The cold, breezy day in Sulphur Springs, Louisiana, felt like a warning that winter break was officially over. Students of Sulphur Springs ISD had begrudgingly returned to their routines, and by midday, 4th period was in full swing. Down the 11th-grade hallway, the hum of voices, bursts of laughter, and fragments of conversation spilled from Mrs. Metrover's ELAR class-a usual occurrence.

Inside, the class wasn't your standard row of desks and obedient students. Desks had been shoved into loose circles, and kids lounged in every spot they could find-perched on desktops, sprawled on the floor, or nestled into the corners. From an outsider's perspective, it might've seemed like chaos, but it was the usual for this ELAR group. They always finished their work early, leaving the rest of the period to fill with the kind of casual energy that made it Mrs. Metrover's favorite class.

Toward the back of the room, in the reading nook that had long since been repurposed as a napping zone, Harper Dunn was curled up on the couch. She leaned against the armrest, her fingers lazily running through Bailey Moody's dark brunette hair as Bailey lounged between her legs. Across from them, on the opposite couch, Ciara Frost and Ariana Vacaraza were tangled together in their usual mess of intertwined legs and chaotic affection.

"So, let me get this straight," Bailey said, tilting her head to look at Harper. "You and your whole family-plus Griffin's family-are doing a reality show?"

And there it was: the topic of the hour. Harper and the Campbells, together, in front of a camera crew. The idea had taken weeks to get off the ground, requiring more convincing than Harper cared to admit. But money talked, and both families had finally caved after seeing the potential payout. Contracts had been signed, the deal was done, and now they were just waiting to get started. That wait, however, was dragging. No title, no premiere date, and barely any updates from the producers.

"Yep," Harper said with a mix of excitement and disbelief.

"That's hot," Ariana said, earning a laugh from Harper.

"When does filming even start?" Cici asked, sitting forward with curiosity.

"Who knows?" Harper muttered. "They're keeping everything on a need-to-know basis. And apparently, I don't need to know shit."

Bailey smirked. "Well, at least you'll get to be on camera with your boyfriend."

Harper froze for a moment, her expression tightening just enough for her friends to notice.

"Wait-what's that face?" Cici gasped, sitting up straighter. "Spill. Now."

Harper sighed, "Okay, so about three weeks ago... I had Nationals-"

"What's that?" Bailey interrupted, her brow furrowed.

"It's the last competition of the dance season," Cici chimed in like a pro.

"Okay, smexy," Ariana added casually.

"Anyway," Harper continued, shooting them a playful glare, "my studio's rivals were at the same competition. And not just at the event-they stayed at the Tremont, too. There's this girl on their team. Her name's Nyrie."

"That's a gorgeous name," Bailey interjected.

"Right?" Harper rolled her eyes, laughing. "It's honestly the only thing I'm jealous of. But yeah, at first, Griffin hated her. She was rude to me, totally smug, the works. But by the end of the weekend, he was... different. He got her number, started texting her, and now-" She paused, her tone dropping. "Now, he won't let me look through his phone anymore. He's always got some dumb excuse. And I don't know what's going on between them, but it's not nothing."

The girls fell silent, a rare moment of tension in the usually lively group.

"Damn," Cici finally muttered. "You think he's cheating?"

Harper didn't answer, her eyes drifting toward the classroom window as if the answer might somehow be waiting outside. "I don't know," she said softly. "But something's different. And I don't like it."

"And now," Harper continued, her voice tinged with frustration, "the show is probably going to involve Nyrie and her family too. Griffin absolutely hated the idea of doing it because he knew it meant everyone would find out about whatever's going on with him and Nyrie."

Bailey's frown lingered before twisting into a mischievous smirk. She tilted her head up at Harper. "You know, I could be a better boyfriend than him."

Harper burst out laughing, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous. But so cute."

Bailey chuckled, her smirk growing wider as she leaned back against Harper.

The moment was cut short when a sharp voice pierced the chatter.

"FIND A SEAT, EVERYONE!" Mrs. Metrover called, standing from her desk.

The class reluctantly began scattering, students pulling themselves up from couches and the floor, dragging their conversations to empty desks. Though the chatter quieted for a moment, it only ramped up again once they were settled.

