The unscripted scenario

Home stretch

as usual, this took a detour hahaha, don't worry I'll upload the next 2 chapters by tmrw, but I could not fit everything in 1 chapter, gotta take the time to cove the FINALEEEEE

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The week had gone by really fast...A full week was not enough to choreograph both a dance to a Beyonce mashup, and another one for the end credits mission.

"We should start investing in mattresses and sleep overnight at this point" Latrice said, lying on the floor exhausted

"Girl I swear. Can we order pizza already?" Ling begged, slumped in a chair.

In the corner of the room, Amaia was wrestling with Audrey, desperately trying to wrestle her phone away and delete the less-than-flattering photos she'd taken of her. Eventually, Amaia surrendered, too tired to fight anymore.

Kirsten, recognizing the collective fatigue, decided to be the hero of the day and order some much-needed sustenance. "Alright, Ling you're right, let's refuel with some pizza. I think we've earned it."

And so the days went on, from dawn to dusk in the studio, rehearsing every move over and over again. The girls had decided to take on different styles that represented them, with uses of their costumes to really amplify their message.

But it wasn't just exertion that filled the rehearsal room; on several occasions, emotions spilled over. The realization that whatever the outcome, this journey would soon come to an end loomed heavy in the air. The anxiety of the approaching final kept Amaia up late into the night, despite her physical fatigue. Audrey noticed her restlessness and questioned:

"You're not sleeping."

"I just can't do it".

"What's bothering you?"

"I wish I could never leave this bubble. You, the girls, the production set. The dancing"

"Amaia, this is a first opportunity, I'm sure many more will allow you to experience that again"

"I know, but I have a hard time telling myself that I will grab opportunities on my own after the show."

" Amaia, you don't know that. The show is a hit. People are voting for JR, sure, who tell you they won't want content with the team again? I have heard Kirsten on the phone with our agents, I know for sure we'll have many events in Seoul. Maybe a tour even."

Amaia finally let out a small smile "I wish you're right. It'd be such a relief . Right now though I'm just anxious about what's next, and failing to meet the expectations we've set throughout the competition."

"Don't worry yourself with that now. You'll do as you've done since day 1, and it will work as usual! Come on now, get some rest. One thing at a time."

"Sure." But Amaia was far from convinced and as the nights rolled on, her dreams were quickly turning into nightmares.

She found herself trapped in a never-ending cycle of winners' announcements yet, never saying "Jam Republic", each declaration of victory's a cruel tease. The sound of the roaring crowd's disappointment echoed in her ears, a chorus that refused to dissipate. She was stumbling and falling on stage, and the sea of spectators turned into a relentless tide of boos. The audience's disapproval washed over her, making her feel breathless. Amidst the chaos, glimpses of stolen kisses on stage materialized, sometimes between her and Bada, the crowd screaming in frenzy. Kirsten was glaring at her, murderous "You're not allowed to be distracted, it's the finale!". All of the sudden, the spotlight was on her, blinding her in deafening silence. Bada was facing her but her face was shifting, now a faceless stranger, smirking at her "you really thought you had a chance? stupid". And Amaia would wake up in cold sweats.

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With two days to go to the live final, Amaia's stomach was in knots.  She probably was overworking herself, but she was struggling. It was her first time dancing to amapiano, and she did felt out of her depth completely, doing 3 times the efforts the girls were doing for a single movement. Despite the encouragements and good vibes from everyone, she could feel herself entering a vicious circle of panic, and didn't dare show the full extent of it to the girls, who seemed to be handling the pressure more professionally than she was.

After 4 days of brief exchanges based on " hi, how are you? " " good night, guapa <3 ", Amaia finally took the time to text Bada

How are u pretty ?

Great, can't wait to face uuuu

Same same, hope you're ready we're bringing the heattt

You ain't ready for US girl

How are you feeling?

Honestly?

Yes ?

Stressed out, I feel like I can't handle the pressure any more.

Well, that's normal. Bada typed again. For once we have time to rehearse, so time to process.

Fair enough. Wyd ?

Resting. Waiting for Minah to be done in the bathroom.

Time for a quick call ?

Amaia did not have to wait for the answer as Bada was calling her. Immediately, Amaia couldn't suppress her smile.

"Why do you look so rested as if you'd just come back from the Bahamas?"

"Hahahaha I wish. You'll have to thank Minah for the skincare, even if it takes 3 hours". Bada said, turning her head towards the still closed bathroom door. Amaia shook her head.

"Our next getaway had better be relaxing. I don't know how I'm going to survive until the final, but after that? you can forget any demanding plans."

Bada teased her: "You mean no more tango?"

Amaia immediately blushed. "Ha-ha-ha, very funny, traitor. If I recall correctly, it tired both of us."

Bada couldn't help but smile. "You're impossible. But don't worry, I've got a plan. We can have a movie night, and I'll cook you a nice meal."

Amaia's eyes lit up at the idea. "Sounds like a freaking dream. I can't stand take-out anymore."

"Aren't you taking the time for lunch and dinner?"

"We always finish rehearsals too late."

Bada frowned. It didn't really seem healthy, but she was careful not to say so. Now that she was paying attention, Amaia really did have dark circles under her eyes, and her cheeks looked quite hollow. Worried, she promised herself she'd take care of her as soon as they got out of the competition. In the background, Lusher and Tatter were engrossed in something, squealing loud enough for Amaia to hear through the phone

"What are they looking at?" Amaia laughed and asked.

"Fan edit probably, they've been at it for 2 hours."

"Bahaha it's crazy, since the last episode I feel like it's all there is."

"Don't tell me about it" said Bada visibly embarrassed.

"Come onnnn don't be coy, I know 99% of them are about you. I'm more insulted they're not shipping us together." Amaia didn't know if she was going too far, but honestly she was too tired to care. Fortunately, Bada burst out laughing.

"Okay, I get the message, I'll make sure to shake up the fandom next time. " She took on a conspiratorial air, but Amaia simply laughed, convinced that the other didn't mean anything by it.

"I'd love to talk to you more but you should go to bed love, you look exhausted." Amaia skipped a beat on the nickname, but did not delve on it

"Damn, thanks. But you're not wrong, I'm off" Amaia concluded with a kiss on her camera, then turned off the call, before lying down. For once, the nightmares fall silent.

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