Chapter 11: Holiday

In the heart of December, Sweet Dance City is a whirlwind of activity, as its vibrant and diverse community of idols gear up for the festive holiday season. This city, where winter's chill is a foreign concept, provides the perfect backdrop for holiday-themed performances under the starry night sky in the expansive Dance Square.

Sweet Dance City is a melting pot of cultures, and its idols embrace this diversity to create unique and mesmerizing holiday spectacles. The anticipation in the air is palpable as fans from all walks of life eagerly await the grand performances, eager to witness the magic each idol will bring to the stage. The city is awash with dazzling lights, colorful decorations, and the scent of festive treats wafting from the many stalls that line the streets. It's a time of celebration and unity, where differences are celebrated and creativity knows no bounds.

Magali and Conrad, the dynamic duo of Sweet Dance City, are deep in preparation for their much-anticipated Christmas-themed performances. The pair plans to infuse a modern twist into traditional Christmas classics like "Last Christmas" and "Jingle Bells," promising their fans an unforgettable experience.

But it's not just about the music; it's about the spectacle. Conrad, ever the showman, is considering an outfit that's a nod to the legendary Santa Claus, complete with a red and white ensemble, black boots, and even a faux white beard to complete the look. He's determined to capture the holiday spirit with his costume.

Magali, on the other hand, envisions herself as an ethereal snow fairy. Her outfit is a vision of winter wonder, featuring an enchanting icy blue dress that shimmers like freshly fallen snow. Translucent blue wings grace her back, adding an otherworldly elegance to her appearance. To top it off, she's chosen a pair of crystal-clear heels inspired by Cinderella, a whimsical homage to ice and enchantment. Magali's look embodies the grace and charm of a winter fairy tale.

As Magali and Conrad meticulously plan their Christmas performances, an unspoken heaviness hangs over the crew hall. The absence of Zoila is palpable, and the once lively space now feels strangely hollow. Magali, in particular, carries an extra weight in her heart. The departure of her beloved classmate, Lanna, alongside her sister Zoila, has left an irreplaceable void in her life. The vibrant energy that used to fill every corner of their crew hall now feels like a distant memory.

Yet, despite the lingering sadness by the empty seat at their table and spot in the trainee classroom, Magali and Conrad know that the show must go on. They've worked tirelessly to establish their names in Sweet Dance City, and they owe it to themselves and their fans to continue delivering breathtaking performances that light up the Dance Square, even in the absence of friends and cherished crewmates.

In the weeks leading up to their Christmas performances, Magali and Conrad throw themselves into rigorous shopping sprees. Their shopping trips become frequent, with hours spent scouring boutiques and costume shops for pieces of the perfect outfits that will capture the holiday spirit. For Magali, it's all about finding pieces that will create the icy blue dress that transforms her into a snow fairy. Day after day, Magali and Conrad walk the city streets looking for anything they can use to create the outfits they desire. Soon enough, Magali finds an aqua dress with its translucent wings and crystal-clear heels. The dress may not be suitable for the outfit she wants, but she wants to mix and match the extras with a dress she seen earlier called the Blue Angel dress. She can clearly envision herself wearing these pieces to create the perfect outfit for her performance.

Conrad embarks on a mission that sets him apart from Magali. While her heart is set on an ethereal snow fairy costume, Conrad's quest leads him in a slightly different direction. His outfit is far more accessible; after all, a Santa Claus suit is readily available in almost any store during the holiday season. But Conrad isn't on the hunt for something merely practical; he seeks something special, something that will add a touch of magic to their Christmas performance.

As he meanders through the city's labyrinth of shops and boutiques, it doesn't take long for Conrad's discerning eye to spot what he's been searching for. Amidst the glittering array of costumes in a charming little shop, he finds it—a stunning yellow dress elegantly named the French Royalty Overall. The dress itself is exquisite, evoking images of grandeur and splendor. However, it's not the dress that captures Conrad's attention; it's the delicate tiara that rests atop the mannequin's head. With a knowing smile, Conrad purchases the tiara called Princess Crown. His heart swells with a sense of purpose as he cradles the ornate headpiece in his hands. He envisions how it will be used. The tiara, a symbol of grace and nobility, holds a secret that will soon dazzle the audience and, most importantly, warm Magali's heart.