Suddenly, the classroom door swung open. Nobody batted an eye until a tall, redheaded boy stepped inside, holding a slip of paper.

"BARETT!" Tristan hollered, throwing his arms in the air like he'd just seen a celebrity.

"Hey, Quesada," Austin said casually, making his way through the room. He dapped up Tristan, Griffin, and a few other guys as if making his rounds.

Finally, Austin turned his attention to Mrs. Metrover, holding out the paper. "Miss Hayes wanted me to give you this," he said smoothly.

Mrs. Metrover smiled as she took it. "Thank you, Austin."

The class noise hadn't died down, and Mrs. Metrover sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I need your attention!"

Her voice barely cut through the noise. Conversations buzzed on, students laughing and chatting like she wasn't even there.

"Students!" she repeated louder, but the room stayed alive with chaos. She placed her hands on her hips, looking ready to give up or explode.

Before she could do either, Austin decided to step in.

He raised his arms high, clapping his hands with perfect rhythm. "AYYY, BRING IT BACK, BRING IT BACK, BRING IT BACK!" he shouted, his voice booming like a drill sergeant's.

The effect was immediate. Conversations halted mid-sentence, heads snapped toward him, and the room fell into an eerie silence.

Mrs. Metrover blinked, clearly taken aback. "What did you just say?"

Austin shrugged, grinning like he owned the place. "Just helping them bring it back," he said nonchalantly, turning toward the door. "You're welcome."

With that, he slipped out, leaving the door to close softly behind him.

Mrs. Metrover stood there for a moment, her expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. Finally, she shook her head, muttering under her breath, "That kid," before turning back to the board.

"Alright, moving on," she said, reclaiming the class's attention as if nothing had happened.

"Before we wrap up today, I've got some exciting news for you all," Mrs. Metrover said, her voice tinged with enthusiasm. "We have a guest speaker coming in with a huge announcement that's going to be a big deal for all of you-it's honestly an honor that you even get to hear it."

The door swung open just as she spoke, and in stepped a man with striking blue eyes and sun-kissed blonde hair, looking to be in his mid-30s.

"Oh, perfect timing!" Mrs. Metrover exclaimed, flashing a smile as she gestured toward him. "Class, this is Mr. Kendall."

The students turned their attention to him, some offering friendly waves and others flashing smiles in return.

Mr. Kendall stepped confidently to the front of the classroom, his warm smile instantly drawing the attention of every student. His striking blue eyes scanned the room, assessing the energy of the class before he began speaking.

"Good afternoon, everyone. It's an honor to be here with you today," he began, his voice smooth but carrying a quiet authority.

Mr. Kendall stated, his confident smile lighting up the room. "I've got an incredible opportunity to share with you all. Now, you might not know this, but just down in Sulphur Springs, a brand-new school has been in the works. And this isn't just any school-it's a school for the arts."

The class stirred, curiosity rippling through the room as he continued. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm excited to introduce Supreme Arts High School," he announced, his tone brimming with pride.

Harper and Bailey exchanged intrigued glances, their interest piqued.

"Supreme Arts High School is a top-tier institution designed for students who are serious about pursuing careers in the arts," Mr. Kendall explained. "It's a place where your creativity is nurtured, and you're given the tools, training, and exposure to succeed in the professional world. This isn't just a school-it's a launchpad for your future."

A voice piped up from the middle of the room. "So... are you saying we should transfer there?"

Mr. Kendall chuckled, nodding. "This school is by audition only. We take the best of the best, and I know Sulphur Springs has a lot of talent. If you're serious about your art, I highly recommend auditioning."

Harper raised her hand, her brow furrowed. "What does the schedule look like? Is it the same as here?"

"Great question," Mr. Kendall said, addressing her directly. "The school day at Supreme is shorter than your current schedule. Here, I believe you're in class from 7:45 to 3:45. At Supreme, the day runs from 8:00 to 2:30."

Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Wait, for real? That's it?"

Mr. Kendall grinned. "Not only that, but Fridays are dedicated entirely to your art. No core classes-just time to immerse yourself in what you're passionate about."

The room buzzed with excitement, jaws dropping left and right-including Mrs. Metrover's.

