Chapter 12: Crewmates

The air is crisp and vibrant as the bustling city of Sweet Dance prepares to welcome the Lunar New Year. Decorations adorn the streets, vibrant colors of red and gold weaving through the cityscape, echoing the festive spirit that dances in the hearts of its residents. Lanterns sway gently in the breeze, casting a warm glow over the paved roads below. As the sun rises, casting its golden rays upon the city, anticipation fills the air for the upcoming celebrations marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake.

In the gentle embrace of January's dawn, Magali stirs from her slumber to greet the day. The warmth seeping through her window promises another pleasant day in the city. As she steps out of her room, ready to embrace the rhythm of another day as an idol, an unusual absence catches her attention. Conrad's absence is conspicuous, his familiar presence typically woven seamlessly into the fabric of their mornings. Normally, by this hour, he would either be preparing for his duties as an idol, or returning from the cafeteria serving breakfast for them both. His absence leaves a palpable void in the otherwise familiar routine.

Intrigued by Conrad's unexpected whereabouts, Magali's curiosity propels her to delve deeper into the mystery. With practiced ease, she navigates through the myriad of apps used by idols, her fingertips tracing the familiar contours of her device's screen. She uses an app to track the whereabouts of close friends and dance partners. A surge of surprise washes over her as she discovers Conrad's location pinpointed within the confines of the nursery—a daycare frequented by idols to entrust the care of their young children while they tend to their obligations within the city.

Brows furrowing in perplexity, Magali grapples with the puzzling revelation. Conrad, a single man without children of his own, seemed an unlikely visitor to such a place. Yet, the evidence before her eyes contradicts her assumptions. With each passing moment, her intrigue deepens, stirring a burgeoning sense of anticipation as she contemplates the enigma shrouding her friend's unusual visit to the nursery.

Despite her rational mind urging her to dismiss such intrusive thoughts, Magali finds herself unable to shake the persistent curiosity gnawing at her thoughts. The notion of Conrad harboring a secret child—a possible scandilous aspect of his life unbeknownst to her—propels her imagination into a whirlwind of conjecture and speculation.

With each passing moment, the allure of unraveling the mystery becomes increasingly irresistible, eclipsing any semblance of prudence or discretion. Casting aside her reservations, Magali resolves to confront the enigma head-on, her determination eclipsing any misgivings. So she sets out towards the nursery, her heart pounding with apprehension and intrigue. Despite the sun-drenched streets of Sweet Dance City enveloping her in a comforting warmth, an indefinable chill settles upon her shoulders—a premonition of the revelations that await her within the confines of the nursery's fences.

Navigating the outside of the nursery, Magali moves with the stealth of a shadow, hiding behind bushes and walls mindful to evade the inquisitive gazes of both children and caretakers alike. With each cautious step, she tiptoes past colorful murals and whimsical play areas, her heart racing in tandem with the urgency of her mission.

As she traverses the bustling expanse of the nursery, Magali's senses remain keenly attuned to every rustle and whisper, acutely aware of the delicate balance between discretion and discovery. The air hums with the infectious energy of youthful laughter and boundless imagination, a stark contrast to the cloak of uncertainty that shrouds her purpose.

Despite the challenges posed by the sprawling layout of the nursery, Magali presses onward, her determination unyielding in the face of adversity. With each fleeting moment, the mystery surrounding Conrad's enigmatic presence within these walls deepens, fueling her resolve to uncover the truth hidden amidst the innocence of childhood play.

Peering from her covert vantage point behind a nearby tree, Magali observes Conrad engaged in conversation with a nursery worker, their voices a low murmur amidst the lively backdrop of playful chatter of the children playing nearby. The worker's youthful visage and striking features pique her curiosity, prompting her to wonder about his backstory and the circumstances that led him to his current role.

