"What are you talking about," I said to Anne.
We are close to the room where we are assigned.
"That's Jay Wakin, sister! One of the StarLanders. Also one of my wives!" She is like a child who insists her parents buy her Barbie dolls. "And why are you talking to each other?! You're terrible sister, I didn't think you were the one who betrayed me..."
I just laughed at him. She's overdoing her fangirling.
I didn't answer him until we got to our room. We caught up with our colleague already eating. Others have already finished eating. There is also sleeping.
We went to our place with Anne. Then there is a food pack placed there.
"Sister Iris, what is it?" Anne still didn't stop scolding her. "Then what are you saying that you don't spy? Did you spy on Jay?"
I looked at him there.
"Hey, no! I heard someone singing. So I looked for it, and it turned out that the person singing was inside the male rest room, so I came over there. Then I just listened!" I'm defending myself. "Do you still have a crush on him after he accused me of spying? It's not true, is it?"
Anne's eyes narrowed. Why! Does he not believe me?
"Just eat. You'll have more energy later. You've only seen one. You look like a statue. What if you've seen twelve? I might have rushed you to the hospital because you passed out."
* * *
"Okay so here's the number of the new artists and the one's that won't be able to enter the final seven. The time of the program has moved, instead of 8pm the start has become 7:45. The announcement of the finalists will reach about two or more It's still time. Because we're live and that includes the commercial breaks," explained a StarLand staff. "After the finalv seven are announced, it will take them 30 minutes on stage for a mini thank you or whatever speech they have. Plus picture takings. By 10:30 you should be backstage ready to take them to a room where they will change. And then, you will go with them to HBLE, will you get it?"
"Yes," they answered at the same time.
It's 6:49, the program is about to start. The live audience has not been allowed into the venue yet because StarLanders is said to have a last minute rehearsal.
I also texted senior Ivan about what is happening now. Then he said he would try to get here. Because I said the program time has moved. I hope he can come here. It's hard for them to watch.
Especially Iya and Ruby. Everywhere they go. Earlier, they said goodbye to me just to find a place to buy water even though there is already water in our room.
Then I just got scolded because two of my team were going to their dance studio where the StarLanders were practicing.
Sometimes I just think about these two. Do they really have wives and children or are they just pretending like us?
They are four years older than me at my fake age. But their actions and thinking are not appropriate for their age.
They are young minds.
They made us sit in seats close to the backstage so that we could easily gather when assisting.
"Sound check."
"Mic test 1. 2. 3."
"Ah-ah-ah, check sound test. Sound check 1.2.3."
"Well I want to see how they rehearse!" I heard Ruby say from behind.
"Ruby, you are too old for them. They will not punish you. The intimate and romantic relationship between the artist and the staff is another taboo," said Gil.
"Not for me! For my niece."
I felt someone squeeze my arm.
I knew it was Anne right away because she was the only one next to me. I looked at him and laughed because of his reaction on his face.
He looks like he's in tears.
Oh no, it's because of the thrill.
"Don't be obvious. There are many HBLE staff around us. They might notice you fangirling," I whispered.
Anne immediately adjusted her seat and took a bite.
"Baby, I want you to cave me in
So maybe I won't have to admit it
Baby, I want you to cave me in
So maybe I won't ask to forget it..."
The hair on the back of my neck rose when I hear that voice.
According to the voice earlier in the rest room.
Then we heard someone laugh.
"Our Ace is really different!"
"Maybe when you become an idol you'll forget about us, Ace."
"Hey, you guys are awesome! Of course not."
"He needs to be an artist pre. He will use his being an artist to find Miss-"
"Benjamin you really chatter when there is gossip. But when there is no gossip your saliva is smooth."
"I'm going to miss you Benj. I'm going to miss you being an idiot and suddenly yelling when you want a pork chop."
Then they laughed again. Maybe they are aware that their microphone is on?
"Gagi dre, I really bet this Ace will immediately go to miss Jessica Soho to call to find Miss-"
"You know Wakin, why don't you just try to work for your company instead of being an artist?"
"Asus! You're treating me like that after I freed you from the trip?! Because of your pageemote with miss-"
"Miss again and again!"
And filled with laughter again.
"That g&n%ng laugh is so ul#l," said Anne from my side.
"Keep your lips calm. It looks like it's about to tear from smiling so much."
