Chapter 9

Deep Feelings

The third day of September has dawned with a vibrant blue sky in Sweet Dance City, promising a day filled with celebrations. In Conrad's crew hall, a birthday party is already in full swing. Magali, surrounded by her crewmates, stands before a beautifully adorned table. Her heart swells with warmth as she listens to the cheerful chorus of "Happy Birthday" sung by her comrades. With a grin that can rival the sun, she leans forward and blows out the candles on her cake in one swift breath.

Conrad and Zoila cheers as the candles flicker and extinguish. They clap enthusiastically, their smiles reflecting the genuine happiness that fills the room. Conrad has orchestrated this surprise with great care, wanting to ensure that Magali's special day is filled with joy and love. Now, as the applause subsides they sit around the table to cut the cake and talk for a bit.

As Zoila gracefully places a slice of cake on Magali's plate, she leans in with an impish grin. Her eyes sparkle with a playful curiosity as she probes, "So, now that you've officially joined the ranks of the eighteen-year-olds, are there any secret admirers on your radar?"

Magali's laughter, light and melodious, fills the air as she delicately takes a bite of the cake. She shakes her head, her brunette hair swaying like a cascade of silk. "Oh, Zee-Chan, you know me too well. Right now, my heart belongs to one thing, and one thing only: my idol career. I've got dreams to chase. All jokes aside, I haven’t really thought about dating. Maybe someday."

Zoila, her gaze twinkling mischievously, smoothly maneuvers to Conrad's side, where he sits with a friendly grin. With a playful poke to his cheek, she suggests, "But what about this handsome devil right here? He's a good-hearted soul, and I wouldn't mind if you two hit it off."

Amidst the friendly banter, Magali's laughter rises again, affection and camaraderie shared among them. "Oh, Zee-Chan, you're relentless. But Conrad and I, we're just crewmates, nothing more. Right, Conrad?"

Conrad nods with a cheerful chuckle, casting a warm glance at Magali. "Absolutely, Mags. Just crewmates, and proud of it."

The festivities carry on for another delightful hour. The crew hall hums with joy and camaraderie, the atmosphere rich with laughter and shared memories. Colorful streamers drape from the ceiling, and the cake's sweet aroma lingers in the air as everyone soaks in the celebratory ambiance.

As the minutes tick away, Magali's watch becomes the silent herald of a new chapter in the afternoon. She lifts her wrist, her gaze momentarily fixed on the timepiece's face. With a sudden exclamation, she directs everyone's attention. "Hey, guys, as much as I'd love to keep this going, I've got a date with the Dance Square! Dessie and Lanna's performance is just around the corner, and I promised them our support. Time to hit the road!"

The announcement triggers a flurry of activity as Conrad and Zoila begin to wrap up the food, grab their cell phones, and make their way out. The crew hall, once echoing with laughter, quickly empties, leaving behind a trail of half-eaten food as they quickly head for the upcoming performance.

The Dance Square buzzes with excitement as a sea of guests eagerly awaits the day's performances. Magali, Conrad, and Zoila find their seats in the upper levels, their anticipation palpable as they settle in for Dessie and Lanna's forthcoming show. The arena below is a vibrant tableau of artistry and talent, each act delivering a unique blend of music, colorful costumes, and intricate dance routines honed through years of relentless practice.

One after another, talented idols grace the stage, captivating the audience with their mesmerizing performances. The air is alive with the electric energy of Sweet Dance City, a place where dreams are woven into every graceful step and soaring note.

As the show continues, the anticipation for Dessie and Lanna's act grows. Finally, two brilliant spotlights illuminate the stage, drawing everyone's gaze. The duo, with their backs to the audience, poise themselves in readiness. The lively, upbeat pop music begins, and in perfect sync, they turn to face the eager crowd, revealing their striking costumes.

Dessie's ensemble, a regal combination of purple and black, exudes an air of sophistication. She wears stylish Mary Jane flats that complement her elegant attire. In stark contrast, Lanna radiates in her bright yellow and white attire, her heels adding an extra layer of glamour. Together, they embody a yin-yang effect, Dessie's darkness harmonizing with Lanna's vibrant radiance, a visual feast that promises a performance to remember.

Dessie and Lanna move with effortless grace, their bodies like extensions of the music that envelops them. Their synchronized dance begins with a gentle twirl, their arms interweaving as they mirror each other's movements. As they glide across the stage, their contrasting costumes create a striking visual contrast, like the embodiment of duality.

