Kiwi adventuresss! Happy reading <333
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Jam Republic touched down in Auckland, excited to start rehearsing for their mega crew performance. Kirsten, with her connections, had secured many studios to practise. Audrey and Amaia had settled for an Airbnb, close to the city center to avoid paying Ubers, while the others crashed at some of their friends' or at their own place. As everyone gathered to head to Piha Beach, Amaia could help but be a bit skeptical about the amount of clouds obscuring the cold winter sun.
Auckland's temperamental weather proved itself to be the first obstacle of a long series, as the girls discovered Piha Beach had been battered by storms, resulting in a dangerous landslide . It was now a far cry from the picture they had envisioned. Muddy, windy, and unsafe, the place was unrecognizable. Kirsten called for an emergency meeting on the spot "Ok so we have to drop Piha Beach, it's not even safe to be filming out there."
Ling seemed to stay compose "Ok girls, it's fine. We can find plenty of other places. Let's give ourselves 3 hours to brainstorm, we'll go to a coffee nearby and put our heads down."
"Okay, let's do that" agreed Latrice.
Amaia and Audrey exchanged uncertain glances. As newcomers to Auckland, they felt somewhat helpless when it came to suggesting alternative locations. Amidst the chaos, Amaia's phone buzzed, and her heart skipped a beat. She quickly checked the message from Bada.
"Did you land well? Everything is going as you'd want?"
Kirsten's voice snapped her back to reality. "Amaia, come on!"
"Coming, sorry," Amaia replied, still feeling flustered, forgetting to respond as her teammates alrrady starting brainstorming in the car. The coffee break seemed to make wonders. They all started to form a plan B.
"The key is how well we use the space. Let's not waste too much time searching for another location," Ling suggested. "Since, in any case, it'll never compare to our original idea, we should spend more time on choreography."
"Ok so do we all agree on the stadium ?" Kirsten concluded
"Yep. Pre-game will be the first part, then battle, and then celebration. That's like 3 pieces within 1 choreography, it's a solid storytelling" confirmed Latrice
"Ok Ok. Let me call a few people to book the location to film. Then we can start gathering everyone to start rehearsing" Kirsten decided.
Amaia took the opportunity to answer Bada's text
"Well actually"
"We had to change our plans it's pretty chaotic haha "
"Oh no! Hope you're still enjoying your time," Bada typed back immediately.
"Sure, I am! Though I didn't expect freezing temperatures haha." She added another text.
"How come you are answering so fast ? Aren't you rehearsing ?"
"Taking a quick break but so far so good. And I wanted to hear from you"
Amaia couldn't help but smile at her eagerness. "Cute," she typed before setting her phone down, trying her best to appear busy, though the thought of their conversation lingered at the forefront of her mind.
However, the rest of the day proved to be equally challenging for Jam Republic. They arrived at the studio to count the final number of dancers they had regrouped, only to find out they were 4 dancers short.
"We are screwed." Ling groaned.
"I mean hopefully some people will reach back to us in the next two days and can learn everything before we start shooting." Kirsten try to find some optimism, while wincing.
The hours passed by swiftly, with each girl taking on the responsibility of teaching the beginning of her respective part. Amaia could tell Audrey was starting to struggle jumping between sections without providing clear transitions. She seemed a bit overwhelmed by the whole task ahead, so Amaia took a water break as her cue to lend some support.
"Hey, Audrey, it's okay. That's precisely what this experience is all about. It's completely normal to find it challenging, especially since it's your first time choreographing for such a large crew."
"I know," Audrey replied, her distress evident in her voice, "but I hate feeling like I'm wasting everyone's time, while others might have wrapped up what I've been trying to organize in the past four hours in just 30 minutes."
" And we chose you to choreograph because no one else could do it quite like you can," Amaia reassured her. "It's okay! We all understand what we've signed up for, and we have patience. More than anything, I'm excited that you have this opportunity, so don't fret over it. You know you can rely on all of us." Audrey appeared to calm down a bit, her tense shoulders relaxing. "Okay, you're right. Let's take it slow, from the top, and I'll make the transitions clearer."
"Sounds like a plan," Amaia said with a warm smile, giving her friend a reassuring hug.
