

But Oyster didn't move. His gaze stayed locked on Phoebe. "You're not hearing me, bros," he said slowly. "My guitar chose Phoebe. And so do I."

The silence that followed was heavy, stretching longer than it should have.

Melanie's eyebrows shot up, and even Phoebe froze for a second, blinking in disbelief.

Max's jaw clenched. "What?" His voice was tight, low.

Melanie glanced sideways, deciding it was better not to laugh. Yet.

Phoebe opened her mouth, but Melanie caught her eye and gave her a quick, encouraging nod. Go with it.

Max crossed his arms, his stance defensive. "Phoebe, putting this band together is the coolest thing I've done since we moved here. You can't just... steal Oyster."

Phoebe stood her ground, her chin lifting. "Well, maybe you shouldn't have said I wasn't a good match for him." She paused, glancing at Melanie for courage. "I want an apology."

Max's mouth twitched, but not into anything friendly. "Okay. I'm sorry... you look like that."

Melanie winced, her jaw clenching, but she didn't move. Phoebe needed to handle this one.

Phoebe's eyes narrowed. "Not good enough."

Max groaned, throwing up his hands. "Just go break up with him, so he can play our gig tomorrow."

"Why?" Phoebe challenged. "I like him, and he likes me."

Max snorted. "No, he likes the bad girl you're pretending to be. Which you can't even see through all that eye makeup you never wear."

"I can see fine," Phoebe snapped, folding her arms tighter.

"You're squishing Colosso," came a sharp, muffled voice.

Phoebe startled, glancing down to see Colosso squished beneath her arm.

"Yeah, get your jagged elbows off of me!" the rabbit grumbled.

Phoebe's eyes widened slightly, but she recovered quickly, stepping back and smoothing her jacket. "We're done here," she said, her voice sharp. "Oyster and I are going out for pizza."

Max shook his head. "Phoebe, you two won't last."

Phoebe shot him a look, smirking. "Oh, we will. Oyster already thinks I'm... sweet cheese."

Melanie coughed into her hand to cover the laugh.

Max frowned. "It's sweeches! You don't even speak his language!"

Phoebe turned on her heel, grabbing her bag. "Well, I guess I'll just have to learn it." She grabbed Oyster by the arm and headed for the door.

As they disappeared, Max turned to Melanie, frustration radiating off him. "You're not seriously okay with this, are you?"

Melanie just shrugged, though her eyes sparkled. "I'm not the one dating him. But hey, if Phoebe can pull off sweet cheese—or sweeches, or whatever—you've got bigger problems than a broken band."

Max groaned. "This is gonna be a disaster."

Melanie smiled slightly, watching the door swing shut behind Phoebe. "Maybe. Or maybe it'll be epic."

☆☆

Melanie lingered by the kitchen doorway, arms crossed as she watched Max pace back and forth. His jaw was tight, his brow furrowed, and there was a glint in his eye that Melanie knew all too well. Trouble.

When Max grabbed his jacket from the hook by the door, Melanie narrowed her eyes. "Where are you going?" she asked casually, though her gaze was sharp.

Max paused, schooling his expression into one of faux innocence. "Just... out."

Melanie raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Out where?"

Max hesitated for a second too long, his hand tightening around the door handle. "Does it matter?"

"Yeah, it does," Melanie shot back, stepping closer. "Because I know that look. That's the 'I'm-about-to-wreak-havoc' look. So... what's the plan?"

Max let out a sigh, the fake nonchalance slipping from his face. "Fine. If you must know, I'm going to save Phoebe from herself."

Melanie tilted her head, skeptical. "By doing what exactly?"

Max's grin turned sharp. "By showing Oyster who Phoebe really is. Not this fake, edgy girl she's pretending to be. I'm going to expose her real life—the side she's trying to hide."

Melanie's stomach twisted, but she kept her voice steady. "And you think that's going to help her?"

"It'll help her wake up," Max shot back. "She's lying to herself, and to him. Better it ends now before it gets worse."

Melanie crossed her arms. "Or maybe you're just jealous that she's taking Oyster's attention away from your band."

Max opened his mouth, but the denial didn't come fast enough. Instead, his jaw tightened again, and Melanie knew she'd struck a nerve.

"Thought so," she said softly, but there was an edge to her tone.

Max shook his head, pulling open the door. "Whatever. She'll thank me later."