As Magali discreetly observes the interaction between Conrad and the nursery worker, her gaze inadvertently lingers on the young man's appearance. With his Asian heritage evident in his smooth complexion and almond colored eyes, he exudes an air of quiet confidence that's characteristic of the idols populating Sweet Dance City. His sleek black hair, impeccably styled, frames his handsome features, accentuating his soft jawline with an almost ethereal allure. Despite his role as a nursery worker, there's an undeniable magnetism to his presence, an enigmatic quality that captivates Magali's attention and leaves her yearning to unravel the mystery shrouding his connection to Conrad.

Wanting to catch fragments of their conversation, Magali strains her ears as they exchange words, her interest piqued by the mysterious encounter unfolding before her. Despite her efforts to discern the nature of their discussion, their voices remain too distant to decipher, leaving her to speculate about the purpose of their secret rendezvous.

As Conrad and the nursery worker continue their dialogue, Magali's mind races with questions, her imagination conjuring a myriad of scenarios to explain their unusual encounter. Yet, amidst the uncertainty swirling around her, one thing remains clear: there's more to this encounter than meets the eye, and she's determined to uncover the truth hidden beneath the surface.

A sudden outcry pierces the tranquility of the nursery, "Look! Look! There's a creep hiding behind the tree!"

Magali freezes as the accusing voice of a young boy rings out, branding her an intruder. Startled, she whirls around to face the source, her heart racing with a mix of embarrassment and apprehension. "I'm not a creep, be quiet!" Magali shushes in a futile attempt to silence the boy, her cheeks flushed with mortification.

Her plea falls on deaf ears as the child, fueled by indignation and a sense of justice, the boy delivers a forceful shove, sending her sprawling to the ground with a startled yelp. She sits there helplessly as she she watches the boy scamper off, his cries of alarm echoing through the nursery. "Ryu! There's a weirdo behind the tree!" the boy's voice carries through the air.

"That little brat!" Magali mutters under her breath, her cheeks still tinged with embarrassment as she dusts off her shorts, her irritation palpable.

As she rises to her feet, Magali finds herself face to face with the nursery employee, his face stern and authoritative. A knot forms in her stomach as she meets his gaze, feeling the weight of his scrutiny bearing down on her.

"Who are you? Explain yourself!" the employee demands, his voice sharp with suspicion. Magali swallows hard, her nerves fluttering as she searches for the right words to explain her presence.

Before she can respond, Conrad steps forward, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern. "Mags? What are you doing here?" he asks.

"I could ask you the same question!" Magali interjects, her voice tinged with defensiveness and curiosity. "What are you doing at a daycare for kids? Do you have a kid that I don't know about?"

Conrad and the nursery worker exchange amused glances before bursting into laughter. Magali's cheeks flush with embarrassment as she realizes the folly of her assumptions.

"Oh, Magali," Conrad chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. "You've got it all wrong. Let me explain."

After a moment to compose themselves, they gather to keep a watchful eye on the children. Conrad then begins to explain, "I came to the nursery to visit my best friend. Let me introduce you to him. This is Ryu Sakura, he is our crewmate."

"Former crewmate," Ryu interjects. "I no longer live in your crew."

"It doesn't matter. You're still family no matter what. Your room will always be there for you when you decide to come back home," Conrad insists with a warm smile.

Ryu chuckles softly. "You'll never give up, will you?"

Conrad and Ryu exchange more banter, reminiscing about their shared adventures in the crew. Magali watches their interaction with fondness, noticing the genuine happiness that radiates between them. Conrad seems more at ease and carefree than she's ever seen him before.

Eventually, Ryu turns his attention to Magali with a warm smile. "You must be Magali, Conrad's newest crewmate. He's told me so much about you. I appreciate you taking such good care of him. He hasn't been the same since I left the crew."

"It's truly an honor to finally meet you. I almost thought you were just a figment of Conrad's imagination," Magali jests lightly.

Ryu scratches the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, things got a little complicated, so I had to keep my distance."

"Complicated? How so?" Magali inquires, her curiosity piqued.

