Chapter 21: Dreams

The next day, Magali found herself once again in Brandon's limo, the smooth hum of the engine accompanying her thoughts. She fidgeted with the edge of her blouse, still unsure about the upcoming performance. As they approached Brandon's neighborhood, her unease gave way to awe. The limo pulled up in front of a sprawling mansion, its grandiose design exuding a level of wealth she had only seen in movies. Even her own father doesn't display this much weath despite the success of his business.

Her mouth fell open as she stepped out. The house was enormous, with tall columns framing the front doors, manicured gardens stretching far beyond what she could see, and a driveway that could fit an entire parade. "This is where you live?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

Brandon stepped out behind her, chuckling. "You sound surprised. What did you expect?"

"Well," Magali hesitated, "I knew you're related to the council, but… this is something else."

Brandon smirked. "You should see some of the other council families' homes. This is modest in comparison."

Magali blinked at the word "modest" but didn't comment further. Instead, she followed him inside, where the sight of the pristine interior took her breath away. Marble floors gleamed under the light of an ornate chandelier, and every piece of furniture seemed perfectly arranged, untouched by daily life. The air smelled faintly of lavender, and the sound of footsteps echoed in the vast space.

She noticed a team of butlers and maids moving swiftly through the house, some polishing already spotless surfaces while others carried trays with beverages. The efficiency with which they worked amazed her, though it also made her slightly uncomfortable. It was a far cry from the more relaxed and lived-in feel of her crew's building.

"Wow," Magali murmured, her gaze sweeping across the massive living room. "This place is… perfect. Almost too perfect. It doesn't even look like anyone lives here."

Brandon shrugged, unbothered. "That's how it's supposed to be. A clean house is a happy house—or so my father says."

Magali glanced around, noting the absence of anything personal, like family photos or mementos. "Speaking of your father," she began, "where is he? I'd imagine he'd want to see you rehearse or something."

Brandon shook his head. "As a council member, my father's always busy. I barely see him myself, let alone when he has free time to watch me perform. He's more concerned with running Sweet Dance City than anything happening here."

Magali frowned slightly. "And your mom?"

Brandon's expression didn't change as he answered matter-of-factly, "I haven't seen her since I was a baby. My parents divorced ages ago. She left the city not long after."

Magali's eyes softened, expecting some sadness in his tone, but Brandon seemed unaffected. To him, this was simply the way things had always been.

"That doesn't bother you?" she asked hesitantly.

He shrugged again, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Not really. It's not like I miss what I never had. I've had employees, tutors, and my father's influence to make sure I turned out just fine. That's just how life works when you're born into this kind of family."

Magali didn't know how to respond. She wasn't sure if Brandon was genuinely at peace with it or if he had learned to bury whatever feelings he might have had about the situation. Either way, she decided not to press further. Instead, she followed him as he led her through the expansive house, wondering what kind of life Brandon really lived behind the cool, confident facade he always presented.

Brandon led Magali through the labyrinth of his massive house until they reached a pair of tall double doors. With a dramatic flourish, he pushed them open to reveal an enormous dance hall. Magali's jaw dropped as she stepped inside, taking in the grandeur of the space. The polished floor gleamed under soft, stage-like lights, and the entire room felt more like a professional performance venue than a private dance hall.

"This… this is your dance floor?" Magali asked, her voice echoing in the vast room.

Brandon chuckled at her reaction. "Yep. Not bad, huh?"

"Not bad?" Magali repeated, incredulous. "This place is huge! It's bigger than the floors in our crew building. No, scratch that—it's almost the size of the Dance Square!"

Brandon gave a knowing smile. "That's because it's meant to be. Every house in the city has a dance floor, but council members and their families get larger ones. It's city policy. Whether or not we actively perform, staying active and in tune with dance culture is mandatory for those in positions of power."

Magali took another look around the room, noticing the separate changing areas tucked neatly into the corners, marked clearly for boys and girls. It was surreal. The city clearly spared no expense in ensuring their elite citizens had the resources to thrive as idols.

"I can't believe this is normal for you," Magali muttered. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."

Brandon shrugged, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "When you grow up here, it's just part of life."

