Beautiful Time [SHORT STORY]

Part 1: Crossroads

"And that's it for this vlog. See you on my next one" I enthusiastically said before my manager slash cameraman hit the slate and wrapped up this day's content filming.

I went back to my rest area so the staff could rearrange the setup and redesign the backdrop. This was just a usual filming day for me as a vlogger. I have always loved being in front of the camera but what inspires me more is being able to show myself to other people and be able to inspire them as well.

Like vlogging, dancing has been my haven. Whenever I'm stressed or not feeling usual, I dance.

"Zen, it's time for you to change your clothes. You have a schedule coming up. It's a short interview with Cosmo", my manager reminded me.

"Okay. Are there any things to keep in mind during that interview?" I asked while fixing my light makeup.

"Not really. Just be yourself and you'll be fine." she said reassuringly.

--

"Hiphop to orchestra" I immediately danced hiphop to the beat. Feeling every drop and swing, I tried to do my best.

"Waacking to pop"

"Dance hall to ballad"

"That was hard but I definitely enjoyed it." I answered the final interview question with much sweat but a full smile. I danced different dance genres to various music genres. That was definitely hard!

--

"Thank you!" I greeted the Cosmo staff as I prepare to finish my schedule today.

"Miss Zen! Are you sure you don't want to take our offer?" A familiar talent manager asked me. I wasn't really sure about entering an entertainment company. I have my manager and I have my time as well.

"We have lots of plans for you to make you succeed. We also support your causes and there won't be any problem with your conditions. Please think about it" I smiled as he handed me the calling card. Beyond U Entertainment.

"Please consider it"

"I will."

--

"Thank you for signing with us." I shook the CEO's hand as we sign the contract. It was a three-year contract with one of the best companies in the country.

"No, it was my pleasure."

As I start my career with them, I was already given various projects. My brand endorsements would remain but there are lots who would also like to get me as their brand endorser.

"Wow, vlog series. What is this?" I curiously asked when I saw that a month's schedule would be focused on that.

"Surprise. You will be filming a dance vlog series where you will explore different genres of dance with another dancer. Do you have anyone in mind?" My manager happily asked.

"Really? I'm thinking of Kyle Hanagami or Bailey Sok or Matt Steffanina." I answered, excited much.

"We'll look into that but good thing's Adidas is sponsoring this. You just have to wear their apparel throughout the video." She explained.

"Thank you, Ate Sam" I hugged her. I was estatic. Filming a dance vlog series would be really great. I wonder who I'll do it with.

-----

"Are you ready to meet your dance buddy?" Sam asked as we walked down the hall to our meeting room.

"I'm so nervous. Do I look okay? Will I do well? What if my buddy and I don't match well?" I asked nervously.

"You're such a baby, Zen. Don't worry too much. The company knows what's best for you. They love you remember?"

I took a deep breath as we reach the door.

Omg. Sana magclick kami. I prayed silently. First dance series ko 'to. I want it to be the best.

I opened the door and all of them were smiling at me. I scanned the room and I felt weird.

"Good morning. Uhhh..?" Pinagtitripan ba ako dito? There was no one in the room but our management.

"You're too nervous, Zen. Don't worry. Upo ka muna." One of the staff said.

"He's not here yet, otw pa lang" Sam told me, at pinagtripan pa talaga ako.

Habang naghihintay, nagkwentuhan lang sila and they made fun of me kasi masyado raw akong kabado. Sino bang hindi?

"Hindi kaya! I was just preparing 'no." I told them when they decided to gang up on me.

"Weakling. Baby." Sam lashed at me kaya pinagtawanan nila akong lahat.

Our laughs died down when we all heard a knock on the door. God, Lord, help me. Parang nahulog ang puso ko dun.

"They must be here." Our project head said as he opened the door. Nagsitayuan naman kaming lahat to give courtesy. Kabang kaba na ako kaya parang jelly na yung binti ko. Nahalata naman yun ni Sam kaya marahan niyang tinapik ang likod ko.

WHOO. I sighed and internally composed myself.

An unfamiliar face entered the room followed by a middle-aged man and woman. He looks young. Well, I'm young din naman. So anong magiging content namin? Maglalaro sa playground? Char.

"Zen, meet your dance partner slash buddy whatever you want to call it."

I nervously went to him to shake his hand and introduce myself.

"Hi, I'm Zen." I said. I examined him as we shake our hand. Grabe, kinakabahan kami pareho. Puro nginig lang naramdaman ko.

"Hello. I'm Jisung" He's a lot taller than me but I think we're the same age.

"Jeesong?" I asked.

"Jisung. J-I-S-U-N-G" He repeated.

"Ah. Jisung" I nodded.

"You too are so cute." They all laughed at our bickers so I decided to introduce myself to the his managers as well.

We all took our seats and went on with the meeting. Our managers where introduced and we were also asked to introduce ourselves. As usual, I went with my intro.

"Hi, what's up, hello! It's your dancing queen, Zen." I said confidently with matching pop and lock pa and crown gesture. My management was pleased and I saw the other side's management amazed.

Kabado pa ako niyan ah.

"Annyeonghaseyo. I am Jisung Pwark of NCT!"