"Mom, we're invited to their celebration."
That was all Julie caught as her brother handed their mother an invitation card.
"Oh right—it's almost Samantha's husband's birthday," her mother said. "Nak, what's the theme?"
"Dave explained it already," her brother replied. "It's a semi-ballroom party."
Julie rested her chin on her hand, listening quietly.
"Our whole family is invited," he added, as if reading her thoughts.
She stared at him warily.
"And you," he continued, turning to her, "are highly requested for the program."
"Highly requested?" Julie blinked.
"Because of that viral video. Dave wants your cooperation," he said with a sigh. "Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday—we all need to be there. He's also asked for dancers as backup."
"I—I'm not a dancer," Julie said quickly, shaking her head.
"Yeah, but you still need to cooperate. Melissa will be there. Your friends too. Cielo, and a group of dancers Dave invited." He paused. "We'll practice until Tito's birthday."
"And what exactly am I supposed to do?" she asked cautiously.
"You'll sing," he said. "And dance."
"W-What?!" Julie stared at him. "Sing and dance? When did I ever learn how to dance?" She pointed at herself, incredulous.
Her mother laughed softly. "You can do it, Julie."
"Don't worry too much," her brother added seriously. "Kevin, Jonathan, and your friends will be there. You'll learn fast."
Julie swallowed. "C-Can't I just say no? I'll sing—but dance?!"
"You can't," he said flatly. "Dave said if you don't perform well, he'll start believing you really are Pop Princess."
Right. They still won't let that go, Julie thought bitterly.
"Brother, come on…" she groaned. "Practicing with all of you is already scary. And Kelly's going too?"
He nodded.
"Fine," Julie muttered, slumping back in defeat.
The next day, she showed up reluctantly, her brother's words still echoing in her head.
Footsteps approached.
She looked up to see Cielo standing in front of her.
"You accepted the invitation, right?" he asked casually.
Of course he meant that refusing would only confirm his suspicions.
So annoying.
"Yes," she sighed. "I accepted."
A teasing grin spread across his face. "Good. Would've been boring if this didn't continue."
She rolled her eyes. "The dancers start practice on Friday. You know that, right?"
He nodded before returning to his seat, leaving Julie to sigh once more.
*********
Exhausting.Nicole had hoped the next day would be for rest—but instead, practice awaited her.
She followed Jonathan, who suddenly stopped, making her bump into his back.
"Brother—!" she began, then froze.
Before them stood a mansion.
"Is… this their house?" she asked in awe.
Jonathan nodded. "Dave told us to meet at the backyard. It's been a while since I've been here."
They took a side path, Jonathan calling back to Kelly, who was lagging behind. Melissa walked beside them. Kenjie, however, had only been invited as a guest.
They hurried on until the backyard opened before them—vast, elegant, with people already gathered.
"It's supposed to be a secret," Jonathan explained. "That's why we'll always enter this way. They even have a dance studio inside. Kenneth's already setting up the instruments."
Dave waved them over.
Joel was there too. Their relationship was still hidden, but the brief glance he gave Nicole made her cheeks burn.
"Julie, come on," Chris called, noticing her hesitation. Even Kelly seemed to notice.
As everyone settled in, Nicole scanned the crowd—so many familiar faces.
Julie looked tense—until Kenneth casually draped an arm around her shoulder.
Since when did those two get close? Nicole wondered.
Dave clapped his hands. "First, thank you all for agreeing to be part of this. I know everyone's busy."
He looked around. "You all know the theme, right?"
Everyone nodded.
"It's a semi-ballroom party," Dave continued. "Dancing with partners. To make it special, some pairs will sing while dancing."
So that's where the sing-and-dance comes in, Nicole realized.
"How many songs?" Chris asked. "So we can plan choreography. A full performance or a medley?"
"Kenneth suggested a semi-remix, then a full song," Dave replied.
"And all singers will dance," he added. "You'll be leading the crowd."
Dance? Nicole's stomach twisted.
Her gaze drifted to Julie, who looked utterly miserable.
Wow… I'll actually see Julie dance, Nicole thought, a mix of curiosity and sympathy rising.
As Jonathan, Chris, and Kevin discussed logistics, Dave and Kenneth coordinated with the band.
Then came the pairing.
Nicole's partner—Joel.
Melissa paired with Raymond.
Melody with Dave.
Kelly with Kevin.
And Julie…
With Cielo.
Schedules were finalized. Practice would officially begin tomorrow, and with skilled dancers involved, the choreography would be completed quickly.
By the time Nicole reached home that night, she collapsed onto her bed—fast asleep, completely drained.