It was now that 30th, and a Tuesday. Officially, it had been four weeks since Hunter broke up with Troy and there were no signs of them getting back together. Troy's week was spent with deciding what he should do about telling his friends the truth he was gay and had been dating Hunter. Troy wanted nothing more than to get Hunter back, and had been told exactly how to achieve that. However, the cost of telling his friends the truth would also affect the baseball team, who were in the playoffs for their school and Soul Harmonics, who would face disqualification because if the others walked away, there would be drama and problems among the teams. Troy didn't want to disrupt all that, so what did he do? It was easy to see Troy was miserable without Hunter, and Hunter was likely hurt too, but putting on a strong front. All the friends wanted to do something, but as it had been put in the beginning, everything was up to Troy. So it was Finals week, all the students would take two exams for a class per day, and Friday was when final grades went up.

For Soul Harmonics, their nationals competition was on the 3rd, which was at the end of this week. The following week would be graduation practice and then prom on the 10th. The week beyond that was also graduation practice, then graduation on the 18th. Somewhere in the weeks was the world series game, and it was believed to be held on the 17th, a Friday night before graduation day. And also, Cheer Competition was set to be scheduled between the last two weeks of school. The students couldn't leave after exams because one was always held in the morning, and the other in the afternoon. Also, Soul Harmonics still had their practices 3 pm to 4:30 pm. Then there was baseball and cheer practices too. Hunter still worked after school, trying to stay as busy as possible and he knew there was big event with his dad and the other mayors on Saturday the 4th; he'd been told to invite his friends and was reserved on how many to invite. His father told him no limit and he didn't want to offend anyone in Soul Harmonics by not inviting them all.

Right now, it was lunch hour as Soul Harmonics were sitting together outside as they were permitted to. It was a beautiful day too.

"I can't believe we've only got three more weeks of school," Hailey beamed.

"It's flown right by," Griffin agreed.

"What are we working on tonight in practice?" Brady inquired.

"Same stuff," Madison replied. "Hunter and I already talked about it. It's our last few days before competition…"

Hunter was pretty quiet, just eating his lunch and checking thing on his phone. "You and your parents ever decide what you're doing about a car, Troy?" Blake asked.

Troy snapped out of his thoughts about having to tell his friends soon because prom was next week and he already felt like Hunter was losing hope they were getting back together. "Yeah, they said they'd been planning to get me a newer car for graduation. But I can't have it until they see my final grades and know I'm graduating for sure." Troy replied.

"Sweet." Kody smiled.

"Any word on where graduation is being held?" Gabriella questioned, looking to the others.

"Isn't it being held the same place as Glee competition?" Tristan asked.

"That's what my dad said. Practices held here in the auditorium, final practice is at Mead Hall in the morning at 9 am, stopping at 11 am. Graduation at 2:00 pm, aiming to finish at 4:30 pm." Becka informed.

"Sounds good to me. What's everyone's graduation plans?" Sullivan wondered.

"I think most of us are just with our families," Simon shrugged.

"We're all going to Hunter's the day after," Jason chuckled.

"Oh?" Samuel responded curiously.

"He promised if we all survived our last year here in a public school, he'd throw a graduation party at his house," Wynter giggled.

"Is that still on, Hunter?" Fredrick hoped.

"Mmhm," Hunter nodded. "5:30 pm, in the backyard. Bring a tent and sleeping bag, also, by choice; your own alcohol. Just be prepared to hand over your keys if you are drinking. Dad's rule." He informed calmly, never looking up from his phone. "Also don't forget change of clothes, swimwear, maybe pajamas. I've got music and food covered,"

"Why a tent?" Roseanna asked.

"Cause it's a sleepover. We're gonna be drinking, and likely end up drunk." Steven laughed. "Of course, it's your own choice if you crash on the ground instead of in a tent." He added with a shrug.

"And why swimwear?" Brody asked.

"Cause Hunter has a pool in the backyard." Troy pointed out.

"How do you know that?" Satomi wondered.