"Ewww, we're sweaty," Audrey pouted, and laughter filled the room as the girls' spirits were lifted, allowing them to wrap up their first day of rehearsal on a positive note.
As the day ended, Amaia and Audrey retreated to their cozy Airbnb and settled in, both seeking warmth and relaxation. Audrey seemed a bit lost in her own head, marking her choreo almost mechanically. Amaia, concerned for her friend, asked "Audrey ? Everything fine ?"
"Sure sure, today worn me out that's it" Audrey did look on the verge of crying.
"Ohh sweetie, it's fine. You've got this. Do you want to prepare the rest of the choreography tonight for tomorrow?"
Audrey, still visibly anxious, chewed her lip before responding, "Don't worry, I think I need some sleep first, and I'll be much more composed tomorrow."
"Okay, let's put on something on the TV," Amaia suggested. Both girls shared a love for investigation stories, so they decided to use it as background noise while they scrolled through their phones.
Amaia was on Instagram when a notification from Bada popped up
"So, did your day end on a better note ?"
"You could say that, we are exhausted."
"What's going on ?"
"Too many problems, location got screwed, amount of dancers got screwed, everyone is stressed...Anyway let's not dwell on this wby?"
"No no this is not about me, you got this ! How can I help ?"
"Telling Auckland weather not to be this random ?"
"Hahaha I'm afraid this goes beyond my skills"
"Ah! I knew there was some stuff you couldn't do"
"Sorry to disappoint. But I can change your mind"
"Please do "
"Ok well Cheche has almost broken a dancer's nose today"
"Bahahaha are u kidding ? And I thought we were chaotic"
Audrey's voice interrupted Amaia. "What's got you smiling like a maniac? Or should I ask who? Actually, should I even ask? You're talking to Bada, aren't you?" Amaia's cheeks turned a shade redder, and she couldn't help but grin. "Okay, you got me. Yeah, I've been chatting with Bada."
Audrey laughed, shaking her head. "I knew it! You've got it bad, don't you?"
Amaia rolled her eyes playfully. "Maybe just a little."
"It does seems to be getting serious if you're texting." Audrey inquired, leaning closer to her friend.
"I don't know, she seemed to really have turned around since the pool party."
"You mean no more mixed signals ?" asked Audrey
Amaia nodded, a hint of frustration in her voice. "You could say that, even though I still don't really get what she really wants."
Audrey prodded gently, encouraging Amaia. "What do you mean? Obviously, she does like you in some way to want to spend time with you and text you."
Amaia hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "I mean, sure, but I don't know if it's to spend time as friends or if... I don't know." Audrey waited patiently for her friend to finish her thought, sensing there was more.
"Is it bad if I miss her?" Amaia finally admitted sheepishly.
Audrey couldn't contain her excitement and frustration, launching her pillow at her friend. "AMAIA!"
Amaia laughed and hid behind the pillow. "I know, I know."
Audrey, now more serious, offered her advice. "Girl, you have to take a step back. Wait for her to make a move. I don't want your hopes to get crushed."
"But that's what I did, and she took me to bubble tea!" Amaia protested.
Audrey raised an eyebrow, her voice firm. "Until she calls it a date, you don't make a move, got it?"
Amaia sighed, realizing her friend was right. "Okay, mom."
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The week kept on going from bad to worst for Jam Republic. They were still missing dancers, and if everyone had finally managed to put everything together the day they started filming on the sets also had its fair share of challenges. During a take of Audrey's part, they took a whole other turn. Kirsten fell on her wrist and was in a lot of pain looking like she had sprained her thumb at least. The girls were devastated but Kirsten insisted on keeping on filming, with a strap to alleviate the tension on her hand. The girls were shaken but Kirsten kept a firm hand, no pun intended, on the organization and managed to ensure she overviewed the entire filming.
Meanwhile, Bada and Amaia's texting continued, and on their fifth day in Auckland, Amaia received a text that deviated from their usual casual chatting.
When do you land back in Seoul? Bada was asking.
Hmmm, let me check with Kirsten, but I think it's Saturday evening. Since there's no filming scheduled on Sunday.
Okay, let me know when you're sure! Bada replied.
