When Dream Takes over

Chapter 33: The Spark in the Spotlight



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In the vibrant hum of the dance studio, SuperNova was in full rehearsal mode. The speakers boomed with the beats of their upcoming second album, each girl matching rhythm with precision and grace. Sweat sparkled on their foreheads, but their smiles remained fierce.

Their manager clapped with pride, his eyes scanning each one of them before pausing on Jenna.

"You girls are fire," he praised. "And Jenna—congratulations on being selected as the brand ambassador for Elyra Clothing! That's a big leap!"

Cheers erupted.

"Wooo!" Linda clapped.

"Our superstar Jenna!" Sofie laughed.

"You better give us free clothes now," Ruby teased.

Ameya grinned. "Now she's not just a stage queen but a fashion icon too."

Jenna blushed. "Stop it, you all!"

Ameya thinking. " Rico didn't reply to my message yet?"

Sofie smiled. "Anyway, after our performance for the album release, we'll finally get a 3-day holiday! Manager told me this morning."

"Holiday? Really?!" Ruby's eyes widened. "Girls, let's go on a trip!"

Linda clapped. "Yes! But probably not too far. Outstation's a no from manager."

Sofie grinned. "I know a resort just two hours away. Surrounded by nature, with trekking trails, hot springs, and even a spa."

"Ooooh, now you're finally using your brain," Ruby smirked.

Sofie threw a towel at her. "Oh shut up!"

They all laughed.

"What about you, Ameya?" Sofie asked.

Ameya nodded. "Of course I'm coming! It's our first tour together, and I'm not missing it."

Linda turned to Jenna. "You in?"

Jenna beamed. "Count me in. We'll rock this mini-vacation!"

The group shared a giggle, feeling the bond between them grow stronger.

---

The next day came like a whirlwind—SuperNova's second album dropped and exploded across streaming platforms. The new song hit the top 3 within hours, and the music video's view count climbed like wildfire.

In the dorm lounge, Ameya's phone buzzed.

Rico.

> "Sorry for the delay. And congratulations—your new song secured Top 3!"

Ameya smiled and quickly typed back:

> "Thanks 🎉😤 But why didn't you reply yesterday? Did you forget me already?"

Rico replied:

> "I went shopping with Rumi. You know how long girls take to pick one dress."

Ameya's brows twitched. She called him. He picked up.

"Who is Rumi?" she asked curiously.

Before he could reply, a girl's voice echoed through the phone, "Focus on the screen! Book that seat before it's gone!"

Ameya blinked. "Who's that girl? I heard a voice!"

Rico fumbled. "Uh—I'll call you later, okay? Bye—" Click.

Ameya stared at her phone.

Suspicion. Jealousy. Confusion.

Just then, Jenna appeared. "Why do you look like you just lost a quiz show?"

Ameya sighed. "It's… Rico. I think he's hiding something."

Jenna smirked. "Maybe it's his childhood sweetheart."

Ameya's eyes widened. "What?!"

Jenna laughed. "No, I mean childhood friend! Michael told me. I forgot her name though. They used to be enemies… then became friends, I think."

Ameya looked away, still unsure but pretending to nod. In truth, her heart was storming.

---

That evening, SuperNova's live stage performance lit up the night. Fans roared, flower petals showered onto the stage, and the members danced with synchronized perfection. Their final pose sparked a deafening cheer.

Backstage, the girls rushed to their dressing room.

Just then, Ameya's phone buzzed again—Rico.

Quietly sneaking out, she made her way toward the back gate.

There he stood. Casual, tall, and effortlessly cool. Ameya's heart skipped a beat. She ran to him, arms ready to hug—but Rico frantically waved his hands in sign language to stop. Ameya didn't notice.

She ran straight into him.

A soft ahem broke the moment.

A girl stepped forward from behind Rico. Her bright golden hair and warm smile disarmed Ameya.

"Oh my god! I'm your biggest fan!" she said enthusiastically. "You're my first idol!"

Ameya blinked. She looked at Rico, confused.

Rico scratched the back of his head. "This is… Rumi. My younger sister."

Oh.

Ameya's suspicious thoughts crumbled. She felt her face heat up.

"Nice to meet you, Rumi," she said with a sheepish smile. "Your brother never told me about you. You're adorable."

Rumi kicked Rico's shin.

"Ow! What was that for!?"

"He deserves that," Rumi grinned. "I've been your fan since your debut. You're super gorgeous. Can I get your autograph?"

"Of course!" Ameya laughed, signing a card.

"I love your red hair. I want to dye mine like yours!"

"And I love your golden hair—it's like sunlight!" Ameya replied.

"We're the same age, you know?" Rumi said.

"Really? What month?"

"November!"

"I'm October!"

Rico glanced around. "Okay, let's wrap this up before fans swarm in."

"I'll stay," Rumi said. "I have something for Ameya. I left it in my seat—be right back!"

As she skipped off, Rico turned to Ameya. "So… what do you think of my sister?"

Ameya smiled. "She's lovely. But…"

Rico leaned closer. "But?"

Ameya poked his chest. "I don't think I can handle you."

Rico laughed. "What?! You mean, a handsome lover like me?"

"Nope."

"Unbelievable."

"You say you miss me, but you don't answer my texts or calls!"

"I told you already—I was with Rumi. Yesterday we were booking tickets for your show."

"Oh…"

Rico leaned in again. "So… are you satisfied now, Miss Jealous?"

Ameya smiled shyly.

Rico looked into her eyes—so close, so magnetic. He moved in, lips brushing—

"AHEM!"

Rumi stood there with a suspicious grin and a small gift bag.

"What's going on here?" she teased.

"Nothing!" Rico and Ameya said in unison, stepping apart.

Rumi handed the bag to Ameya. "Here's your gift."

She leaned in and whispered, "I know you're my brother's girlfriend."

Ameya blushed. "No—"

Rico frowned. "What's that?"

Rumi smirked. "Secret between girls."

Ameya nodded, cheeks pink.

"Let's go, Rumi," Rico said.

"Nooo—"

"Come on. You'll see Ameya another day."

Ameya smiled. "Yes, come by anytime."

Rumi beamed. "I will!"

The siblings walked off, leaving Ameya standing there—confused, smiling, and heart fluttering.

She looked down at the gift in her hand and whispered,

"Maybe... I'm already a part of his family too."

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To be continued …


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