"Conrad!" The voice of an angry young woman pierces through the air. All eyes turn to the source as an enraged figure approaches, her expression twisted into a fierce scowl. The children scatter like insects, almost as if this encounter has happened before. The intensity of her demeanor leaves Magali with the distinct impression that she knows both Conrad and Ryu.

As the woman draws closer, she directs her wrath squarely at Conrad, pointing an accusatory finger at him. "What are you doing here! You know very well that you are not welcome here!"

"Relax, Khefner. He was just passing by, no harm done," Ryu interjects calmly.

"Shut up, Ryu! I am not talking to you!" Khefner snaps back, her focus remaining fixed on Conrad. With fiery determination, she continues, "For the last time, stay away from my husband! I don't care if the council won't deal with you, I still don't want you around us. Or should I remind you that you almost killed him!"

Magali gasps, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as the weight of Khefner's accusation hangs heavy in the air. She glances at Conrad, witnessing the pain etched across his features. While she's unaware of the full extent of the situation, there's an undeniable truth to Khefner's words that sends a shiver down her spine.

After a few moments of tense silence, Khefner finally notices Magali standing nearby. Turning her sharp gaze toward her, she demands, "And who is this?"

Magali's greeting comes out somewhat awkwardly as she introduces herself, "Uh, hi! I'm Magali Anna Artisan. It's nice to meet you."

Recognition flickers in Khefner's eyes as she responds, "Ah, yes. I heard about you. You're Julian's daughter. But what are you doing with this lowlife?"

Ryu interjects before Magali can respond, providing an explanation, "Oh, didn't you hear? She lives in our old crew. Conrad and Magali are crewmates now."

"She's what!?" Khefner's shock is palpable as she processes this information. Whirling back to Conrad with disbelief and anger etched on her face, she exclaims, "How dare you! After what you did to us, you think you have the right to have more crewmates? Haven't you done enough damage already?"

Conrad's silence speaks volumes as Khefner's words cut through the air like a knife, his expression darkening with each passing moment as he absorbs her accusations.

Khefner's rage simmers as she refuses to meet Conrad's gaze any longer. Instead, she seizes Ryu's hand and pulls him away, her voice sharp with frustration. "Come on, we're going home!"

Ryu hesitates, casting a quick glance back at Conrad before protesting, "But I'm still working."

"I'll talk to your boss later. Let's just get out of here," Khefner insists, her tone leaving no room for argument as she leads Ryu away from the scene.

Magali stands in the wake of Ryu and Khefner's departure, a whirlwind of emotions churning within her. Confusion knots her brow, and she struggles to comprehend the bombshell revelation Khefner has just dropped in front of her. Her mind races with questions, but she can't seem to find the words to articulate them.

Once the initial shock begins to ebb away, leaving behind a residue of bewilderment, Magali finally manages to voice her thoughts. She turns to Conrad and asks, "What was that all about? Who was that girl?" she asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Conrad releases a heavy sigh, the weight of his past bearing down on him. He meets Magali's gaze with resignation and regret. "That was Khefner Sakura. She's Ryu's wife… and my other crewmate."

Magali's breath catches in her throat as she watches Ryu and Khefner disappear into the distance, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unresolved tension. Conrad's crew is built on the foundation of camaraderie and loyalty, a family forged by shared dreams and mutual support. The bond between Conrad and Ryu is undeniable proof to that, but the animosity radiating from Khefner paints a stark contrast.

Her mind races with conflicting thoughts, each one vying for dominance in the chaos of her thoughts. Could Conrad truly be capable of the betrayal Khefner accuses him of? It doesn't seem possible, not when she's witnessed firsthand the depth of his loyalty to his friends. But then again, there's a darkness lurking beneath the surface, a shadowy past that Conrad has kept hidden from her.