The choreography is a harmonious blend of contemporary and classical elements. They execute intricate lifts and spins with precision, showcasing their trust in each other. Their voices compliment each other as they cover the song playing in the background. The audience is enraptured by their every moves, drawn into the narrative that unfolds through their song and dance.

Their performance exudes emotion, a story of two souls entwined in a delicate dance of love and friendship. Their expressions are captivating, each conveying a unique facet of the story they're telling. Dessie's face is a canvas of passion, her eyes filled with intensity, while Lanna's radiates joy and warmth, her smile infectious.

As the music reaches its crescendo, Dessie and Lanna execute a breathtaking lift, with Dessie arching gracefully backward while Lanna supports her with dedicated strength. The moment is a testament to their chemistry and skill, leaving the audience in awe. With a final, synchronized flourish, they gracefully come together in a dramatic pose, holding it for a heartbeat before the music ends and the crowd erupts in thunderous applause.

Amidst the applause, Magali watches Dessie and Lanna take their well-deserved bows, a mixture of pride and envy swirling within her. She's genuinely happy for her friends, their bond evident in every graceful move they executed. Their partnership is a shining example of synergy, where their combined talents transcend individual abilities.

As she claps and cheers, Magali can't help but wonder about her own path in the world of idols. She knows that achieving greatness requires more than just a powerful voice and charismatic stage presence; it's also about finding that perfect partnership, that unspoken connection that can elevate a performance to new heights.

Deep down, she longs for a collaborator who understands her, someone she can trust implicitly, not just on the stage but in life as well. It's a desire that simmers quietly within her, a dream of finding that magical synergy that could propel her idol career to unforeseen levels of success. As Dessie and Lanna exit the stage to thunderous applause, Magali can't help but be inspired by their partnership, determined to one day find her own counterpart in the world of idols.

A few days later, the sun begins to cast its gentle morning glow over Sweet Dance City as Magali emerges from her room, ready to face another day. With a languid stretch and a soft yawn, she steps into the bustling world outside her door, only to be greeted by a peculiar sight.

There, standing before her, is her sister Zoila, dressed in an outfit that deviates significantly from her usual attire. The transformation is striking; Zoila looks unusually pretty, adorned with makeup that accentuates her features, and a fragrance of delicate perfume that wafts in the air.

Magali, her curiosity piqued, tilts her head and inquires, "Hey Zee-Chan! What'cha doing?"

Zoila, her eyes filled with a hint of mystery, replies, "Oh hey Lili. I'm just getting ready to go out. I'll probably be home late, so don't wait up for me."

The response raises Magali's eyebrows. "You're dressed awfully nice. Where are you going?" she probes.

"To the park. I need a little exercise," Zoila responds, "Then I might hit up a nightclub later." With that, she slings her bag over her shoulder and makes her way towards the front door. "Bye Lili, be a good girl for me," she calls out as she steps into the day.

Left standing in the corridor, Magali can't shake off the feeling that her sister is keeping something from her. She senses that there's more to this sudden change in Zoila's appearance, and it nags at her like an unspoken secret. Magali watches as her sister disappears through the front door, leaving her with unanswered questions.

Conrad, emerging from his room, spots Magali standing there, staring at the closed door. Concern etches his features, and he approaches her with a gentle query, "Hey Mags. You okay?"

Magali turns to face him, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and unease. "Zee-Chan just left. She's pretty dressed up with makeup and wearing some pretty fancy perfume. But when I asked where she's going, she won't tell me what's going on."

A sly smile curves across Conrad's face as he suggests, "Sounds like she's going on a date."

"That's the thing," Magali responds, "I think she's going on a date too, but I've never seen her go out with someone before. She may flirt with a lot of guys, but she's never dated anyone. Whoever she's meeting up with must be a very special guy. I am just too curious as to who captured my sister's heart, and I can't stop thinking about it."

Conrad chuckles and says sarcastically, “Maybe we should follow her.”

Magali, caught in her excitement, takes it quite literally. She seizes Conrad's arm with determination and exclaims, "I thought you'd never ask. Let's go!" With that, she embarks on an adventure, dragging a somewhat bewildered Conrad along with her, in search of the enigmatic Zoila. Their quest begins at the park, where the hunt for Magali's sister unfurls.

