Ben puts his arm around us. “You know, it was hard enough trying to get a song featured when we had to compete against you two separately, but when you decide to write a song together, what hope does any of us have? Although I don’t mind being the Harrison to your Lennon/McCartney.”

“Wait, are you calling me Ringo?” Jack opens his mouth in mock horror. “Well, kids, it’s our last official show as CPA students. I know this isn’t lunch, but I figure …”

Jack holds up his hand as the three of us protest. We thought the days of hearing about our demise were over.

He grabs us and we get into a huddle. “The rise of Teenage Kicks at CPA was a magical experience. After graduation the four talented musicians have to go their separate ways to college: dashing charismatic leader Jack to sunny California, where he will become a famous movie composer; the quiet yet strong Ben to Oberlin to be a producer; and then the power couple Emme Connelly and Ethan Quinn staying in Manhattan, who will no doubt become a songwriting duo to be reckoned with. And while the foursome will be apart, they will forever have a piece of each other’s hearts.”

I feel tears sting behind my eyes. I never expected Jack to be so sentimental, especially before we have to perform.

“I love you guys,” he says. We all hug. Ethan grabs me and gives me a kiss.

“Get a room,” Jack teases.

We hear our names called out to perform the song Ethan and I wrote together.

The four of us step onto the stage and into the spotlight.

Where we belong.