"Wait, wait, wait," Cici said, her eyes wide. "So no ELAR, math, or all that other stuff on Fridays?"

"Exactly," Mr. Kendall confirmed, his smile widening. "Just your art."

A wave of murmurs spread through the room, the energy palpable.

"But," he added, holding up a hand to calm the excitement, "there is a catch. By state law, you're still required to meet specific core class hours. To make up for that, Thursdays are a little different. You'll have an extra 45 minutes added to your core classes, and there won't be any arts on that day. It's a fair trade-off to balance everything out."

Ariana blinked, her face scrunched in confusion. "I'm... confuzzled."

Mr. Kendall gave a warm, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you'll get all the details soon enough."

Bailey, ever curious, raised an eyebrow. "What kind of arts programs do you even offer?"

"Great question," Mr. Kendall said, leaning in slightly. "At Supreme Arts High School, we offer specialized programs in Theater, where students immerse themselves in acting and stage production. Our Dance program focuses on technique and performance across a wide range of styles. The Music program includes both vocal and instrumental training, with numerous performance opportunities. And for those into Visual Arts, we offer a deep dive into painting, sculpture, and other creative mediums."

"That's it?" Tristan asked, clearly intrigued but still a bit skeptical.

"Not quite," Mr. Kendall continued with a knowing smile. "We also have Screen Acting, where students master the craft of acting for TV and film. And our Film program, on the other hand, teaches the full process-directing, producing, and editing-preparing students for a career in film production."

Harper's eyebrow arched in curiosity.

Griffin spoke up, his tone laced with skepticism. "We've got most of that here. So, what makes Supreme so different?"

Mr. Kendall's expression shifted, becoming more serious. "Sure, you can pursue your art here, but if you really want to make it big, Supreme is where you need to be. We don't just teach art; we live and breathe it at an advanced level."

He paused for emphasis before continuing. "For example, I heard the theatre program here is working on a presentation about Greek theatre. Sure, it's a solid project, but at Supreme, that's just the start. Your assignments aren't about just getting by-they're about pushing you to the edge."

Harper, still intrigued, leaned forward. "So, they're harder?"

Mr. Kendall grinned, almost like he was savoring the moment. "Honey, at Supreme, your weekly assignment in Screen Acting? You'll be sending in a self-tape for a role in Los Angeles or Hollywood. That's the kind of standard we hold you to."

Harper's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Kendall's voice sharpened, becoming more commanding, "I don't think you understand just how elite Supreme is. When our music and theatre students put on their shows, it's not just for the parents. We've got real agents, casting directors, and producers from LA in the audience, scouting talent. Supreme isn't just a school-it's a launching pad for the next big names in the industry."

He took a breath, letting the weight of his words settle in the room. "Supreme is the best of the best. And only the best get in."

"Anyway," Mr. Kendall said, straightening his posture and adjusting his tie. "That's all the time I have for now. I need to visit the other grades. Auditions are tomorrow, so I encourage you to visit our website tonight. Look into the art programs we offer and come prepared-whether that means reading lines, playing an instrument, singing, or showcasing any other skill your chosen art requires."

He paused, before flashing a confident smile. "I'll see you soon, and remember-Never Ordinary, Always Supreme."

With that, Mr. Kendall turned and walked out the door, his presence lingering in the air like a challenge.

Mrs. Metrover stepped forward, her eyes scanning the room. The class, which had been buzzing with energy moments before, had gone completely quiet, the weight of Mr. Kendall's words still hanging in the air.

"Anyone interested?" she asked, her voice calm, though there was a hint of surprise in her tone.

The silence that followed was short-lived. Almost as if on cue, hands shot up all around the room, eager and enthusiastic. The classroom erupted into a buzz of voices, each student discussing the possibilities, their excitement spilling over the desks.

Mrs. Metrover stood back, a slight smile creeping onto her face as she watched the chaos unfold.

**********

The final bell had rung at Sulphur Springs High School, and now Harper found herself in the passenger seat of Griffin's pickup truck. The atmosphere between them was heavy, the kind of awkward silence that neither seemed brave enough to break. Griffin kept his eyes on the road, one hand casually draped over the steering wheel, the other resting near the open window. Harper stared out at the passing scenery, her fingers nervously tapping against her knee.