Before Magali could comment further, Brandon pulled a thick script from a nearby table and handed it to her with a grin. "Here. You're going to need to memorize this."

Magali accepted the script, her eyes immediately widening at its size. "Wait… this isn't lyrics. What is this?" She flipped through the pages, her brow furrowing. "This is… this is a play?"

"Correct," Brandon said, clapping his hands together. "This performance isn't a simple one-song show like you're used to. It's a musical play, about 45 minutes long, with a mix of acting, singing, and choreography."

Magali blinked at him, dumbfounded. "How do you even pull that off?"

Brandon smirked. "I've been doing this for years. You're looking at the most theatrical performer in Sweet Dance City." He struck an exaggerated pose, one hand on his hip and the other outstretched toward the ceiling, as if delivering a monologue to an unseen audience.

Magali tilted her head, skeptical. "Okay, but why? I thought being an idol was supposed to be about dancing and singing, not… well, acting out Shakespeare."

Brandon's playful demeanor shifted slightly. He lowered his arm and turned to face her, a dramatic flick of his hair accompanying the motion. "Because I never wanted to be an idol."

That caught Magali off guard. "What?"

"I've always wanted to be an actor," Brandon said, his voice suddenly carrying a gravity that contrasted with his usual easygoing tone. "From the time I was a kid, I dreamed of the stage—not the idol stage, but the theater. I wanted to tell stories, to become characters, to live in worlds far from my own." He stepped closer, his movements fluid and deliberate, almost as if he were performing for her now.

"But my role in the city was already decided for me," he continued, spinning on his heel and pacing to the other side of the room. "As the son of a council member, I had to become an idol. It's tradition, and tradition isn't something you can just walk away from in Sweet Dance City." He stopped abruptly, turning back to her with a dramatic flick of his cape-like jacket. "So, I made a deal with the city. I would perform as an idol, but on my terms. Instead of standard performances, I create musical plays—a fusion of acting and idol performance. It's the closest thing I can get to my dream while still fulfilling my responsibilities."

Magali watched, equal parts amazed and amused, as Brandon leapt onto the small stage at the far end of the dance floor and struck a triumphant pose. "I've turned every performance into a stage production," he declared, his voice echoing with theatrical flair. "I've blended storytelling with dance, crafted emotions into every step, and brought characters to life on this very floor."

He hopped down from the stage, landing lightly before Magali and extending a hand toward her. "And now, Magali, you're going to be part of it."

She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head with a small laugh. "You're seriously extra, you know that?"

Brandon grinned, unbothered. "That's what makes me great."

With a sigh, Magali glanced down at the script again. "Okay, fine. But you owe me big time if this goes horribly wrong."

"It won't," Brandon said with absolute confidence, spinning away to begin setting up the room. As he moved, Magali couldn't help but think that, despite his over-the-top attitude, Brandon's passion for the stage was undeniable. And maybe, just maybe, she'd learn something new from this unexpected collaboration.

As Brandon twirled and leapt across the vast dance floor, completely lost in his world of acting and dancing, Magali took a seat near the edge of the room and opened the thick script in her hands. The weight of it still intimidated her—it wasn't the typical compact lyric sheet she was used to flipping through. Taking a deep breath, she thumbed through the pages, scanning the text to get a feel for the story she was about to step into.

Her eyes widened as she realized what she was reading. The script was a rewritten version of Romeo and Juliet, but it wasn't the tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers she remembered from literature class. Instead, the story had been reimagined with a fantastical twist: it followed the romance between a mortal man and a snow fairy who existed in a world of eternal winter. As she read further, her heart skipped a beat. She was playing the snow fairy.

The snow fairy was a mystical and delicate creature, enchanting the mortal world with her icy beauty and ethereal presence. Magali scanned the lines, already starting to picture how she would bring this character to life. The fairy's dialogue was poetic, almost lyrical, with an elegance that would demand both emotional depth and a commanding stage presence. It was unlike anything she'd performed before.