Magali and Conrad arrive at the park, scanning the vibrant scene for any sign of Zoila. The park is bathed in the golden hues of the early morning sun, and it's teeming with activity. People jog, walk their dogs, and gather in small groups for picnics.

After a few minutes of searching, Magali spots a familiar figure sitting on a park bench beneath a graceful willow tree. It's Zoila, looking as radiant as ever. She appears to be engrossed in conversation with someone on her phone, her laughter carrying through the air.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Magali motions to Conrad to crouch behind a nearby bush. They huddle together, peering out with curiosity as they covertly eavesdrop on Zoila's conversation. Magali's heart races as she wonders who could be on the other end of that call, the person who's captured her sister's attention and prompted this secret rendezvous.

After a few minutes, Magali and Conrad are surprised to see Lanna join Zoila at the bench. Zoila stands up and greets her warmly, and it's evident from the way Lanna has her phone out that they had coordinated this meeting.

Conrad leans closer to Magali and whispers, "Isn't that one of your friends from the performance we watched the other day?"

Magali nods, a puzzled look on her face. "Yes, that's Lanna. But why is she meeting up with Zee-Chan? They've never hung out before."

Conrad raises an eyebrow, teasingly suggesting, "Maybe it's a surprise double date?"

Zoila and Lanna walk away, strolling through the park together. Magali and Conrad decide to follow them from a discreet distance, curious about the purpose of this rendezvous. Initially, they assumed that others might join them, but it becomes apparent that the two women are enjoying each other's company.

They eventually stop by a tranquil lake, watching ducks gliding gracefully across the water. Magali and Conrad remain hidden, far enough away to respect their privacy but close enough to see their interactions. As time passes, no one else joins them, leaving Magali and Conrad puzzled.

Magali whispers, "I don't understand. What could my sister and Lanna be doing here?"

Conrad suggests thoughtfully, "Perhaps they're just spending time together, getting to know each other better."

Magali ponders this, still curious about why Zoila didn't mention her plans. And then, as if to deepen the mystery, Zoila and Lanna draw closer to each other, Magali and Conrad’s eyes widen in shock as their faces nearing, and they share an affectionate kiss.

"What the!" Magali exclaimed, her voice filled with shock, causing her to flail in the bushes. Conrad, equally surprised, tried to calm Magali, but their attempts at stealth failed miserably. With an unfortunate lack of grace, they tumbled out of the bushes, exposed for the world to see.

Zoila's commanding voice pierced the moment, demanding, "Who's there?"

Magali and Conrad found themselves face-to-face with Zoila and Lanna, all four of them caught in an unexpectedly comical situation. Sheepish grins spread across their faces as they acknowledged the awkwardness of their clandestine spying.

Back in the crew hall, Magali and Zoila find themselves alone, their secretive escapade at the park leaving them with some explaining to do. Conrad and Lanna had discreetly departed to give the sisters some privacy.

Magali, still grappling with the surprise revelation about her sister, couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions - curiosity, confusion, and a tinge of hurt that Zoila hadn't shared this part of herself with her earlier. She fidgeted with her fingers, struggling to find the right words.

"So, um," Magali began, her voice tentative, "you and Lanna... you guys are together?"

Zoila met her younger sister's gaze with an earnest expression. "Yes, we are," she confirmed, her tone soft and sincere. "Magali, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. It's just... well, it's not something I've ever really talked about openly."

“How long?” Magali asks.

“Lets see. . . I believe I found out during my freshman year of high school when I had a huge crush on my English teacher. She was super pretty, wearing that short skirt and high heels.”

Magali lowers her head, her mind racing to process this newfound information. She knows that her sister's sexuality didn't change anything about who Zoila was as a person, but the fact that Zoila hadn't confided in her felt like a breach of trust. "Zee-Chan," she says, tears flowing down her cheeks, her voice tinged with a mix of emotions, "I wish you'd told me. We're family, and I would've supported you no matter what."

Zoila reaches out and hugs her sister, allowing Magali to cry on her shoulder. "I know, Lili," she says gently. "And I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. It's just... sometimes, it's hard to know how people will react, even family. But I promise, I'm still the same sister you've always known, and I love you just the same."

Magali let out a sigh, some of the tension in her shoulders releasing. She smiled weakly at Zoila, her love for her sister unconditional. "I love you too, Zee-Chan," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "Just... don't keep things from me, okay? We're in this together."

