The hallway outside the screening room was alive with chatter, the kind that followed something electric. Festival-goers mingled, critics whispered amongst themselves, and the flickering lights overhead bathed everyone in a cinematic haze. Adrian stood just outside the doors, his body still catching up to the adrenaline rush from the screening of "Voicemail."
The short film had ended just minutes ago, but its impact lingered. Applause had filled the room. It hadn't been thunderous or theatrical, but it had been *genuine*. Adrian could still remember the faces—some moved, some thoughtful, others quietly shaken. That was what he wanted. Not spectacle, but *connection*.
Jom clapped him on the back. "Did you see that one guy wiping his eyes?"
Kai grinned. "Man, I thought someone was gonna stand up and hug you. That was insane."
Adrian gave a small, modest smile. He didn't want to admit it out loud, but their reaction meant everything.
"I think we did alright," he said.
Before Jom could start into one of his celebratory rants, a voice cut through the noise—a calm, measured tone that made Adrian freeze.
"That was a beautiful film."
He turned. There she was.
Rina Velasco.
Up close, she was even more striking—tall and poised, with a confidence that came not from arrogance, but certainty. Her sleek black dress seemed to swallow the lights around her, drawing attention with little effort. But it was her eyes that Adrian noticed most—sharp, observant, and, right now, fixed entirely on him.
He nodded, cautious. "Thanks."
"I saw your screening," she said, stepping closer. "And I just wanted to say... you earned that applause."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Didn't sound like you thought so earlier."
Rina chuckled softly. "Earlier, I was annoyed. Jealous, maybe." She met his eyes with a smirk. "But I'm not too proud to admit it. Your short film? It was better than mine."
Kai blinked, caught off guard. Jom tilted his head suspiciously.
"But," Rina continued, "next time, I'll be ready. I don't plan to lose twice."
Adrian studied her. There was no venom in her tone, just a fiery kind of honesty. A competitor, not a hater. He could respect that.
"I'll be looking forward to it," he replied.
Rina offered a small smile, then turned without another word and vanished into the sea of guests.
Kai let out a low whistle. "What just happened?"
Jom nudged Adrian. "Dude, you've got a *rival*. That's, like, a main character arc right there."
Adrian didn't answer. He was still processing. Rina Velasco—the girl who had stared daggers into him across the venue—had just admitted she was impressed. And that she wanted to beat him next time.
But instead of being rattled, Adrian smiled.
"Good," he murmured. "Let her be hungry."
---
The sun dipped low outside the grand venue as lights began to glow brighter inside. The opening ceremony of the festival was about to begin, and the air was thick with anticipation.
The trio made their way into the main auditorium, where chandeliers sparkled above a sea of elegantly dressed attendees. Giant screens flanked the stage, displaying a montage of films from previous years, interspersed with the faces of this year's nominees. Among them—Adrian's face.
He caught a glimpse of it and felt a strange flutter in his chest.
The host took the stage—a charismatic man with a booming voice and a well-tailored tuxedo. He welcomed everyone, made the usual jokes about film budgets and caffeine addiction, and then gave way to a beautiful string quartet that performed a moving medley of film soundtracks.
Then came the highlight: the award segment.
Adrian sat still, his hands clasped together, his leg bouncing ever so slightly under the table. Kai whispered beside him, "Win or lose, we made our mark."
Jom leaned in. "But man, I *really* want to win."
The lights dimmed again. The screen lit up with the category: **Best Student Short Film**.
The nominees played one by one—each one visually striking, each story unique. When "Voicemail" played, Adrian felt the same nervous pull in his chest. The clip chosen was quiet: the scene where the protagonist listened to a message from someone long gone. It was subtle. Emotional. Honest.
Then the clip ended.
The host returned to the stage, envelope in hand. "And the winner for Best Student Short Film is... *Voicemail* by Adrian Reyes and team!"
The crowd erupted into applause. Adrian sat frozen for a beat too long.
Kai was the first to shove him. "*Go!*"
Jom was already whooping and pumping his fist.
Adrian stood, a little shakily, and made his way to the stage. The lights were blinding. The applause loud. But in that moment, he felt grounded.
The host shook his hand and handed over the small but gleaming trophy.
"Any words?" the host asked.
Adrian took a breath.
"This film was made by three friends with barely enough money for gear and food in the same week. But we had something to say, and we just hoped someone would listen. Thank you to the jury, to the festival, and to everyone who believed in the power of a story—even if it's a short one."
He stepped down to another round of applause.
Back at the table, Jom tackled him in a bear hug. Kai raised the trophy in the air, shouting, "We did it!"
Adrian looked across the room.
In the back, standing alone with a glass of champagne, Rina watched him. She raised her glass slightly in acknowledgment. No smirk this time. Just a nod.
Adrian returned the gesture.
Whatever came next, he was ready.
Tonight was a victory. But tomorrow? Tomorrow would be the start of something even bigger.(End Chapter)