Despite the accusations hurled in Conrad's direction, Magali finds it difficult to believe that he would intentionally cause harm to his best friend. There must be more to this story than meets the eye, hidden layers of complexity waiting to be uncovered. But for now, faced with the uncertainty of the situation and the raw emotions left in its wake, Magali decides to tread cautiously. Some mysteries are best left untouched, at least until the time is right to reveal their secrets.

As Magali lies in bed back in the crew hall, the weight of the unresolved tension presses down on her like a heavy blanket, making it impossible to find peace in the quiet of the night. Her mind buzzes with questions and doubts, each one gnawing at her resolve to leave the matter untouched.

As Magali lies awake, her mind whirls with thoughts of Khefner's accusations against Conrad. Despite the weight of Khefner's words, a nagging doubt tugs at Magali's conscience. Normally, she would have believed such accusations for her own protection, but the undeniable bond between Ryu and Conrad paints a different picture. Their camaraderie speaks volumes, silent evidence to the strength of their friendship. Caught between conflicting stories, Magali grapples with the unsettling realization that there may be more to their past than meets the eye.

Unable to shake the feeling of unease, Magali reaches for her phone, the soft glow of the screen illuminating her face in the dimly lit room. With determined fingers, she navigates to the Sweet Dance app, her curiosity driving her to seek answers where none seem to exist. Entering Khefner Sakura's name into the search bar, Magali waits with bated breath for the results to appear. But to her dismay, the screen remains stubbornly blank, devoid of any trace of the mysterious woman who had barged into their lives with such intensity.

Magali furrows her brow as she stares at the screen, perplexed by the absence of Khefner's profile on the app. A sudden realization dawns on her, and she snaps her fingers in understanding. "Sakura is Ryu's last name," she murmurs to herself. "I need to search for her using her maiden name."

With a sense of determination, she types in Khefner's first name and hits enter. This time, the search yields a single result. With apprehension and anticipation, Magali taps on the profile, revealing the image of Khefner Han, the same woman she encountered earlier. Her heart races as she delves deeper into the profile, hoping to uncover some answers to the mysteries surrounding Conrad and his former crewmates.

"Oh wow, she's Chinese-Canadian!" whispers Magali, her eyes scanning Khefner's profile with newfound interest. As she delves deeper, she learns that Khefner is the daughter of Chinese immigrants, born and raised in Toronto. Her family's humble roots are evident in their ownership of a small perfume shop back in Canada. As an idol, Khefner specializes in traditional Chinese dances, a nod to her cultural heritage, and often showcases her singing prowess in her family's native language.

Intrigued by this revelation, Magali dons her headphones and immerses herself in Khefner's performances. The fluidity of her dance moves is almost hypnotic, each motion imbued with grace and precision. Her long black hair tied up into buns to prevent her hair from interfering with her performances. And when she sings, it's as if bells are gently ringing, her voice carrying a melodic quality that resonates deep within. Witnessing Khefner's talent and kindness on display, Magali finds herself grappling with the stark contrast between the idol she just met and the accusations levied against Conrad earlier.

As Magali scrolls through the list of performances, she finds a wedding video of Khefner and Ryu. She taps on the video and watches the wedding scene on her cell phone. As Magali watches the wedding scene unfold on her cell phone, she can't help but feel a pang of sadness. Conrad, standing tall as the best man, beams with joy as he celebrates Khefner and Ryu's union. The camaraderie between them is palpable, their smiles radiant with happiness.

After removing her headphones and setting her phone aside, Magali lies back on her bed, lost in thought. It's clear that Khefner was once a close friend of Conrad's, a fact that adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The warmth and camaraderie evident in the wedding video only serve to deepen the mystery surrounding the rift between them. What tragic event could have torn apart such a seemingly tight-knit bond? The question lingers in Magali's mind, leaving her restless and yearning for answers.

Suddenly, a somber melody of a flute drifts through the air, drawing Magali's attention like a moth to a flame. Intrigued, she cautiously edges her door open, the hinges creaking softly in protest. Peeking out the door, her eyes follows the sound, her curiosity piqued. On the balcony, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, Conrad stands, his silhouette illuminated against the night sky. The somber notes of his flute resonate in the stillness, carrying with them an unmistakable sense of melancholy. Magali watches him, her heart heavy with empathy as she feels the weight of his inner turmoil by the sounds escaping the flute.

