The music echoed across the amusement park, lights flashing as Daniel stood center stage. Though hesitant at first, he'd somehow managed to carry the performance with a calm voice and quiet charisma. The crowd, surprisingly, loved it cheering him on like he belonged under the lights.
When the song ended, he stepped down, flushed with adrenaline and confusion.
DG was waiting backstage, arms crossed and expression unreadable.
"Not bad," DG said with a smirk. "Looks like you've got more in you than people think."
Daniel hesitated. "I didn't mean to—"
"You don't have to explain," DG cut in. "You've already caught the attention of the wrong people... including me."
Daniel shifted uneasily as DG stepped closer.
"I think it's time you started thinking bigger," DG said. "The four big crews take them over."
Daniel blinked. "What?"
"They're messy. Disorganized. Petty. You? You've got presence. Influence. Potential. With the right push, you could be more than just another student with a secret." DG's voice lowered. "You could lead them all."
But before Daniel could respond, something changed.
The air behind DG shifted.
He felt it more than heard it a silent pressure. And then a voice spoke directly behind him.
"That won't be necessary."
DG froze.
He turned his head slowly and found Jalen standing right behind him, so close he could feel his breath. The distance DG thought he had? Gone in an instant.
His pupils narrowed. "...When did you get there?"
Jalen's eyes didn't move. "Just now."
DG chuckled once, impressed. "You're fast."
"Faster than your ego," Jalen replied calmly. "If someone's going to dismantle the big four, it won't be Daniel. It'll be me. And I won't need a crew."
DG's smile faltered for the first time.
Jalen took a step forward, brushing past him as he glanced at Daniel.
"Let's go."
As the two walked off together, DG stood in place for a moment still and quiet.
Then, almost to himself, he whispered:
"Interesting."