"Uh, I've been to his house…" Troy remarked. "We were project partners back in January. He's been to mine too,"

Those who knew the secret had secretly hoping Troy would have admitted to the gay thing, but it was clear he wouldn't. And Troy was on the fence about saying something. Lunch was the perfect time, but his mind still was on if it would affect the baseball and Glee teams.

"Yeah, I gave him a tour when he was over and he did the same with me when I was there…" Hunter said softly. "Anyway, while we're on the subject of that graduation party; you guys are invited too," Hunter mentioned. "If you want to come, of course. I know you just said you're with family,"

"Oh, sweet. Thanks." Hank gave a thumbs up.

"Why did you think you weren't invited?" Hunter looked up finally.

"When Wynter said you promised a party after you survived public school, we assumed it was just for the academy friends." Nadine replied.

"Well, that was the general idea before we ended up making more friends. It was a promise to Valhalla Harmonics, but since we combined that group with Soul Tones, and became Soul Harmonics; it was for all members of that group." Hunter explained. "You're also all invited to an event this Saturday. The mayors of the Archipelago towns are hosting a gala for the president of the Archipelago, who is coming for his annual visit from the mainland. My dad said I could invite my friends, so you and your immediate families are invited to City Hall for Saturday, the 4th, at 5:30 pm. Dinner is at 6:30 pm, there will be dessert. It's all buffet style, and it is a formal event. So males in a suit, tie or bow is your choice. Females can wear whatever, as long as it's below the knee and doesn't show all this," He motioned to the breast area. "You know what I mean, keep it appropriate."

"Wow, that's awesome," Star beamed. "Thank you, Hunter."

"You're welcome." Hunter replied. "Just get me a headcount for who will be attending…Both the event on Saturday, and the graduation party."

"Will do by end of school day on Friday," Serena nodded.

"Sounds good," Hunter responded, then finished his lunch and tossed the garbage away. Hunter pulled out his headphones and popped them in, then plugged them into his phone. After a moment, Hunter turned on the music and sat back in his chair with his eyes closed.

"Guess he's in his own little world," Steven chuckled.

"When isn't he?" Elijah stated.

"And I can still hear you," Hunter informed.

. . .

It was the normal time for last period, 2:15 pm, but since they took their last period final on Monday, along with their first period ones. Today was second and second to last period courses. Tomorrow would be third and fourth. Thursday and Friday would be make up days, or so it had been set as now. With permission, Soul Harmonics was permitted to get together in the unused choir room to practice more for their nationals competition on Friday and they were being supervised by Devon and Ethan, who only worked as co-coaches to the baseball team and were available.

"Alright, let's get some practice in with the extra time," Madison smiled.

"Where we starting?" Shane asked.

"Hunter, you taking the solo for nationals?" Madison inquired.

"If you want me to," Hunter replied.

"And…You and Troy taking the duet with us as background?" Madison hoped.

"Fine with me," Hunter responded as he looked at Troy.

"Cool with me," Troy agreed.

"Awesome, then we can just focus on the group songs. Is it still the same two together, one solo, one duet?" Chelsea wondered.

"No, actually," Fredrick informed.

"Well, how does it go then? We've never competed in nationals," Ford mentioned.

"It's four songs together, two duets, and two solos. Bearing that in mind, do you still want me taking the solos?" Hunter looked at the group. "I don't care either way. Also, you can forego one duet and one solo for full group songs. So you can go six group songs, but only one duet and solo. Or you can do five group songs with one duet and two solos, or two duets and one solo." He explained.

"What does everyone want to do?" Madison looked to the rest.

"While you decide that, I gotta take this," Hunter raised his phone and slid the icon and got the nod from Devon that it was okay for him to step out. "Yeah, Dad?" He answered and left the room.

"Do we even have four songs to use for competition? The last few times, most of what we practiced was taken before we went on," Cj reminded.

"That's why we've been practicing so many extras, including the mashups," Hailey stated. "We should be okay for four."

"I think only one duet is necessary, but keep two solos. Everyone seems to love Hunter's solo time up there, looks good on the group." Becka informed.