Their dance practices are equally intense. Inside the spacious crew hall, they dedicate countless hours to refining their moves. Magali's agile footwork, inspired by her fairy-like costume, blends seamlessly with Conrad's lively dance as Santa Claus. The two of them complement each other beautifully, crafting routines that promise to captivate the audience. While the idea to have a joint duo dance is appealing, they decided in the end to have separate performances.

But the real magic happens outside, under the starlit Sweet Dance City sky. They practice tirelessly in the stage outside the crew building, where the city's bustling energy infuses their performances with a unique vibrancy. The other idols watching the practice performances clap their hands with the holiday spirit. It's here, amidst the enchanting atmosphere of the city, that Magali and Conrad truly find their rhythm, pouring their hearts and souls into each step and every note of their holiday-themed songs. The synergy between them grows with each practice session, promising an unforgettable Christmas performance that will light up the city.

Amid the enchanting holiday scenery, Conrad and Magali's bond deepens as they share the magic of Sweet Dance City's festive atmosphere. They wander past storefronts adorned with glittering ornaments and elaborately decorated trees, each display more captivating than the last. The city's streets are alive with the joy of the season, and the idols takes it all in.

Their meandering journey leads them to a quaint ice cream vendor with a delightful assortment of holiday-themed flavors. Conrad's eyes light up as he spots a flavor reminiscent of his cherished childhood memories, and he can't resist sharing his story with Magali. He paints a vivid picture of cold winter days in New York, his voice filled with nostalgia.

Magali listens intently, her imagination conjuring up scenes of snow-covered streets, cozy gatherings with friends, and the warm, toasty scent of roasted chestnuts. She finds herself smiling at the image of Conrad and his friends sharing laughter amidst the wintry chill. It's a world away from the warmth of Sweet Dance City and Magali's hometown perpetual summer, and she can't help but giggle at the contrast.

As they savor their holiday-themed ice cream together, they not only enjoy the delightful flavors but also relish the opportunity to share pieces of their past. The bonds of their friendship grow stronger, woven together with the threads of shared stories and newfound memories. Amid the festive hustle and bustle, their connection deepens, and they look forward to bringing that spirit to their upcoming performances.

As the day draws to a close, they head back to their crew hall, arms laden with bags filled with gifts for their loved ones. Their shared excitement is palpable, knowing that their Christmas-themed performances are just around the corner. They chat animatedly about their plans for the upcoming shows and how their outfits and props will add an enchanting touch to their acts.

On this Christmas Eve, Sweet Dance City's Dance Square hums with vibrant energy and excitement. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the festivities. The square is a mosaic of holiday traditions from around the world, each culture adding its unique sparkle to the celebration.

Having witnessed a kaleidoscope of cultural celebrations over the past weeks, today belongs to the idols as they prepare to enchant the audience with their Christmas-themed performances. The square is already filling up with fans, both local and international, who have chosen to spend their Christmas in this enchanting city. They've come from far and wide, seeking not only holiday cheer but also the electrifying performances the city is known for.

Hiding behind the curtain on the stage, Magali stands with a fluttering heart, nervously watching the auditorium fill to the brim. Dressed in her snow fairy costume, this became her moment to shine, and the anticipation is electric. As she gazes at the faces in the audience, a mixture of excitement and anxiety courses through her. These people have come to be entertained, to feel the magic of Christmas, and Magali can't wait to share it with them.

Backstage, the performers gather all dressed in holiday costumes, their hearts and spirits aligned in the festive rhythm of the season. The air is filled with a palpable sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. They are ready to give their all, to weave a tapestry of music and dance that will leave the audience spellbound. The stage is set, the crowd eager, and the idols are prepared to deliver a performance that will etch this Christmas Eve in the memories of all who gather to celebrate in Sweet Dance City.

The anticipation reaches its zenith as the curtain rises, revealing a dazzling stage adorned with holiday decor and bathed in soft, twinkling lights. The MC, dressed in a festive red and green ensemble, steps onto the stage to the melodious backdrop of Christmas tunes. A warm smile graces the MC's face as they extend a heartfelt holiday welcome to the eager audience.

