When North meet South

~20. I can't believe~

~30.11.2023.~

Author's pov:

*As Nora concluded the interview, the ensemble exchanged a mixture of relieved smiles and curious glances. Teodora, although slightly embarrassed, managed a good-natured laugh, realizing that her secret crush was now a part of the public narrative. The backstage room was abuzz with a shared sense of accomplishment, regardless of what the competition results might be.*

Ana: (patting Teodora on the back) Well, that was unexpected, but it adds a unique touch to our journey.

Teodora: Yeaa

*The ensemble huddled together, awaiting the announcement of the countries that would advance to the finals. Nora, with her natural flair for suspense, returned to the stage to reveal the results.*

Nora: (addressing the audience) Thank you for your patience, everyone! The moment of truth has arrived. The following ten countries will advance to the finals of the international folklore competition. Drumroll, please!

*The tension in the backstage room heightened as Nora unfolded the results. The ensemble members held their breath, fingers crossed, as the anticipation reached its peak.*

Nora: (excitedly) And here they are: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and, last but certainly not least, Serbia! Congratulations to the finalists!

*The room erupted in cheers as Serbian ensemble celebrated their success. The realization that they had earned a spot among the finalists brought a surge of joy and pride.*

Daniel: (high-fiving his friends) We did it! To the finals!

Max: (grinning) Our music resonated with the judges, and now we get to showcase it once again.

Daniel: (looking at Teodora) Looks like your crush brought us good luck.

Teodora: (blushing) Maybe he did, haha.

*The finalists went on stage and rejoiced together. The finalists, now united on stage, exchanged congratulatory smiles and gestures. The air was charged with excitement as each country prepared to showcase its cultural heritage in the grand finale. Later, in backstage, the Serbian ensemble shared a moment of camaraderie, reveling in the fact that they were about to represent their country on an even larger scale.*

Martinus's pov:

*Right now I'm in my room with Marcus and the family. The winners will be announced in a few minutes. I don't know how to describe my feelings. I just came from the scene where everything happened. I mean...I can say that she was really cute when she blushed, I mean I would too, who wouldn't? Before the vote, after several hits by Marcus and I, what they called themselves, "FolkBeat Harmony" came on stage and created a spectacle on stage. Their six was playing and the two of them were playing their guitars. When I heard the beginning of the song, first of all I couldn't believe that I was hearing the song "Heartbeat" and only then I didn't believe my parents what I was seeing. I couldn't believe that I was watching them dance folklorically with pop music! I was left in the juice like everyone else. They invited us on stage to come out and surprise them. Marcus and I came out as loud as we could and signaled to the audience to be quiet. When one girl realized that I was behind her, she just didn't scream, she knelt on her knees and lowered her head. God, she blushed all over, she's not that much in love with me, is she? I wanted so badly to bend down next to her and hug her but one of her friends was quick and picked her up. She couldn't even look at me. When I heard that she actually proposed this and composed almost the entire choreography, I couldn't believe it...I'm still thinking about what I could have said and done on stage, but okay. Somehow I'm also glad that, in some way, I met fans from Serbia.. I want to know where she is, what hotel she's in, how old she is.. I want to meet her.. I'll ask someone, maybe someone knows.*