Chapter 16: Article 13

Magali returns to the crew hall after a long day of training, her muscles pleasantly tired and her mind buzzing with new dance moves and routines. As she steps into the crew hall, she finds Conrad waiting for her, a contemplative look on his face. "Hey Mags! Can I talk to you about something?" Conrad asks, his voice carrying a serious tone that makes Magali's heart skip a beat. She feels a sudden rush of anticipation, wondering if this is the moment she has unconsciously been both dreading and longing for—a confession of feelings.

"Uh... sure! What do you want to talk about?" she asks, trying to keep her voice steady as her heart flutters with nervous excitement. She fidgets with her hair nervously, wondering what to say and how to answer.

Conrad hesitates for a moment, and Magali braces herself. But then, he smiles, a familiar warmth returning to his eyes. "I was thinking... would you like to do a performance with me again? My dance partner canceled on me and went home to visit some family."

Magali lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, a wave of relief washing over her. Not sure what she would have done if Conrad had confessed, she's grateful that the conversation has taken a different turn. "Of course, I'd love to!" she replies with a genuine smile, feeling the familiar thrill of preparing for a new dance number.

Hearing Magali's enthusiastic response, Conrad's smile widens, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "Great! The performance is this Saturday," he says, clearly pleased with her eagerness. "We'll start practicing tomorrow."

Magali nods, giving him a reassuring smile. As she retreats to her room, she can't shake the lingering flutter in her chest. Placing a hand over her heart, she frowns, puzzled by the unfamiliar sensation. She's never felt this way before, especially around Conrad, who she has always considered a friend and a member of her chosen family. "Why do I feel this way?" she asks herself. The conversation with Dessie from the other day echoes in her mind, making her question whether her feelings for Conrad are shifting. She plays that video in her head over and over; participating in the performance was one thing. Seeing it in the eyes of the audience is a whole different experience. They both look so good together, like they can be a couple in the eyes of people who don't know better.

Magali sits on her bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. Could Dessie's words have planted a seed of infatuation in her mind? She shakes her head, trying to clear her thoughts. Conrad has been clear about his stance on relationships; he values the concept of family and his journey towards becoming a Super Idol above romantic entanglements. But she never asked herself if she was interested in a relationship with anyone. This feeling is odd to her considering that she never even had a crush on anyone.

She sighs, reminding herself of the promise they made to each other, a bond of mutual trust and respect. Whatever these new feelings are, she knows she must respect Conrad's wishes and the boundaries they've set. Yet, as she drifts off to sleep, she can't help but feel a flicker of something more—something she can't quite name but is beginning to recognize as a deeper connection.

The next day, as the clock strikes noon, Magali walks into the main hall of the crew, finding Conrad already waiting for her. He's dressed in his usual idol outfit, exuding confidence and charm, while Magali sports her pink leotard, a familiar attire for her dance practices. Conrad greets her with a warm smile and a twinkle of excitement in his eyes.

"Ready to get started?" he asks, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Magali nods, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves. Conrad leads her to the center of the hall, where a sound system is set up. He takes a moment to explain the concept of their upcoming performance, emphasizing that it will feature a blend of English pop music and jazz. Magali's brow furrows slightly in uncertainty; she's not accustomed to combining these styles and isn't sure she knows any dance moves that complement such a unique mix.

Sensing her hesitation, Conrad reassures her. "Don't worry, I'll guide you through it. This is something I've been working on for a while, and I think it's going to be amazing. Just watch my steps."

He starts the music he composed, a lively yet sophisticated tune that blends the catchy rhythms of pop with the smooth elegance of jazz plays from the speakers. As the music plays, Conrad demonstrates the choreography. The routine is an energetic blend of slow, stylish movements interspersed with quick, intricate footwork reminiscent of nineties pop dance. Conrad's dance involves a lot of toe stances, spins, and fluid transitions that showcase both grace and agility.