Then her eyes drifted to the songs, which filled page after page of the script. She frowned as she scanned the lyrics. None of these were songs she recognized. Every piece was entirely new—Brandon hadn't pulled from the city's popular idol tracks or even classic musical numbers. He had gone all out, commissioning or writing original compositions for the performance. Magali felt her stomach tighten. Learning one or two new songs was manageable, but an entire musical filled with original tracks? That was an overwhelming prospect.

She flipped ahead, looking for the fairy's key moments. One song in particular caught her attention: "The Frost's Lament." It was a slow, hauntingly beautiful ballad in which her character expressed her longing to be part of the mortal world, a world she could only observe from afar. Magali could almost hear the melody in her mind as she read the lyrics, but her nerves grew with every line. Singing was second nature to her, but delivering a solo like this in such an emotional, vulnerable way? That was something she wasn't sure she could do justice to.

She looked up at Brandon, who was now dramatically reciting lines from the script, his voice filled with emotion as he practiced his character's monologues. He seemed so confident, so at ease in his element. Magali, on the other hand, felt a growing sense of doubt. How was she going to memorize all the lines, learn the intricate songs, and embody the grace of a snow fairy all in time for the performance? It felt like too much.

But then she reminded herself of the promise she made to Brandon. He needed her help, and she wasn't the kind of person to back out on a friend. If she'd learned anything during her time as an idol, it was that challenges—no matter how daunting—were opportunities to grow. Magali sighed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and turned her attention back to the script. She had a role to play, and if Brandon trusted her to pull it off, she'd give it everything she had.

Over the next few days, Magali and Brandon threw themselves into rigorous training sessions, meeting daily in the grand dance hall of Brandon's home. The first few days were a whirlwind for Magali, as she struggled to keep up with Brandon's sharp movements and his near-flawless execution of every routine. His natural grace and experience were undeniable, and while Magali was no novice to the stage, this level of performance was something entirely different. It wasn't just about learning steps—it was about embodying a character, sustaining energy, and commanding the audience's attention for nearly an hour.

At first, she stumbled—missing beats, forgetting lines, and fumbling through transitions between dialogue and choreography. The script demanded an extraordinary level of multitasking: memorizing lyrics, delivering lines with the right emotional nuance, and seamlessly weaving through a hybrid of ballet, hip hop, and contemporary dance. The dances themselves were intricate, requiring her to shift between the poised elegance of a snow fairy to explosive, high-energy sequences during climactic moments. Each technique demanded a level of precision and stamina that left Magali breathless, her muscles aching by the end of every session.

Brandon wasn't easy on her either. "Keep your frame tighter," he would say as they rehearsed a ballet lift. "You're the snow fairy—graceful, not clumsy!" His critiques, though firm, were always constructive, and over time Magali began to improve. Her movements became more fluid, her footing surer. By the end of the first week, she was able to keep up with him, her confidence steadily growing as she mastered the timing and rhythm of the dances.

Once Magali felt comfortable with the routines, she began practicing with her costume. That's when an entirely new set of challenges emerged. The first time she tried the full outfit, she tripped on the long, flowing skirt during a spin, sprawling unceremoniously across the dance floor. Brandon immediately burst into laughter, but Magali glared at him, determined to prove she could handle it.

The weight of the costume was another hurdle. Though it looked ethereal on stage, the layers of fabric added a surprising heaviness that made every leap and lift more taxing. By the time they finished a full run-through of the performance, Magali was drenched in sweat, her chest heaving as she gasped for air. The heat from the fabric compounded with the intensity of the routines made her long for simpler, more breathable outfits, but she knew she couldn't afford to complain.

"I don't know how you do this," Magali admitted one evening, collapsing onto the floor as Brandon reviewed their footage.

Brandon looked up, grinning. "You adapt. Every performance is a battle—your body, your endurance, your mind. But you're getting there."

A few days before the performance, the pressure finally caught up to Magali. The day's rehearsal had been grueling, and each mistake felt heavier than the last. As she stumbled through a complex sequence, missing yet another mark, the frustration boiled over. When the music ended, Magali fell to her knees, clutching the edge of her skirt, her breathing uneven and shallow. Her head hung low, strands of her damp hair sticking to her forehead.