"You really care, don't you? Let's just rehearse. Maybe later someone will drop a lapel there."
"Past is past brother Ace! I hope #KMJS doesn't help you in your search for miss again and again!"
"Who are you missing over and over again?" Anne asked...I don't know if it was for me or maybe for herself. That's why I didn't answer.
Until the speakers play an instrumental.
"That's the theme song of StarLand!"
The StarLanders rehearsed for five minutes. After twenty minutes, the program started.
I took out my phone to update senior Ivan.
"Hello people of the world!" The male MC shouted.
Backstage we watch what is happening outside with the monitor.
Many people. Most of them are young like me. They brought lanterns, posters, banners and other things to show their support for StarLanders.
"Are you ready for tonight?!"
My heart beat suddenly accelerated along with the loud shouts of the people.
I don't know what's happening to me. I was suddenly nervous. Why should I be nervous?
I took my tumbler and drank some water to ease the shivering feeling.
"The long wait is over. After 9 months inside the StarLand, the StarLanders show up their talents to be deserving part of the final seven. But before we start, let us all welcome the big guy who made the young men dreams come true. .. mister Bang Clester Alcantara!"
We joined the applause of the people outside to pay our respects to the chairman/CEO of HBLE.
"Good evening everyone..."
I couldn't focus on what Mr. Bang was saying because my heart was beating really fast. What is happening to me?
"...just agree. And let's enjoy this moment."
"Thank you very much Mr. Bang," said the MC. "And now folks...let me present to you the twelve survivors of StarLand!"
The screams of the people got louder when the StarLanders came out and performed.
I caught sight of two pairs of familiar eyes...
why I focused on him until they finished performing. When it was over, there was a commercial break of 45 seconds. Then the twele StarLanders lined up in the middle.
"Thank you for that wonderful and intense performance, StarLanders. And the results are on my hand now," then the MC held up the paper he was holding. "Are you ready to know who the first new artist?! Then let me hear it!"
"GO ME ETHAN!"
"YURI! YURI!"
"ACE!!!"
"LET'S GO KAIZER!!"
"BABY BENJ!!!"
I was interrupted when my phone vibrated. I saw that senior Ivan was calling.
I stood up and looked for a quiet place for the call.
"Hello senior?"
"Yes hello Iris, I'm on my way now. Text mev the area where you are okay? Bye."
After hanging up, I immediately texted where we were.
When I came back I saw that Anne was in tears. So I ran our distance.
"Anne? Why? What happened to you?" I said a little loudly because of the noise of the people.
"Sister... Jay and Ace are in the final seven," he said while sobbing.
I thought what? I took tissues from my bag and handed them to him.
"Alright, alright calm down people. You need to save your energy! There are only three more in the final seven, that's how wild you are! What about you if they are complete?!"
There was shouting outside so I looked at the monitor. There are three men standing in line, two of them are crying and the other one seems to be holding back his tears.
"So the fourth StarLander is...Let me hear who's your bet!"
"RIKI MY BABY!!"
"BENJAMIN! BENJAMIN!"
"WILLIAM!!"
"JOSHUA!!!
"And what you shouted was right! We have a tie for fourth place! Let me present to you...the fourth and fifth member! Mister William and Benjamin!"
"Oh my gosh! All my son's bets are in! Can't we go there yet?!" I heard Ruby say from the back.
"The sixth member is...mister Riki!" The
crowd outside was shouting so loudly. I was still the loudest of the crowd. "
We are now at the last member who will compete the final member. And I won't take it any longer. The last member is no other than mister Uno!" Confetti
rained on the stage and all the StarLanders and the final seven burst into tears. While dancing.
"Guys! Stand by!"
We immediately took action and approached the crew. I let those who needed assistance come first.
Then Julia suddenly approached me.
"Iris, wait a minute because I'm about to pee. Please hold it," then he handed me a card number.
"Alright. Hurry up."
I approached where my companions were. They were lined up and I was on the side.
"Number one?! Where's number one?!"
I looked at the number that Julia gave me.
It turned out that he was number one and then he wasn't there yet. "Number one is still on CR," I said.
"What?! The artists will come down the stage in just fifteen seconds! Miss you will take her place first," then he pulled me to get in line at the front. "Please put on the face masks! Also remember what was said earlier!"
I looked for Anne and saw that she was on the fifth floor. I also looked back to see if Julia was already there.
