An Artist in Love

Chapter 4: Competition Day

Lexi's POV:

[Friday; 2:00 p.m.]

"This is it! The finals for the Dance Troupe Competition! Battling for the golden trophy are different year levels starting from the freshies to the seniors of the National Academy of Performing Arts!" one of the MC's announced. The crowd roared with much excitement and happiness, anxious to see the top four performances of the day. Luckily for our group, WE GOT THROUGH! "Alright, to start off our program, here is the school principal, Mrs. Tiu, to give the opening remarks," the other MC said. Principal Tiu started her speech, talking about the art of dancing and the beauty of music. Everyone listened intently to her speech and surprisingly, no one got bored as it was only short. It wasn't only the college students of the campus present in the auditorium but also the high school.

"May you all have a pleasant day today and enjoy all the performances. Thank you," Principal Tiu concluded her speech and we all clapped. "IS EVERYBODY READY FOR A GOOD SHOW?!" the two MC's announced and the crowd went wild! Our screams were so loud that you could already hear it vibrating through your ears! This indeed was a very amazing event. I sat between Dan and Chan Min in the third row. Our group was seated there since we were the third to perform. The seniors were the first, so the moment Principal Tiu concluded her speech, they already stood up and proceeded to the backstage. "Now, it seems that our seniors are ready to show us their dance presentation! Let's call em' up on stage!" the crowd cheered once again and the MC continued, "Everyone, here is THE GOLDEN DRAGONS!" We all screamed and the lights went dim.

The Golden Dragons had finished their five-minute dance presentation and the freshies followed. Three minutes through their routine, we were already called to go to the backstage. I felt my heart beat faster and my palms get cold.

=At the Backstage=

Dan's POV:

This is it, our last chance to win. I admit, I too am nervous, but here I am, just standing still and looking around. My eyes fell on Lexi who was obviously shaking with fear and anxiety. She sat on the floor, hugging her knees tightly. I approached her and softly said, "Lex, calm down, it's alright, we can do this." I sat beside her. "I-I'm so scared.... What if... what if I make a mistake o-or forget the steps? What if I --" she said before I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. She looked up at me. I was surprised by my action too, but I figured that it would be more awkward if I removed it, so I just stuck to my decision of not removing my arm from her shoulders.

"Listen to me. You got this, okay? Among all of us, it's you who knows the steps best," I told her. Suddenly, she hugged me tightly with her hands around my waist. I felt myself stiffen for a while but eventually got accustomed to her hug. I took her into my embrace as well and felt her heart beating like mad. "Dan..." "Hm?" "I'm scared," she whispered again, her voice shaking. "Shhh, don't be afraid. Everything's going to be alright, I'm here for you." With that, she let go of the hug and smiled at me. "There you go. Just put on your best smile, beautiful."

OH NO. I JUST CALLED HER BEAUTIFUL!!! She was about to ask me why, I guess, but right on time, and thankfully, we were called up.

"That was amazing wasn't it?!" the MC said. "You bet! Especially for a bunch of freshies! Moving on, next we have UNITY!" the other MC announced. We went up the stage. The lights shone on the stage, shone on us and it felt as though I was in the galaxy, with stars that burned brighter than ever. The music played and at first we all froze in place. Our concept was a doll house. Everything was going on smoothly until...

"LEXI WATCH OUT!" I yelled as I noticed our big doll house starting to fall. I ran towards Lexi and I pulled her away from the spot where the doll house was to fall. What I didn't expect though was that our places would be switched. The moment I landed on her spot, the doll house fell completely on me. Everyone gasped in shock. I felt my head hit the stage hard and I blacked out. The last thing I heard was Lexi screaming out my name.

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