My Sweet Superstar

CHAPTER TWENTY

Song: Dare You to Move by Switchfoot

I really don’t mind if it means spending the whole day with you.

I don’t know why, but Simon keeps on apologizing to me ever since our rehearsals get more hectic, demanding more of our energy and time. He said that I’m not used to it compared to him.

I do admit, it’s not in my nature to be ordered around and have people expect me to always give my best, no matter what time of day it is or where I am. But as I’ve said, it really doesn’t matter. Having Yun Ho with me gives me instant energy boost.

To be honest, merely standing onstage of Sejong Center for Performing Arts, already gives me the creeps. What more if there’s already a live audience? I never see myself being part of such an event. Not to mention, a concert for my best friend who just happens to be one of Korea’s heartthrobs.

“Hey, are you okay?” Yun Ho snapped me out of my thoughts, handing a bottle of mineral water to me. “Drink this. I’m sure your throat needs it after singing the same song over and over again.”

I let out a quiet laugh at what he said. “Yeah, I’m guilty of that. I won’t lie to you. I think we sang it for over twenty times already. And that’s only for today.”

“Yup. We’ve been doing this for three weeks already.” He replied. “Sorry, we have to sing it live. Don’t know why they decided to dismiss the recording.”

He was really sincere when he said this. And as much as I dread doing it, I don’t have any choice. I have to do this for my best friend. I have to do this for the person I just so happen to love.

“Gabby, how nay times should I tell you? When you sing the chorus, look at Yun Ho, okay?” Roni spat at me. “You’re supposed to tell each other the message of the song.”

Veronica Sparks, Roni as she prefers (cool, right?), is our vocal coach. I never thought she’d be American. She’s a petite woman with light brown hair, which she always wears in a ponytail. Quite pretty, I must say, even in her late forties. Despite her lack in height, her authoritative character made even Simon respect her much.

At first, I thought it would be to my advantage that we’re both naturally English- speaking, but that was what actually made it harder for me since it’s easy for her to point out my mistakes.

She’s stricter than all my college professors combined!

“Try to mimic what Yun Ho is doing. My God! You lack emotion, when it’s supposed to a love song that you’re singing!” she exclaimed.

Love song?! “Lucky” is a love song for best friends?!

Forgive me for my ignorance, but I’m not really a Jason Mraz fan. I’ve heard the song as few times before, but never really bothered to look at the lyrics or the message it entails. All I know is it’s about best friends, not until Roni spelled it out for me.

Why did Simon chose that song? Didn’t he also know that it’s a love song?

My subconscious hitting me: So you’re saying that he’s dumb like you?

The fans might get a wrong impression! But it’s late to change it. I can back out, can’t I?

Oh c’mon, Gabby! I’m sure you love Simon’s selection. My subconscious, nagging me again.

Does that me he likes me too?

Now gabby, you’re being assuming!

“Just follow what she says. Do what I do.” I forgot that my best friend’s standing beside me.

We’re currently working on our “blockings”. I didn’t know that it has something to do with how you act on stage too.

Roni telling us what to do added to my confusion. She never said that besides being a voice teacher, she’ll work on our stage presence too.

Should I ask him about it? But I might offend him. Why did he choose it anyway?

These questions keep haunting me until rehearsals were over and Simon finally brought me home after having dinner in a restaurant on the way.

I was silent the whole ride, still pondering on that intriguing song. Fortunately, he never noticed, or so I thought. He finally asked me as he walked me to my door.

“Ela, are you okay?” He faced me, lifting my chin so he could look into my eyes. “Something’s bothering you, I know.”

His touch brought tingles throughout my body. I shifted my eyes from his. He’ll know that I’ll be lying.