With great enthusiasm, the MC introduces the first group of idols, who step forward, radiating excitement and anticipation. The crowd's cheers and applause echo throughout the auditorium, creating an electric atmosphere charged with holiday spirit.

The idols, standing shoulder to shoulder, launch into a harmonious rendition of beloved Christmas carols. Their voices blend in perfect harmony, filling the air with the sweet, familiar melodies of the season. As they sing, the audience joins in, their voices rising like a tidal wave of joy.

Then, as if on cue, the music takes a joyful twist, and the idols seamlessly transition from singing to dancing. Their movements are synchronized, each step and twirl executed with precision and grace. The rhythm is infectious, and soon the entire auditorium is alive with the sound of clapping hands, everyone caught up in the holiday celebration unfolding before their eyes.

As the performance continues to evolve, it becomes a heartwarming and unforgettable Christmas celebration. The audience is swept away by the magic of the moment, and the idols on stage dance and sing with a contagious enthusiasm that spreads through the crowd like wildfire. This is more than just a performance; it's a gift of joy, a memory to cherish, and a true embodiment of the holiday spirit.

The Dance Square pulses with holiday cheer as one performance seamlessly follows another. The crowd is enveloped in a contagious happiness, and the music fills the air with a blend of nostalgia and festive energy. The Christmas celebration unfolds brilliantly, each act adding its unique charm to the evening's festivities.

However, amidst the joyous performances, there is one that stands out, casting a poignant shadow over the festivities. Magali's eyes remain fixed on the stage as her friend and classmate, Dessie, steps into the spotlight. It's immediately apparent that something is amiss; this is the first time Dessie will perform without her partner, Lanna, and a palpable sadness lingers in her expression.

Dessie is adorned in an angelic costume that, under different circumstances, would have been a perfect fit for a holiday celebration. The music begins, but it's not a traditional Christmas tune. Instead, it's a unique melody, possibly one of Dessie's creations. The composition maintains elements of Christmas with the chiming bells and merry trumpets, yet there's an underlying melancholy that sets it apart.

The lyrics to her song tell a tale of heartbreak and loss, and Magali can't help but wonder who or what inspired such a performance. Dessie's dance style, too, deviates from her usual pop-infused routines. She gracefully executes ballet moves, a departure from her typically cheerful, energetic dance routines.

As the final notes of the music fade into the night, Dessie takes a humble bow under the spotlight. The audience, moved by the depth of emotion in her performance, erupts in applause. But even in the wake of this heartfelt ovation, Dessie's mood remains unchanged as she exits the stage, leaving Magali with a sense of concern and curiosity that lingers long after the performance ends.

The stage transforms once more as a new group of idols sweeps onto it, their Christmas-themed performance setting the Dance Square aglow with holiday magic.

Amidst the excitement, Conrad approaches Magali, clutching a carefully wrapped gift in his hands. He wears a warm smile as he addresses her, "You're up next, Mags!"

Magali turns to face him, a nervous flutter in her stomach evident in her eyes. "I know," she admits, her voice tinged with anticipation, "I'm so nervous about the performance, but everyone else is giving it their all, so I will too." Her gaze drops to the box in Conrad's hands, curiosity piqued. "What's that?"

With an air of shyness and anticipation, Conrad presents the gift to Magali. "It's your Christmas present. I picked it out just for you."

Surprised and touched by his gesture, Magali blushes slightly. "Oh, Conrad, you really shouldn't have! Why didn't you wait until we got back to the crew hall? My gift for you is there."

Conrad grins warmly, his eyes filled with excitement. "Open it, and you'll understand."

With gratitude, Magali accepts the gift, gently untying the ribbon and opening the box. Her eyes widen with awe as she discovers the Princess Crown resting inside. The gems and sterling silver glisten beautifully under the surrounding lights. She's momentarily speechless, caught in the elegance of the gift. "Your costume is beautiful, but I think this would complete the look," Conrad remarks with a playful twinkle in his eyes. "Now you're a snow fairy princess."

"Hey, I thought I told you not to call me—" She catches herself, her initial protest about the nickname fades away, replaced by genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Conrad. I love it."