It's clear to her that the earlier confrontation has left its mark on Conrad, the rift between him and his former crewmates a gaping wound that refuses to heal. As she continues to observe him, a pang of helplessness grips her heart. What can she possibly do to ease his suffering, to mend the fractured bonds that threaten to tear him apart?

As the morning sun filters through the city, casting a warm glow over the dance floors around the crews, Magali joins her trainee class. Her movements lack their usual precision, her mind preoccupied with the events of the previous day. Try as she might, she struggles to shake off the weight of her thoughts, her concentration slipping as she dances.

During the break, Magali finds herself sitting alone with Dessie, a small snack in hand. Dessie, ever perceptive, notices the distant look in Magali's eyes and the furrow of concern on her brow. Leaning in, she gently inquires, "Hey girl, everything okay?"

Magali turns to Dessie, offering a reassuring smile. "Everything is fine, don't worry about me," she assures her friend. Taking a bite of her granola bar, she turns back to Dessie with a curious expression. "Hey, do you know anything about Ryu Sakura?"

Dessie's eyes light up with recognition. "Oh, you mean the Daredevil?" she responds with a hint of excitement.

"Daredevil?" Magali echoes, intrigued by the nickname.

"Yeah, that's Ryu's stage name when he was an idol," Dessie explains animatedly. "He was quite popular too! His performances were something special. He didn't just dance, he was a real acrobat, jumping and flipping on stage to entertain the audience."

Magali's eyes widen with intrigue and concern upon learning about Ryu's past as a renowned idol. The thought of such a skilled performer facing an abrupt end to his career tugs at her curiosity. Eager for more details, she leans forward slightly and asks, "What happened to him?"

Dessie hesitates for a moment before responding, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I heard he got hurt during his last performance," she explains. "I was away when it happened, so I don't know the details. But there have been rumors swirling around."

Before Magali can delve deeper into the conversation, Brandon approaches the group, his expression stern as he overhears their discussion. "Rumors again? Seriously, Dessie, if you don't know what happened, then don't spread rumors about fellow idols. Its rude," he chides gently, his tone firm yet understanding.

Dessie's cheeks flush with embarrassment as she turns to face Brandon, her frown deepening. "Well, if you know what happened, then why don't you just tell us?" she retorts, her frustration evident in her voice.

Brandon's gaze shifts to Magali, his demeanor serious yet compassionate. "Gladly," he responds, his tone softening as he prepares to share the details. "Are you familiar with the Dynamite Maneuver?" he asks Magali, his eyes reflecting the weight of the story he's about to tell.

"Dynamite Maneuver? No, I've never heard of it," answers Magali, her brow furrowing with concern.

"It's a highly dangerous technique. Born from the Kaleido Stage, it made its way here to Sweet Dance City. Ryu and Conrad were trying the maneuver in our stage, and Ryu got seriously hurt because of it. He almost didn't make it," explains Brandon, his voice tinged with regret.

"Kaleido Stage?" Magali asks, intrigued by the unfamiliar name.

"It's a performance stage similar to Sweet Dance. They don't have idols there, just a bunch of acrobats and clowns performing and competing with us. It's less of a stage, and more of a three-ring circus," responds Brandon, his tone tinged with a hint of disdain.

Magali swallows the knot in her throat and dares to ask the question weighing heavily on her mind, "I heard that Conrad might have something to do with Ryu's injury. Do you know if that's true?"

"I heard the rumors too. Conrad and Ryu often perform like rivals, but that's just an act. Ryu and Conrad were best friends and partners in the idol world. I don't believe that Conrad would hurt Ryu on purpose, especially since they both were huge stars together. Conrad suffered a huge blow to his popularity when Ryu retired," explains Brandon, his voice laced with sympathy for the situation.

