Chapter 78
I was sitting at the usual corner table of the school cafeteria with Carly, Sam, and Freddie. The lunch rush was just starting to peak, and trays clattered all around us as students shuffled through the lines.
A few minutes later, Regina and Cher approached with their trays. Regina sat down right next to me. Cher slid into the seat across from her.
"Hey, everyone," Cher said with a friendly nod.
"Hey," we all responded almost in unison.
The table filled up quickly, but it didn't feel crowded. Just comfortable.
Regina bumped my shoulder lightly. "You better not steal any of my fries."
"No promises," I said with a smirk.
Cher poked at her salad with a fork, already jumping into the conversation like she'd been there from the beginning.
Regina looked around the table with a satisfied grin. "This is officially the most popular table in the ninth grade."
I just rolled my eyes. I liked being popular—but for Regina, it was more than that. It was like some school-life goal.
Sam smirked and leaned back. "How come Freddie is in here?"
"Shut up, Sam," Freddie shot back, not even looking up from his tray.
Cher watched the exchange with amusement and gave me a small smile—one of those subtle, knowing ones. It lingered for a second, and I knew exactly what she was thinking about.
The kiss.
I cleared my throat and changed the subject. "Hey guys, my helmet's done. And Pepper already set up the recording studio and found the singers."
That got everyone's attention.
Regina leaned in, eyes narrowing slightly. "I understand that you don't want to be famous for now. But I can't believe you're not even gonna sing."
"I will in the future," I said, then looked around the table. "So... do you wanna come?"
Everyone nodded or said yes almost at the same time.
"Of course.", "Definitely.", "Wouldn't miss it."
The plan was set.
—
Later that afternoon, we arrived at the studio Pepper had arranged. The place was sleek and modern, with soundproof rooms, high-end equipment, and a quiet, focused energy that made everything feel cozy.
Two young women stood in front of the recording booth, each with headphones on, eyes closed as they practiced. I hadn't met them before.
First came "Alone" (Alan Walker). Soft, haunting, and full of feeling. The singer hit every note with effortless grace. Then came "Faded" (Alan Walker).
They weren't famous. But they were good. Really good. As I stood there listening, I thought to myself: They do justice to the originals.
After the first run-through, I stepped inside the booth (I was already wearing Marshmello costume - the helmet and all white clothes). I gave a few notes, adjusted the rhythm slightly, and explained how I wanted the buildup and drops to feel.
The girls listened carefully, nodded, and went again.
This time, it was perfect.
Then I turned to Pepper, gave a small nod, and said, "We're ready to show it."
Outside the booth, Carly, Sam, Freddie, Regina, Cher, and Pepper were gathered, all watching expectantly.
The lights dimmed slightly in the control room. A quiet hush fell over everyone.
And then, the music started.
A soft piano melody flowed through the speakers, gentle and melodic. One of the girls began to sing:
♪You were the shadow to my light
Did you feel us?
Another star, you fade away
Afraid our aim is out of sight
Wanna see us alive♪
As the verse ended, the sound began to shift. A subtle beat emerged beneath the vocals, growing stronger. The piano faded into the background as layers of synths built up.
♪Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Was it all in my fantasy?
Where are you now?
Were you only imaginary?♪
While the music picked up its rhythm, something happened—the lights in the control room where Pepper and the others stood began to change colors. Soft blues, purples, and pinks cycled slowly at first, like pulses in sync with the beat.
And then, as the chorus hit, the lights intensified. Brighter flashes of neon lit up the space, casting dancing glows on their faces, like they were suddenly in the middle of a club. No one said a word.
♪I'm faded, I'm faded
So lost, I'm faded, I'm faded
So lost, I'm faded♪
This wasn't just a track. This was an experience.
—
The track faded out (no pun intended), and before anyone could react, the second song began.
"Alone."
Just like the first, it began with a soft intro, breathy vocals. As the song progressed, the beat took over and the light show resumed, syncing with the rhythm and growing more intense as the chorus approached.
♪Anywhere whenever
Apart but still together
I know I'm not alone
I know I'm not alone
I know I'm not alone
I know I'm not alone♪
Another perfect performance.
As the final notes played, I stepped out of the recording booth and walked toward them, the helmet still on.
"So," I asked with a grin in my voice, "what do you think?"
"That was so cool!" said Cher.
"I totally can see these songs in parties," Regina added, a bright smile on her face.
Sam, Carly, and Freddie chimed in too, all full of praise and excitement.
I stepped closer to Pepper and inclined my head.
"Can you stop looking like you just saw a golden goose? You look like you wanna rip the golden egg out by hand..."
Pepper rolled her eyes and gave me a sharp pinch on the arm.
"Ow! Okay, okay," I laughed. "I get it."
Pepper crossed her arms and said, "If the other three songs are even a fraction as good as these two, you'd already have one hell of a debut."
Then she added thoughtfully, "I think we could spend a little more and bring in someone really famous to sing one of them."
I nodded. "Yeah, I want that. Let's release these five, then we do that."
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