Magali watches intently, studying his movements. The choreography is undeniably complex, with a level of finesse that intimidates her at first. Conrad moves with effortless grace, his experience and skill evident in every step. He spins and lands with precision, the music seeming to flow through him.

"Wow, that's impressive," Magali admits, feeling a twinge of doubt about her ability to match his performance.

"You'll do great," Conrad says encouragingly. "It's all about feeling the music and letting it guide your movements. Let's take it slow, and I'll help you get the hang of it."

With Conrad's guidance, they begin breaking down the routine step by step. Despite the initial challenge, Magali finds herself gradually getting into the groove. Conrad's patient teaching and supportive demeanor make it easier for her to absorb the dance moves. He occasionally pauses the music to correct her posture or adjust her steps, ensuring that she captures the essence of the choreography. As Conrad examines her form, Magali can't help but feel nervous being so close to him. Every touch moving her legs to the correct her stance would make her blush uncontrollably, leaving her to hope Conrad doesn't notice.

As they practice, Magali starts to feel more confident. The energetic bursts of movement followed by smooth, controlled sequences begin to make sense. She starts to enjoy the challenge, feeling a sense of accomplishment with each mastered move. Although there's still much to learn, Magali is determined to keep up with Conrad and make their performance memorable.

After several hours of intense practice, Conrad stops the music, signaling the end of their session. "That's enough for today," he says, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. "You should get some rest. We've got a few more days to fine-tune everything."

Magali nods, though inside she feels a wave of worry wash over her. As she heads to her room, her mind races with the complexities of the dance. Despite Conrad's reassurances, a nagging doubt gnaws at her—what if she's not ready in time? Determined not to let him down, she decides to continue practicing on her own.

In the quiet of her room, Magali goes over the routine again and again, focusing especially on the more challenging moves. She mimics the steps, the spins, and the toe stances, replaying the music in her head. Her body aches, but she pushes through the pain, driven by a mix of anxiety and resolve. This pattern continues for the next few days; she practices relentlessly, squeezing in extra sessions whenever she can, even after Conrad calls it a day.

As the date of the performance approaches, the toll of her relentless training becomes more apparent. Magali is exhausted, her movements increasingly sluggish, her eyes shadowed by lack of sleep. On the eve of the performance, Conrad notices her fatigue. They are practicing in the main hall when he pauses, concern etched on his face.

"Mags, are you okay?" he asks, his voice laced with worry.

Magali forces a smile, nodding. "I'm fine," she replies, though her voice betrays her exhaustion.

Conrad isn't convinced. "You look exhausted. Maybe we should take a break today, let you rest up before the big day."

But Magali shakes her head, her determination shining through her weariness. "I haven't mastered the moves yet. I need to keep practicing. I don't want to let you down."

Conrad is taken aback by her dedication, his expression softening. He places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You've been doing great, really. But pushing yourself too hard won't help. You need to rest, so you can be at your best."

Despite Conrad's insistence on taking it easy, Magali pleads with him, her eyes wide with desperation. "Just one more time," she begs. "I promise I'll rest after that."

Conrad, finding it hard to deny her earnest request, reluctantly agrees. "Alright," he says, "but this is the last run-through. Then we rest."

As the music fills the hall, they begin to dance once more. However, Magali's exhaustion takes its toll; her movements are too sluggish, and she struggles to keep up with the routine. Near the end of the session, as they attempt a particularly intricate sequence, her tired feet get tangled. She shrieks while tripping and falls hitting the ground hard, twisting her ankle in the process.

Conrad rushes to her side, concern etched on his face. "Mags! Are you okay?" he asks, his voice tight with worry.

Magali tries to smile, brushing off the pain. "I'm fine," she insists, but as she attempts to stand, a sharp pain shoots through her ankle, causing her to wince and tremble.