"Oh, I see," murmurs Magali, her mind racing with thoughts.

As Brandon begins to walk away, Magali feels a sense of urgency to learn more. "Wait," she calls after him, her curiosity piqued. "I want to understand what happened. Who can I ask to learn more?"

Brandon pauses, turning back to face her with a solemn expression. "If you want to know more, you should watch the performance yourself. But I warn you, it is a little too graphic for most people. Just be careful," he advises, his tone laden with concern.

Magali nods, absorbing his words before watching him disappear into the distance. The weight of the situation settles heavily on her shoulders as she contemplates her next move.

Later that day, alone in the crew hall with Conrad out fulfilling his duties as an idol, Magali feels a surge of conflicted feelings. The weight of her curiosity battles against her apprehension, but her desire for the truth prevails. With a determined resolve, she settles into the chair before the computer, fingers quivering as she navigates to the Dancetube website.

As the screen loads, she hesitates momentarily before typing "Dynamite Maneuver" into the search bar. With bated breath, she selects the lone result, bracing herself for what she might uncover. A warning message appears, cautioning her about the graphic content of the video, but Magali is undeterred. She proceeds to input her idol ID number, unlocking access to the elusive footage.

With anticipation and anxiety, she watches as Conrad and Ryu introduce themselves to the audience, setting the stage for their performance. The atmosphere crackles with tension as the music begins to play, and Magali finds herself transfixed by the screen. Ryu's transformation is stark, his demeanor she witnessed earlier replaced by a dark, enigmatic persona. Clad in a black costume with crimson accents, white bleached hair, and complete with a hood and devil horns, he exudes an aura of mystery and danger. In contrast, Conrad remains unchanged, his familiar idol outfit amidst the swirling chaos of the performance.

Conrad and Ryu wield their prop swords with skillful precision, their voices harmonizing in a haunting melody that narrates a tale of intense rivalry reaching its zenith. Magali's pulse quickens as she witnesses the unfolding drama, her eyes riveted to the screen.

With each beat of the music, the tension mounts, escalating into a breathtaking display of athleticism and artistry. Ryu's acrobatic feats defy the laws of gravity, his movements fluid and mesmerizing. Conrad's prowess is evident, but pales in comparison to the sheer spectacle of Ryu's agility and finesse. Their pretend sword fight drawing the crowd's attention is unmistakable.

As the performance hurtles towards its dramatic conclusion, Conrad seizes a rope and ascends to dizzying heights above the stage. Magali's breath catches in her throat as they prepare to execute the daring Dynamite Maneuver, a move synonymous with risk and adrenaline. Magali's eyes are glued to the screen as they are about to attempt the Dynamite Maneuver. Once Conrad gets high enough, he jumps, flipping in the air and heading straight for Ryu below. By the way they are positioned, it looks like Ryu will attempt to catch Conrad with only one hand, creating an explosion like a dynamite.

The tension is palpable as they converge, the audience holding its breath in anticipation. But in a sudden twist of fate, Ryu flinches at the last moment, causing the meticulously choreographed maneuver to falter. Magali watches in shock as Conrad crashes onto Ryu, the impact reverberating through the air like a thunderclap. The audience erupts into gasps of disbelief as the performance takes an unexpected turn, leaving Magali reeling with a whirlwind of emotions.

Magali's heart pounds in her chest as she listens to Conrad's anguished cries echo through the stage. The sight of Ryu's blood staining the pristine stage sends shivers down her spine, and she can no longer bear to watch. With trembling hands, she reaches for the mouse and hastily shuts off the computer screen, plunging the room into an eerie silence.

As she sits there, her body racked with tremors, Magali's breath comes in ragged gasps. The weight of the world she has unwittingly entered crashes down upon her with crushing force. The glittering facade of idol life, with its dazzling performances and adoring fans, suddenly seems fragile and ephemeral.

