The little bar was lively that night, filled with warm lights, quiet chatter, and music playing softly in the background. Valerie sat with her friends, enjoying the night without expecting anything unusual.

Until one of her friends suddenly pointed toward the small stage.

“Valerie.”

Valerie glanced over. “What?”

“You should go up there.”

She immediately shook her head. “Absolutely not.”

Another friend laughed. “Come on! You know you can sing.”

“No.”

“Just one song!”

“I said no.”

Her friends exchanged amused looks before turning their attention back toward her.

“Valerie, seriously. Go.”

She rolled her eyes, already regretting telling them she could sing in the first place.

Then one of them grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the stage.

“Wait—what are you doing?”

“Getting you up there.”

“Guys—”

They laughed as they guided her closer to the little stage, leaving Valerie with no choice but to reluctantly follow.

The microphone was already waiting on its stand, with a guitar resting nearby.

Her friends gave her encouraging smiles.

“Go, Valerie.”

She stared at the stage for a moment, then sighed.

“Fine.”