"I can't do this…" she muttered, barely loud enough for Brandon to hear. "I'm going to ruin everything."

Brandon, who had been watching from the edge of the dance floor, immediately approached her. "Magali—"

"Don't," she snapped, her voice trembling. "I'll just… mess it all up on stage. You don't need me for this. You should've asked someone better, someone who can actually keep up with you."

Brandon knelt beside her, his usually poised expression softening into one of genuine concern. "Magali, you're being too hard on yourself. You've come so far since we started this."

She shook her head, her voice cracking as she spoke. "You don't get it, Brandon. This… this is your world. You're so good at this—perfect, even. And me? I'm just holding you back. You deserve someone who can match your talent."

Brandon sighed and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "Magali, look at me." When she didn't respond, he leaned closer, his voice firm but kind. "Magali."

Reluctantly, she lifted her tear-filled eyes to meet his. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the silence heavy with unspoken emotions. Then, Brandon began to speak, his tone steady and reassuring.

"I didn't choose you to be my partner because I needed perfection," he said. "I chose you because I believe in you. I've seen what you're capable of. I've seen how hard you work, how much heart you pour into everything you do. You've overcome so much just to get here, and that's what makes you special. It's not about being perfect—it's about showing the audience who you are."

Magali sniffled, her fingers gripping the fabric of her skirt. "But what if I fail? What if I mess up and embarrass both of us?"

Brandon shook his head. "Then we recover, together. That's what partners do. But you won't fail, Magali. I've seen the fire in you, even when you doubt yourself. That fire? It's what's going to light up the stage."

His words hung in the air, their sincerity cutting through the haze of self-doubt clouding Magali's mind. Slowly, she felt the weight on her chest begin to lift. Brandon extended a hand to her, his palm open and waiting.

"Come on," he said with a small smile. "We don't have time for doubts. Let's show everyone what the snow fairy can do."

Magali hesitated for only a moment before reaching out and placing her hand in his. As Brandon helped her to her feet, a flicker of determination reignited in her eyes. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, straightened her posture, and nodded.

"Okay," she said quietly, her voice growing stronger. "Let's do it."

"That's the spirit," Brandon replied, clapping her shoulder. "Now, from the top. And this time, don't hold back."

With Brandon by her side, Magali pushed herself harder than ever before. Each step, each note, each spin felt like a small victory. And though the challenges still loomed, she no longer felt like she was facing them alone.

The day of the performance arrived with an air of excitement and anticipation. As Magali stepped out of the limo and made her way to the bustling performance venue, she couldn't help but notice how crowded it was. For a Tuesday, the audience size was staggering, a living statement to Brandon's influence and reputation in Sweet Dance City. Still, she found it odd. Performances of this nature—creative, unconventional, and story-driven—were typically reserved for slower days when the city wasn't as consumed by traditional idol showcases. And yet, the audience turnout made it clear: Brandon's artistry was something people wouldn't miss, no matter the day.

Inside, the earlier performances were wrapping up, and the backstage area was alive with a mixture of nerves and energy. Brandon was busy overseeing the final adjustments to the stage. Magali watched as he worked with precision and care, positioning props and ensuring every detail aligned with his vision. His confidence was palpable, and it reminded her why she had agreed to this in the first place.

"Ready?" Brandon asked, turning to her once the stage was set.

Magali swallowed her nerves and nodded. "Ready."

As she stood behind the curtain dressed and ready to perform, she waits for the show to begin, her heart pounded in her chest. The weight of the audience's expectations pressed down on her, but she reminded herself of the hours of practice, of Brandon's faith in her, and of her own determination. This was their moment.

The curtain rose, and a hush fell over the audience. Spotlights bathed the stage in a soft, otherworldly glow, illuminating Magali as she took her first steps forward. She began to sing, her voice delicate yet filled with emotion as she embodied the snow fairy—a creature of ice and wonder—curious about the human world. Her movements flowed like water, her dance blending grace and precision as she twirled and glided across the stage. Each step and note pulled the audience deeper into the story.