Zoila nodded, her eyes reflecting gratitude. "I won't, Lili. I promise."

As the sisters share this heart-to-heart, the depth of their connection become even more apparent. Magali's tears, once a mix of surprise and confusion, now glisten with understanding. She can't help but wonder about the intricacies of her sister's life, especially when it came to her relationships.

Magali, still wiping away her tears, ventured further into this newfound understanding. "Is that why you flirt with guys?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "You just didn't want people back at home to know?"

Zoila nodded, her gaze locked on her sister's eyes. It is a truth she had kept hidden for so long. "Yes, exactly," she admits. "It was easier to pretend, you know? And I didn't want to complicate things."

Magali's thoughts raced to their father. She knew how protective he could be, especially about his daughters. "Does dad know?" she asked with a touch of worry.

Zoila chuckled sheepishly, her voice filled with amusement. "If he doesn't yet, he will soon."

Confused by her sister's response, Magali pressed further. "What do you mean?"

A mischievous grin danced on Zoila's lips as she revealed the surprise. "Lana and I aren't secret lovers you know," she confessed. "We're officially registered as a couple with the Sweet Dance Society."

Magali's eyes widen in shock, her hand instinctively reaching for her phone. She quickly navigates to Zoila's profile on the Sweet Dance Society's website. There, in undeniable digital ink, is the confirmation of Zoila and Lanna's relationship. Seeing the proof clear as day, Magali feels a mixture of awe, regret, and embarrassment. She should have checked her sister's profile before embarking on their little adventure following her around the city. She needlessly made the discovery more awkward than it should.

Zoila chuckled heartily at her sister's astonished expression. "Poor old man is probably having a heart attack by now. Don't worry, Lili, I'll talk to father about it soon."

The following day dawned with Sweet Dance City's usual vibrancy. As the sun paints the city in warm hues, Zoila prepares herself for another adventure beyond the crew hall. She exchanges a cheerful goodbye with Magali before stepping out into the bustling streets, her radiant smile leaving no hint of the secrets she carried.

Left alone in the crew hall, Magali contemplates the revelations of the previous day. She feels a sense of newfound closeness with her sister, an understanding that had eluded them for years. Though some of the revelations were unexpected, Magali's love for Zoila remained unconditional.

Before long, Magali hears a knock on the front door of the crew hall. She opens the door and finds Lanna outside with a bright smile that rivaled the morning sun. Magali smiles and welcomes her warmly. She lets her in, it is clear that Lanna has something on her mind, a glint of hope and understanding in her eyes.

"Hey, Magali," Lanna greets, taking a seat beside her. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

Magali, ever the curious and empathetic soul, leans in, her eyes attentive. "Sure, what's on your mind, Lanna?"

Lanna pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She knew this conversation is difficult yet important, and she wants to express herself clearly. "Well, it's about Zoila," she began. "You know we've been seeing each other for a little while now."

Magali nodded, her heart warmed by Lanna's honesty. "Yes, I do. How long exactly?"

“When I first met her, I thought she was the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. The next day, I confessed to her, and she accepted my feelings. We’ve been dating ever since.”

Magali blushes as she remembers that moment well when Lanna told Zoila that she was beautiful. She didn’t think that this would have evolved to a love story because she had no idea that Lanna was interested in other women. “Lanna, thanks for coming here to talk to me. Just so you know, I fully support your relationship with my sister. I just wish I knew sooner.”

Lanna smiles, appreciating the support. "Thank you, Magali. It means a lot. I just wanted to say that I really care about her."

Magali chuckled softly, fully understanding Zoila's vibrant personality. "Just a little warning, Zee-Chan can be a handful, but she's got a heart of gold."

Lanna's smile widened as she agreed wholeheartedly. "Exactly. That’s why I love her, Magali, and I want to be with her, even with all her quirks."

Magali couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for Lanna. She knew that if anyone could handle her sister, it was someone as kind-hearted and patient as Lanna. "I'm glad to hear that, Lanna," she said warmly. "Zee-Chan is lucky to have you, and I believe you two make a great couple."

Lanna's gratitude was evident in her eyes. "Thank you, Magali. Your support means a lot to both of us."

As they continued to talk, Magali can't help but feel a deep sense of happiness. She knows that love can be a complicated journey, but in that moment, it seems like everything is falling into place for her sister and her friend Lanna. She only hopes that with all the quirks, Zoila can treat Lanna well.