Seeing her in pain, Conrad's face hardens with resolve. "We're canceling the performance!" he declares firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Tears well up in Magali's eyes, both from the pain and the disappointment of not being able to perform. "No, we can't cancel," she protests weakly, but Conrad is unmoved.

"Your health is more important," he says, his voice gentle but firm. He carefully lifts her into his arms like a princess and carries her to her bed, ignoring her feeble protests and feign swings. Once there, he instructs her to stay put and rest. Conrad quickly leaves the room, returning minutes later with a first-aid kit. He gently bandages her ankle, his movements careful and precise. "This should help with the swelling," he says, applying a cold pack to her injury. He hands her some painkillers, urging her to take them to alleviate the pain.

Magali lies back, feeling a mix of frustration and gratitude. She knows Conrad is right, but the disappointment is hard to shake. As he finishes tending to her ankle, he sits by her side, holding her hand reassuringly.

"You did your best," he says softly, "and that's all anyone can ask for. We'll find another opportunity to perform together. For now, just focus on getting better."

Magali nods, her eyes filled with unshed tears. She squeezes his hand, grateful for his support and care. As Conrad sits with her, the weight of her disappointment begins to lift, replaced by a deep sense of gratitude for having such a caring friend by her side.

After an hour, the sound of hurried footsteps echoes down the hallway, and Ryu and Khefner burst into Magali's room, their faces etched with concern. Magali looks up in surprise. "Why are you guys here?" she asks, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and gratitude.

Ryu, catching his breath, responds, "Conrad called us when he was looking for the first aid kit. He wanted to make sure you were okay."

Khefner steps forward, carrying a small thermos. "I brought some tea," she says, unscrewing the lid and pouring the warm liquid into a cup. "It's good for inflammation. It should help with the swelling." Magali accepts the cup and takes a sip, finding the herbal tea surprisingly soothing. The warm, earthy taste is comforting, and she can already feel it helping to ease her discomfort. Khefner then turns her attention to Magali's bandages, inspecting them with a practiced eye. "Not bad," she comments, nodding in approval. "Nice work, Conrad."

Conrad, who had been sitting quietly by Magali's side, rubs the back of his neck, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "I had a great teacher," he mumbles, referring to Khefner, who had taught him how to properly apply bandages during one of their many training sessions.

Khefner smiles warmly, her gaze softening as she looks at the two of them. "It's good to see you two taking care of each other," she says. "It's what being a family is all about."

Magali feels a swell of emotion, her eyes misting over as she looks around at her friends. Despite the pain in her ankle, she's overwhelmed by a deep sense of belonging and gratitude. They may not be related by blood, but in moments like these, she knows that they've become a family in every way that matters.

Khefner notices that Magali is still dressed in her leotard, the fabric clinging to her form, damp with sweat from their practice. With a gentle but firm tone, she turns to Conrad and Ryu, "Okay, boys, it's time to go. Get out! I need to help Magali change into something more comfortable."

Conrad and Ryu nod in understanding and step out of the room, closing the door behind them. Alone with Khefner, Magali starts to feel a bit self-conscious. As Khefner begins to help her unzip the leotard, Magali protests weakly, "It's okay, I can do it myself."

Khefner shakes her head, her expression kind but resolute. "No, you need to rest. Let me help you," she says, guiding Magali's arms out of the sleeves. Her movements are gentle, careful not to jostle Magali's injured ankle.

Once Magali is undressed, Khefner leaves the room briefly, returning with a pan of warm water and a soft washcloth. She kneels beside the bed, carefully wiping the sweat from Magali's skin, her touch gentle and soothing. The warmth of the cloth and the caring gesture make Magali feel comforted and safe.

As Khefner checks the closet for some comfortable clothes, she notices it filled with an array of elaborate idol dresses, each one more dazzling than the last. She pauses, her eyes widening in admiration. "Wow, your costume collection is impressive!" Khefner exclaims, her voice filled with genuine awe.