I was busy looking for someone who pulled my hand again.
me to the side and I saw what was happening outside. Hugging, crying, and laughing were what I witnessed.
"You're here Miss, when Ace comes down you immediately assist him in room 14 on the second floor okay?"
I nodded absentmindedly. I adjusted the cap on my head and the mask.
Until two men came. The new artist and a body guard.
"Let's go," the guard told me.
I nodded and walked out of the area first. That's it.
I pressed the elevator button to go up. When it opened, I let the new artist in first. The guard followed and then me.
"What floor are we on, Ma'am?" The guard asked.
"Second po," I answered.
Quietlywe were the only ones inside. That made my heart beat faster. Maybe I drank too much coffee. Especially when I did OT for two days s.
The elevator rang. Then I went out first to find room 14. Walk. Walk. Then we were in front of room 14.
I opened it and looked at the new artist. I saw how he looked at me. Staring.
He has familiar eyes.
"Come in," I said.
He did not act immediately. He stared at me for ten seconds before finally entering.
"Miss you will take care of her first. I'll just go back downstairs to get her things," said the body guard.
"Alright. Then brother, if you happen to see the one with me. Her name is Julia, you should send her here too, right? She's the one who will actually assist the new artist."
"Alright, Ma'am. Come inside. I'll knock later."
I went inside and closed the door. When I faced it, I gasped because our eyes immediately met.
He was sitting on the couch with his legs slightly open. I went to the other side of the sofa.
I took the cell phone out of my pocket to update senior Ivan and text Julia to come here to the second floor room 14.
After I sent my messages to the two, I heard my roommate whisper.
"Uh...do you need anything? We'll just wait for a while, eh. Let's just wait for your guard and the one who will replace me," I said.
"Will someone replace you?"
"Yes...I really shouldn't be the one with you here..."
The man adjusted his seat. While not interrupting our gaze.
I turned away and looked at my phone. Senior and Julia did not reply to me.
I looked at the man and saw that he was holding his cell phone. I see how he quickly clicks on the screen.
Then someone knocked.
I stood up to open the door. I was surprised to see Chairman Bang outside and his three body guards.
"G-good evening, Chairman. Come in," I said and opened the door wide.
The Chairman just nodded and smiled at him. Then he entered with two body guards. One was left outside, because he was supposed to be guarding outside.
I went to the other side. There was a recliner chair there so I sat there. The room is big but only a sofa set, air conditioner, a long table with only food, and this one where I sit are the only equipment here.
"How are you feeling, Ethan?" Chairman aa man asked.
The two of them were sitting on the sofa while the two guards were on the side.
"I can't explain, Chairman. But the satisfaction prevails," answered the man—Ethan.
Wait. Ethan?
"Hmm, I am so proud of you Ethan Aczeqiel. All of your hard works and struggles are all worth it. This is the payment of all those hard times, Ethan. Even before, I know that this day will come. And my happiness are too much right now. I am so proud of you, son."
"Thank you for the trust, Chairman. I can't even repay everything that you have helped and taught me. But I promise that I will improve and I will appreciate this opportunity that you have given me."
Chairman stood up and patted the man on the shoulder. Then Ethan also stood up. They both shook hands.
"You should call your family. Especially your mother," the Chairman said last before he went out with the guards.
Ethan sat down and looked up.
I picked up the phone to check if there was a reply from the two. But only senior Ivan had a reply. He said that he and the rest of the Chairman's prod team will be discussed.
I was startled from my seat when someone knocked on the door. So I stood up to open it. I also looked at Ethan who was still fine.
His head was leaning against the sofa. Closed eyes while looking up.
I opened the door and saw the guard who was with us earlier. He was carrying a black suitcase and a fish backpack.
"This is what Sir Ethan is using," then he handed the suitcase to me.
"Aren't you going to come in? And the one with me? Julia, where is she?"
"Ah eh ano po eh," older brother scratched the back of his neck. "He's already been brought with sir...it's enough! He's accompanied another artist."
My face was sad.
"Is that so? Is there no one who can take my place here? I need to check my colleagues if they are doing their job correctly. And if they have delivered the new artists to HBLE properly," he said. I.
"Just chat with them Ma'am."
I laughed at my brother's suggestion.
"Alright. Thank you?
" "Nothing. Come on in now. So that Sir Ethan can fix it. There are still 10 minutes before we leave."