"So five group songs, one duet, and two solos?" Madison asked. Everyone seemed to nod in agreement. "Okay, let's get something started while we wait for Hunter." She smiled. No sooner than the words left her mouth, a shooting sound sounded through the halls.

"What was that?" Amy inquired.

The sound was heard again. "Was that a gun?!" Melanie screeched.

"No doubt about it." Troy confirmed.

"Doors," Devon ordered as he and Ethan went to lock the doors, and flip the lights off.

"Get down, out of sight," Ethan told the students, motioning against the wall where they wouldn't be seen from either door.

"Get on your phones out and let people know what's going, but don't post where we are…Shooters have smartphones too." Devon whispered.

"Hunter…" Troy suddenly realized. "Hunter was in the hallway!" He stood up.

"Get down, Troy," Ethan commanded. "I'm sure Hunter took refuge in another room. This is standard lockdown procedure; we stay quiet, hidden until we're told otherwise."

"The only other rooms in the hallway were the bathroom and a couple classrooms that would have locked their doors too! The bathrooms only lock from the outside and with a key!" Troy argued. "I'm going to get him."

"You most certainly are not." Devon refused. "It's probably a drill, so just sit tight…" He added.

"And if it's not a drill, he could end up dead!" Troy glared.

"Sit down and be quiet!" Ethan demanded. Troy, defeated, sat back down. "He's got a point, though…"

"We're doing what we're supposed to do, Ethan…" Devon sighed. "I know it sucks, but it's risking us and them if we go find Hunter,"

Troy got his phone out and pulled up the messages with Hunter. "What are you doing?" Sean asked.

"Texting him…I have to know he's okay." Troy said while typing a message to Hunter, asking if he was alright.

After ten minutes, Troy never got a reply. It didn't even show as read, and that only made Troy more worried. Others were staying in contact with siblings or parents, letting them know they were still safe and hadn't heard any updates. Parents or guardians said the same thing back, but had confirmed there was a shooter, or maybe more than one in the building.

"Anything from Hunter?" Devon whispered.

"No…" Troy sighed softly. "I'm going to find him." He stood up and walked towards the door.

Devon and Ethan quickly worked to stop Troy from reaching the door. "Stop, Troy…" Ethan said.

"No, and you can't stop me. I need to know he's okay!" Troy countered.

"We'll know soon…" Devon said calmly.

"Troy, it's not safe. This isn't a drill…There's confirmed, at least, one shooter in the building…But possibility of more." Tucker informed.

Troy struggled to get away from Devon and Ethan. "I don't care. Hunter is by himself, likely in the bathroom because there isn't that many classrooms in this itty-bitty hall. It's the gym, cafeteria, weight room, home economics rooms, and one more music room. A bathroom that can't lock, it's been dead silent for nearly twenty minutes, and no answer from Hunter. He could be dead. He could be alive and dying, unable to reach his phone." Troy told them. "Maybe you all don't care, but I do. I care. I care about Hunter, I love him…" The Soul Harmonics gasped slightly, some eyes widened at the reveal. "Okay? I love and care about him. I'm not losing him just cause you're scared."

"You…Love him?" Star was first to comment.

"Yes, I do. I'm gay…Alright? I'm gay and proud to be. I lied a month ago, Hunter and I were dating. But I screwed up not telling you guys, so he left me. But this whole situation has shown me there are way bigger, more important things I can be scared about. And right now, I don't want to lose Hunter." Troy admitted. "I'm going to find him…I'm only going across the hall and slightly down it to get into the bathroom and check for him. I'll be quiet, and I'll be fast. The hall is clear right now…I'll be fine…"

"Be cautious, be aware…Be quick. Come right back…" Devon told him.

"Done." Troy went to the door and looked out the window, then he slowly opened the door and slipped out into the hall.

"You seriously let him out there!" Ethan scolded.