Melanie stayed still, watching him disappear down the sidewalk. She chewed on her lip, debating. Part of her wanted to stay out of it, let Max crash and burn on his own. But the other part—the one that hated seeing Phoebe hurt—couldn't let it go.

So she grabbed her jacket, slipping out quietly and following Max at a safe distance.

He didn't notice her, too focused on his mission. His steps were sharp and determined, his posture tense. Melanie kept to the shadows, her heart thudding in her chest as they made their way through the neighborhood.

She wasn't sure what she'd do when Max confronted Phoebe and Oyster. But she knew one thing.

She wouldn't let Max ruin this without a fight.

Melanie stood near the entrance of Ms. Wong's diner, arms folded as she watched the scene unfold with a tense jaw. She'd followed Max here, knowing exactly what he planned to do, but still hoping he'd back off. Clearly, she'd hoped for too much.

Max stood with that mischievous glint in his eye, a stack of photos in hand, and Melanie could already feel the disaster brewing.

Phoebe's eyes narrowed as she glanced from Max to Oyster. "What are you doing here, Max?" she asked, her voice sharp.

Max smirked. "I'm gonna show Oyster that bad Phoebe's a lie, break you two up, and order a mushroom calzone to go."

Phoebe's eyebrows shot up. "Seriously?"

Max shrugged, as if his sabotage was casual. "Yeah, I'm super hungry. And yeah, you're about to be super single."

Melanie resisted the urge to groan. She stepped a little closer but stayed quiet, ready to step in if this got out of hand.

"You should've stayed home," Phoebe snapped, leaning back in her chair, her arms crossed. "Because you just woke up bad Phoebe."

Just as she said it, a clatter echoed across the diner. Ms. Wong's eyes flashed from behind the counter. "Pick those up!" she barked.

Max stiffened. "Yes, Ms. Wong," he muttered, scooping up the fallen utensils like a scolded child. Melanie pressed her lips together, half amused, half annoyed.

Then, Max straightened, raising the photos like evidence in a courtroom. "Oyster, since you like my sister so much, I spent my birthday money on jumbo pictures to show you who she really is."

Oyster leaned forward, his dark eyes glinting. "Dinner and a show? Awe-sedelic."

Max smirked, holding up the first photo. "Here's your bad girl at the petting zoo last week... with a cute little sheep."

Phoebe didn't miss a beat. She tilted her chin, lips curled into a smirk. "Yeah, right before I shaved my initials into its fuzzy little butt."

Melanie blinked, impressed. Okay, that was smooth.

Max hesitated, then held up the next photo. "Here's Phoebe's idea of a good time at the beach."

Oyster squinted. "Is that a... metal detector?"

"Yeah," Phoebe said coolly, "I use it to trip lifeguards." She shot Max a challenging look, daring him to try again.

Melanie had to bite her lip to hide her grin. Phoebe was holding her own, but Melanie wasn't about to let Max go unchallenged either.

Max's jaw clenched as he held up the final photo. "And here she is helping an old lady cross the street. That's her real personality."

Oyster tilted his head, confused. "What's wrong with that?"

Max faltered, his mouth opening and closing. "Uh..." He flipped back to the sheep photo, waving it like it was proof of betrayal. "Look at the sheep one again!"

Oyster chuckled. "You look really cute in this picture." His voice softened, his grin playful.

Phoebe blinked, caught off guard. "Aw... Thank you."

Max threw his hands up in defeat. "You two make me sick."

Melanie stepped forward, her voice casual but edged with a challenge. "Well, maybe next time you'll think twice before trying to ruin someone's night, Max."

He scowled but didn't respond.

Oyster smiled at Phoebe, his eyes lingering a moment longer than necessary. "So, pizza after this?"

Phoebe smiled, her confidence back in full force. "Definitely."

Max groaned, turning away. "I need that calzone."

Melanie watched him stalk toward the counter, shaking her head. "And maybe a lesson in how to mind your business," she muttered under her breath before glancing at Phoebe.

"You good?" she asked, her tone softer now.

Phoebe nodded, her grin a little smug. "Yeah. I'm good."

Melanie smiled faintly. "Good. Because that was impressive."

Phoebe's eyes sparkled. "Thanks. Couldn't have done it without you standing behind me."

Melanie just shrugged, but inside, she was proud.

