Fighter (Lookism X Reader)

8 - New Acceptance.

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"Today's last performance! A collaboration of Fashion and Vocal dept! Daniel Park and Duke Pyeon!!" The crowd goes wild the moment the host announces. I stand in the front of the crowd looking up to meet Daniel and Duke's nervous eyes.

I smile warmly and nod at them to encourage them, but only Duke gets the message. While Duke takes a deep breath, Daniel stands stiffly on the stage, not meeting my gaze. 

"Who is he?"

"He looks like an idol...." 

"He so handsome!" 

"His face shines..."

I hear comments from people all around me commenting in Daniel's appearance. But my chest tightens when I only hear negative comments about Duke. 

The host constantly asks questions but only towards Daniel. I'm surprised when i hear Daniel telling the host and audience to look Duke's way because that was his friend. I cock my head to the side and smile to myself. Maybe he isn't so bad.

"Okay! Lets hear it! The title of the song is "Beautiful Day"!"

The host quiets down as the music slowly starts. I notice Daniel stiffen up again.

When Daniel's part starts he opens his mouth to sing but I flinch and cringe when I hear Daniel get off to a terrible start. He's way off pitch!

I hear the melody change. Duke. He takes a step forward and takes over the part in an amazing way. He raps his way to the end of his part and Damn....was it good. I thought he would sound good before since hearing his rapping through a video Daniel had sent me... but wow... he was way better in person! The crowd is left open mouthed and speechless.

I smile widely and bob my head at the perfect beat. Duke looks over to Daniel and winks at him. He's got his back! That's a true friend...

I see Daniel's chest rise then fall as he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. The moment his mouth opens and he starts to sing, the crowd is stunned as much as I am. 

They start to sing their parts together and their voices stay in sync until the end. Their voices go together so well! Completely. Its amazing. Duke. His voice strong and with natural rhythm and a cool baritone, but at the time, his voice is like a monster that can't be contained. Daniel. Soft and calm tone, yet you can still hear the power in his lungs as he sings both high and low notes. 

I hear gasps flow around the entire crowd. I look to my right where Zack is standing beside me. He takes a step back as his eyes widen at the amazing duo. Everyone else also looks astounded by the two boys as they sing their perfect melody.

I look at Daniel and Duke's faces. Their faces as well as their voices are full of emotion. I van hear the pain, regret and sorrow in their voices. But as the song progresses, I start to hear a different emotion in their voices. Happiness, excitement... hope...

I wonder who they're thinking of right now to get themselves to sing with such emotion...

I smile wide as the boys finish their song with the audience cheers falling not too far behind. I cheer with the crowd as I hear quiet sobs coming from Vin Jin. I raise an eyebrow, and can't seem to contain my laughter.

The performance finished and for the first time... I felt cold shivers take me over at the sight of their accomplishment...

Behind the stage i walk over to Duke and Daniel. I run up to them and they look surprised when jump to hug the both of them. 

"Guys, you both did amazing! Good job..." I smile at the both of them and they get all flustered but I drain all awkwardness by giggling at their reactions. I flinch when i hear a crowd of squealing girls. 

"Daniel!"

"Daniel, lets get a picture!!"

The squealing girls crowd around the two boys, congratulating them and commenting on their amazing performance. The good thing about it all was that they were also congratulating Duke as much as Daniel. It's great to see Duke getting recognized!

"Hey...." I hear a deep voice behind me.  "You're the kid who came to the last audition right?" The "nicely dressed" man asks Duke. I don't even who he is so he must not be important. I'll let him know if he tries anything. Duke gets all flustered and stumbles over his short 'yes'. 

"You were pretty good. Sorry about before." The man apologizes but as Duke looks down, flustered, I notice that the man... isn't talking to Duke.

"Here's my card with my direct number... please contact me..." The man hands out the business card but when it looks like he's going to give it to Duke... and Duke extends his hand to receive it... the man completely ghosts Duke and extends his arm with the card in his hand to Daniel. Daniel, Duke and I look completely dumbfounded. My blood begins to boil as Daniel asks why he completely ignored Duke, and the man answers,

"He's good... but he isn't fit for this field. How could he make it into this field? Don't blame me. The public is cold-hearted. I've gotta give them what they want to see. " The man side glances at Duke and that's when I reach my limit.

"Hey. Who do you think you are?" I cross my arms and frown at him. He scoff before looking at me, but when he does, he gapes and pulls out another card from him weird looking unfashionable jacket. He extends both hands gripping his business card towards me, flustered. 

"A beautiful girl like you would be amazing in our field. We could use a face like yours to brand our company! The company's face! We'll pay you well! Please, would you like to join us?" 

In my head, I scoff. "Well... since you asked so nicely..." I smirk when a glint of hope is found in his eyes.

"I've never seen a GROWN MAN act so desperate." My eyes throw daggers into his own as he flinches as my response. "Do you know who i am??! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU'RE TALKING TO LIKE THAT-??!"

I grab the man by his collar and glare deep into his eyes. "First off, no, I don't have a clue on who you are and i don't give a shit....." I smile, menacingly. "...and second..."

"Do you know....who I AM?" I glare at him as I sat slowly and he gasps in surprise, realization and fear.

"I can ruin your life in less than an hour... so you better shape up." I say slowly and menacingly. I push him away and turn towards Daniel and Duke. But to my surprise, only Daniel was there... and he was as confused as i was. 

Duke had disappeared before i knew it. And that day, the boy's video had gone viral. The video was great and all... except the fact that they edit Duke out completely. But don't worry Duke... I'll do my best to stop all this shit...
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Not too long after the festival, Duke started filming a live stream on Paprika TV. He invited me to see his first stream at his house. So I went... and little Daniel was there too.

I was happy. Until they sat in front of camera and started filming. Not because they were bad at it. But because of all the negative comments they received. So... the first test broadcast had harsh results. But Duke is strong and that I know.

I sit on the side of the camera as Duke explains everything from the live streams. Like how each balloon people give you is worth 10 cents. But i already know that because my sister is the one who owns it.

We have one of our best streamers that bot only makes money for her on Paprika TV but also for us. She makes us tons of money just by being flirty in front of the camera. She's a natural. And her name is Yui Kim. I've noticed how she acts around Daniel... she clearly likes him. 

But... I've noticed that not only does she like him, but like any other girl, she seeks to impress him with her money and style. She may be a top streamer but that doesn't mean she has to go to the limits. 

I feel my pocket vibrate. My phone shows a message sent from... Gun. 

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HEY GUYS! I hope you liked this chapter!