It wasn't long before Brandon made his grand entrance. The audience erupted into cheers and gasps as he strode onto the stage, his white tuxedo shimmering under the lights. The gradient of sky blue on his suit perfectly matched Magali's dress, creating a visual harmony between their characters. Magali couldn't help but pause for a split second, stunned by how striking he looked. Judging by the excited murmurs and cheers from the audience—particularly the young women—they felt the same way.

Together, they performed flawlessly. Every note they sang and every movement they made was perfectly synchronized. Their chemistry was undeniable as they brought their characters to life—a human and a snow fairy, separated by their worlds but brought together by love. The story unfolded seamlessly through the music and dance, weaving an emotional tale of longing, discovery, and sacrifice. Brandon's theatrical flair was on full display as he brought dramatic depth to his character, while Magali's earnest vulnerability added a poignant contrast.

For 45 minutes, they were no longer Magali and Brandon but the star-crossed lovers they portrayed. The audience was captivated, transported into the enchanting world they had created. The set changes, the intricate choreography, and the stunning costumes all worked in perfect harmony to enhance the experience.

As the performance reached its emotional climax, with their characters united in a bittersweet farewell, the final note rang out, hanging in the air like a lingering memory. The stage lights dimmed, and for a moment, there was only silence. Then, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, their cheers echoing through the venue.

Backstage, as the curtains fell, Magali and Brandon exchanged a look. Both were breathless, their faces flushed from the exertion of the performance, but their smiles were unmistakable. They had done it. They had created something magical. And as the applause continued to roar from beyond the curtain, Magali realized that this moment was one she would carry with her forever.

As the day wound to a close and the last customer exited the Dance Square, Magali and Brandon stepped outside into the warm evening air. The streets were quieter now, but the residual energy of their performance lingered in the atmosphere. They walked together in casual clothes toward the limo waiting at the curb, both a little exhausted but riding high from the success of their show.

Magali pulled out her phone as they strolled, her curiosity piqued. She scrolled through messages, comments, and reviews flooding her Dancetube and social media pages. Her eyes widened as she read post after post praising the performance. Words like "breathtaking," "innovative," and "magical" appeared over and over. Fans had even started a hashtag dedicated to the story of the human and the snow fairy.

"They love it," Magali said aloud, her voice tinged with disbelief and delight. "They really love it! And nobody had anything bad to say about my costume!"

Brandon, walking a step ahead of her, turned for a moment and smiled. "Of course they do. We worked hard for this."

Magali nodded, her chest swelling with pride. For the first time in a while, she felt like she'd proven herself as more than just a rookie idol. She was basking in the moment, lost in the glowing feedback, when Brandon suddenly stopped in his tracks. She nearly bumped into him.

"Can I ask you something important?" Brandon's voice was unusually serious.

Magali blinked, slipping her phone into her bag. "Sure," she said, half-expecting him to propose they do another performance together. "What is it?"

Brandon turned toward her, his expression unreadable, and reached into the bag slung over his shoulder. Magali tilted her head, curiosity sparking, as he pulled out a heart shaped envelope.

"Here," he said, holding it out to her.

"What's this?" Magali asked, taking the envelope cautiously. It was thick, made of expensive stationery, and her name was written elegantly across the front in bold, confident script. Her eyes widened as she opened it and unfolded the letter inside. The handwriting was neat but personal, and as she began to read, her breath caught.

The letter was a confession, like the ones Conrad gets daily. But this one was addressed to her.

Magali's eyes darted across the words, each one sinking in deeper than the last. Brandon wasn't asking her to be his partner on stage; he was asking her to be his partner in life. His feelings in the words were woven into every line. He admitted that he'd admired her from the moment they met, how her perseverance, talent, and spirit had left an indelible mark on him.

By the time she finished reading, her hands were trembling slightly, and she looked up at Brandon in shock. He stood there, watching her carefully, his usual confidence tempered by a rare vulnerability. For the first time, Magali saw past the polished, charming idol and into the heart of the boy standing before her.

"You're… asking me to be your lover?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Brandon nodded, his lips curving into a small smile. "I am."

Magali's heart raced. This was not the ending she had anticipated for their day. She stared at him, her mind spinning as she tried to process the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.