Outside Ms. Wong's, the cool night air met Melanie as she stepped out, her arms crossed, head buzzing with thoughts. The glow from the diner windows cast a warm light behind her, and she wasn't surprised when Max followed, his footsteps quick and determined.

"Melanie, wait up!" Max called, his voice edged with frustration.

She paused, turning slowly to face him. "What?"

Max huffed, running a hand through his hair. "You saw what happened in there. Oyster's obsessed with Phoebe, and it's a disaster waiting to happen."

Melanie raised an eyebrow. "Looked more like a date to me."

Max threw his hands up. "Come on, Mel! You know Phoebe's pretending to be someone she's not. And Oyster? The dude's weird. Obsessed with his guitar like it's his girlfriend or something."

Melanie's expression softened, but she didn't let her guard down. "Maybe it's not that weird."

Max blinked. "What?"

She shrugged lightly. "Maybe the guitar's his safety object. The thing he holds onto when the world feels out of control." Her gaze lingered on Max, watching him carefully. "You know, like how I am for you."

Max froze, his mouth parting slightly like the thought had knocked the wind out of him.

Melanie stepped closer, her voice quieter now. "You think I don't know that? Every time things get tough, you come to me. You don't have to say it, Max. I get it." She offered a small, knowing smile. "Maybe that guitar is what makes Oyster feel like he's got control of something."

Max hesitated, his shoulders tense. "Yeah, well... Phoebe's lying. He's gonna figure it out, and when he does, he'll be crushed. Or worse, she'll be crushed."

Melanie sighed, her arms loosening from across her chest. "Maybe. Or maybe Phoebe likes him enough to figure out if they're really a match. She's not asking for forever, Max. She's just asking for a chance."

Max scowled, kicking at the ground. "I just... I don't want her to get hurt."

"I know," Melanie said gently. "But you can't protect her from everything. Sometimes, she's gotta figure it out on her own."

He looked down, silent, and for a second, Melanie saw the side of Max he rarely showed—uncertain, protective, a little scared.

"You gonna be okay with that?" she asked softly.

Max took a breath, forcing his usual smirk onto his face. "Yeah, whatever. Let her crash and burn if she wants." But it didn't have his usual bite.

Melanie smiled faintly. "That's the spirit."

She turned to leave, but paused. "And for the record? You're not as smooth as you think, Max."

He scoffed. "Says who?"

"Says me," she shot back, grinning. "And I'm usually right."

As she walked away, Max stood there, staring after her, torn between annoyance and grudging respect. He hated when Melanie made sense. Mostly because she was usually right.

The hum of electric guitar strings filled the living room, vibrating through the walls and floor. Melanie stood just inside the doorway, arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold with cautious curiosity. The band practice had clearly derailed, and Max stood at the center of it all, a mischievous grin stretched across his face, holding up a chainsaw like it was some kind of grand prize.

Gideon, oblivious as ever, grinned widely. "She shreds like a lady wizard," he declared, nodding approvingly at Barb, who stood off to the side with arms crossed and a raised brow.

"My mom's not gonna be a member of Bruno Max," Max shot back, shaking his head. "Well, unless you guys come up with a better band name."

Barb chuckled lightly, but Melanie's attention was fixed on Max. Something about his energy felt off—too forced, too eager.

"What if I come up with a name?" Barb asked, raising an eyebrow.

Max didn't miss a beat. "No, Mom. We're gonna get Oyster back."

Melanie's gaze flicked to Gideon, who looked equally unsure. "But what if you don't?" Barb challenged lightly. "Then can I be in your band?"

Max hesitated, his grin tight. "If my new plan to get Oyster back fails, and if every guitarist in the world breaks both their hands, then sure, you can be in the band."

Gideon fist-pumped, grinning like he'd already booked their first gig.

Melanie frowned. "What plan?" she wondered silently.

Just then, Max's gaze shifted to the doorway, his eyes narrowing as Phoebe and Oyster appeared, walking in with casual ease. Oyster's hand lingered at Phoebe's elbow, his easy grin firmly in place.

"Hey, there they are," Max greeted, his voice light but edged. "Hiddenville's cutest couple."

Phoebe paused, wariness flickering across her face. Melanie picked up on it instantly.

