[SPECIAL THANKS EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR LOVE, FROM THE READING TO THE POWERSTONES, I'M FOREVER GREATFUL EVERYONE AND THANKS TO @imodji97 for The Golden Ticket!!!!!!]
Now....Back To The Story
The morning after their first stage performance was strangely hushed, as though the dorm itself knew to tread softly around exhausted bodies. Rika awoke with her limbs heavy, her throat raw, and the faint echo of the judges' voices still looping through her head.
"She's an ace."
"Dangerous."
The words hit her harder than the applause ever could. She'd dreamt about them all night, tossing beneath the sheets, unable to tell if they were meant as praise or warning.
The sunlight broke through thin curtains, washing the small dorm room in pale gold. Kana was already awake, tying her hair back in front of the mirror. Her reflection caught Rika's eyes briefly, offering a soft smile that said "good morning" without sound. Rika tried to return it, but her lips felt too stiff.