Conrad carefully removes the tiara from its box, and Magali tilts her head down, allowing him to place it gently atop her head. Stepping back, he takes a moment to admire his friend and crewmate, radiant under the spotlight in her enchanting dress, crystal-clear heels, translucent blue wings, and tiara on her head. Magali's makeup enhances her natural beauty, and Conrad knows that, with this final touch, she's ready to capture the hearts of the audience with her charm and grace on stage.

Once the current performers take their bows, the stage is then bathed in a soft, enchanting glow as Magali takes her place on the stage. Dressed as a snow fairy princess, she looks nothing short of magical. Her icy blue dress shimmers in the light, her crystal-clear heels glisten, and her translucent wings make her appear as though she's just descended from the heavens.

As the music for "Last Christmas" begins to play, Magali starts to sing. Her voice, sweet and melodious, fills the air with holiday cheer. The audience is immediately captivated by her charming voice, and their faces light up with smiles as they listen to the modern pop variation of the beloved Christmas song.

Magali's dance steps are energetic and graceful, perfectly synchronized with the music. She twirls and glides across the stage like a snowflake caught in a gentle breeze. Her movements are fluid, and she exudes a contagious enthusiasm that sweeps through the crowd. With every note she hits and every step she takes, she enthralls the audience, drawing them into the magic of the performance.

As her song comes to an end, Magali takes her final pose, her smile beaming like a star atop a Christmas tree. The applause that erupts from the audience is thunderous, proof of her talent and the infectious joy she's brought to the stage inherited from her father.

Following Magali's captivating performance, Conrad and his trainee class takes the stage, resplendent in his Santa suit. With a jovial demeanor, he begins to dance around, ringing a bell to the rhythm of "Jingle Bells" while the other classmates plays music and sings along. His energy is boundless, and the audience can't help but join in the fun, clapping and singing along.

As their performance draws to a close, Conrad and his classmates take their bows, their hearts swelling with pride and gratitude. The audience showers them with applause and cheers, grateful for the wonderful Christmas gift they've received tonight.

As the final notes of the last performance fade away, the Dance Square closes for the day, and the guests head over to the hotel for the night. The idols who participated in the Christmas-themed festivities gather together on the stage. Conrad, ever the cheerful idol, congratulates each of them on a job well done. He raises his voice above the applause and cheers, his enthusiasm infectious.

"Great work, everyone! You all made this Christmas celebration in Sweet Dance City unforgettable! Now, let's head over to The Dancing Fool, our favorite bar, and raise a toast to our success tonight!"

The other idols cheer in agreement, eager to continue the festive spirit. They start making their way towards the bar, chatting and laughing.

However, Magali's attention is drawn to the corner of the stage, where she notices Dessie quietly slipping away from the group. Concerned, she excuses herself from the conversation with Conrad and the others, promising to catch up with them later.

Magali hurries after Dessie, catching up to her near the entrance to the beach. "Dessie, wait up!" she calls out.

Dessie turns around, her eyes showing traces of sadness. "Magali? What's up?"

Magali looks at Dessie with genuine concern. "I noticed you seemed a bit down during your performance. Is everything okay?"

Dessie sighs, her shoulders slumping. "Yeah, I guess I've just been feeling a bit… lonely lately. This is the first Christmas without Lanna, and it's hitting me harder than I expected."

Magali nods in understanding. "I can imagine how tough that must be. But remember, you're not alone, Dessie. We're all here for you, and I'm sure Lanna is thinking of you too."

Dessie offers a faint smile. "Thanks, Magali. I appreciate that. It's just hard sometimes." Dessie then faces the beach and says, "hey, you wanna hang out for a little while?"

Magali nods, her curiosity growing as Dessie's words hang in the air. They find a quiet spot on the beach, the soothing sound of the ocean waves serving as a backdrop to their conversation. Sitting side by side on the sand, the silence stretches between them as Magali contemplates what might be going on in Dessie's mind. Dessie's expression is a mixture of sadness, surprise, and something else Magali can't quite decipher.

After some time, Dessie says, "I was really surprised when Lanna told me that she was dating Zoila," Dessie continues, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "I should have known, she always rejected every guy who confessed to her. I just figured that she was just serious about her idol career. I never thought she was into other girls."