Amaia turned to the girls, who were taking a break in the studio. "Kirsten, when's our flight back again?"
"Saturday evening, why?" Kirsten inquired.
"Perfect. Nothing . I don't know, Bada asked me".
Four pairs of curious eyes turned to look at Amaia.
"Oh, come on, Amaia, you can't leave us hanging like that. How's the situationship going?" Latrice prodded for more details.
Amaia sighed and looked at Audrey for support. "I haven't done anything! I've even been following Audrey's advice."
"Which was ?" Kirsten raised a brow
"Not to get my hopes up until she makes a formal move" Amaia recited.
"For once I have to admit that's reasonable advice" Kirsten said grinning to Audrey
"Hold on, Amaia," Kirsten intervened. She slided next to Amaia, snatched her phone, and opened up her convo with Bada. Kirsten took a selfie and added the message, "She'll be back on Saturday evening. I don't know your plans, but I'm keeping my eyes on you." Before Amaia could protest, Kirsten hit the send button.
"KIRSTEN!" Amaia exclaimed, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Kirsten remained unfazed, more amused than anything "Chill, Amaia. She had it coming. She's lucky I didn't call her out at the pool party."
Amaia turned to the others, hoping to find some allies in her mortification. "Anyone? Seriously! She's totally overreacting, right?"
Latrice and Ling shook their heads in disagreement. "Sorry, Amaia, but she had it coming since day one, and she left a bruise on you. If being respectful wasn't her plan all along, I have to admit Kirsten's little threat should be more than enough."
Audrey concluded "It's all harmless, don't be such a drama queen."
Amaia sighed, immediately snatching her phone back and sending a text: Sorry, Kirsten hijacked my phone.
Bada saw the message but didn't answer right away. Amaia gnawed at her lips anxiously
"See! Now she doesn't want to talk to me anymore," she exclaimed angrily at Kirsten, her frustration revealing more than she intended to her friends. Audrey came closer, attempting to soothe her friend. "Amaia, I'm sure it's fine. And if it's a problem for her, it means she's not genuine." Amaia continued to stare at her screen, her heart racing, and then she saw three dots indicating that Bada was typing a reply.
Haha, no worries. I told you I'd be the same with Tatter, Bada's message began.
"That's it?" Amaia said, visibly confused. However, Bada wasn't done.
Actually, I wanted to know if you'd like to join me on Sunday morning for a late breakfast.
Sure, I'd love to, Amaia typed back, trying to act all chill but secretly doing a little happy dance.
Bada took what felt like an eternity to respond, and her message popped up: "Perfect. It's a date ;)"
Amaia's cool façade evaporated in an instant, and she let her phone slip from her hand. She practically pounced on Audrey, who had been keeping an eagle eye on the conversation. "WOOHOOO, it's officially official!" Amaia declared, her excitement practically bubbling over. "Now, am I allowed to dream big?"
Audrey burst into laughter "Okayyyy fine ! "
In the midst of their celebration, Kirsten managed to steal Amaia's phone again. She couldn't resist taking a cheeky photo, pointing an accusing finger at the camera, and added, "Don't screw this up!" Then, she turned the lens on Amaia, capturing her blushing red. Kirsten fired off one more message: "Btw she's overjoyed that you asked," and hit send.
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Bada smiled at the cute picture had Kirsten sent. Okay maybe she had been scared for a split second by Jam Republic's leader murdering stare, but her heart did a little flip once she saw Amaia's blushing face on picture. The girl was just too cute. Bada was overexcited to take her in one of her favorite natural spaces in Seoul, remembering how the girl had complained about feeling caged in the concrete jungle of the busy city centers.
She had had the time the entire week to think about Tatter had said. And maybe the future was still quite blurry, but she knew she wanted to enjoy as much as possible every moment with the Spanish girl. A proper date felt like the only correct way to begin whatever could be in store for them.
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Guys I am overexcited for the next 3 chapters! I have a clear idea of the scenario and I think I'll post the 3 on the same day, which will be more enjoyable to read, but I'll have to ask you to be a bit patient as it won't be until a few days :)
Hope you're still enjoying it! I can't lebelive how long the story is getting, I really didn't envision it like that hahaha even tho it's no pb, i hope it does not deter people from starting the story