Magali chuckles softly, a bit sheepish. "Yeah, I might have gone a little overboard, but they're just too pretty to resist."

Khefner steps closer, running her fingers over the fabric of one particularly intricate dress. "I haven't seen this one before, looks vintage!" she says, lifting the dress from the rack. It's a purple piece, shimmering with a subtle, ethereal glow.

Magali nods, her smile tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "That's the Moon Flower Overall. It used to be my mother's."

Khefner gently returns the dress to its place, her expression thoughtful. "It's beautiful," she murmurs, clearly touched by the sentimental value of the garment. "But where do you keep your regular clothes?"

Magali gestures towards a modest chest of drawers in the corner of the room. "Over there," she replies, a lightness in her tone as she shifts the conversation away from the emotional weight of the dress. The moment feels intimate, a quiet exchange that deepens their bond, revealing layers of their lives beyond the stage and spotlight.

As she helps Magali into a comfortable pair of pajamas, Khefner adds softly, "If I were hurt, I'd want you to help me too. It's what friends do for each other."

Magali smiles, touched by Khefner's words and her unconditional support. The simple act of being taken care of, of being treated with such tenderness, warms her heart. As Khefner finishes adjusting the pajama top, she pulls the blanket up over Magali, tucking her in like a caring older sister.

"Thank you, Khefner," Magali whispers, feeling a swell of gratitude.

Khefner smiles back, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She then turns towards the closed door and shouts, "Okay boys, you can come back now!"

Conrad and Ryu re-enter the room once Khefner gives them the green light. Conrad, with a lighthearted grin, asks, "So, did Khefner treat you well, or should we be worried?"

Magali smiles, reassured by the concern of her friends. "Khefner was very helpful," she replies, her tone appreciative.

Khefner, with a touch of her usual confidence, adds, "I'll be coming every day to take care of you until your foot gets better."

Magali, touched but slightly embarrassed by the attention, quickly responds, "That won't be necessary. I'll just go see a doctor tomorrow-"

The room suddenly tenses as Ryu and Khefner shout in unison, "NO! No doctors!"

Taken aback, Magali looks at them, confused. "Why not?"

Khefner sighs and says, "Two words, Article Thirteen."

Magali's confusion deepens. "What's Article Thirteen?"

Conrad, looking serious, explains, "It's a law in Sweet Dance City. It states that if an idol gets hurt, they're put on medical leave."

"What's wrong with that?" Magali asks.

Ryu chimes in, "We call it the 'idol killer' because of what it does to your career."

Seeing the perplexed look on Magali's face, Conrad continues, "During medical leave, you're not allowed to perform. Without performances, idols lose most, if not all, of your fans. When you're finally allowed to come back, you have to start over from scratch to regain your following. But without fans, you can't earn much money. Idols then start doing crazy stunts to gain their followers back, which can get them hurt again, and it becomes a vicious cycle. Many idols can't recover from it and end up quitting or leaving."

Magali, realizing the gravity of the situation, feels a wave of anxiety. "So, if I see a doctor, they might enforce Article Thirteen on me?"

Khefner nods. "Exactly. It's harsh, but it's the reality. That's why it's better if we take care of you ourselves. This way, there's no official record of your injury."

Ryu sighs, leaning back as he shares his story. "Article Thirteen... it's a cruel joke," he starts, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I was put on medical leave after I got hurt doing the dynamite maneuver. Technically, I'm still on leave. But honestly? I refuse to go back as an idol anyway because I have no fans left. As an idol, I'm pretty much forgotten."

Khefner, sitting close to him, reaches over and pinches his cheek gently, a mix of affection and admonishment in her gesture. "I was going to let him return to work as an idol," she chimes in, her tone mock-serious, "but after I found out he came up with the idea to try such dangerous shit, I forbid him from performing again. Now, he will keep his ass home to providing for our baby."

The group chuckles at how protective Khefner is of her husband, lightening the mood slightly. Magali, still concerned about her own situation, says, "I still think I should see a doctor. My injury isn't that serious."