From the truck bed behind them, bursts of laughter and chatter broke the quiet tension. Zoey, Wyatt, and Topher sat carefree in the back, the wind whipping through their hair as they joked and hollered into the breeze. It was reckless-clearly unsafe-but Griffin didn't seem to care today.

Harper's fingers tapped lightly against her knee, and after a moment of hesitation, she broke the silence.

"You gonna audition?" she asked, her voice steady but curious.

Griffin sucked his teeth, keeping his eyes on the road. "I don't know, mama. I don't think I've got that kind of talent."

Harper smiled softly at the nickname, her gaze lingering on him. "You've always been talented. You just don't give yourself enough credit," she said, her voice warm.

Griffin glanced at her, trying to suppress a grin. "Thanks, lovey," he said, the nickname rolling off his tongue with ease. The slight curl of his lips made Harper blush, but she quickly looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

A moment later, they pulled into the Tremont, driving past the parking spaces reserved for residents. Griffin eased the truck onto the pathway, slowing until the vehicle came to a smooth stop. He turned off the engine and grabbed his keys in one swift motion.

"Let's go," he said, leaning back to snag his backpack from the backseat before hopping out. Harper followed, her sneakers hitting the gravel as she adjusted her bag.

Behind them, chaos erupted as Zoey shoved Wyatt hard enough to send him stumbling.

"You're such a bitch," she snapped, glaring at him while Wyatt howled with laughter, leaping out of the truck bed like he hadn't heard a word.

Zoey stood, brushing off her jeans. Topher smirked as he placed his hands on her waist, helping her down from the truck bed.

"Relax, it was funny," Topher said, his grin widening as he met Zoey's fiery glare.

"The fuck it wasn't," Zoey muttered, slinging her bag over her shoulders before walking toward the porch.

The five of them trudged up the steps, Harper and Griffin in the lead. Griffin pulled the door open, stepping aside to let everyone in.

As usual, the Tremont greeted them with its warm, cozy atmosphere. Soft Louisiana blues drifted from the speakers, setting a mellow tone as guests moved about. The mouthwatering aroma of something delicious wafted from the kitchen, and for once, everything felt calm. With the chaos of RDC and the other studios gone, peace had finally settled over the hotel.

The five teens wandered down the hallway and into the parlor, where they found their parents gathered, mugs of steaming hot chocolate in hand as they chatted in low voices.

"How are y'all just gonna sit here drinking hot chocolate without offering us any?" Topher complained, clearly unimpressed.

Jess looked up, letting out an exasperated sigh. "It's in the kitchen. Go help yourselves."

Grinning, Wyatt and Topher took off down the hall, shoving each other like overgrown kids as they disappeared into the kitchen.

"How was school, lovelies?" Sarah asked, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

"It was good," Harper started, only to be interrupted by Zoey dropping her bag to the floor with a loud thud.

"There's bigger news," Zoey announced, crossing her arms. "I'm dropping out of Sulphur Springs High."

Ben choked on his hot chocolate, coughing as Sarah patted his back. Jess and Sarah exchanged concerned glances before Jess spoke.

"Elaborate, honey," Jess said carefully.

Zoey didn't hesitate. "There's a new arts school. Supreme Arts High School. A speaker came today and told us all about it. It's all arts-focused-music, acting, film, dance, everything. It's audition-based, and auditions are tomorrow. I'm trying out."

Sarah's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds amazing. I completely support you. You'd kill it there," she said warmly.

Jess turned to Harper and Griffin. "What about you two? Are you auditioning?"

"Yeah," Harper said with a small smile.

Griffin shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know... I'm still thinking about it."

Jess nodded in understanding. "Fair enough. But speaking of auditions, I heard some other news today."

Everyone looked at her curiously as she continued. "Halley and Kora's Twitter was blowing up. Apparently, Sydnee and Nyrie were invited to audition, too."

Zoey froze, her eyes going wide as her hands flew to her face. "OH MY GOD!" she yelled, while Harper let out a loud groan, leaning back dramatically.

The only one smiling was Griffin, who perked up immediately. "Nyrie? She's auditioning?" he