In that moment of stark realization, Magali understands the inherent risks that come with the pursuit of fame and glory. Behind the dazzling lights and thunderous applause lies a world fraught with danger and uncertainty, where the line between triumph and tragedy is perilously thin. With a heavy heart, Magali contemplates the sacrifices and hardships that idols like Conrad and Ryu endure in their quest to captivate and inspire. And as she sits there, trembling in the aftermath of the harrowing performance, she knows that she has glimpsed a side of idol life that few ever see—a world where the pursuit of greatness exacts a heavy toll, leaving behind a trail of shattered dreams and broken hearts.

Seeking fresh air, Magali steps out into the bustling streets of Sweet Dance City, the warm breeze offering a welcome respite from the suffocating weight of her thoughts. As she walks, her gaze drifts over the sea of fellow idols bustling about their day, their smiles and laughter painting a facade of happiness and cheer.

Yet beneath the veneer of jubilation, Magali can't help but wonder how many of her fellow idols carry hidden scars and burdens, their smiles serving as a mask to conceal the pain and trauma they've endured. How many lives have been shattered in pursuit of the dazzling lights and deafening applause of idol fame?

The thought sends a chill down Magali's spine, and she finds herself grappling with a newfound sense of unease. She may not be driven by the same thirst for fame and fortune as her peers, but the specter of tragedy looms large in her she continues her solitary walk, Magali can't shake the nagging fear that lurks in the shadows—a fear of hearing news of yet another idol falling victim to the relentless pursuit of perfection and acclaim. And in that moment, she vows to tread cautiously on the precarious path of idol life, mindful of the dangers that lurk beneath the glittering facade.

"Hey, Magali!" Khefner's voice cuts through the air, drawing Magali's attention. She turns to face Khefner, her nerves fluttering like a trapped bird in her chest.

"Khefner, hi," she stammers, her words stumbling over each other in her haste.

Khefner's smile is warm and disarming as she steps closer, her hands resting casually on her jeans. "You got a minute? I wanna talk," she says, her tone gentle and reassuring.

Magali nods, her apprehension tempered by a flicker of curiosity. They make their way to the swings outside the crew building, the rhythmic creak of the chains providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. As they settle into their seats, Magali can't shake the lingering sense of unease that clings to her like a second skin.

"Listen, I want to apologize for what happened yesterday," Khefner begins, her voice soft and contrite. "I promise I'm not the bitch that you saw earlier. Me and Conrad, well, we have history. It was nothing against you."

Magali exhales slowly, a wave of relief washing over her like a cool breeze on a sweltering day. "I understand," she answers, her words tinged with sincerity as she meets Khefner's gaze.

Khefner tilts her head, a furrow forming between her brows as she listens intently to Magali's explanation. "So, what's the story between you two? You guys dating or something?" she inquires, her tone curious yet guarded.

Magali shakes her head no. "We're just friends. Conrad wanted to learn my father's signature move, and I ended up living in the crew," she explains, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation.

A heavy silence settles between them, thick with unspoken tension and unresolved emotions. After a moment, Magali gathers the courage to broach the subject that has been weighing on her mind since their encounter at the nursery. "Why do you hate Conrad so much?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. "I saw the video of the Dynamite Maneuver, and it wasn't like he hurt Ryu on purpose. It was an accident."

Khefner's grip tightens on the chains of the swing, her knuckles turning white with the force of her emotions. "I'm not mad at him for that," she admits, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I was upset because he talked my husband into doing such a dangerous stunt. The Dynamite Maneuver. Something that should have never happened."

Her words hang heavy in the air, laden with the weight of past grievances and shattered trust. "But Conrad is so obsessed with the Super Idol title," Khefner continues, her voice trembling with anger and sorrow. "He put my husband through so much pain and suffering. I almost lost my husband that day. Conrad tried to apologize to me when Ryu was unconscious, but I couldn't even let him near my husband. He'll just try it again once Ryu recovers. So I packed our stuff and moved out. Me and Ryu are in our own crew now, far away from Conrad as possible."