Max stepped forward, smile sharp. "Hey, I'm really sorry that I interrupted your date," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I even got you a gift to show Oyster you're the ultimate rocker girl."

Melanie blinked in surprise as Max pulled the chainsaw from behind his back, holding it up like some bizarre trophy.

"Chainsaw," Max said proudly. "He's gonna give you guys matching mohawks."

Oyster's eyes lit up, clearly impressed by the absurd idea. "That's the most romantic idea I've ever heard."

Phoebe's jaw clenched, her eyes flashing. She glanced at Melanie, who gave her a subtle, reassuring nod.

"Yeah, Max," Phoebe said, her voice tight but controlled. "How can I thank you?"

"By going first," Max offered, his grin almost too wide.

The room went silent for a beat too long. Melanie's stomach twisted. Something was definitely wrong.

Stepping closer to Max, she kept her voice low but firm. "What are you doing, Max?" she asked, her brow furrowed. "Really."

Max's smile faltered, his eyes darting to the chainsaw, then to Phoebe. "Just helping my sister prove she's hardcore," he said too casually.

Melanie wasn't buying it. She leaned in, her tone quieter but more intense. "No, you're trying to ruin this for her. Why?"

Max's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Melanie wasn't done. "She really likes him, Max. Don't mess this up just because you're worried about losing control of your band."

Max's mouth opened, but still, no words came.

Melanie tilted her head slightly. "You know, maybe his guitar isn't just a guitar," she said gently. "Maybe it's his safety object. The one thing that makes him feel grounded."

Max blinked, caught off guard by the thought.

"Kind of like how I am for you," Melanie added, her voice softening. "Right?"

The words hung heavy in the air. Max's gaze dropped, the chainsaw suddenly feeling a lot heavier in his hands.

Phoebe watched them carefully, her expression unreadable.

Melanie straightened, her stance protective. "Don't make her lose something good just because you're scared," she said quietly.

Max didn't argue. Didn't fight. He just stood there, silent, as if processing more than he wanted to admit.

☆☆

Melanie glanced at Max one last time, her expression unreadable, before gently taking Phoebe by the arm and steering her toward the kitchen. The moment they were out of earshot, Melanie let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

Phoebe's face was tight with tension, her eyes flicking back toward the living room. "What's going on, Mel? Why are you pulling me away like this?" she whispered, though her tone was defensive.

Melanie paused, her hand still resting lightly on Phoebe's arm. "I just..." She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I wanted to check in with you. About the whole... chainsaw and mohawk thing."

Phoebe stiffened, her mouth pressing into a stubborn line. "I can handle it. Max is just trying to mess with me, but I'm not gonna back down."

Melanie's gaze softened, though worry lingered in her eyes. "Phoebe, listen. I get it. You want to prove something—to Max, to Oyster, maybe even to yourself. But shaving your head into a mohawk just to keep up an image? That's a lot." She lowered her voice, glancing toward the living room again. "And if you don't want to go through with it, that's totally okay. You don't owe anyone that."

Phoebe crossed her arms, her fingers gripping her elbow. "I don't want Max to be right," she said, her voice low but steady. "He thinks I'm pretending. That Oyster only likes this version of me. But... I like him. And I think he likes me, too. Even if it's the 'bad girl' me."

Melanie tilted her head, studying her carefully. "But is that really you? Or are you just trying to be someone you think he'll like?"

Phoebe looked down, her jaw tight, but didn't answer.

Melanie took a small step closer, her tone gentle. "Look, there's nothing wrong with switching up your style or trying new things. But this is permanent. It's not like wearing a leather jacket for the night. You'll have to live with that mohawk long after this whole thing with Oyster is over—if it ever is."

Phoebe's breath hitched slightly, her resolve wavering. "You think I'm being stupid, don't you?" she asked, her voice quiet.

Melanie shook her head. "No. I think you're being brave. Brave for wanting to take a risk, brave for wanting to be noticed." She reached out, gently placing her hand over Phoebe's. "But being brave also means knowing when to stop and ask yourself what you really want. Not what Max wants, not what Oyster wants. What Phoebe wants."

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Phoebe looked away, her shoulders tense, as if fighting an internal battle.

Finally, she whispered, "I don't know."

Melanie gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "That's okay. You don't have to decide right now. But if you want to back out, I'll be there. I'll cover for you, I'll even distract Max. Whatever you need. You don't have to prove anything to