Khefner's expression shifts, becoming more somber. She lifts her shirt slightly, revealing a poorly healed scar on her abdomen, stretched due to her pregnancy. Magali gasps, eyes widening at the sight. The scar is a stark reminder of the harsh realities idols face.

Khefner explains, "I'm currently on maternity leave, but I have to go see a doctor outside of the city because of this scar. If the city finds out about my previous injury, I could lose my job."

Magali, still shocked, asks, "What happened?"

Khefner sighs, recalling the incident. "When I was seventeen, I was horsing around with my old crewmates. Another idol tripped, and a sharp part of a prop got lodged into my body. I hid my injury from the city to keep working through the pain. If the authorities knew, they'd have enforced Article Thirteen on me, and I would have lost everything."

The room falls silent, each person lost in their thoughts. Magali realizes the weight of the situation, understanding now why they're all so adamant about avoiding official medical channels. The idol industry in Sweet Dance City, with its glamorous facade, hides a much darker reality that even the most dedicated performers can't escape.

Seeing Magali's troubled expression, Conrad softly reassures her, "You're not alone in this, Mags. We're here for you. That's why each crew has their own special rules on how to treat each other's injuries. We all are in this together."

Magali nods, grateful but also deeply worried. The complexities of their world have just become all too clear, and she understands now more than ever the precariousness of their careers and the lengths they must go to protect them.

To lighten the mood, Magali smiles and asks, "Have you two picked a name for your baby yet?"

Ryu nods, a proud smile spreading across his face. "If it's a boy, we've decided on Kohaku. We'll call him Haku for short."

Magali's eyes light up. "That's a wonderful name. What if it's a girl?"

Khefner, her eyes twinkling with excitement, replies, "We're thinking of Tarlya."

Magali tilts her head slightly, intrigued by the unique name. "Tarlya... It's a beautiful name for an idol princess. Where did you come up with it?"

Khefner laughs softly, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "One of my classmates from high school was named Tarla. I didn't want to just take her name, so I added an extra letter and came up with Tarlya. It felt unique and special."

Magali nods appreciatively, feeling a sense of warmth from the thoughtfulness behind the name. The conversation about the baby brings a sense of normalcy and hope, lifting the somber mood that had settled in the room. As they continue to chat, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed, with shared smiles and gentle laughter echoing through the space.

Once Magali is comfortably settled and resting, Ryu and Khefner say their goodbyes, returning to their crew with promises to check in regularly. Over the next few days, they faithfully visit, ensuring Magali is well-fed, clean, and resting her injured foot. Their care is meticulous; Khefner's warm teas and Ryu's light-hearted banter help lift Magali's spirits. They guide her through gentle dance exercises to rebuild her strength, gradually restoring her confidence and agility.

As Magali regains her footing, Ryu and Khefner, satisfied with her progress, bid her farewell, leaving her to resume her usual routines. That night, Conrad tucks Magali in, reminding her that she'll need to return to performing soon to avoid any concern from the city's officials. As he turns to leave, Magali stops him, her voice soft yet earnest. "I love you," she says, the words carrying a depth of gratitude and affection.

Conrad smiles, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I love you too," he replies, his tone warm and reassuring.

As Magali drifts into sleep, she reflects on the profound sense of love and connection she feels for Conrad and her friends. Her feelings for Conrad, she realizes, may be tinged with infatuation, a natural byproduct of their close living arrangements. However, her bond with her Sweet Dance family is undeniably platonic and deep-rooted, a source of strength and comfort.

In her heart, Magali knows that someday she will meet someone special to share her life with, someone who will become an addition to the family she cherishes. When that day comes, she hopes Conrad will support her, just as she supported him in his pursuit of happiness. With this comforting thought, she drifts into a peaceful sleep, ready to face whatever the future holds with the love and support of her Sweet Dance family.