Magali studies Dessie's face, trying to read the deeper emotions behind her words. The weight of unspoken feelings seems to hang heavily in the air.

"Are you saying that you didn't approve of their relationship?" Magali asks gently, her curiosity tempered with understanding.

Dessie meets Magali's gaze, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions. She sighs, turning her head to gaze out at the vast expanse of the ocean before finally admitting, "Of course I do. I am happy for her and your sister. It's just that…" Her voice trails off, and she hesitates for a moment before continuing, "I was in love with her too."

Magali's eyes widen, her heart going out to Dessie in that vulnerable moment. She realizes that there's indeed much more to Dessie's story than she initially thought. As they sit together on the tranquil beach, the waves washing ashore, Magali knows that this is a conversation that is filled with the complexities of love and friendship.

"Wow, I had no idea! So, you're into girls too?" Magali asks, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Dessie chuckles softly, her smile tinged with a hint of sadness. "No, not really. I've always dated guys. But Lanna was just… special," she says, her words carrying a weight of longing.

As Dessie prepares to share her one-sided love story, a poignant pause hangs in the air. Magali can sense the depth of emotion behind Dessie's words, and she waits patiently for her friend to continue.

"I met Lanna in Miss Pikul's class," Dessie begins, her voice gentle as she revisits the past. "We were both young idols, barely knew what we were doing. But as soon as I met Lanna, I just thought that she was the most beautiful idol I had ever seen."

Magali can see the wistful look in Dessie's eyes as she recalls those early days. Dessie's story unfolds, revealing a deep connection that had grown between her and Lanna. "We quickly became best friends, and dance partners," Dessie continues, her voice carrying the warmth of cherished memories. "We were really close friends. We did everything together. We ate together, danced together, performed together. She was the light in my life when things got tough for me."

Magali can't help but feel the profound bond that Dessie had with Lanna, a friendship that had been incredibly important to her.

"But I took her for granted," Dessie admits, her voice tinged with regret. "She was always there for me and my problems. I had my heart broken by so many guys, but Lanna was always there to cheer me up. Lanna was so bright and cheerful, that I couldn't do anything to return the favor."

Magali listens, her heart aching for Dessie's unspoken pain. The story takes an unexpected turn as Dessie recalls a moment of vulnerability that had forever altered the course of their friendship.

"One day, after practice, me and Lanna were sitting by the tree outside the trainee building, taking a nap," Dessie recalls, her voice quieter now. "I woke up before her and looked at her pretty, peaceful face. I leaned in, ready to kiss her. But I held back. I had no idea if she would even accept my feelings, so I just bottled them up, hoping that maybe I could tell her someday."

Magali can sense the weight of Dessie's unspoken words, the "what ifs" that lingered in the air between them. Dessie's voice grows softer still as she continues, "If I knew that Lanna dated other girls, I would have told her how I felt sooner. But I guess it's a bit too late for that now. Lanna is in love, and I was left behind."

The breeze off the ocean seems to carry with it the echoes of Dessie's unspoken emotions. Magali sits in contemplative silence, understanding that Dessie's feelings run deep, and that her one-sided love story has left a mark on her heart that time may never fully heal.

Dessie gets up from her spot on the beach, brushing the sand off her jeans. Her face carries a mix of emotions, but there's a genuine smile there too.

"Despite everything, I'm really happy for Lanna," Dessie says, her voice carrying both a hint of sadness and sincerity. "She deserves to be with someone who makes her happy."

Magali nods, understanding the complexity of Dessie's emotions. She appreciates Dessie's ability to put Lanna's happiness first, even amidst her own regrets.

Dessie extends a hand to help Magali up from the sand. Magali takes it, and they walk together toward the sounds of laughter and celebration coming from the bar where their fellow idols have gathered to toast to a successful Christmas evening.

As they catch up with their friends, Magali feels a sense of gratitude for the bonds they've formed in Sweet Dance City. Despite the challenges and complexities of their lives as idols, moments like these, shared with friends who understand, are what make it all worthwhile. So the idols raise their glasses and cheer for a successful year, and look forward to more performances and friends who will play a part on Magali's career in Sweet Dance City.