They stepped outside and waited by the roadside, the morning air still fresh. Just two minutes later, Vorden's car pulled up in front of them. Dior immediately frowned, crossing her arms.
"What took you so long?" she asked.
Vorden leaned casually against the steering wheel. "I'm here now, aren't I?"
"Whatever," Dior muttered, opening the door and sliding into the passenger seat. Hazel quietly followed and sat at the back.
"To the dance studio," Dior said.
"Fine," Vorden replied, starting the engine and driving off.
The ride didn't take long. Soon, they arrived at the studio. The moment the car stopped, the girls stepped out.
"Bye. Break a leg!" Vorden called out before speeding away without waiting for a reply.
Hazel and Dior exchanged a look before walking inside.
The studio was already lively. A few trainees were seated on the floor, chatting, while more people kept arriving in groups. Hazel and Dior found a space and sat down, waiting. The atmosphere was different today—tense, exciting, and filled with anticipation.
A few minutes later, their instructor walked in.
The room instantly went silent.
She stood in front of them, scanning every face before speaking. "Since everyone is here, I have an important announcement."
Everyone straightened up.
"In two weeks' time, all major entertainment companies will be hosting a large-scale competition. This will be your opportunity to showcase your skills—your vocals, rap, visuals, and dance."
The room exploded with excitement.
Some gasped, some whispered, and others could barely hide their joy.
This was what they had all been waiting for.
The instructor raised her hand, silencing them again. "Listen carefully. The competition will be held in stages. First, you will all perform together as a group. During that stage, eliminations will happen one by one."
The excitement slowly turned into tension.
"If you pass," she continued, "you will be divided into groups. After that, you will move to the solo stage. That means if you are selected, you must be able to perform in every category—together and alone."
She paused briefly, letting her words sink in.
"In the end, the entertainment companies themselves will decide who they want to recruit."
Hazel felt her heart race. This wasn't just practice anymore—this was their chance to step into the real world.
"You are required to attend practice every single day," the instructor added firmly. "You may stay at home, but you must arrive on time. Practice starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m."
A soft groan escaped Dior.
"What?" Hazel asked quietly.
"I don't think I'll have enough time for the advertisement project," Dior whispered back.
Hazel sighed lightly. "It's fine. This is more important. Our dream is right in front of us now."
Dior looked at her, then nodded. "You're right… we just have to give it everything."
Hazel smiled faintly. "And I hope we make it into the same company."
"Me too," Dior replied without hesitation.
The instructor clapped once, drawing everyone's attention again. "We'll begin immediately. I will be testing your vocal and rap abilities first. Your dance and visuals are already known to me."
She picked up her list and glanced at it briefly.
"I will call you in teams. When your name is called, step forward and perform."
A short pause followed.
"Mia… and Dior."
Dior stood up at once, her expression turning serious. Mia joined her, and the two exchanged a quick look before moving forward. They leaned closer to each other, whispering softly as they prepared.
Hazel watched from where she sat, her fingers tightening slightly on her lap.
This was it.
The beginning of something that could change all their lives.
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If you love The Mafia Lord Wants Me, check out my other stories:
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