Magali's mind whirls with conflicting thoughts as she considers Khefner's words. Memories of her conversation with Tellu flood her mind, reminding her of the elusive nature of becoming a Super Idol. According to Tellu, it's not something one can earn through practice or daring performances alone. The council holds a belief that only those from certain bloodlines possess the potential to attain such status. As someone born from two Super Idols, Magali knows she's part of the quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the title and the unique abilities it bestows. Despite her desire to share the truth with others; to prevent other from risky performances in pursuit of a dream that may never come, she remembers that she is bound by a solemn oath of secrecy sworn back in the cathedral.

After taking a deep breath, Khefner's tense shoulders relax slightly, and she offers Magali a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that. I still get a bit upset when I have to think about what happened," she confesses, her voice softening with genuine remorse.

Khefner's expression then grows serious as she offers a word of caution. "Listen. I think you should move out of his crew as well," she advises, her tone urgent. "You are Julian's daughter; he only invited you into his crew for his own gain. He doesn't care about you, and if you trust him too much, he might hurt you as well.

"Magali's gaze drops to the ground, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions and uncertainties. Sensing her hesitation, Khefner reaches out a hand to gently lift Magali's chin, meeting her gaze with unconditional sincerity. "If you're worried about where you are going to live, you can move in with us," she offers, her voice warm and inviting. "We have empty rooms, and you are welcome to work on your idol career there. We'll have lots of fun, I promise."

As Magali mulls over Khefner's offer, her mind drifts to the warmth and sincerity in the older idol's eyes. The prospect of a fresh start in a new environment is undeniably tempting, especially in light of recent revelations about Conrad's past. Yet, as she considers her options, a steadfast determination begins to take root within her heart.

With a firm resolve, Magali gently declines Khefner's offer, her voice filled with conviction. "Thank you, Khefner, truly. But I believe you're wrong about Conrad," she explains, her tone resolute. "Despite everything, I choose to trust in his friendship and the values of our crew. We stand by each other, through thick and thin."

Though Khefner's concern is genuine, Magali knows that her decision is guided by an unshakeable faith in the bonds of camaraderie and loyalty that define her crew. With a grateful smile, she reassures Khefner of her choice, knowing that she must follow her heart and stay true to the beliefs that have guided her thus far.

With a defeated sigh, Khefner reluctantly speaks up, her words heavy with a sense of obligation. "I didn't want to resort to this, but it looks like I don't have a choice," she begins. Rising from the swing, she fixes her gaze on Magali and declares with a determined tone. "Magali Anna Artisan, I challenge you!"

Magali's breath catches in her throat, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected turn of events. Another challenge, another twist in the ongoing saga between idols. As Khefner lays out the terms of the challenge, Magali realizes she has no choice but to accept, her heart sinking at the thought of what's at stake.

"If I win," Khefner continues, "you must move out of Conrad's crew. Where you go is not my business, but I don't want you living there."

With a sense of resignation, Khefner begins to walk away, her parting words laced with a mixture of concern and regret. "Don't get me wrong," she says, glancing back at Magali, "I am not upset with you. This is for your own good. Nobody should trust him. I regret the day I met him, and you should too."

Magali's heart sinks after Khefner issued the challenge, her mind reeling with disbelief. Another test of her resolve, another ultimatum she cannot ignore. The weight of Khefner's words hangs heavy in the air, each syllable laced with a sense of urgency and concern.

With a sense of resignation, Magali rises from the swing, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I accept your challenge," she declares, meeting Khefner's gaze with unwavering determination. "But know this, Khefner. I believe in Conrad, and I stand by my decision."

As Khefner walks away, Magali can't help but feel a pang of sadness at the rift that is forming between them. Yet, she remains steadfast in her conviction, determined to prove that trust and loyalty are not to be underestimated, even in the face of doubt and uncertainty.