"He's right, Ethan. Hunter could have gotten shot and got away into the bathroom. He could be hurt, he could be dead…But if he's only hurt, and hiding out; we've got a chance to get him to safety until we're cleared." Devon said. "Now, shut up…"

"Wow, I can't believe Troy's gay…" Brandon blinked.

"Now ya know…Discuss it later, and be quiet." Ethan remarked.

Outside the choir room, Troy checked around while making his way across to the bathroom and slipping in quietly. It looked empty, but doors were closed on the stalls and Troy could see they were unlocked. "Hunter?" Troy whispered. "Don't be afraid…It's me, Troy,"

"Troy?" The stall door opened and Hunter came out quickly to hug Troy tightly. "I was scared…"

"It's alright now," Troy embraced Hunter back, kissing the side of his head. "I'm here,"

"What are you doing here? Everyone should be in lockdown," Hunter looked at him.

"We were worried about you, so I convinced Devon and Ethan to let me check in here to make sure you were okay." Troy admitted, but it wasn't the whole truth. He'd tell Hunter the rest later on, but now wasn't the time. "Come on, I promised I'd be quick. We need to get back across the hall into the choir room. It was clear when I came out."

A few others exited the stalls now. "Can…We come too?" They were only freshman.

"Yes, but stay quiet." Troy nodded.

Troy held Hunter's hand and opened the bathroom door quiet, peeking around. "Don't let the door slam…" Troy let them out and made sure it was closed quietly. Troy led everyone across and watched as he lightly tapped the choir room door. Ethan opened it quickly and silently, letting the small group of four males and three females come in, then he relocked the door and everyone sat down in the group.

"Hunter, are you okay" Devon asked.

"Yeah…I heard the first set of shots and hid in the bathroom. By the second set, the guys and girls came in and hid too," Hunter told him.

All they could do right now was stay quiet and keep waiting for the all clear. Hunter and Troy were next to one another, hands linked in the darkness. While everyone knew the truth, the people who had known warned the others to just keep quiet because this wasn't the time to bring it all up. Troy would tell Hunter the truth that he revealed in a moment of deep worry for him that he told the others about being gay, proud of it and also that he was in love with Hunter and that they dated. Hunter would probably really like to hear it, but now wasn't the time. It was serious and they needed to just keep their heads until it was safe. Time ticked away that everyone sat in the dark, keeping up with texts so parents didn't think anything was wrong, yet. Most were scared, and some were even crying silently. The friends all sat together, praying and trying to comfort one another with hugs or hand holding. No one cared how it looked or seemed; this was scary.

And it only got worse when shooters reached the choir room, trying to open the door and look around inside for movement. The person called to others, for a team effort on opening the door, banging on it. Those hiding got more scared, but forced themselves to stay quiet and not answer their phones, fear of the light being seen. Enough force could get the doors open, or even shoot around the handle. No one moved, praying the people just moved on; they wouldn't be able to defend themselves if the others got in. The worst part was wondering how much longer until it was over. It had been over an hour since it began, there had to be an end soon, right? The shooters moved on from there room, and everyone took a silent breath of relief, but this wasn't done. Not until they were told by the principal, or police. The time ticked away, soon bringing it to 4:30 pm. Two hours since it began.

"Attention, students and staff; this is Chief Raseri of the Berk Police Department. The threat has been contained and removed from the building. This is your official ALL CLEAR!" Was shouted over the speakers. "I repeat, all clear. Teachers will unlock their doors and bring students out of the rooms. In an orderly fashion, guide to the building's main entrance for reunification with family."

The was the breath of relief everyone let out, some even crying as Devon and Ethan turned the lights back on and unlocked the doors. "For the sake of not getting your ass chewed out, Troy…I wouldn't mention to your father you left lockdown to get to Hunter…None of you mention it. As far as anyone knows, Hunter and the few freshman were pulled into the room when lockdown was initiated." Devon informed.

"We got it," The others agreed.

For the sake of being glad they all survived, everyone brought it in for a group hug; thankful they were okay and it was over. It was clear all remaining after school practices were canceled, all anyone wanted to do now was leave the school and see their families. And obviously never have to experience something this terrifying again.