Sandali

Prologue

[MALOI]

I'm Maloi Ricalde, 22 years old and the main vocalist of BINI - a P-Pop group on the rise. Our name, a vibrant explosion of color against the stark black and white of the industry, reflects the energy we try to bring to every performance. The air in the practice room is thick with the scent of sweat and determination, a familiar cocktail that fuels our relentless pursuit of perfection. The fluorescent lights flicker overhead, casting an artificial glow on countless hours of practice reflected in the mirrored walls. They know me here - every freckle on my nose, the way my hair frizzes with exertion, the tremor in my voice when I push myself beyond my limits. This studio, this stage, is my kingdom, where raw talent is sculpted into polished diamonds.

But right now, after another grueling dance session for our upcoming comeback showcase, the kingdom feels more like a prison. My body aches, a dull throb in every muscle, and fatigue hangs heavy in the air. All I crave is a soft bed and a world of silence, a stark contrast to the pounding bass that vibrates through my bones, a constant counterpoint to the pop music blasting from my headphones.

Just as I'm about to succumb to the delicious fantasy of sleep, my phone buzzes, a tiny tremor that shatters the post-practice tranquility. It's Ms. Lee, our ever-efficient manager, her name synonymous with organization and an unwavering dedication to BINI's success. A quick glance at the message sends a jolt of panic through me, a cold dread that constricts my chest. Apparently, some overzealous celebrity, whose name I barely recognize, has declared me his new "potential love interest" and the rumor mill is churning faster than a P-Pop comeback countdown. Paparazzi photos, carefully doctored to imply stolen glances and secret rendezvous, are already flooding social media. The last thing we need on the eve of our showcase, the culmination of months of relentless work, is a manufactured love story stealing the spotlight and distracting from the music, the very heart and soul of BINI.

Across the practice room, amidst a sprawl of limbs and exhausted bodies, I spot Colet, my best friend  and BINI's main vocalist. Her signature grin is plastered on her face as she scrolls through her phone, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within me. Little does she know, she's about to be thrust into the center of a hilarious, heartwarming, and potentially life-changing charade.